Best Alternative Bands of the 21st Century
The Top Ten
Linkin Park is an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The members currently include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ) and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park are associated with a mixture of Alternative ...read more. Probably the best band nowadays, I have nothing to say more, they're great guys. And dat's very shame we don't have Chester, but anyway the band continue to be.
The best band on this list WITHOUT A DOUBT. The bands like Green Day and Coldplay are NOTHING compared to LP. Sure I think that Coldplay is a bit more popular than LP but popular doesn't mean good at all. I've seen a lot of comments on this list saying that LP sucks and like that. They're saying this because they can't see their favorite bands not being on the top... But the truth is they can never be on the top because only one band deserves the top slot and that is Linkin Park. And the people who say that earlier they were great but now they suck just have no sense of music. Their first two albums were great but according to me they made even more great music in their newer albums. People hate them just because they have real talent. They dared to take risks. They dared to get out of their comfort zones and experiment with different genres of music. They didn't care about anyone else and did what they wanted to... which no band in the world could ever do. They are here for a reason ...more
They truely deserve it... Its not just a rock band, its a fusion of rap, rock n pop, I mean this is all what you need in a n I pod... You'll never feel to get some separate rock, pop or rap songs... You'll get all that stuff in just one band... This is music... LP is truely unique... Going in their own way... And most importantly, they create music that people should listen and not that people use to listen... Listeen to their songs, they are inspiring, touching and teaches us a lot and sense of music is really great.. So, though green day n muse r also my favorites.. But LP is still somethin' more than anyone :D LP for Life
The Best Band ever! Not just only in the 21st Century.. It's the best alternative band, no doubt.. Was a little confused between Linkin Park and Coldplay but Green Day is now where near them!
Green Day are an American pop punk, punk rock, and alternative rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1986. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar) . Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative ...read more. I don't understand what linkin park is doing at the top...
green day is surely better than them(not in this particular list but in general) and their alternative rock songs are so better, with messages and full of meaning...
how are they BEHIND linkin park is what I cannot understand...
this list should be headed by someone better than them(like coldplay maybe)
Green Day's last two albums were alternative but that's enough to win this. Linkin park sucks they are mediocre rap mixed with mediocre rock. Behind green day should be RHCP rise against and foo fighters - treyanthonyyeah
Although they're actually punk, I'm going to vote for my favourite band anyway. - georgielikesgreenday
No, wait. They started in '86, not '87. Nirvana is '87. Speaking of which, why are they not up here!?
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocalist and pianist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer and backing vocalist). Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed ...read more. They are definitely the most popular alternative band of the 21st century (sorry linkin park). They had best selling album throughout the entire world in 2008 with Viva la Vida or Death and all his friends. And their newest album Mylo Xyloto is incredible. Besides skydiving, seeing one of their concerts is the one thing I want 2 do before I die. They had one of concerts earlier this year broadcasted live on Youtube and at this I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 10 years that they were one the bands/artists who performed at the Super Bowl. They've got to be #1!
These are the best by far out of all the list, you can listen to their albums repeatedly and the songs they sing are all perfect especially Fix You, Speed Of Sound, Clocks, Paradise, The Scientist, In My Place and I can easily continue all day with more songs. HEY WHAT ABOUT STEREOPHONICS!
Great band and superb album (Mylo Xyto). Especially Chris' voice is superb. Linkin Park was excellent in it's first two album. But their next albums were much dissatisfied, especially last one released in 2012 was worst of their career. That also reflects on their latest album's sales. On the other hand Coldplay has been successful throughout their career. That's true Linkin Park has little more fans comparing Coldplay, but reality is Coldplay is bit better than Linkin Park (I am saying it being impartial). That because Linkin Park is Nu/Alternative 'Metal'(? ) band and Coldplay is Britpop/Alternative band. Alternative Britpop genre is always less taken by maximum peoples. Instead of all defaults, Coldplay is sold over 65 million sales and Linkin Park with over 60 million sales (As of 2014). And yes they both have released equal 5 studio albums.
Coldplay know how to make songs when you listen them you feel like the world is yours songs like:viva la vida, clocks, speed of sound, scientist, fix you, paradise, in my place I just don't how to say but these are amazing!
Foo Fighters are an American rock band, formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain and the dissolution of his previous band. The band consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, main songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm guitar), Nate ...read more. The Foo Fighters are a recollection of Nirvana. They bring forward such a different kind of message than any other band. Dave Grohl is such an amazing performer and entertainer by doing different stuff at concerts. He isn't afraid to take charge of his concerts. He is a brilliant leader of the brilliant band Foo Fighters!
Foo Fighters Should Be Number 4 or 5 Not 6 or below please vote them up their music and songs are amazing - mneilan
Great Band They Have Amazing Songs Foo Fighters Should Be Higher Up This List They Shou Be Number 5 Not Number 7 - mneilan
The Foo Fighters should be higher than Coldplay. The Foo Fighters have so much more engery in concert. Their songs are so much better. Their albums have won more awards, the fanbase is bigger, and Dave Grohl is a boss.
The Killers is an American indie rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. Mr Brightside is one of the greatest songs of all time. Human is also very good
The killers are old but very good. They deserve it.
Human, Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me, Read My Mind, A Dustland Fairytale, Smile Like You Mean It, For Reasons Unknown, Shot At the Night, Runaways, Sam's Town, Spaceman. These are just some of their best songs (in my opinion) off the top of my head. They are amazing!
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocal, lead guitar, piano, keyboard), Dom Howard (drums, percussion) and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They've won several awards including 5 MTV Awards, 8 NME Awards, 2 ...read more. Hey guys just write on YouTube "muse wembley" you will see what I meant. They are just AWESOME!
You go to any Muse concert and the atmosphere, band energy, enthusiasm of the crowd and intensity of the music are way above any other live act I have ever seen.
Best band in the world. I love Muse!
Miles ahead of Linkin Park, in every way (talent, live, songs... ) seriously amazing
Fall Out Boy is an American pop rock band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. Their music is amazing, even when they weren't as popular. I like their older music as well as their post-hiatus music too. secretly obsessed with them :3
Their new music is amazing, they have really changed over the years and its for the best
Great band should be top 5
Thirty Seconds to Mars (commonly stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto. These guys are making the nest neo and progressive rock, and their new albums are much different from the first ones
30 Seconds To Mars are unique for being so different than all the other bands I listen to, their lyrics and instrumental background are eloquent & each of their albums is massively unlike the others, stating in a superb way.
The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and ...read more. The Fray's music is excellent. Look After You and Heartbeat will always be my favorites.
How to save a life is possibly the best modern "Rock" Album ever devised.
The Strokes are an American rock band formed in New York City in 1998. They consists of Julian Casablancas (lead vocalist), Nick Valensi (guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Albert Hammond, Jr. (rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Nikolai Fraiture (bassist) and Fabrizio Moretti ...read more. Come on! The strokes are simply awesome! Just listen to machu picchu, you guys know what I mean.
Most original, smooth and creative rock music of the last 15 years. Better than all of the above besides maybe Green Day and Linkin Park. But Id still give it ti the strokes which managed to create such beautiful, and unforgettable tunes wihoutthe need to scream around allay and make a
I love this band I ve just listen their letest album comedown machine amzing julians voice is awesome the strokes must be in top five it deserve that position... )
The Contenders
The Beastie Boys are an American Rap/Rock group that was formed in 1981 by its three original members, Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, and Adam "MCA" Yauch.
The Smashing Pumpkins is an American alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1988. Formed by frontman Billy Corgan and James Iha, the band included D'arcy Wretzky and Jimmy Chamberlin in its original incarnation. They are also considered to be one of the most influential alternative ...read more.
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band is composed of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair. Love nickelback! Best band ever by far. I grew up listening to them and no offense but they beat all other alternative bands. I listen to their music 24/7
This is a joke right? - YOUnique253
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American funk-rock and alternative rock band, that was founded in 1983. ...read more. I seen them live dyblin 2011 amazing one of the best band live this band should be in the top ten at least please vote them up great guitar bass singing and drums
Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1992, currently consisting of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner.
The Script is an Irish pop rock band formed in 2001. The band comprises keyboardist and lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue, guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehan and drummer Glen Power. One of the most underrated bands. "Millionaires" makes you wanna sing along. "The man who can't be moved" makes you wanna cry. Just simply an amazing band.
Ah? The Script should be in top 5. They are awesome. They deserves better...
In my opinion the script is one of the best bands out here
One of the best bands out there.
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwoood (bass guitar), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O'Brien (guitar). I feel sorry for the people that haven't even tried to listen to this band. For a band that has such great quality music, they really don't get the attention that they deserve. Yes, they are in fact the most important musical act of the 21st century. OK Computer (albeit a 90s album) is the quintessential alternative rock album, and probably the only album to actually be comparable to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. And they didn't even stop there... They continued to make Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows, The King of Limbs, and the exceptional A Moon Shaped Pool, all of which are worth your time. Don't fool yourself.
Are you kidding me? Is this best Indie band by popularity or by content? I can't believe Radiohead isn't even in the top 10!
What? The band that made the best record of the century with Kid A isn't in the top 1? What about masterpiece In Rainbows? This is SO biased
Come on, 18th? Did you forget how amazing Kid A (2000) and In Rainbows (2007) were? Top 5 is a MUST.
My Chemical Romance was an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013. For much of their career, the band consisted of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way, and drummer Bob Bryar. My Chemical Romance is the type of band that will live on forever, even after a break-up.
Many of these bands deserve their place on this list, especially this one. It helped bring forth a new generation of music.
Everything they do is amazing there my 4th favorite band ever never released a bad song or album - rybread28
WHAT!? NO WAY ARE THEY THIS LOW! Fellow killjoys, we mustn't let this happen!
Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. To me music is all about inspiration through music and feeling like the lyrics are a part of you and you can actually feel the music rushing through your body. No band does this better than Paramore. Love them with all my heart
Seriously? It's the best! But top 10 is good enough from thousands of band. Cause the band above is also quiet good.
Paramore should in the top ten with Coldplay, I mean if you've heard a paramore song you'll know why
No offense to the bands listed above, but paramore still beats all of 'em
OneRepublic is an American pop rock band. Formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2002 by lead singer Ryan Tedder and guitarist Zach Filkins, the band achieved commercial success on Myspace as an unsigned act. OneRepublic, in my opinion, should be number one. Don't know who they are? Secrets, All The Right Moves, Stop and Stare, Good Life, and yes, Apologize. No, it is not a Timbaland song, they just did a mediocre remix of it and never properly gave credit to OneRepublic. They are my FAVORITE band! Please just give them a listen?
OneRepublic is and always will be so much more than just an Alternative Band for me. They're a sensation, an inspiration, a motivation, and the very personification of beauty in imperfection. The lyrics are soulful and heart wrenching, yet lively and vivacious. Harmonizing and the music, the backing and the sheer sounds and sensations they cause are insurmountable. And Ryan Tedder's voice mixed with Zach Filkin's guitarring; I can feel again.
They make me Feel Again. Definitely number one.
The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The group disbanded in 1993 in acrimonious circumstances, but reunited in 2004. The group currently consists of founders Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering. The Pixies manage to mingle dissonant sounds, monotone voice and silences into great songs that feel timeless.
The All-American Rejects are an American rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. The band consists of bassist and lead vocalist, Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor. I love this band. It is always finding new ways to appeal to others, and mixing up their music yet giving a great message at the same time! - RedDiamond
This band is awesome. it sounds great and it isn't dark like cold play and Linkin Park.
Rise Against is an American hardcore punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes. They are known for popularizing punk.
The Arctic Monkeys, otherwise known as the Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The band consists of Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (percussionist, ...read more. Their music style has changes drastically from 2006 to 2013, and for the better. Their albums always have different sounding songs and are well rounded as a band in general. Should at least be in the top ten
Why aren't they on number 1?
Their music are awesome, make it at least the top five.
Best band of all time!
Blink-182 are a Pop Punk band formed in 1992. Original lineup were Mark Hoppus (Bass Guitar, Vocals) ...read more. Amazing band from 1997 on they never had a bad song love them 5th favorite band all time amazing band oh hearts all gone is playing on my ipod now gotta go - rybread28
Should be 3 not 27 one of the best
Foster the People is an American indie pop band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. It currently consists of lead vocalist Mark Foster, lead guitarist Sean Cimino, keyboardist Isom Innis, and drummer Mark Pontius.
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band, that was formed 1999 in California. Their longest lineup of members was M. Shadows (Vocals), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar), Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar), Johnny Christ (Bass Guitar), and The Rev (Drums). ...read more.
Modest Mouse is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington, and currently based in Portland, Oregon.
Korn is an American Nu-Metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more.
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The group consists of singer/keyboardist/guitarist Damon Albarn, guitarist/singer Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree.
The Black Keys is an American indie rock and blues rock duo, that was formed by Dan Auerbach (Vocals, Guitar) and Patrick Carney (Drums). ...read more. They're picking up steam! Crazy that they're this low
They are amazing! I totally love them
Disturbed is an American nu metal/ alternative rock/ alternative metal band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken" .
The Kooks are an English rock band formed in 2004 in Brighton. The band currently consists of Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris, Alexis Nunez, and Peter Denton. The original bassist was Max Rafferty, and the founding drummer was Paul Garred.
All Time Low is an American pop punk band from Towson, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, formed in 2003. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson. ...read more. These Guys are Totally AWESOME! Their music just makes you feel good. The deserve to be in the top 10 :-)
Keane are an English rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1995. The group currently comprises Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes, Jesse Quin and Tom Chaplin.
Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2006 and currently signed to Columbia Records.
The White Stripes are an American rock duo, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The duo consists of only a couple married at the time, Jack White, whose real name was Jack Gillis (songwriter, lead vocalist, guitarist, bassist and keyboardist) and Meg White (drummer and backing vocalist). After they ...read more. This is absolutely pitiful. Acts like the Beastie Boys, who are good but 1000% rap, and Fall Out Boy, the worst band I have ever heard, over the true rock legends that are the White Stripes? They are to the 2000's what Nirvana was to the 1990's. Absolutely terrible to see.
What the hell is wrong with you people? They should be #1! - ZeekStinkBreath
What, the white stripes essentially started the Indy alternative rock movement of the 21st century.
Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal band formed in 1998. The bands members all changed in the time between 2010 to 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (Vocals). The Ex-Members included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Aaron Fink (Guitar) and Mark Klepaspi (Bass). ...read more.
Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Imagine Dragons' lineup consists of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman. They take meaningful lyrics and put them to well orchestrated music with multiple layers. They share an evolution in both music but also emotion throughout their albums.
I can see why they are on 54th number. It's well known that critics don't like them too much but hey, ask any of the person who has heard Radioactive / Demons / Roots / Believer / I bet my life / Thunder / Shots / Gold / Roots and he or she will tell you why the world needs this type of music and lyrics in the songs. Basically, I was introduced to the band through radioactive which was a chart topper at that time and being an Indian, it's very hard to find them live in my country but it's my dream to attend one of their live concerts in lifetime. They are so energetic live. I can hera their songs whole of my life.
They absolutely deserve 1st after songs like demons and roots
I can't believe the aren't in top 10.
Kasabian are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997. The band's original members consisted of vocalist Tom Meighan, guitarist and vocalist Sergio Pizzorno, guitarist Chris Karloff, and bassist Chris Edwards. I've been listening to kasabian 4 some time now and still haven't found a song I don't like. It's a shame that they are this low.
I think this us the best group EVER! Their music is always lively, original and full of tremendous sounds!
Simple Plan is a French-Canadian rock band from Montreal, Quebec. The band has released five studio albums.
Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in the Cynon Valley. Really good band love their songs they have great feeling please vote this band up they should be higher up the list - mneilan
Gorillaz are an English virtual band created in 1998 by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The band consists of four animated members: 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. An awesome band that mixes some rock, electronic, hip hop (good stuff) and much more! Gorillaz should at the very least be in the top 20
It's INSANE that this band is so low. Like, the new album is so good honestly. Vote for Gorillaz!
Vote for the gorillaz on all list's the fact they are so low is a shame
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. It is hard to see that oasis, one of the greatest band, is down here below...
Snow Patrol are a Northern Irish rock band formed in 1993, consisting of Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Jonny Quinn, and Johnny McDaid. Come on Snow Patrol should be at least in the top 20 not 56 if you know good music you'll know what I mean
'Run' and 'Chasing Cars' are justification enough for this band to be in the top 20. Personally, I would put them in the top ten - 'Final Straw' and 'Eyes Open' are both fantastic albums... - DarthSnuffles
This band is very undervoted here, it's very great and, emm, relaxing(? ) music, recommended for listening
There songs are amazing you will never get bored of them 💕
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have ...read more. I think these guys need to be at the top, have you heard them they are fantastic and they have so much influence with the music culture today. They even have done a song with Green Day about hurricane Katrina. Plus they've been around sense 1982 that's a big accomplishment too!
U2 are AMAZING if a little outdated. But come on, 44th? VOTE!