Best Alternative Female Singers

Since alternative music has always been left of mainstream, we've had many wonderful, unique female singers who have added their own influence to alternative music, with many years invested in widening its popularity.

1. Bjork

   

   Björk Guðmundsdóttir (born November 21, 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed a unique and eclectic musical style that incorporates elements from electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative, classical... read more

   She belongs at number 1 on this list. Amy Lee is great but she does not come close to Bjork, nor do any of the others. It's not just because she's my favorite either. It has to do with musical ability. She, in my opinion, is one of the best female artists of all time.

   I loathe most female singers. Bjork is an exception. There are times her voice gives me the chills. Way underrated, I think, in part due to her eclectic nature.

   Bjork is definitely one of a kind, and her music is definitely eclectic and catchy. She has written songs for Madonna and others also.

2. Fiona Apple

   

   Fiona Apple McAfee-Maggart is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer. She gained widespread acclaim with her debut album Tidal in 1996, which included the hit single Criminal. Apple has won several Grammy Awards and is known for her introspective lyrics and distinctive musical style... read more

   I'm glad she showed up here. Although she hasn't had a pile of albums, her lyrics are so unique and well-crafted, and her voice is strong and extremely expressive. Increasingly, her music has become more experimental, and her songs more peculiar. But she isn't weird just to be weird or because she is trying to cover up her overall empty and uncreative mindset. She is an artist, and her music will last.

   Really amazing artist. She's got a beautiful, vulnerable, and deeply honest voice. Her lyrics are pure poetry, and her albums are all incredible.

3. Lana Del Rey

   

   Lana Del Rey is a California-based singer and songwriter who currently lives in Malibu, California. She was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, in Manhattan, New York, to Robert England Grant Jr. and Patricia Ann Hill. She was raised in Lake Placid and has two younger siblings, Caroline... read more

   In this decade, specifically in the late 2010s, Lana has impacted pop culture and defined aesthetics among youth today. Her music is quintessentially gloomy, packed with striking lyrics and breathy, witchy vocals that hint at her dark past. Though Lana tells a different story, her music makes it relatable, poetic, and mysteriously brilliant. And let's admit - new artists born now are under the influence of Lana Del Rey's revolutionized youth era of drugs, sex, money, and rock and roll.

   Lana Del Rey basically invented her own genre. A lot of artists, Halsey mostly, wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Lana. She has her own unique style of singing that is absolutely breathtaking and dreamy. When I listen to Lana, I feel like I'm in heaven!

4. Alanis Morissette

   

   Alanis Nadine Morissette is a Canadian-American alternative rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and actress. She gained international fame with her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, which included hit singles like You Oughta Know and Ironic. The album won five Grammy Awards and was later... read more

   Alanis Morissette is undoubtedly the #1 alternative rock female artist! As simple as that. I mostly agree with this list, and I love Amy Lee, but she falls more into the "Hard Rock/Heavy Metal" category. As far as women in alternative rock go, Alanis was the forerunner. Alanis paved the way for many other women to break into the alternative rock scene.

   My top 5 would have to include Alanis (obviously at #1) with the top 5 including (in no particular order) Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, Courtney Love, and Tori Amos. Again, I love Amy Lee and Evanescence, but she falls under a slightly different genre.

   One of the most inspiring careers. Going from bubblegum pop to the alternative rock Alanis we all know and love is an amazing feat.

5. Amy Lee

   

   Amy Lee, born Amy Lynn Hartzler, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with their 2003 hit Bring Me to Life.... read more

   Amy Lee is one of the best rock female singers of all time. Not only that, but the entire sound of Evanescence blends with her voice. She should be way higher, at least number two.

   Amy Lee should so be number one. She has the most beautiful voice. She's just all-around amazing. Come on people, let's get some more votes and put her on top where she belongs.

   Should be number one. Amy has an amazing voice. The only problem is she needed to make more albums to stay commercial. More albums, more money, more fans.

6. Tori Amos

   

   Tori Amos is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She gained prominence in the early 1990s with her debut solo album Little Earthquakes.

   Her music really has true meaning, and her voice has pure emotion in it. People might say she's gone downhill recently, but she's still going, constantly making lots of new, different, and brilliant stuff.

   Her songs are just more complex and have a deeper message to send to us. I think she has a god-given talent, and she is a true artist, changing things up.

   10th? A musical genius, incredible singer bringing intelligent, soul-searing, thoughtful music to make you think and feel.

7. Kate Bush

   

   Catherine "Kate" Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. She gained prominence in 1978 with her debut single "Wuthering Heights," which topped the UK Singles Chart. Bush is known for her eclectic musical style and has received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout... read more

   Kate Bush was way ahead of her time in terms of music. While unique and way out there in her time, many adopted or incorporated her style across many genres from the 80s until current times. There's a Kate Bush-influenced artist popping up almost every month these days, or current popular ones moving more toward her direction of music. Long before Lady Gaga was making her album Artpop, Kate Bush was pioneering the genre, along with many other alternative music styles.

   I can't believe that Kate Bush is so overlooked. That siren's voice of hers is mystifying. Her lyrics create an environment that transcends beyond auditory recognition. She truly was a pioneer in alternative music! Peter Gabriel recognized her unique gift and abilities immediately. If you didn't vote for Kate because you don't know her, GET TO KNOW HER!

8. PJ Harvey

   

   Polly Jean Harvey, known professionally as PJ Harvey, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, writer, poet, and composer. She is known for her distinctive voice and for experimenting with diverse musical styles throughout her career. Harvey is a two-time winner of the Mercury Prize, making her the... read more

   No one comes close. Fabulous musician, her voice is strong with an unfathomable range, and her lyrics are that of a first-class writer. The accompanying music is flawless, her live shows are incredible, she pushes herself to new heights for every album, never repeats herself, and is quite fearless. She is a true artist in every sense of the word. She is quite simply a treasure.

   I actually think there's about two people on this list who I would consider alternative. It's funny, the word alternative used to mean something, and when it did, PJ wasn't just one of the best females, she was one of the best acts in the last 25 years.

9. Florence Welch

   

   Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Florence + the Machine. The band's debut album, Lungs, released in 2009, topped the UK Albums Chart.

   Florence is just great. Many "indie" singers have appeared lately (all of them boring for me), but she is different. She has such a powerful way of singing. It reminds me of the old rock and roll. Her band makes wonderful and beautiful music (something between rock-baroque-folk-indie), and everything about her is epic. They have a wide variety of sounds but have a recognizable style. Her voice is powerful and epic. I adore her.

   Her voice is AMAZING! She never has weak moments, her range is ridiculous, and her music is beautiful! She can throw her voice around wherever and whenever she wants, and whatever she does is always effortless and flawless. Listen to Rabbit Heart, Queen of Peace, and Cosmic Love.

10. Marina Diamandis

    

    Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known professionally as Marina and the Diamonds and later as MARINA, is a Welsh singer-songwriter. She gained recognition with her 2010 debut album The Family Jewels. Her musical style blends pop, indie, and electronic elements, and she has released multiple albums including... read more

    Marina is the most creative singer of her generation. The fact that she can so effortlessly change her sound and looks makes her music so interesting and never boring. Her voice is so soothing and flexible, and her lyrics are heavenly. I owe Marina a lot for inspiring me to be as creative and as innovative as she is.

    My son, age 16, turned me on to Marina. I love her lyrics and her voice. She has substance and intelligence, which makes me think she is one of the best. Considering I'm 57 and my favorite singer was James Taylor, I think it's a leap in a good way.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Weyes Blood

    

    I love this wonderful, unique, and one of the most creative groups there is!

12. ?

    Emilie Simon

The Contenders

13. Dolores O'Riordan

    

    Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan (September 6, 1971 - January 15, 2018) was an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter. She served as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the alternative rock band The Cranberries from 1990 until their breakup in 2003.... read more

    Dolores definitely shows a delightful, vibrant, and musically talented influence on alternative music with her band, The Cranberries. With soft ballads to guitar-blazing rock songs, she never disappoints. No one can even sound like her as she has such a wonderful, unique voice and can definitely rock out on over 4 different instruments. Now solo, she has not lost her touch but shows that a woman singer/songwriter can achieve success in a pop world.

    She has amazing depth! Her songs get caught in my head and keep playing over and over again. All her songs are so different and full of soul. Dolores rocks!

14. Hayley Williams

    

    Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the lead vocalist, occasional keyboardist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Paramore.

    In 2020, she launched a solo career with her debut album Petals for Armor.... read more

    I would classify Gwen Stefani as more pop rather than alternative. I'm not sure... But Hayley Williams should be number one. The way she brought rock into the charts with that amazing voice was a really great achievement considering the standard of music at the moment.

    I voted for Hayley and Natalie because they're really good. Paramore is a bit less fun to cover, but they're more popular and more rocking to listen to! Hayley is a great singer and a decent songwriter. She started early too. Bonus!

15. Melanie Martinez

    

    Melanie Adele Martinez is an American singer and songwriter. She gained fame after appearing on the television singing competition The Voice, where she was a member of Team Adam. Martinez is known for her concept albums and distinctive visual style.... read more

    Melanie is very unique and very different. Her music has hidden meanings that you may not catch onto right away. Her lyrics and her music type are extraordinary, and she is an absolutely amazing artist.

    She should by far be in the top 5. She has her own unique style and writes her songs to tell a story, but also to be the best songs they can possibly be. She has the most unique voice I have ever heard. Incredible!

    Listening to her right now. She's the best. She's just so perfect in every way. Such a great artist. I love how she's different. I love her style. I especially love her music. Her voice is angelic.

16. Lorde

    

    Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor (born November 7, 1996), better known by her stage name Lorde, is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand. She released her debut EP The Love Club in 2012 and rose to international fame with the single "Royals" at age 16.... read more

    I have no idea why Lorde is so low on this list. Alternative pop artists saw a rise because of Pure Heroine. She pushed this genre to the mainstream, which gave artists such as Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, Halsey, etc., more recognition.

    She doesn't hold the most acclaimed female album of 2017 for no damn reason. This woman is a prodigy. Ella is doing things miles above her contemporaries, and she is barely 22.

    Excuse all you beggars. Lorde is the real queen of alt-pop and indie-pop. She basically defined the genre and brought it the fame and popularity it has now. Forever queen.

17. Gwen Stefani

    

    Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She is a co-founder and the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt, whose singles include "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak" from their 1995 breakthrough studio album Tragic Kingdom, as well as "Hey Baby... read more

    The Queen. She has been my favorite for a long time. This woman is so unique. Super talented. Iconic and beautiful. She's the best.

    Gwen, with a style all her own, showed that a girl can rock and keep up with the boys. Aside from her pop exit, she is back with No Doubt in the studio again.

    The original alternative queen. There's no comparison. A living legend. Such a versatile artist. There'll never be another Gwen Stefani. She's the rock-reigning queen.

18. Lzzy Hale

    

    Elizabeth Mae "Lzzy" Hale is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She's best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the hard rock band Halestorm, which she co-founded in 1997.

    She's received Grammy Awards and is recognized for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence

    Wow. Just wow. Listen to Familiar Taste of Poison, Tell Me Where It Hurts, and Hate It When You See Me Cry to understand how amazing she is. Both albums are just pure bliss.

19. Liz Phair

    

    Elizabeth Clark Phair, born April 17, 1967, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and pianist from Connecticut.

    She first gained attention in the early 1990s with three self-produced cassette tapes titled Girly-Sound, which circulated widely and led to her signing a record deal. Her 1993... read more

    As a teenage boy who fell into the usual pitfalls of toxic masculinity, Exile in Guyville made me see women three-dimensionally - in every bit of flawed perfection that is exhibited not just in the feminine, but in the human experience. She made me a better man.

20. Regina Spektor

    

    Regina Ilyinichna Spektor (Russian: Регина Ильинична Спектор. Born February 18, 1980) is a Russian-born American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She was born in Moscow and emigrated with her family to the United States in 1989.... read more

    Unique in every sense of the word. She really can't be mistaken for anyone else. Her distinctive voice and elocution are pure, sweet, joyful, and somehow sad all at the same time.

    Regina is a singer and a thinker. Her songs are hopeful celebrations of life amid a critical stance on our world. Beautiful and powerful.

    Her songs are quirky and strange, yet they somehow always convey more feeling than many other singers.

    She's a great pianist, too. Listen to Eet and Fidelity.

21. Sarah McLachlan

    

    Sarah Ann McLachlan (born January 28, 1968) is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her emotive ballads. She founded the Lilith Fair tour, which showcased female artists in the late 1990s. As of July 2025, McLachlan has sold over 40 million albums worldwide.

    Sorry, but I can't BELIEVE Gwen Stefani would ever be ranked above Sarah McLachlan - are people crazy? Sarah has incredible range and never hits a wrong note. I lean toward hard, classic rock but can't help but thoroughly appreciate Sarah's exquisite vocals.

    Sarah has a smooth approach in the alternative industry. Her ballads are smooth and calming.

    Her music... it's so pure. I like In the Arms of the Angels the best!

22. Halsey

    

    Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known by her stage name Halsey, is an American singer and songwriter. She was born on September 29, 1994, in New Jersey. She began her music career by releasing songs on SoundCloud and gained popularity with hits like Bad at Love and Now or Never.

    She's amazing! Her voice, her live performances, and how much she has improved over the past years are incredible! Her lyrics are so deep, so brilliant, and so relatable. Her mind is so rare, and she as a person is just brilliant!

    I love Halsey! Her songs have amazing lyrics, and basically none of them have the usual generic themes seen in mainstream music. She also has a great voice. I didn't care for her when her music was popular, but now I'm a fan.

    You must listen to her songs. Her lyrics are perfect, and her voice even more so. The first songs that I heard were "New Americana" and "Trouble." I instantly fell in love. She's amazing, and she deserves more than she has.

23. Shirley Manson

    

    Shirley Ann Manson is a Scottish-born singer, songwriter, and actress. She is the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Garbage. Manson has also appeared in television roles, including a recurring role in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

    Shirley can even make gloomy-sounding songs like Only Happy When It Rains and I Would Die for You catchy and addictive. She is a pleasant addition to Garbage as the band searched for a female frontwoman.

    Her voice is amazing. Garbage wouldn't be nearly as good if she wasn't their vocalist.

    One of the most charismatic female singers.

24. Anneke van Giersbergen

25. Kim Gordon

    

    Kim Althea Gordon is an American musician, songwriter, and visual artist. Born in Rochester, New York, she was raised in Los Angeles, California, and studied art at the Otis Art Institute. Gordon is best known as a founding member of the alternative rock band Sonic Youth.

    The only woman, besides Bjork, who is a true pioneer of alternative music. No Kristin Hersh? No Kim Deal?

26. Kim Deal

    

    Kimberley Ann "Kim" Deal is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the former bassist and backup vocalist of the alternative rock band The Pixies and the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Breeders.... read more

27. Taylor Momsen

    

    Taylor Michel Momsen is an American musician, singer, model, and former actress. She is known for portraying Jenny Humphrey on the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl and for playing Cindy Lou Who in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Momsen is also the lead vocalist and frontwoman of the rock... read more

    I saw her live, and she was so amazing on stage. She looked like it was her sole purpose in life.