Best Alternative Bands of the 21st Century

The Top Ten
1 Linkin Park 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.

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

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!

Linkin Park are awesome, they were first great with nu-metl and are still keeping it up with their new alternative rock. The fact that they can change so radicly ad still be loved by countless millions shows how they deserve to be number 1.

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.

2 Coldplay Coldplay are a British pop 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 themselves "Coldplay" in 1998. Before making their debut album, they recorded and released three EPs: Safety in 1998, Brothers & Sisters as a single in 1999, and The Blue Room in the same year. The Blue Room was their first release on a major label, after signing to Parlophone. ...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!

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's album charts speak for themselves. Worldwide best selling albums in 2005(X&Y), 2008(Viva la Vida) and currently in 2014(Ghost Stories). Also they have amazing songs.. Duh. To be honest I know like 3 linkin park songs. Come to think of it "In The End" and "Numb" are the ONLY one I can think of

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!

3 Green Day Green Day are an American pop punk/punk rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1987. 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 rock. Some of their influences include The Ramones, Sex Pistols, NOFX, and Bad Religion. They are best known for their songs like ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Basket Case’ and their ‘American Idiot’ & ‘Dookie’ albums. American Idiot sold 6 million copies in the U.S. and won a Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album". Green Day have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have won 5 Grammy Awards. They ...read more.

Linkin park is now isn't a rock or alternative band. They are becoming Electronics day by day. Green Day's lyrics is mindblowing which Coldplay and Linkin Park doesn't have. They should simply at #1.

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

No, wait. They started in '86, not '87. Nirvana is '87. Speaking of which, why are they not up here!?

4 Muse 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.

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.

Hey guys just write on YouTube "muse wembley" you will see what I meant. They are just AWESOME!

The best rock band and the best live band of last 20 years.

Miles ahead of Linkin Park, in every way (talent, live, songs... ) seriously amazing

5 Foo Fighters Foo Fighters are an American alternative 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 ...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!

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.

Love this band great music amazing guitar this band should be higher up

6 30 Seconds to Mars Thirty Seconds to Mars (commonly stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto.

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.

These guys are making the nest neo and progressive rock, and their new albums are much different from the first ones

7 Fall Out Boy Fall Out Boy is an American pop punk 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

8 The Fray 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 the UK.

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.

9 Beastie Boys The Beastie Boys were 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.
10 The Killers The Killers is an American pop rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning.

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!

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.

The Contenders
11 The Smashing Pumpkins 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.
12 The Strokes 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 (percussionist, mainly drummer). The Strokes have released six studio albums so far: Is This It (2002), Room on Fire (2003), First Impressions of Earth (2006), Angles (2009), Comedown Machine (2013), and The New Abnormal (2020). ...read more.

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

Come on! The strokes are simply awesome! Just listen to machu picchu, you guys know what I mean.

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... )

13 Alice In Chains Alice in Chains is an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.
14 Weezer Weezer is an American alternative rock/power pop 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.
15 The Script 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.

Ah? The Script should be in top 5. They are awesome. They deserves better...

One of the best bands out there.

16 OneRepublic 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 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.

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?

They make me Feel Again. Definitely number one.

17 Pixies 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.

18 Radiohead 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.

19 The All-American Rejects 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!

This band is awesome. it sounds great and it isn't dark like cold play and Linkin Park.

20 Paramore 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.

As I listen to a Paramore CD, I must say that they will go out in style.

Paramore should in the top ten with Coldplay, I mean if you've heard a paramore song you'll know why

21 Foster the People 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.
22 My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2019 to present day. 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.

Many of these bands deserve their place on this list, especially this one. It helped bring forth a new generation of music.

My Chemical Romance is the type of band that will live on forever, even after a break-up.

Best band ever by far. Amazing music. Saves lives!

Everything they do is amazing there my 4th favorite band ever never released a bad song or album

23 Nickelback Nickelback is a Canadian post-grunge 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?

24 Garbage
25 Blink-182 Blink-182 are a pop-punk band formed in 1992. Original lineup were Mark Hoppus (Bass Guitar, Vocals) Tom DeLonge (Guitar, vocals) Scott Raynor (Drums). Raynor was fired from the band in 1998 and replaced by drummer Travis Barker. They got into mainstream after the album "Enema of the State" Tom DeLonge left the band in 2015 and was replaced by Matt Skiba. Tom DeLonge returned in October 2022, bringing the classic line-up back
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