Top 10 Best Alternative Bands of the 21st Century

1. Linkin Park

   

   Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin Park... read more

   The best band on this list without a doubt. 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. 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.

   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 in my opinion, they made even better music in their newer albums. People hate them just because they have real talent. They dared to take risks and get out of their comfort zones to 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, and that reason is because they are simply great.

2. Coldplay

   

   Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996. The group includes Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Their manager, Phil Harvey, is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member.... read more

   Great band and superb album (Mylo Xyloto). Especially Chris' voice is superb.

   Linkin Park was excellent in its first two albums, but their next albums were much more disappointing. The one released in 2012 was the worst of their career, and that was reflected in the sales of their latest album. On the other hand, Coldplay has been successful throughout their career.

   It's true Linkin Park has slightly more fans compared to Coldplay, but the reality is Coldplay is a bit better than Linkin Park (I'm saying this impartially). That's because Linkin Park is a Nu/Alternative metal band, and Coldplay is a Britpop/Alternative band. The Alternative Britpop genre is less widely accepted by most people.

   Despite these limitations, Coldplay has sold over 65 million records, while Linkin Park has sold over 60 million (as of 2014). And yes, both have released five studio albums.

3. Green Day

   

   Green Day are an American pop-punk and punk rock band formed in East Bay, California, in 1987. The core members are Billie Joe Armstrong on vocals and guitar, Mike Dirnt on bass, and Tré Cool on drums, with Jason White often performing live on guitar. They blend punk rock, pop-punk, and alternative rock... read more

   Linkin Park is no longer a rock or alternative band. They are becoming electronic day by day. Green Day's lyrics are mind-blowing, which Coldplay and Linkin Park don't have. They should simply be 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 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).

4. Muse

   

   Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, lead guitar, piano, keyboards), Dom Howard (drums, percussion), and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They have won numerous awards, including five MTV Europe Music Awards... 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" and you will see what I meant. They are just awesome!

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

5. Foo Fighters

   

   Foo Fighters are an American alternative rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after Kurt Cobain's death and Nirvana's breakup. The current lineup consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, primary songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm guitar... 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 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 energy in concert. Their songs are so much better. Their albums have won more awards, the fanbase is bigger, and Dave Grohl is a boss.

6. Thirty Seconds to Mars

   

   Thirty Seconds to Mars (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.

   They released their first album, 30 Seconds to Mars, in 2002. It was a self-titled album with... read more

   30 Seconds to Mars are unique for being so different from all the other bands I listen to. Their lyrics and instrumental background are eloquent, and each of their albums is massively unlike the others, standing out in a superb way.

   These guys are making the best 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.... read more

   Their music is amazing, even when they weren't as popular. I like their older music as well as their post-hiatus music too. I'm secretly obsessed with them.

   Their new music is amazing. They have really changed over the years, and it's for the best.

8. The Fray

   

   The Fray is an American rock band that originated in Denver, Colorado. The band was formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King. They rose to fame with their 2005 debut album How to Save a Life, which was certified double platinum in the United States and achieved platinum status in Australia... 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.

9. Beastie Boys

   

   The Beastie Boys were an American rap-rock group formed in 1981. The original members were Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, and Adam "MCA" Yauch... read more

10. The Killers

    

    The Killers are an American pop rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2001 by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. The band gained international fame with its debut album, Hot Fuss (2004), which included hit singles such as Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me. They've since released multiple albums... read more

    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 Newcomers
11. ?

    Imagine Dragons

    

    Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band from Provo, Utah, now based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band's lineup includes lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and touring drummer Andrew Tolman.... read more

    I can see why they are at number 54. It's well known that critics don't like them too much. But hey, ask anyone who has heard Radioactive, Demons, Roots, Believer, I Bet My Life, Thunder, Shots, or Gold, and they will tell you why the world needs this type of music and lyrics in songs.

    I was introduced to the band through Radioactive, which was a chart-topper at the time. Being an Indian, it's very hard to find them live in my country, but it's my dream to attend one of their concerts in my lifetime. They are so energetic live. I could listen to their songs my whole life.

    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.

12. ?

    Black Veil Brides

    

    Black Veil Brides is an American rock band that formed in 2006 in Ohio. The current lineup features Andy Biersack on vocals, Jinxx and Jake Pitts on guitars, Christian Coma on drums, and Lonny Eagleton on bass, who replaced Ashley Purdy in 2019.... read more

    So amazing. Inspiring lyrics, and just amazing songs in general.

The Contenders

13. The Smashing Pumpkins

    

    The Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The group was formed in 1988 by frontman Billy Corgan and guitarist James Iha, with bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin joining to complete the original lineup... read more

14. The Strokes

    

    The Strokes are an American rock band formed in New York City in 1998. The band 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

    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 I'd still give it to The Strokes, who managed to create such beautiful and unforgettable tunes without the need to scream and make noise.

    Come on! The Strokes are simply awesome! Just listen to Machu Picchu, and you guys will know what I mean.

    I love this band. I've just listened to their latest album, Comedown Machine. Amazing. Julian's voice is awesome. The Strokes must be in the top five. They deserve that position.

15. 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. The band's most notable hits include "Man in the Box," "Down in a Hole," "Heaven Beside You," "No Excuses," "What the... read more

16. Weezer

    

    Weezer is an American alternative rock and power pop band formed in Los Angeles in 1992. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), and Scott Shriner (bass, backing vocals).... read more

17. The Script

    

    The Script is an Irish pop-rock band formed in 2001. Its founding lineup consisted of keyboardist and lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue, guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehan, and drummer Glen Power. Sheehan remained with the band until his death in 2023, and the group is known for its melodic sound and several... read more

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

    One of the best bands out there.

18. Pixies

    

    The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The group disbanded in 1993 but reunited in 2004. The current lineup includes founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering, along with bassist Emma Richardson, who replaced Paz Lenchantin in... read more

    The Pixies manage to mingle dissonant sounds, monotone voice, and silences into great songs that feel timeless.

19. 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 gained early attention and success on Myspace as an unsigned act. Its debut single, Apologize, became a major hit after being remixed by Timbaland.

    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.

    The harmonizing and the music, the backing, and the sheer sounds and sensations they cause are insurmountable. And Ryan Tedder's voice mixed with Zach Filkins' guitar playing is incredible. 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.

20. Radiohead

    

    Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Philip Selway, and Ed O'Brien.

    Known for their experimentation and sonic evolution, they rose to international prominence with OK Computer and continued... read more

    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 they deserve.

    Yes, they are 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 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.

21. The All-American Rejects

    

    The All-American Rejects are an American rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1999. The band comprises Tyson Ritter on bass and lead vocals, Nick Wheeler on lead guitar and backing vocals, Mike Kennerty on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Chris Gaylor on drums. They gained popularity in... read more

    I love this band. They are always finding new ways to appeal to others, 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 Coldplay and Linkin Park.

22. 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. They rose to fame with albums like Riot! (2007) and Brand New Eyes (2009), known for blending pop-punk and alternative... read more

    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 bands because the band above is also quite good.

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

23. Foster the People

    

    Foster the People is an American indie pop band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. Its current members are lead vocalist Mark Foster and keyboardist Isom Innis. The band rose to fame with the hit single Pumped Up Kicks and has released four studio albums while touring internationally.

24. My Chemical Romance

    

    My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001. The lineup since the band's 2019 reunion includes lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way, with Jarrod Alexander serving as a touring drummer. Bob Bryar was the drummer from 2004... read more

    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!

25. Nickelback

    

    Nickelback is a Canadian post-grunge band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair.... read more

    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.

26. Garbage

27. Blink-182

    

    Blink-182 is an American pop-punk band formed in 1992. The original lineup featured Mark Hoppus on bass and vocals, Tom DeLonge on guitar and vocals, and Scott Raynor on drums. Raynor was replaced by Travis Barker in 1998. The band rose to mainstream success with the album Enema of the State and has... read more