Top 10 Best Alternative Songs of All Time

Although I would have loved to see an R.E. M song in number one but I got to say that for the 90s this song revolutionized rock forever. It brought a whole scene into the mainstream and basically put Seattle on the Rock Map. No Linkin Park song will ever come close to doing what this song/band did for Rock N Roll. Long Live Nirvana and the other fellow 90s Rockers like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Mother Love Bone, Melvins, etc!

Can I slap someone for In the End being number one? That's nonsense. This is legendary. Best alt rock song ever: maybe no, but better than In The End and lots of others. My personal favorite is Iris - Goo Goo Dolls.

Amazing song amazing band. No doubt it's the best alternative song ever, it's basically the one that propelled the alternative scene. In the end by Linkin Park is great and deserves to be number 2, no other two songs even come close to those two!

This song is a Rock Anthem..., a band which didn't went to Mainstream but Mainstream went to them.., just 8 years.., with 3 albums.., NIRVANA..., still has a powerful impact.., a strong influence.., just Evergreen and New day by day..! It's place is at top always...

Can I slap the guy who wants to slap someone for In the End being number one? I agree smells like teen spirit is a phenomenal song and remains one of my all time favorites, but in the end it doesn't really matter! Because linkin park's in the end is by far the best and its in a league of its own! It has revolutionized alternative rock and modern rock music! Its an anthem for the alternative genre! 50 years down the line I bet you would listen to in the end but not smells like teen spirit!

It's funny how nirvana's top comments are just people crying because of the first spot, and insulting Linkin Park, instead of talking about their favorite. band. Now look at comments of Linkin Park. You can see proud fans talking only about Linkin Park, they don't insult Nirvana, and are not angry because of the second spot. to be honest Linkin Park is more popular than this nirvana, their songs In the end and Numb beats all of nirvana's songs together! So stop crying poor nirvana fans...

Ok, notice how Linkin Park is all over this list? That's because they are an alternative band! So yes I think they should be number one on this list also Nirvana is a grunge band! "They're a mix of rock and alternative" <---- that's grunge -. - so if your on an alternative song list, you shouldn't be mad if their not number one. Linkin Park is one of the few bands that represent alternative music really well, Not nirvana, sorry :/ Nirvana is my grunge band

The perfect spot for the song! No song can ever take its place. Simply the best song in its genre. Chester and Mike, hats off to both of you! Thank You for creating this masterpiece!

My Chemical Romance rock my world. Welcome to the black parade is a perfect example of their type of music. Honestly you can't put them into ONE genre of rock. My Chemical Romance kinda stretches itself over all of them.

Welcome To The Black Parade is THE best altenative rock song of all time. There, I said it. It will take a few years -maybe even decades- to sink in so everyone'll be able to truly see how empowering and meaningful this song is. My Chemical Romance is one of the greatest...

Go MyChem! This song is a journey. If you are ever in need of inspiration, or have a five page DBQ essay due tomorrow (like I do now), this is the song to listen to. I guarantee it will pull you through it (or should I say, make you carry on).

I didn't think theyd make it to Alternative, let alone number three. But heck yes. This song is overplayed but still inspiring and amazing.

A true epitome of alternative rock, unlike some other pop punk/grunge ones listed here. It's simply amazing to listen to from beginning to end, over and over again.

One of the most diverse and fun alternative songs to listen to. It has such fantastic riffs and lyrics. The Killers are the future of alternative rock

Love love love this song. There's something about it that just makes me so excited and nostalgic.

This is the only Alternative song on this list. It's also the greatest song of all time.

I don't mind Green Day. However, their music does not even compare to the sheer brilliance of each and every Blink-182 song. I miss you is my favorite blink song and deserves to be #1. Or at least much higher than it's current ranking.

This song deserves much more than this ranking. It's such a nice song an I love the lyrical content of the song. Plus the band music is great. BLINK-182 all day.

Lol the only blink-182 song that doesn't sound like Tom Delong pooped his diaper, seriously though this is a great song mainly because they have Mark do the opening line and you don't have to hear tom screaming "Forever, Forever, let's make this last for ever! "

You don't know nostalgia until you're singing this at a Blink-182 concert.

Green Day is by far the best alt. Band ever and this is one of their best songs. This song is absolutely amazing, it has meaning, it has life. There can not be a better song or a better band ta that, well maybe one republic. But I have listened to Green Day my whole life and I fell in love with this song when it first came out.

This song is amazing in so many ways; The lyrics are incredible, the tune is enchanting, The singer's voice couldn't have been a better match, And the title by itself is pretty Awesome!

This song is absolutely amazing, how could it bat be top ten!? It has so much emotion and feeling. And it has meaning, it's not just a bunch of catchy lyrics with no pint to them.

I was going through a difficult time when this song was popular and it really resonated with me perfectly. One of the all-time great songs...

This song is truly a masterpiece. Listening to "30 seconds to mars" takes me on a inspiring journey filled with all the things I can ever imagine. Especially this song. I love all the emotion the band, but mostly Jared Leto puts into this song. This song has made its way into music history. It is by all means one of the greatest songs of all time.

It's not a pure alternative rock song. Anyways it's really good. I have heard it 100+ times and still I am not bored. Jared at this best. The only better vocalist than him is Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.

One of the best song history has ever witnessed, 30 seconds to mars wouldn't have made it this far without this masterpiece, it has manipulated our ears minds and even bodies.

One of the best songs I have ever heard, it might be alternative rock but it's a total different genre to me... This song made me love 30 Seconds to Mars forever!

The only rock song that broke the limits between rock and pop music, you can never find a person who hates this song no matter what type of music he likes.
This song should head this list without any competition!

This song really penetrates down to the soul.
Right of the bat you're immediatly carried away to another place. This song is an ecstacy, that brings you to life even on the worst days! #1!

I never thought alter rock can sound so good... A real masterpiece... For me this song is THE best including all genres!

The most famous song on the list, males and females just adore this song.
I'm shocked to see it at this rank!

This song taught me a lesson: I love women, but I WONT be pushed by girls that I obsess over. This song is helping me end the obsession. There is one girl, and every time I see Hart my legs get week and I get queasy and instantly my face turns red and gets hot. Not long after I'm punching, all teary eyed and alone. Its been like this for two years, and I've had enough! Benjamin Burnley, you rock. I still hope with enough practice I can be like you and give everyone that "your not alone take a stand" feeling. Since Breaking Benjamin came into my life, especially the singer himself, my writing and musical interests have grown. Thank you, for saving my life, my musical hope, everything. Thank you.

Wow! I never imagined that BB would create such a masterpiece, after hearing their first album I was sure that they would remain a post-grung band.
But after hearing this nerve shocker song I loved that band and loved Alternative music, though I was an R&B fan.
I applause you BB for this historical song!

I love almost all these songs but Breaking Benjamin is like my... Life band. I always listen to them when I feel alone. They make me feel like my life is important... I guess that's why they will always be my number one.

This song introduced me to modern rock and is the reason for the 3000 songs in my collection!
I feel music is only meant to sound good and not take years for one to develop a taste for it.

One
*heart pumps*
Twenty One Guns!
*pumps again*
This is truly a great song.
I always try to hear this song from a 21 st century war point of view and it always makes sense. I love this song. Just get Boulevard Of Broken dreams and this one in the top 10 guys.

First song I heard by them besides Good Riddance, (who hasn't heard that song!? ) It has a good feel to it. This sing really shows you their range of generas they fit into, not just punk. Punk isn't just a genera though either so... What do you think?

It's so damn perfect! I play it over and over..

This should be number 1

One of the greatest songs ever, and truly one of the anthems of the 90s and one of the best songs about self-loathing. Very depressing yet very beautiful.

"I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here"
This song represents all the angsty teenagers out there.
Thank You Radiohead For Understanding Us.

The day I first heard it, I just kept hearing and hearing it again and again. Goosebumps, touchy and the vocal just delivers it with lots of feelings

Radiohead doesn't even compare to have the names on this list, they're masterful.

A classic hit about the insecurity all of us feel at one time or another. The Goo Goo Dolls Iris really brings the feeling of loneliness home.

This is the best Alternative Rock Song, guys! This is simply brilliant! I love this song!

Is this a joke? How can this NOT make the top 5 let alone top 10! One of the best songs ever. come on people!

Greatest song by goo goo dolls. THis should be way up the top.

From the moment when the guitars sweep you off your feet in the beginning, this is one of the most authentically beautiful alternative songs in my opinion. The lyrics are riveting and honest. Should definitely be in the top ten!

Paws what you're doing. You got to be kitten me right meow, this is a catastrophy. No smashing pumpkins until the 50s? Seriously? These guys were The alternative band of the 90s, and this nostalgiac song deserves top 10 recognition. come on now.

This song and Bullet With Butterfly Wings should absolutely be near the top.

Classic Muse, amazing sound. The premier live act of the last 15 years. Their Wembley shows justifiably voted as on of the greatest moments of the stadium's history.

Come on this song is catchy, moving, clever, great use of all instruments. Muse is one of the greatest bands and don't deny it

Should be way higher! Such an underrated band and an even more underrated song. Should be at least top 5.

This is a great song by a great band, they are the best! How did it come to this?

The best songs are the ones that take you out of your world, and plunge you in theirs. Evanescence reaches to you with a hauntingly beautiful voice, deep soulful lyrics and music at the end that completely drowns you in its wake.

This music can make you cray!

Unique, and with awesome meaning!

You people should know your tastes...

Best ever, the lyrics are perfect!

Cry every time I hear it.

The lyrics are so good

This is not the place for an all time awesome song, this song should be at least #1 (with a huge gap between it and #2).
This song was a fusion between Alternative Music, Hard Rock, Metal and Post-Grung, this song has changed many people's lives with it's unmatched Rhythm, Riffs and singing.

And Myles Kennedy's voice is one of the best among all time, he's truly the best Vocalist till now.

This song is 8 minutes and it broke all musical limits and we ended up hearing a phenomenal Song that will never be imitated, this song is a one in a lifetime musical experience that you shouldn't miss!

Alter Bridge... YOU ROCK!

THE FEEL! The feel in this song is far beyond what I ever could have imagined. The intro riff, deep lyrics that can move you, the bass line, the beat variations especially the ringshot at the breakdown, Myles Kennedy's exceptional vocals and a damn high range. Tremonti's solo! He's a monster!
What not is there in this song. A complete melodious alternative metal song! This song deserves more! It's a MASTERPIECE!

Maybe this is the best song ever irrespective of the place it holds in this list as this song easily stands out of any list with no atom of dubiousness...
Very strong, meaningful, heart-touching and thought-evoking song.
Might have listened to hundreds of times in less than a month.
Thanks to Alter Bridge for having created a Masterpiece.

Extremely astonishing and the riffs cannot be matched, I can't believe how many times I've listened to this song, it's a true addiction.

This song is what I listen to whenever I get bullied. It reminds me of how things will get better. I admire this song and I base my life on its meaning and lyrics. This song has and always will get me through hard times.

This song always picks me up on a bad day. I love listening to it while in the car. One of the best on my iPod!

This is a great song to rock out to and perfect to listen to when growing up.

My favorite song, glad to see it's risen to the top 20's in the list.

My favorite song. It's so catchy

Everything that Tyler creates is always pure genius, this is no exception! Twenty one pilots has yet to make a single song that doesn't contain raw emotion presented in a format that is comforting to everyone. Ode to Sleep deserves recognition!

Where are all of the top songs on this list? someone bring up anathema