Favorites Genres
  1. Genres
  2. rock

Alternative rock music on the radio

Alternative rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and became popular in the 1990s. It's known for its use of distorted electric guitars, unconventional song structures, and introspective and often angsty lyrics. Some of the most popular alternative rock bands of all time include Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Green Day.

Nirvana, led by the late Kurt Cobain, was at the forefront of the alternative rock movement in the early 1990s, and their album "Nevermind" became one of the best-selling albums of the decade. Pearl Jam, also from Seattle, gained popularity with their debut album "Ten" and are known for their socially conscious lyrics. Radiohead, from England, experimented with electronic and orchestral elements in their music, and their album "OK Computer" is considered a landmark of the genre. The Smashing Pumpkins, led by frontman Billy Corgan, blended heavy guitar riffs with dreamy and sometimes psychedelic elements. Green Day, while initially considered a punk band, crossed over into the alternative rock genre with their album "Dookie" and became one of the most successful bands of the 1990s.

There are many radio stations that play alternative rock music, including commercial stations such as Alt 92.3 in New York City and non-commercial stations such as KEXP in Seattle. Additionally, streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have curated playlists and radio stations dedicated to the genre. Alternative rock remains popular today and continues to evolve with new artists and sub-genres such as indie rock and post-punk revival.