I think many of us went through that one phase back in 2014 where we’d spend our time reading Wattpad books, wearing Converse and band tees, using Tumblr to post “deep quotes” that were just lyrics from a song and simping for lead singers. On top of that, we would listen to two types of music: alternative and indie. Ultimately, this music gave all of us main character vibes. Want to feel nostalgic? Allow me to take you back with these songs you probably forgot from your alternative Tumblr phase.
“Sweater Weather” – The Neighbourhood
This song is definitely an essential. A simple beat and simple lyrics, yet this song went so hard back then and still goes hard now. “Sweater Weather” is The Neighbourhood’s most popular song, but they have more great hits worth checking out. Some suggestions: “Daddy Issues”, “Afraid”, “R.I.P to my Youth” and many more.
“Robbers” – The 1975
If you don’t know who The 1975 are, you were never in this phase. The 1975 were one of the bands that defined the alternative genre of music. This indie pop-rock band was popular back in 2013 with their album The 1975 and grew even more popular after their 2016 debut album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It. The 1975 had a variety of songs, most of them being pretty upbeat, but “Robbers”, in particular, was one of their slower ones. Matty Healy, the lead singer, was not playing around when it came to music, and he definitely didn’t with this track.
“Video Games” – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey is hands down Queen of Alternative. Lana Del Rey has been popular for many years, still creating music that never fails to amaze us. It can’t be denied that Lana Del Rey has one of the most angelic vocals ever (or maybe that’s just me being biased). If you want to be in your feels, this is a song to add to your playlists.
“The Love Club” – Lorde
Everyone knows Lorde as the girl who sang “Royals”, but Lorde is one of the most underrated musicians out there. She has many other songs that are just as good and catchy, “The Love Club” being one of them. If you don’t know this song, you’ve most likely heard it in a YouTube video.
“New Americana” – Halsey
Halsey started off in the Alternative genre and was an icon to us. She increasingly became popular and her music landed on the radio, though, so now she gives off more pop vibes. One thing you can’t deny is her Badlands era was the best one yet.
“Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” – Arctic Monkeys
I don’t know about you, but Arctic Monkeys made me feel like a biker girl with a “bad boy” stereotypical boyfriend who had a matching leather jacket to mine. To this day, I still wish Alex Turner was my boyfriend. This English rock band has definitely made their mark in its genre, and this song is one of the reasons for it. This catchy rock song is not like the others which makes sense as Arctic Monkeys is not your average rock band. If you’re not into heavy metal hardcore rock, but still want that upbeat and chill feeling, then Arctic Monkeys is for you.
“Tear in My Heart” – Twenty One Pilots
Every one of Twenty One Pilots’ songs were catchy and that is probably why they were popular back in 2016. Alternative music wouldn’t be where it is without this famous duo. It was hard to choose one song by them, but in the end, I went with a classic fan favourite. Of course, “Stressed Out” will still have a place in our hearts, even if it is the most mainstream song they have.
Honourable Mentions:
“Emperor’s New Clothes” – Panic! At The Disco
“The Less I Know The Better” – Tame Impala
“Kids” – MGMT
“Tag, You’re It” – Melanie Martinez
“Electric Love” – BØRNS
Although alternative seems to be a dying genre, we can still look back at and enjoy the songs that defined it. So, I invite you to just sit back, pop in your wired headphones or even pull out that vinyl, and vibe like the lowkey emo-hipster you are.