10 Perfect Alternative Rock Albums With No Bad Songs

Alternative rock is the sub genre resigned for acts who don't fit comfortably into any other category. The wonderful variety that litters the musical soundscape, often results in bands who sound nothing alike being grouped together. This occurs for no other reason, than they have something somewhat unusual about their sound.

The term started to emerge sometime during the '70s and '80s, with musicians inspired by acts like The Velvet Underground. The '60s saw a number of groups, find success with an alternative form of rock, inspired by avant-garde experimentation, and heroin... , lots and lots of heroin.

This genre saw its heyday during the '90s, with musicians who were no longer confined to the murky world of the underground. As the genre began to encompasses sounds that became more mainstream, the music associated with the term became more accessible. Depending on your level of pretentiousness, this was either a good or a bad thing... But, regardless of your particular taste, these albums are ones, any music lover will appreciate for their sheer brilliance.

The wonderful nerds of the alt scene, took a turn for the darker with their second album. Their debut, had contained tracks like Buddy Holly and My Name Is Jonas. For the most part, it embraced a light hearted and jovial tone, with a certain amount of tongue in cheek sentiment.

Pinkerton was the antithesis of that original sound. Rivers Cuomo had been struggling with the wild success the band had received. It was the classic rock star story: Cuomo descended into alienated isolation, and was inspired to write a number of songs, expressing his darker feelings.

The album tanked. Critics panned the themes of sexual frustration and the whiney musings of his dissatisfaction with success. The overall census was that it was immature. Although this resulted in a five year break for the band, the record became a huge cult hit.

This was emo rock before emo rock was a thing. A plethora of alienated teenagers found solace in the lyrics, and the raw production value only helped add to the feeling of angst. This album sounds like Weezer performing as My Chemical Romance, and god damn is it enjoyable. Listening to it in your late 20s or early 30s is a bit weird though...