Top 5 Alt-Rock Pioneers

4. The Smiths

Throughout the 80's, many bands that were later dubbed as alternative came out of the college rock circuit. Each band had a slightly twisted bent when it came to crafting rock music, with the Smiths being no exception.

Morrissey's lyrics throughout the band's tenure are dripping with emotion about lovesick adolescent experiences. The band also possessed an anti-conformity mentality when it came to crafting their public persona, with songs topics like the education lambasting in "The Headmaster Ritual" or the tear-down of the monarchy in "The Queen is Dead." While there had been this kind of serious songwriting in the past, guitarist Johnny Marr employed an original jangly guitar tone that was reminiscent of 60's pop. This made for some great rocking moments on songs like "This Charming Man" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again."

With the alternative scene getting bigger every year, the Smiths also had a hand in launching many bands from the Britpop genre, with artists like the Stone Roses and Oasis relentlessly singing their praises. As the journey continues, modern artists like AFI's Davey Havok have shown great admiration of the Smith's work. Though the band call it quits in 1987, they have cemented a firm legacy as alt-rock innovators.

 
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