Alternative music encompasses many artists that fall outside the remit of Top 40 radio, but isn’t defined by one specific musical style; rather it requires an edge, an adventurous spirit and an individualistic sensibility to define this genre.
The 1980s witnessed the development of numerous genres, ranging from post-punk pioneers such as New Order and Joy Division, drug-fueled Madchester movement and Britpop revivalism, as well as Jangle-pop and shoegazing styles such as My Bloody Valentine delivering dreamy sounds that defined these movements.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Smells Like Teen Spirit perfectly captured the grunge era of the 1980s. Hailed by music critics as an anthem for an entire new generation who felt left behind by baby boomers, this track took inspiration from The Clash, Pixies and Motorhead; with Kurt Cobain adding his own more primal edge.
Nirvana gave voice to those rebelling against their parents with this anthem – it embodied their discontent at having no voice prior. Their sound mirrored their lifestyle perfectly: raw and real music created as they lived it; ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ became the voice for this movement which would soon fade like its predecessor: hair metal cheese.
Though their song became a success, Nirvana never seemed comfortable with all the attention the song attracted. Cobain frequently asserted in interviews that this track was intended as an intentional parody of The Pixies whose work he greatly admired; furthermore he misinterpreted Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill’s wall graffiti as meaning some kind of revolutionary phrase; instead it was actually just the name of deodorant she found while shopping!
Cobain was a tragic genius who never received the credit he deserved, yet his legacy lives on through music that bears his influence – with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” widely considered one of the greatest rock songs ever written.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the 20 tracks featured on NOW 80s Alternative, available for pre-order here or streaming via Spotify here. Check out below for the compilation’s track listing and full track listing!
You Oughta Know
Back in the ’80s, “alternative” was more than an acronym of “indie.” It was an entire movement to challenge mainstream rock and punk; bands who fall under this genre’s banner borrowed elements from punk, metal and even country (in Dinosaur Jr’s case) while often opting to release their music on independent labels in hopes of finding their target audiences.
Alanis Morissette made waves when she released her powerful breakup song You Oughta Know in 1995, sending shockwaves through the music industry. Although she never directly stated who it was about, many have speculated it could have been directed toward former beau Dave Coulier who played Uncle Joey on Full House/Fuller House series.
The 1980s was a momentous time in alternative indie, spurred on by American labels like SST Records, Twin/Tone, Touch and Go and Dischord. Although many bands started off as hardcore punk bands, their sound gradually transformed into something melodic and mature; Husker Du and the Replacements from Minneapolis epitomized this trend by creating fresh yet accessible songs.
No matter your perspective of the 1980s – whether through nostalgia or creativity – our selection of era-defining songs covers both fields with some sneaking into 90s alt-rock as well. Discover some of the greatest alternative songs ever composed in the ’80s such as Paul Westerberg’s heartrending tearjerker “Androgynous,” to Alanis Morissette’s revolutionary “You Oughta Know.”
Mr. Brightside
“Pixies, Dinosaur Jr and Jane’s Addiction pioneered alternative rock in the ’80s; however, it wasn’t until this 1980 single was released that its popularity truly took hold. With its combination of distorted guitar, feedback and more traditional melodic songwriting techniques redefining indie music at that time; their use of an imaginative video featuring cowboy-style whip cracking stunt acts further cemented its fame with wider audiences.
Mr Brightside by The Killers was written at the conclusion of Brandon Flowers’ first serious relationship, when he sought to craft a love song with heartbreak in its composition. With its dark yet haunting chord progressions and Flowers’ raspy vocals all contributing to create its dark tone, Mr Brightside remains one of their most iconic hits, topping both Billboard Hot 100 and UK charts simultaneously.
At a time when indie music was synonymous with independent labels, the success of this record broke new ground for alternative bands. Its combination of “quiet/loud” dynamics, instrumental technicality and abstract lyrics earned praise from artists like Kurt Cobain and Billy Corgan as one of the greatest records ever released.
Violent Femmes’ debut single for MTV perfectly captured its visual aesthetic with its bizarre western retro sound and sci-fi references, along with their unique mix of folk, punk, and experimentation which would become such an influence upon emo and grunge music.
As the genre fades from airplay, many of its pioneers have transitioned into adult contemporary or classic rock formats – yet this single stands out as having the power to reach new audiences thanks to its catchy hook and mournful melody. Plus, its deluxe re-release contains an exclusive cover of its B-side track ‘Sister Lover’ for added meaning!
People Are People
People Are People by Depeche Mode is an iconic synth-pop anthem that has stood the test of time. With its message of tolerance and acceptance especially poignant during its debut in 1980, People Are People is considered a landmark in alternative music history and one of its lyrics detailing prejudice and hatred towards one another; not to mention its catchy melody and memorable chorus that have made this track one of the most beloved tunes ever composed.
The 1980s witnessed the birth of new types of bands influenced by post-punk and punk rock music. These unique bands often released their work through independent labels rather than major ones for greater freedom to express themselves musically. Dubbed indie bands, these quirky acts became known for their quirky sounds such as The Jesus and Mary Chain wrapping pop melodies with walls of guitar noise; New Order emerged from Joy Division to experiment with techno and house music, while acts such as Lush, Slowdive and Ride ushering in “shoegazing” with their dreamy soundscapes.
These bands were pioneers of a genre of music known as alternative indie. Although the term wasn’t officially coined until the early ’90s, by that point it encompassed punk, new wave, post punk, even some glam metal and hard rock sounds – many bands who did not fit neatly into popular genres such as pop, country or hard rock were considered alternative due to not falling within more easily identifiable categories like pop or country rock music.
Depeche Mode began their techno-pop journey with simple yet pleasant tracks such as “Just Can’t Get Enough” and “New Life”, but their 1984 breakthrough hit “People Are People” marked a departure into more experimental industrial music. Led by singer Martin Gore and guitarist Alan Wilder’s heavy involvement with industrial music at that time – in particular through their use of samplers – Depeche Mode explored new depths with this album that was far more adventurous than its predecessors.