Alternative Rock or Indie music emerged in the UK underground scene in the 1980’s. The term refers to punk-rock groups performing under independent record labels. Significant alternative rock groups are The Cure, REM, The Sound, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Pixies, Interpol, Killers, Placebo, Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, and many others, both from the UK and the US.
In 2007 we enjoyed many alternative rock groups’ releases. Punk rock influences and sour vocals combined with flexible guitar riffs and angry screaming have created an alternative rock environment, which seems to be moving mainstream sounds, still carrying mature rock school ideas.
To my view, the best alternative songs for 2007 (in alphabetical order) are:
Arcade Fire – Ocean of Noise from the Album Neon Bible (2007): emotional, bravely violent lyrics, empowered by the emotional burden of a strained relationship, Ocean of Noise is considered mainstream, yet dangerously dark.
Good Charlotte - Dance Floor Anthem from the album Good Morning Revival (2007): punk-ska beats, furious guitar riffs and noisy grunge, combined with crystal, new wave vocals.
Interpol – Pioneer To The Falls from the album Our Love To Admire (2007): astonishingly consistent guitar riffs, expressed within a blurry, melodic atmosphere, full of sour vocals, which call to mind the dour melancholy of Ian Curtis and Joy Division.
Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby from the album Yours Truly, Angry Mob (2007): bouncing between mainstream pop and punk-rock influences, Ruby is a real gem, reflecting the maturity of the UK alternative scene.
Linkin Park – What I’ve Done from the album Minutes to Midnight (2007): a typical LP song, full of controversial lyrics, melancholic melody and powerful drumming, What I’ve Done reflects redemption and forgiveness for humanity’s destructive mistakes.
Manic Street Preachers – Your Love Alone Is Not Enough from the album Send Away The Tigers (2007): the experience of MSP and the particular vocals of Nina Persson of The Cardigans, create a great pop - rock song with hard string chords, reflecting the comeback of a great band.
Matchbox – How Far We’ve Come from the album Exile on mainstream (2007): a memorable song with powerful lyrics, ranging from confusion to apathy and then but to optimism and making sense in life.
Radiohead - Jigsaw Falling Into Place from the album In Rainbows (2007): repeatedly revolutionary, Radiohead return with a brilliant cry from the introspective, calling to mind the spirited upsetting of an atmospheric mood.
Tokio Hotel – Monsoon from the album Room 483 (2007): a love ballad, balancing between emotional lyrics and powerful guitar riffs, Monsoon pulls off the gas and offers a delicate vocal harmony.
West Indian Girl – Sofia from the album 4th & Wall (2007): catchy guitar chords, strong, clear vocals and instrumental atmosphere call to mind the sound of summer with prominent references to a brilliant alternative future for the band.
About the Author
I work as a financial and investment advisor but my passion is writing, music and photography. Writing mostly about finance, business and music, being an amateur photographer and a professional dj, I am inspired from life.
Being a strong advocate of simplicity in life, I love my family, my partner and all the people that have stood by me with or without knowing. And I hope that someday, human nature will cease to be greedy and demanding realizing that the more we have the more we want and the more we satisfy our needs the more needs we create. And this is so needless after all.
