Alternative rock started as a rock subgenre to cover artists who were not commercially signed by major labels, offering a sound that is rock at the roots but limited only by the artists' imagination - usually giving that indie or underground feel separate from mainstream sounds.
What emerged from self-made and underground rock and pop of the mainstream in the 70s and 80s persisted and evolved to accompany listeners looking for something underrated, like gems in the rough. For fans of alt-rock, here are the latest alternative rock albums to help you chill.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple's latest album is the currently best-selling across listening services, and for a good reason. Listen as the singer, songwriter, and pianist delivers her strongest vocal and songwriting performance to date. Listen to a full 13-track playlist which earned her universal acclaim from music outlets, with Rolling Stone's Clair Shaffer tips her hat off to Apple's "best work of her career." Shaffer even assures her readers that "each musical decision feels as sharp and precise as Apple's lyrics." This sequel to the 2015 Side A album was five years in the making, and fans have already noted listening to both sides of trust fall to appreciate this Incubus album better. Own the digital copy for unlimited streams of this five-track EP. Update your slow jams mix with songs such as "Karma, Come Back" or "On Without Me," or go with a bit more upbeat sounds with the new wave sounding "Our Love" and "Into The Summer." The sixth studio album from "The Strokes," led by the genius that is Julian Casablancas, features a weirdly satisfying artsy album cover. Unsurprisingly, the 1981 "Bird on Money" by Jean-Michel Basquiat is not the most amazing thing about this album. While their previous albums were met with a lukewarm response, "The New Abnormal" is often touted as the band's return to form with earlier-released tracks "At The Door" and "Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus." Listen to other tracks, some mature, in its 9-track setlist. Texan genre-crossing music icon Joe Ely returns to soothe the weary souls because of the quarantine with "Love in the Midst of Mayhem." Most of the ten songs in his latest album tackle a story or an aspect of life in the middle of the global pandemic. Ely works with longtime collaborators and fellow Texans to deliver a more intimate audio session. His songs span a long time from the 1974 "Soon All Your Sorrows Be Gone" to the latter "Don't Worry About It" in 2018 and "You Can Rely On Me" last 2019. While driving has been generally restricted to the essential workers, enjoy the feeling of long road trips with Waxahatchee and their latest work "Saint Cloud." Let Katie Crutchfield share her stories and struggles in a calming indie-rock vibe, with a strong country feel to it. It follows her previous 2017 album "Out In The Storm," which featured a more upbeat general sound. With Saint Cloud, listen to tracks such as "Can't Do Much" which lets its intimate lyrics flow out in a country-Americana rhythm.
Trust Fall (Side B)
The New Abnormal
Love in the Midst of Mayhem
Saint Cloud
