The Best Indie Rock Songs Of All Time Ranked
The term indie rock, which comes from “independent”, describes the small and relatively low-budget labels on which it is released and the do-it-yourself attitude of the bands and artists involved. Although distribution deals are often struck with major corporate companies, these labels and the bands they host have attempted to retain their autonomy, leaving them free to explore sounds, emotions and subjects of limited appeal to large, mainstream audiences. The influences and styles of the artists have been extremely diverse, including punk, psychedelia, post-punk and country. The terms “alternative rock” and “indie rock” were used interchangeably in the 1980s, but after many alternative bands followed Nirvana into the mainstream in the early 1990s, “indie rock” began to be used to describe those bands, working in a variety of styles, that did not pursue or achieve commercial success. Aesthetically speaking, indie rock is characterized as having a careful balance of pop accessibility with noise, experimentation with pop music formulae, sensitive lyrics masked by ironic posturing, a concern with authenticity, and the depiction of a simple guy or girl. Here are all of the best Indie Rock songs of all time.
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10. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea – Neutral Milk Hotel
“The title track of Neutral Milk Hotel’s second album gives us the perfect backdrop on which to release our fears and sit in the arms of our own mortality. The song asks us to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. It embodies the 90s lo-fi sound that defined the genre and era. Thanks, in great part to this track, the album has gained cult status and a dear place in the hearts of men.”
9. Blister In The Sun – Violent Femmes
“The Violent Femmes’ self-titled debut album in 1983 is one of the first major indie successes, published by the Slash indie label. The first track, “Blister In The Sun,” remains a masterpiece and a staple of the genre. It is a song that all aspiring guitar and bass players find themselves playing and that has gotten stuck in all of our heads.”
8. Only Shallow – My Bloody Valentine
“The 1980s were really a great time for experimentation, which opened up the way for bands like My Bloody Valentine to do their magic. Their work continued in the 1990s as well, with a piece like “Only Shallow” taking an important spot in the band’s history. This was a pretty great way to get into the new decade, with some slightly grungy vibes in there.”
7. Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
“It really is a shame that Joy Division had such a short career and only two albums. Nonetheless, they left a huge mark in modern music history, especially with a song like “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”
6. Lua – Bright Eyes
“One cannot talk about indie music without talking about Conor Oberst and his many projects. While there are many of his songs that deserve recognition, the fourth song of Bright Eyes’ sixth album, I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning, displays the power of Oberst’s writing and performance. With a simple strummed guitar and a quiet, shaky timbre to his voice, he delivers a powerful and biting performance.”
5. Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out
“Although the old bands from the 1980s set some standards for these new movements in rock music, it was the guys from Franz Ferdinand who finally defined it in the 2000s. Of course, here we have their legendary “Take Me Out,” a song that features a weird twist yet it all fits perfectly.”
4. Jesus, Etc. – Wilco
“Wilco’s fourth album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is, for many, their magnum opus. Initially self-released, the album received a perfect 10 from Pitchfork and was universally praised. While there are many clear choices for the best song on this album, “Jesus, Etc.” embodies the quality and power of the album. For critics and audiences alike, this album represents Wilco’s best work, and “Jesus, Etc.” is a worthy choice for the best song to come from it.”
3. Modest Mouse – Float On
“Float On” from Modest Mouse’s fourth record “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” was responsible for bringing the band wider success. And how wouldn’t it? It has that cheerful uplifting vibe to it, especially in the intro. (Kind of like the stuff that you hear in those bland mind-numbing corporate videos, isn’t it?)”
2. Ball And Biscuit – The White Stripes
“Buried near the end of their album Elephant, The White Stripes released arguably their greatest jam, “Ball And Biscuit.” Just over seven minutes in length (and if you listen to the lyrics, that can’t be an accident) and using the twelve-bar blues, this song embodies the tenacity and purpose of Jack and Meg White’s duo. It has the distinction of being the first (and perhaps only) song written in the 21st century covered in concert by Bob Dylan.”
1. Pixies – Where Is My Mind?
“Seeing the Pixies at the very top of this list comes as no surprise at all. Their 1988 song “Where Is My Mind?” remains their staple piece and something that they’re remembered for. It comes from their debut album “Surfer Rosa” from 1988, and it’s still a fan-favorite.”
