Best alternative albums of the 21st century

It doesn't matter the century, decade or genre, the Strokes' debut record remains one of the ages. This is a band that could easily have held its own in the late 1970s or early '80s, but broke out as a post punk-revival act. The unique voice of Julian Casablancas, also one of the better songwriters of the century, along with the quality double guitar work of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., immediately drew fans of all ages to the band. While "Last Nite" and "Someday" generated mainstream success for the album, a tune like "Hard to Explain" is an example of why the Strokes were a hit right from the start.

Now, there's not really a sub-par Björk album, and it can be argued that all her offerings of the 21st century are pretty special. However, we'll go back to the beginning of the century to showcase Vespertine. Her fourth studio release has been lauded for its sensual lyrics and innovative instrumentation, which featured plenty of string work. "Pagan Poetry" has long been considered one of Björk's best tracks, while the stirringly beautiful "It’s Not Up To You," and its choir addition, add another element of emotion. The record earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.

Folks from Chicagoland should know this Wilco favorite as the record with the city’s Marina City Towers on the cover. Oh yeah, there are some pretty good songs on the album, too ("War on War" and "Ashes of American Flags"). A combination of art and alternative rock, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was almost a labor of love for Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy. Lineup problems and issues with the roster of songs made the process difficult. When it was finally complete, however, it was worth the listen – and that has been the case for more than two decades.

Now, it would be easy to slot X&Y (2005), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) or Mylo Xyloto (2011), but for our money A Rush of Blood to the Head is still the best, from top to bottom, that Coldplay has delivered since 2001. When it comes to acclaimed sophomore efforts, this guitar-driven album, backed by popular singles and Grammy Award-winning cuts "In My Place" and "Clocks," this one is up there with the best in music history. It also earned Coldplay a second consecutive Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. 

Much like Björk, Beck continues to churn out exceptional work well into a fourth decade. And he seems to be getting better with age, or at least deliver quality on a high level. Released at the beginning of the 2000s, "Sea Change" remains one of Beck's most interesting, and perhaps, important releases. The experimental, quirky rock that fans of alternative music came to appreciate from Beck, was jettisoned for a more simpler, almost stripped-down approach. The lyrics were emotional and personal ("Lost Cause," "Guess I'm Doing Fine), and showed a certain level of songwriting maturity. 

One of the more creative and unique conceptual listening experiences. That's a simple way to describe what should be considered QOTSA's best project. Even after all these years. Song for the Deaf follows a drive through the California desert, interspersed with radio bits and talking DJs, as if the listener was also riding along with the band. The hard-charging "No One Knows" is perhaps the group's most notable song. Dave Grohl played drums, while Dean Ween also offered his services to an album that proved Josh Homme and Co. were a musical force to be reckoned with. 

Kind of like the Strokes, Hives and Vines, the Killers were part of a musical trend during the early 2000s that mixed alternative rock with the synthesized new-wave sound of the 1980s. Of course, there was also some post-punk ethos thrown in for good measure. This Killers' debut stands above those records of its contemporaries, simply because it’s a smorgasbord of sound that appeals to many musical tastes. "Mr. Brightside" remains the star of the collection. However, "Somebody Told Me" and "Smile Like You Mean It" also stand out. By the way, Ronnie Vannucci is one of the most underrated drummers of the century.

It should be stated that this is one of the great rock records of all time, and more than just "Seven Nation Army." Sure, it’s an anthem that’s become quite popular at football stadiums throughout the United States, but this Grammy Award-winning album is raucous garage rock from start to finish. "The Hardest Button to Button" is a stellar blues-infused rock track with an AC/DC vibe. Meanwhile, "Ball and Biscuit" has long been considered to be one of the best tunes Jack White has even written and recorded — which, obviously, is saying quite a lot. 

The first of two Arcade Fire albums that will be highlighted on this list, Funeral is the one that started the "Fire." Whether described as art rock, indie rock, alternative, whatever. Arcade Fire hit the ground running with this stellar debut (nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album), and hasn't stopped. From the band’s interpersonal lyrics to their individual musical versatility, and the collectively creative sound, this was a breath of fresh air for the early 2000s. "Rebellion (Lies)" and "Wake Up" remain fixtures on the group’s always energetic live sets.

Alligator was The National's third studio release, the one that officially introduced this Cincinnati-based rock outfit to the masses within the alternative music scene, as well as received the level of critical praise that has essentially continued in the years that have followed for the band. The star of the collection remains "Abel," which — depending on which type of National fan is doing the talking — remains the highlight of the group's extensive, and stellar catalog of music. No offense to the greatness that The National has delivered since, but Alligator is the band's true gem.

If fans and critics thought this Damon Albarn virtual band was a one-off with its stellar eponymous debut release from 2001, that notion was quashed via Demon Days. The whole Gorillaz sound experience is not for everyone, but creatively captivating enough to generate interest and curiosity. It also helped that Danger Mouse's production only enhanced the entire listening experience, which featured wide-ranging contributions from De La Soul to Ike Turner to Dennis Hopper. Paced by innovative tracks like "Dirty Harry" and "Feel Good Inc.," the album cracked the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and went six-times platinum in the United Kingdom.

Over a three-year stretch, the multi-talented and versatile Stevens, who probably has flown under the radar for casual fans of alternative/indie rock, wrote two albums about states (2003's Michigan was also highly regarded). The second was this piece of brilliance that topped many "Best of 2005" lists, and rightfully so. It's almost like a musical road trip or history lesson of Illinois, complete with memorable tracks on state-associated topics like "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." and "Casimir Pulaski Day."

These New Jersey emo rockers hit it out of the park with their third studio effort, which should be considered one of the best concept albums of all time. One of the best albums of 2006, The Black Parade tells the story of a terminal cancer patient taking stock in the life that's left, and preparing for what is to come after death. Highlighted by the magnitude of singer Gerard Way's dramatic voice, the bombastic title track should go down as the band's signature song. Meanwhile, the menacing "Teenagers" is a powerful pop-rock commentary about young people and gun violence.

The Chili Peppers broke big in the 1980s (Mother’s Milk), became international superstars in the 1990s (Blood Sugar Sex Magik) and proved they could still produce quality alternative rock at a high level with this album. Stadium Arcadium continued the band’s obsession with its favorite state on "Dani California," and features one of the century's best tunes in "Snow (Hey Oh)." An homage to the group’s musical styles of the past (funk, rap, metal, alternative rock), the record earned seven Grammy nominations and won the award for Best Rock Album.

A true product of the internet, Arctic Monkeys went viral to earn mass appeal within a music genre that was born to veer from the mainstream. So, it was not surprising that it earned international success with this smashing debut. Of course, Arctic Monkeys already had a following thanks to its impressive 2005 EP Five Minutes with Arctic Monkeys. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is fueled by two of the band's biggest hits in "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" and "When the Sun Goes Down." This is a bona fide rock album, edgy, raw in parts and thundering when needed. A No. 1 record in the United Kingdom, it earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.

Radiohead truly embraced 21st century technology when it came to putting out music. In Rainbows was initially released via a pay-what-you-want download process. And though it might not have enjoyed the mass appeal associated with the band's earlier albums (though it did top the Billboard 200 once released in retail form) from the 1990s and early portion of the 2000s, In Rainbows' experimental, art-rock vibe can hold its own with anything in the Radiohead catalog. The single "Nudë" became the band's first Top 40 hit in the U.S. since 1992's "Creep."

When it comes to 21st century debut albums, Kid Cudi's highly creative and genuinely unique debut is certainly among the best, if anything due to its completely innovative nature, a concept album that was the first in a trilogy of studio releases from the Kid, whose progressive rhymes definitely fall within the alternative genre. Cudi himself,described each song on the record as delivering a message, but potent enough to hold the attention of crowds listening at home or in a live setting. The stellar "Day 'n' Nite" is a song about regret, and the star of an album, which is narrated by fellow rapper Common, that earned three Grammy nominations. 

Hailing from Versailles, this French outfit enjoyed a loyal and steady underground following since breaking in 2000, and through its first three studio releases. Then came Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, which helped the band earn more acclaim around the globe, and notably in the United States, where it cracked the top 40 of the Billboard 200 and hit No. 4 on Top Alternative Albums chart. The hard-charging rock record was also good enough to win the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. The peppy, technoesque "1901" has a certain Strokes vibe, and was the band's first single to chart in the U.S.

More from Arcade Fire. The exceptional storytelling is prominently displayed on the band's third studio release, which can be debated on whether or not for it's a traditional concept project. Regardless, listeners should agree that the lyrics work like a well-written novel about the upbringing of bandmates Win and Will Butler in Houston. The Suburbs won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and is highlighted by the stellar "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)." Though the title cut and "Ready to Start" are a strong 1-2 punch to open the record.

Hailing from a musical family, sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim were destined for indie pop stardom. Their combination of catchy hooks, cool lyrics and an undeniable L.A. sound made for one special debut record. Days Are Gone produced five singles, led by casually hip "The Wire," groovy "If I Could Change Your Mind" and splashy "Don't Save Me." A top-10 album on the Billboard 200, Days Are Gone earned platinum status in the United States and opened the door for these uber-talented singer/songwriter musicians to claim a prominent place on the mainstream pop-rock scene that they have not relinquished. 

By the time Anne Clark, aka St. Vincent, released this, her fifth studio album, she was already a force on the alternative music scene. However, Masseducation proved she was among the elite when it came to this genre of music during the 21st century, even if mainstream and casual fans of rock weren't completely aware of her talent. This was St. Vincent's first top-10 album in the United States (peaking at No. 6). While it earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, it won for Best Recording Package and the titillating title cut took home the same honor for Best Rock Song. 

Considering her immense amount of talent, it's somewhat hard to believe that Apple has released just five studio albums (as of 2023). Then again, everything she puts out is simply stellar. Case in point, 2020's Grammy Award-winning Fetch the Bolt Cutters, which took half of a decade to record and complete. Heavy on innovative percussion, it's no doubt Apple's most experimental album to date. The busy, yet jazzy, piano-heavy "Shemeika," which could double as a chase-scene background track from a Hollywood blockbuster, won the Grammy for Best Rock Song. 

Punisher was the second solo studio album from Bridgers, who showed maturity as both a performer and songwriter. Somewhat of a labor for love for Bridgers, Punisher took 1 1/2 years to record. She's somewhat of an old soul when it comes to her sound, which definitely has an indie flavor. This can surely be described as an emotional record, in terms of balancing what's inside, and how fans also see her out in the world. "Garden Song" has an undeniable folk vibe, while the Grammy Award-nominated "Kyoto" offers a tasty '90s alternative sound.

It's been 15 years since Fleet Foxes hit the scene with its superb self-titled debut. Between then and now, the band released three more studio records and went through a hiatus. However, 2020's Shore was truly the product of frontman Robin Pecknold, who essentially put it all together himself, including recording parts of it during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tune "Sunblind" is among the highlights of the record, and an homage to some of Pecknold's late musical idols like John Prine and Elliot Smith. Noted for a more "brighter" sound than the band's previous releases, Shore was nominated for the Best Alternative Music Album Grammy.

The British duo of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, better known as Wet Leg, certainly made a great first impression in 2022. Backed by the quirky hit "Chaise Longue," which won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance and still enjoys a massive online following, the act's self-titled debut album was praised by both fans and critics, alike. So much so, the indie/alternative pop-tinged record (think a poppier Blur or maybe an edgier Tegan and Sara) also took home the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. We can't wait to see what's next from the unique pair.