The Best Alternative Rock Music of 2020

Check out our list of the best alternative rock music of 2020. This list includes a mix of both up-and-coming artists and well-established acts.

Best Overall

We’ve gathered the best alternative rock music of 2020 so far, including new music from The Strokes, Tame Impala, and more.

Best New Artist

It’s been an amazing year for new music, with a plethora of great albums being released in a wide range of genres. One genre that has seen a particular resurgence in popularity is alternative rock, which has produced some truly outstanding records in 2020.

So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best alternative rock albums of 2020.

-The Strokes – The New Abnormal
-Beck – Hyperspace
-Clairo – Immunity
-The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form
-Little Simz – GREY Area
-Yves Tumor – Heaven to a Tortured Mind

Best Album

We’ve rounded up the best alternative rock albums of 2020 so far, including records fromexit_music, The Strokes, Hozier, and more.

Best Song

The Best Alternative Rock Music of 2020 according to Rolling Stone

1. “Shameika” by Fiona Apple
2. “The Steps” by Haim
3. “Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers
4. “Time (You and I)” by HAIM
5. “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Strokes
6. “Boys in the Backyard” by Paul Kelly and the Messengers
7. “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” by Spiritualized

Best Live Act

Rock music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many young people rediscovering the genre. Alternative rock music, in particular, has been making a comeback, with a new crop of bands and artists reinventing the sound for a new generation.

As we head into 2020, there are a number of alternative rock bands and artists that are worth keeping an eye on. From established names to up-and-comers, these are some of the best alternative rock acts around.

Live Act:

1. Foo Fighters: Formed in 1994, Foo Fighters are one of the most successful alternative rock bands of all time. They have won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, and their live show is legendary. If you’re looking for a high-energy live act, Foo Fighters are a great choice.

2. Muse: Muse formed in 1994 and quickly rose to prominence with their unique brand of alternative rock. They have won two Grammy Awards and their live shows are an exhilarating experience. If you want to see a band that knows how to put on a show, Muse is definitely worth checking out.

3. Arcade Fire: Arcade Fire formed in 2001 and quickly became one of the most acclaimed alternative rock bands around. Their live shows are an intoxicating mix of energy and emotion, and they always deliver a memorable performance. If you’re looking for an unforgettable live experience, Arcade Fire should be at the top of your list.

Best Music Video

Released in May of 2020, “The Middle” is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. The song was written by lead singer and guitarist Jim Adkins, and it was produced by the band’s longtime producerGregory Page. “The Middle” was released as the second single from the band’s ninth studio album Integrity Blues (2016). The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, making it the band’s highest-charting single in nearly a decade.

The accompanying music video for “The Middle” was directed by Tim Mattia and it features actress Chloe Grace Moretz. The video follows Moretz as she goes about her day, encountering various challenges and obstacles. At the end of the video, Moretz finds herself in the middle of a dance party, surrounded by friends.

Critics praised “The Middle” for its catchy hook and positive message. The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2018 Grammy Awards.

Best Lyricist

In no particular order, here are our favorite lyricists in alternative rock for 2020.

1. Grouplove- “Deleter”
2. The Naked and Famous- “Bury Us”
3. The 1975- “People”
4. Bastille- ” survivin'”
5. glass animals- “It’s All so Incredibly Loud”
6. Houses- “Fast Talk”
7. Hozier- “Nina Cried Power”
8 lovelytheband- “These Are My Friends”
9. PUP- “Children of the Screens”
10. Hinds- “Riding Solo”

Best Guitarist

In 2020, there were many great alternative rock bands whose music was enjoyed by fans around the world. While there are too many great artists to list them all here, we wanted to highlight some of the best guitarists in the genre. These guitarists exemplify the skill and creativity that make alternative rock so special.

Garrett Oppenheim of The 1975 is one of the best guitarists in alternative rock. His innovative style blends together various genres, including punk, pop, and even classical music. His playing is always fresh and exciting, and he knows how to create catchy hooks that will stay in your head for days.

John Mayer is another guitarist who deserves recognition for his work in the alternative rock genre. Mayer is a master of blues guitar, and he infuses his own style into every song he plays. His solos are always soulful and full of feeling, making him one of the most expressive guitarists in the genre.

Finally,foK Zachary Caraher of Motion City Soundtrack is a guitarist who always brings his own unique flavor to his band’s sound. Caraher’s riffs are catchy and hook-laden, but they also have an emotive quality that makes them stand out from other guitarists in the genre. He knows how to create atmosphere with his playing, and his solos are always worth waiting for.

Best Bassist

In 2020, there were many great bassists in the alternative rock world. Here are some of the best:

Puppy:
Puppy is a British alternative rock band from London, England. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist Jock Norton, bassist Billy Howard, and drummer Andy Hopkins. Puppy’s sound has been described as “a combination of grunge, punk, and pop”.

Norton’s bass playing has been praised for its “catchy hooks and driving rhythms”. Howard’s playing has been described as “solid” and “powerful”, while Hopkins’ drumming has been praised for its “precision and power”.

Best Drummer

The best drummers of 2020 are a varied bunch, from musical mavericks to those who have perfected their craft. From jazz to rock, there are plenty of exceptional performers out there keeping the beat. Here are our picks for the best drummers of 2020.

Harry Styles – While he is better known as a singer and songwriter, Harry Styles is also an excellent drummer. He has a natural talent for it and was able to keep up with some of the best in the business during his time with One Direction.

Matt Helders – Matt Helders is the drummer for Arctic Monkeys and has been praised for his unique style and energy. He is one of the most exciting drummers to watch live and always puts on a great show.

Fabrizio Moretti – Fabrizio Moretti is the drummer for The Strokes and is known for his unique approach to the instrument. He often uses strange techniques and sounds to create interesting rhythms.

John Bonham – John Bonham was the drummer for Led Zeppelin and is considered by many to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. He was known for his powerful playing and innovative style.