The greatest indie rock albums of all time all have a few things in common. They contain great, usually off-kilter songs. They’re made following the muse, often to dark corners, not trailing commercial expectations. And all, without exception, have caused a few other musicians to purchase the album and exclaim: “I must do something like this!”
Rob Sheffield, a music reviewer and a man who never interacted with an album in any genre that he didn’t enjoy, once said that bands who couldn’t cut it in punk-rock got another chance in the new wave. Indie-rock, after the 90s, can be a bit like that in relation to alternative rock. There is a good deal of cross-correlation.
Why do I think I’m capable of steering you right when it comes to indie rock albums? Well, I’ve made a few solo indie-rock-driven albums of my own and have played in bands for most of my life. If that wasn’t enough, for the past decade I have been reviewing bands on Alt77 and have, thus far, written of about 5.000 of them.
Some groups are better as indie-rock bands than they are as alternative-rock acts. Few are one thing or the other, although this, too, is not unheard of.
Top 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums of All-Time
Indie-rock vs. Alt-rock
Before we begin…
I’ve thus trimmed the fat off our Top 100 and eliminated some of the groups more commonly associated with alternative rock as well as punk, industrial rock, grunge, Britpop, classic rock etc.
Do I even like indie-rock? Do I know anything about it? I suppose that the majority of my life has been dominated by indie bands, ironically, most of whom are signed to major labels. I’ve reviewed thousands and thousands of bands like this for over a decade.
I’ve played in punk-adjacent indie-rock bands and recorded hundreds of songs. And, yes, sometimes I laugh at the term “indie,” and for all intents and purposes the fact it rarely delivers what the name might suggest.
For the most part, indie-rock is more adventurous. It involves fewer requirements of adhering to a standard sound. Bands don’t cling to a fashion code, either.
Yes, indie-rock stands for “independent music.” This was a perfectly good description until the early 1990s. Bands like Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth released albums independently. And, while the music was bizarre, through hard work and perseverance, it found a small, albeit dedicated audience.
After Nirvana’s breakthrough success, the distinction between alternative and indie was usually made by the level of testosterone-fueled aggression injected into alt-rock. Indie bands, instead, had more freedom, were often more emotional and, since the early 2000s, dressed to impress.
With this in mind, this is Alt77’s Top 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums of All-Time, all of them masterworks of this music genre.
1. ”Doolittle” (1989) – Pixies
“Doolittle” by Pixies didn’t take over the world… immediately. What it did do was signal to those interested in independent rock music that the best band of the period had reached its peak. As for changing the world, “Doolittle” went about it one band at a time and continues to influence.
Pixies may have, practically invited the soft-loud-soft dynamics that grunge built a fanbase on. But, even now, nothing on “Doolittle” sounds predictable. Perhaps its Frank Black’s extraordinary melodies, the jagged guitar lines of Joey Santiago or the backing vocals of Kim Deal. Or, perhaps, nobody wrote better songs death, sex, mutilation and the Catholic Church quite like Pixies.
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2. “The Queen is Dead” (1986) – The Smiths
“The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths, ironically, helped to anoint the Manchester group as the finest in the British Isles. It was a mighty good thing, too, since for this album, singer Morrissey had the British way of life firmly in his sights. Wickedly funny, taking aim at the Royal Crown, vicars, and evil bosses, “The Queen is Dead” seemed to speak directly to everyone who bought a copy of the album.
Years later, the beauty of the guitar arrangements designed by Johnny Marr remains unmatched, as do greatness-proving songs like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” or “Bigmouth Strikes Again.”
Read more about The Smiths with:
3. “Slanted & Enchanted” (1992) – Pavement
“Slanted & Enchanted” sounded like an independent rock band that had just discovered a new sound out of thin air. Listening to it closer, it was apparent that Pavement, led by singer-guitarist Stephen Malkmus, wasn’t searching with any great ambition.
Regardless, the band went on to become something of a hipster’s choice but never sounded as fresh and inspired as they did on “Slanted & Enchanted,” truly one of the greatest albums of all time in indie-rock.
4. “Tim” (1985) – The Replacements
“Tim” by The Replacements proved that the band’s hard-earned image as tough boozing punk-rockers was a bit of a lie. A little bit… In fact, Paul Westerberg’s great songs reveal great sensitivity. And the playing shows a band that could rock out and lean back when needed.
College radio made this into a classic. Like most of the greatest indie-rock albums, those who were on board all felt part of a secret. The Replacements were better than The Beatles, and only they knew it.
5. “You’re Living All Over Me” (1987) – Dinosaur Jr.
“You’re Living All Over Me” by Dinosaur Jr. is one of the definitive albums of 1980s independent music. It wasn’t merely the fact that this was an excellent record heavily promoted through DYI means.
Significant was also the fact that J. Mascis was a full-blown guitar hero who could’ve easily chosen to pivot his band toward radio-friendly music. He didn’t, and, in turn, Dinosaur Jr. continues to be viewed as one of the most important bands in indie-rock.
6. “Elephant” (2003) – The White Stripes
“Elephant” by The White Stripes was the album that Meg and Jack White had been working toward making for a few years. The dynamic duo was, of course, one of the most critically acclaimed groups of the early 2000s. “Elephant” confirmed the hype.
The White Stripes were as weird and mysterious as the critics had suggested. But Jack White also had some incredible songs in his back pocket, and he knew it, too. “Seven Nation Army” became an unlikely sports anthem. But from “Ball and Biscuit” to “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine”, this is one of the greatest indie-rock collections of songs of all time.
7. “Odelay” (1996) – Beck
“Odelay” by Beck made listeners and musicians have to rethink just what they were allowed to do and like. Beck felt no loyalty to a single genre or even to his chart-topping hit “Loser.”
Instead, he was interested in cutting-edge recording and production techniques and in blending them with a myriad of retro or futuristic music styles. This may have been revolutionary, but the public and critics got it right away. “Odelay” is a monumental album and one of the best indie-rock records of all time.
8. “The Stone Roses” (1989) – The Stone Roses
“The Stone Roses” caught the band at its very best. Had this been recorded a little earlier, the Manchester band wouldn’t have been ready. Had it been recorded later, they would no longer have had the right energy. But, as things stood, in 1989, nobody could outplay and outparty The Stone Roses, a band equal parts 1960s good vibe and late 80s dance music.
“The Stone Roses” confirmed the suspicion that rock and dance music did go together. Since few have managed to do it better, I conclude that this debut is one of the best indie-rock albums of all time.
9. “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” (2006) – Arctic Monkeys
“Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” by Arctic Monkeys was received by the British music press with the excitement that they usually reserve for the birth of a new addition to The Royal Family. Was it all hype? No!
In 2006, nobody was lighter or faster on their feet than Alex Turner and his brilliantly witty lyrics about Sheffield. And the band, all absolute beginner musicians, were on fire here. “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” stood the test of time. In fact, it still sounds fresh, which is an important factor in its being considered to be one of the greatest indie-rock albums.
10. “Is This It” (2001) – The Strokes
“Is This It” by The Strokes changed the rock music scene at the start of the 2000s and launched more copycats than a New York karaoke party. But it was only fitting. The Strokes came prepared. The band was influenced by fellow NYC bands from the 70s, like Television and The Velvet Underground.
They had the tunes, they had the haircuts, and, just as importantly, they had the skinny jeans. Like Arctic Monkeys’ debut, the hype hasn’t died down. The image wasn’t what made The Strokes. It was an excellent collection of songs. This is the most influential indie-rock album of the early 2000s.
Top 11 – 20
11. “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” (1998) – Neutral Milk Hotel
“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” could’ve been lost to time and enjoyed exclusively by a small community of freak folk enthusiasts were it not for the internet. Now, in more innocent times, people shared their preferences across the web, and Neutral Milk Hotel entered something of a beatification process.
“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” touched a chord with nearly everyone who heard it. Unlike “Is This It”, it hasn’t been copied often. Not successfully. “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is one of the best indie-rock albums of all time because it is a one-off.
12. “Surfer Rosa” (1988) – Pixies
“Surfer Rosa” by Pixies describes a violent world in which God punished humans, and the humans rebelled with terrible acts. But it sounded absolutely beautiful. As harmonious-sounding as The Beach Boys and as psychotic as a sociopath’s convention, Pixies was hard to pin down.
What was clear was that few bands had made a debut studio album as good as “Surfer Rosa.” Most of the musicians who heard it took something from it. This is one of the foundations for the indie-rock genre.
13. “If You’re Feeling Sinister” (1996) – Belle and Sebastian
“If You’re Feeling Sinister” by Belle & Sebastian was everything that clamorous mid-90s alternative rock couldn’t be – tenderly poetic. Belle & Sebastian’s music, like that of The Smiths, before them, sounded as if it was made by bookworms glancing at a Summer’s day from their dark bedroom.
The Scottish group showed a greater interest in old-fashioned folk music than in distortion pedals. Many people felt exactly the same way. This helped turn “If You’re Feeling Sinister” into something of an underground sensation, and the band continues to be popular today.
14. “Violent Femmes” (1983) – Violent Femmes
“Violent Femmes,” like the work of Pixies, seemed to be made by degenerates with the greatest ears for melodies. But this was no shock rock in the vein of Ozzy Osbourne or Alice Cooper. This…seemed to be the real thing.
Quirkiness aside, “Violent Femmes” was loaded with great songs like “Blister in the Sun” or “Gone Daddy Gone.” This manic, acoustic-based indie-rock is a stone-cold classic, and all the more special since Violent Femmes never came close to repeating it.
15. “Daydream Nation” (1988) – Sonic Youth
“Daydream Nation” by Sonic Youth was the underground group’s most inventive, daring release and, coincidentally, the moment when mainstream listeners became partly receptive. This is quite an incredible achievement and speaks to the overwhelming quality of the album.
“Daydream Nation” is no easy listen. It features feedback, wild dissonance, and strangely tuned guitars played in unorthodox ways. Sonic Youth had always dreamed of themselves as dadaist rockers and came closest to their goal here.
16. ”The Holy Bible” (1994) – Manic Street Preachers
”The Holy Bible” is an unrelenting piece of indie-rock nihilism, the kind that even Friedrich Nietzsche might feel uncomfortable with. Having succeeded with the initial phase for chart success, Manic Street Preachers was to take out its dissatisfaction with their newfound status and the world at large in these songs.
The collection reflects Richey Edwards‘ frail state of mind. But it also captures an uncompromising, angry, young band making one of the best indie-rock albums of all time.
17. “Up the Bracket” (2002) – The Libertines
“Up the Bracket” by The Libertines was as much a great album about the British way of life as “The Queen is Dead” or “Arthur (or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire).” The fact that it had been the band’s love for New York’s The Strokes that had launched this didn’t matter.
Neither did Peter Doherty and Carl Barat’s predilection to prioritise Camden Street parties over recording. The Libertines had the songs and the look. “Time for Heroes” or “Boys in the Band” were exceptional. It was some of the best indie-rock that happened in the U.K. in the 2000s.
18. “Pyschocandy” (1985) – The Jesus and Mary Chain
“Pyschocandy” by The Jesus and Mary Chain sounds like a great plan that could only work on paper. But it did, and it was a group of extremely cool-looking Scottish musicians who brought Beach Boys-like melodies and song structure together with colossal levels of feedback that only The Velvet Underground would have sanctioned.
“Just Like Candy” and “You Trip Me Up” are indicative of the time, and “Psychocandy” has to be considered one of the best indie-rock albums ever.
19. “Loveless” (1991) – My Bloody Valentine
“Loveless” by My Bloody Valentine has a story that is nearly as famous as the music found on the album. My Bloody Valentine, like Primal Scream or The Jesus and Mary Chain, was under the patronage of Creation Records’ Alan McGee.
But the never-ending recording sessions for this album nearly bankrupted the label. Once it was finally over, all of the effort was rewarded instantly. Nothing sounded like “Loveless”, and it’s hard to imagine that anything truly ever will.
20. “Unknown Pleasures” (1979) – Joy Division
“Unknown Pleasures” by Joy Division is responsible for all of the modern post-punk bands that you may or may not like and all of the T-shirts being worn by would-be hipsters. It’s odd, however, since this is a beautiful, sincere and, at times, hard-to-listen-to album.
Joy Division remade English punk rock their way, substituting speed for moodiness, and created one of the greatest albums ever in the process.
Top 21 – 30
21. “Spiderland” (1991) – Slint
I suppose it is true that guitar music gets altered every few years. But those are, usually, silent revolutions. Slint’s “Spiderland,” essentially, invented the post-rock scene. But, other than some members of the music intelligentsia, like Steve Albini, few noticed back in 1991.
“Spiderland” would prove, however, immensely influential. The band’s work with minimalist guitar parts, unusual rhythms and, above all, sonic textures and silences, is an element replicated by a host of modern post-rock bands. “Spiderland” was a silent revolution in indie, indeed!
22. “The Smiths” (1984) – The Smiths
“The Smiths,” for all intents and purposes, reinvented guitar music in an era where shiny, over-produced pop was the main driver of sales in the music biz.
It’s often been said that The Smiths were to the 1980s what The Beatles were to the 1960s, minus some of the commercial appeal. I think that this is true!
Led by the unusual, by the brilliant songwriting partnership of Johnny Marr, the man responsible for the melodic guitar lines, and Morrissey, the one responsible for the clever lyrics, the songs on “The Smiths” are brilliant work.
23. “Screamadelica” (1991) – Primal Scream
“Screamadelica” was a game-changer. Bobby Gillespie and his Primal Scream cohorts were always interested in whatever sound and aesthetic was coolest. In Britain of the early 1990s, that was acid house and rave culture.
“Screamadelica” brought that electronic dance music into the mainstream. Meanwhile, Primal Scream retained their rocking Stonesy swagger and continued to establish itself as one of the most important indie bands in the world.
24.“AM” (2013) – Arctic Monkeys
There was certainly a risk that Arctic Monkeys in 2010 would simply become a cult act. The band was certainly cool and had, seemingly, given up on writing catchy singles as they had on their debut.
Then “AM” happened. It’s no exaggeration to say that “AM” was the biggest indie-rock album since the mid-2000s. Exploring the blend of hip-hop grooves, minimalist guitar riffs and Alex Turner’s surreal lyrics, “AM” was loaded with hits. And, besides, it is a great indie-rock album!
25. “Let It Be” (1984) – The Replacements
The point about “Let It Be” wasn’t just to show that The Replacements had better songs than most of their contemporaries. Just as important was Paul Westerberg and his bandmates’ desire to show that they simply didn’t care about the results of their actions.
Young, snotty, but incredibly well-built, “Let It Be” is one of the greatest collections of indie rock tunes. From the anthemic “I Will Dare,” the surprisingly thoughtful “Androgynous” and “Unsatisfied,” or the cover of a KISS tune, there’s always something to love about this Replacements album.
26. “White Blood Cells” (2001) – The White Stripes
When everyone was adding, The White Stripes were subtracting. And, through this strategy, Meg and Jack White got to the very heart of rock n’ roll.
In an era defined by cool indie rock bands, like The Strokes or Interpol, The White Stripes stood in a world of their very own.
“White Blood Cells,” of course, was confirmation of all the hype the band had received from critics. Garage-rockers like “Fell in Love with a Girl” blend seamlessly with the country-tinged “Hotel Yorba” or the folksy “We’re Going to Be Friends.”
“White Blood Cells” was an instant indie-rock classic!
27. “Turn on the Bright Lights” (2002) – Interpol
It’s quite a thing for your music to define an era and a place. It’s all the more impressive when your music is for many the soundtrack to post-9/11 New York City. But that’s just what Interpol’s post-punk revival debut album did.
Unlike their more boisterous contemporaries, “Turn on the Bright Lights” has an air of unresolved melancholy. Ian Curtis-like baritone singing floats about bass lines that sit at the intersection between The Cure and Duran Duran. This is one of the great albums of the early 2000s!
28. “Either/Or” (1997) – Elliott Smith
There are moments when I listen to Elliott Smith’s music when it feels like I am intruding on a man’s most private thoughts. Certainly, among all the artists on this list, he is one of the most revealing songwriters.
However, “Either/Or” is also Smith’s most accessible and prettiest record. Equally a record of tortured poetry, as well as one full of Lennon/McCartney-like melodies, “Either/Or” is an indie-rock landmark.
29. “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” (1994) – Pavement
Pavement’s debut album must’ve felt, I gather, like esoteric knowledge delivered through guitar noise. Meanwhile, “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain,” the follow-up, showed that these slacker rockers were willing to engage with audiences after all.
There is still demolishing guitar noise on display, along with Stonesy grooves. However, this time, Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg’s melodic leanings are also encouraged.
“Range Life,” “Gold Soundz”, or “Cut Your Hair” are some of Pavement’s most memorable songs. And. “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” is one of the great indie-rock albums
30. “Bug” (1988) – Dinosaur Jr.
Early Dinosaur Jr. was one of the most influential bands to come out of the late-1980s American underground rock. It was a sound dominated by the terrifyingly distorted guitar leads and the contrasting, relaxed singing, both belonging to J. Mascis.
Of the band’s late 80’s material, “Bug” includes the most palatable, melodic songs. The masterpiece “Freak Scene” is here. Of course, everything is drenched in walls of noise. Artsy, rocking, and single-minded in their approach, Dinosaur Jr. recorded an indie-rock classic with “Bug.”
Top 31 – 40
31.“Rid of Me” (1993) – PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey was one of the most imaginative songwriters of the 1990s. She was also one of the truly original creations. Her sophomore record (recorded as a confident, grunge-styled power trio) was filled with startling, aggressive stories and confessions. But, compared to the also brilliant debut, I think that this one shines in terms of songwriting.
32. “On Fire” (1989) – Galaxie 500
Yes, it was my choice to pick “On Fire,” and I stand by it. Galaxie 500 made clever, esoteric, soft guitar music. What else could you call it but indie? In fact, if you don’t believe me that this album deserves a mention here, play alongside your favourite indie-rock release of the 2000s and, I am sure, you will be steered straight.
33.“Favourite Worst Nightmare” (2007) – Arctic Monkeys
Sure, it wasn’t quite as good as their debut. That’s what every critic must’ve said at the time. And I agree.
But “Favourite Worst Nightmare” given time shines in its own right and by its own merits. This is Arctic Monkeys and Alex Turner at their cheekiest, most clever, and least rehearsed. A fantastic indie rock release.
34. “American Water” (1998) – Silver Jews
I am sure that those reading the list will be surprised by the inclusion of “American Water” by Silver Jews. Some will, surely.
I stand by it, however. It’s an absolute heartbreaker of an album that’s as much a poetry recital as it’s a collection of songs. David Berman’s undoubted talent shines best on this record.
35. “De Stijl” (2000) – The White Stripes
The White Stripes weren’t just a great, bluesy garage-rock bands. To my mind, Meg and Jack White were incredible strategists. With “De Stijl,” they took inspiration from European abstract art and boiled indie-rock down to its essentials. For the most part this means playing the blues very aggressively. But, boy, this one still sounds exciting to my ears.
36. “Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia” (2000) – The Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols were impossibly cool. That was my first impression of the band. I maintain it all these years later. But, on “Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia,” the band did more than represent retro-styled 60s-influenced rock. They created hit songs. They still get played on the radio and for all the right reasons. This is one of the coolest indie albums ever made.
37. “Veni Vidi Vicious” (2000) – The Hives
The Hives didn’t just remake garage-rock. They added an immense sense of excitement, I felt. And, “Veni Vidi Vicious,” with its colossal guitar riffs and cartoonish violence, I think, is the band at its peak. For me, this is one of the albums on this list that I play most often.
38. “Exile in Guyville” (1993) – Liz Phair
Liz Phair had great ambitions of being a top songwriter. I find it inspiring, and somewhat intimidating, how much of herself she was able to pour in “Exile in Guyville.” It’s an album that’s inspired in equal parts by teenage relationships, by grunge music and by the sprawling nature of “Exile on Main Street.” Some critics don’t like it, but I’m not one of them.
39. “Dry” (1992) – PJ Harvey
There was nobody more direct in their writing, or more effective in presenting their performance than PJ Harvey. “Dry,” in my opinion should be treated as a record every bit as revolutionary as “Nevermind.” However, fortunately for Polly Jean Harvey, this one was an album far more difficult to imitate than Nirvana.
40. “Franz Ferdinand” (2004) – Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand sparked back the commercial of art-rock in a major way with the band’s debut. Sure, the Scottish group wasn’t all about minimalist fashion looks and Bauhaus-borrowed tactics. I wasn’t initially on board with those big stadium-rock guitar riffs and the indie melodies. But I’ve learned to love it and you should as well.
Top 41 – 50
41. “Salad Days” (2014) – Mac DeMarco
42. “The Moon and Antarctica” (2000) – Modest Mouse
43. “Green Mind” (1991) – Dinosaur Jr.
44. “III” (1991) – Sebadoh
45. “Funeral” (2004) – Arcade Fire
46.“Bossanova” (1990) – Pixies
47. “13” (1999) – Blur
48. “Zen Arcade” (1984) – Husker Du
49. “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” (2002) – Wilco
50. “Yoshimi Battles the Big Pink Robots” (2002) – The Flaming Lips
Read more on the subject with:
- The 100 Greatest Indie Rock Bands and Artists of All Time
- Best New Indie and Alternative Playlist
- The 100 Best Indie Rock Songs of All Time
- The 100 Greatest Indie-Rock Albums of the 2000s
Top 51 – 60
51.“Repeater” (1990) – Fugazi
52. “Vampire Weekend” (2008) – Vampire Weekend
53. “New Day Rising” (1985) – Husker Du
54. “Closer” (1980) – Joy Division
55. “Double Nickels on the Dime” (1984) – Minutemen
56. “Let England Shake” (2011)– PJ Harvey
57. “Bakesale” (1994) – Sebadoh
58. “I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One” (1997) – Yo La Tengo
59.“Last Splash” (1993) – The Breeders
60. “Moon Safari” (1998) – Air
Top 61 – 70
61. “Highly Evolved” (2002) – The Hives
62. “LCD Soundsystem” (2005) – LCD Soundsystem
63. “Songs About Fucking” (1987) – Big Black
64. “Before Today” (2010) – Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
65. “It’s Blitz” (2009) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
66. “Tyrrannosaurus Hives” (2004) – The Hives
67. “Modern Guilt” (2008) – Beck
68. “Light Up Gold” (2013) – Parquet Courts
69. “The Lonesome Crowded West” (1997) – Modest Mouse
70. “Starlite Walker” (1994) – Silver Jews
Top 71 – 80
71. “Their Satanic Majesties’ Second Request” (1996) – The Brian Jonestown Massacre
72. “Costello Music” (2006) – The Fratellis
73. “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” (2004) – Modest Mouse
74. “FIDLAR” (2013) – FIDLAR
75. “Franz Ferdinand” (2004) – Franz Ferdinand
76. “I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning” (2005) – Bright Eyes
77. “Dear Science” (2008) – TV on the Radio
78.“The Suburbs” (2010) – Arcade Fire
79.“Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” (2009) – Phoenix
80. “The Hour of Bewilderbeast” (2000) – Badly Drawn Boy
Top 81 – 90
81.“In Our Heads” (2012) – Hot Chip
82. “Smoke Ring for My Halo” (2011) – Kurt Vile
83. “Moon Pix” (1998) – Cat Power
84. “Dirty” (1992) – Sonic Youth
85. “Beyond” (2007) – Dinosaur Jr.
86. “Lonerism” (2012) – Tame Impala
87. “Neon Bible” (2007) – Arcade Fire
88. “What the Toll Tells” (2006) – Two Gallants
89. “Twins” (2012) – Ty Segall
90. “Red Apple Falls” (1997) – Smog
Top 91 – 100
91. “One Chord to Another” (1996) – Sloan
92. “Gentlemen” (1993) – Afghan Whigs
93. “You Forgot It In People” (2002) – Broken Social Scene
94. “On Avery Island” (1996) – Neutral Milk Hotel
95. “Terrible Human Beings” (2017) – The Orwells
96. “Was Dead” (2008) – King Tuff
97. “Crazy Rhythms” (1980) – The Feelies
98. “Bee Thousand” (1994) – Guided By Voices
99. “Illinois” (2005) – Sufjan Stevens
100. “Flood” (1990) – They Might Be Giants
Need a refresher on what these bands and artists sound like? Make sure to check out our dedicated Best Indie Albums of All-Time Playlist.
Looking for a deeper dive? You should definitely head over to our 100 Greatest Indie-Rock Bands and Artists, Greatest Alternative Bands, Greatest Alternative Albums, or, of course, The Greatest 100 Alternative Rock Songs of the 90s.
Honorable Mentions
Top 101 – 110
101. “Oracular Spectacular” (2007) – MGMT
102. “XO” (1998) – Elliott Smith
103.“Moseley Shoals” (1996) – Ocean Colour Scene
104.“Bass Drum of Death” (2013) – Bass Drum of Death
105. “Capture/Release” (2005) – The Rakes
106. “No Need to Argue” (1994) – The Cranberries
107. “It’s a Shame About Ray” (1992) – The Lemonheads
108. “Inside In/Inside Out” (2006) – The Kooks
109. “For Respect” (1993) – Don Caballero
110. “Deserter’s Songs” (1998) – Mercury Rev
Top 111 – 120
111. “Pawn Shoppe Heart” (2004) – The Von Bondies
112. “Gimme Fiction” (2005) – Spoon
113. “London 0 Hull 4” (1986) – The Housemartins
114. “Beautiful Freak” (1996) – Eels
115. “Fakebook” (2001) – Yo La Tengo
116. “The Body, The Blood, The Machine” (2006) – The Thermals
117.“Chutes Too Narrow” (2003) – The Shins
118. “Plans” (2005) – Death Cab For Cutie
119. “More Adventurous” (2004) – Rilo Kiley
120. “Boys and Girls in America” (2006) – The Hold Steady
Top 121 – 130
121. “Give Up” (2003) – The Postal Service
122. “Broken Bells” (2010) – Broken Bells
123. “You Are Free” (2003) – Cat Power
124. “Dig Me Out” (1997) – Sleater-Kinney
125.“Picaresque” (2005) – The Decemberists
126. “Suck It and See” (2011) – Arctic Monkeys
127. “Walking on a Pretty Daze” (2013) – Kurt Vile
128. “Mass Romantic” (2000) – The New Pornographers
129. “Antics” (2004) – Interpol
130. “To Bring You My Love” (1995) – PJ Harvey
Top 131 – 140
131.“Goo” (1990) – Sonic Youth
132. “Where You Been” (1993) – Dinosaur Jr.
133.“Call The Doctor” (1996) – Sleater-Kinney
134. “Humbug” (2009) – Arctic Monkeys
135. “Keep It Like a Secret” (1999) – Built to Spill
136.“Music from the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle” (1996) – The Olivia Tremor Control
137. “Copper Blue” (1992) – Sugar
138.“Ride The Tiger” (1986) – Yo La Tengo
139. “Thank You Happy Birthday” (2011) – Cage the Elephant
140.“Oh, Inverted World” (2001) – The Shins
Top 141 – 150
141. “Take It from the Man” (1996) – The Brian Jonestown Massacre
142. “The Monitor” (2010) – Titus Andronicus
143. “Right Thoughts Right Words Right Action” (2013) – Franz Ferdinand
144. “Almost Killed Me” (2004) – The Hold Steady
145. “My Head is an Animal” (2011) – Of Monsters and Men
146. “Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?” (1997) – Harvey Danger
147. “Too” (2015) – FIDLAR
148. “Fashion Nugget” (1996) – CAKE
149. “In the Mountain in the Cloud” (2011) – Portugal. The Man
150. “The Balcony” (2014) – Catfish & The Bottlemen
