1. Sign of the Times by Harry Styles: In 2017, the ex-boyband heart throb released his first solo self titled album, “Harry Styles”, which contained the dreamy ballad Sign of the Times. Harry’s solo album took a dramatic jump in music styles going from One Direction’s top ten radio pop to heartfelt alternative songs. Sign of the Times takes on the topic of moving past hard times and and not giving into them or giving up, including lyrics such as “stop your crying it’ll be alright” and “it’s a sign of the times”. Sign of the Times is the song that piqued the world’s interest in Harry Styles, and it’s very obvious why.

2. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac: Coming from Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album “Rumors”, The Chain puts a twist on your typical song about relationships and commitment with a catchy chorus and bridge. Not only will the lyrics be in your head for days, but you won’t be able to get the bassline and kick drum beat out of your head either. What makes this song stand out from other Fleetwood Mac songs–such as Landslide–is the upbeat alternative/rock vibe it gives off.

3. Trouble by Cage the Elephant: Off of their latest album “Tell Me I’m Pretty”, Cage the Elephant made yet another iconic song about the struggles of being yourself and feeling like you can’t be honest with others about who you are. The melodic guitar riff at the beginning of the song sets the stage for its catchy yet slow pace. Lyrics such as “trouble to my left, trouble to my right, I’ve been facing trouble all of my life” tells the lifelong inner struggle of doing what’s right or wrong and being who you are rather than following others. Despite being a slow paced song , the fact that almost every human can relate to the struggle of being honest with themselves is what makes this song the impactful and great alternative song it is.

4. Buttercup by Hippo Campus: An alternative indie rock band based out of St. Paul, Minnesota has had a quick rise in fame since they released their first full length album “Landmark”. The album, which contains Buttercup, a catchy yet empowering song, is one of the songs that sparked their popularity in the alternative music scene. Buttercup is an empowering song that could make anyone feel as if they could do anything. The song contains lyrics such as “I’ll be fine on my own” and “gonna stick to my guns” which encourage youth to depend on themselves and stand up for themselves in times that they feel are right. On top of the meaningful lyrics, this song has an impactful bridge which makes it what it is.

5. Someday by The Strokes: Along with all of the other songs off its album, Someday is an upbeat and happy song that has an old school feel. This goes right along with the true inspiration behind the song: the feeling of nostalgia and longing for the past. Right off the bat, listeners are hit with the lyrics “I miss the good old days,” that for most people makes them think of happy memories from their past. Throughout the song, the word “someday” is sung repeatedly, which along with the heavy guitar and drum throughout the song, is what makes it such a great and overall catchy song.