Editors' Notes
In the second decade of the 21st century, alternative rock and pop began to merge, remaking what the mainstream could sound like in the process. Whether it was in the defiant minimalism of Lorde's "Royals" or the zoned-out reverie of twenty one pilots' "Stressed Out", many of the brightest alternative stars of the ‘10s made radio bangers that were weird enough for the kids under the bleachers, but anthemic enough for the dance floor. Bands like The Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys brought the riffs, while artists like Tame Impala, Lana Del Rey and The xx valued vibes above all else, swaddling their melodies in warm textures and wistful nostalgia.
