What exactly is Alternative Rock?

I am not sure exactly what it is. It strikes a middle ground between heavy metal and pop, explained a 19-year old youth. Yes, despite alternative rock having a wide appeal among the youth, this type of music is relatively new. However, what has made this type of music so popular? As one youth put it, it seems to relate to different problems and experiences that we young people encounter. Admittedly, it can be hard to tear away from a form of music that seems to speak directly to your emotions. While it disturbs some adults and with little or no idea what alternative rock is, let us take a look at this form of music.

Alternative rock cannot easily be explained. Originally, it was the kind of music for the youths who wanted to be different. As the name suggests, it was an alternative form of music to the mainstream music common on radio. Some say that this form of music had its roots when local college radio stations gave airtime to virtually unknown bands. The songs themselves were also different in content. While rap and heavy metal music cover more or less the same content, alternative rock is about harder feelings. It covers a wide variety of sounds, feelings and moods. It is hard to classify exactly that it covers. What about the beat? Again, this can be described in one word alternative. The beat is neither hard or soft, fast or slow. One youth even said that he is not sure if likes alternative rock, because he does not even know what it is.

For many people, music is simply a matter of going after the crowd. For others however, it is the sound and the message that makes it so appealing. A lot of people seem to identify with songwriters feelings and experiences. Such feelings as despair, confusion and lust are common among the youth and alternative rock becomes a sort of an emotional sound track that speaks about them. However, despite the seemingly harmless nature of alternative rock, some bands show clear lack of balance. Some alternative forms of music can bring feelings of anger, depression and rebelliousness. Others have lyrics that identify not only the thoughts of the musicians, but also their lifestyles. All of these elements of the music can help to identify what genre the music belongs to. Even with alternative rock, remember to be selective with what you listen to.