In the world of indie music, there are certain songs that have become iconic anthems, capturing the spirit and energy of the genre. These songs have resonated with fans around the world, becoming timeless classics that continue to be celebrated and enjoyed. In this article, we will explore the top 20 indie anthems of all time, as voted by readers of NME.com. From The Stone Roses to The Killers, these songs have left an indelible mark on the indie music landscape.
20. The Stone Roses - 'I Am The Resurrection' Kicking off our list at number 20 is The Stone Roses' 'I Am The Resurrection'. This track, with its infectious energy and memorable guitar riffs, has solidified its place as one of the ultimate indie anthems. The Stone Roses' reunion only further cemented the enduring popularity of this song.
19. Arctic Monkeys - 'Mardy Bum' Coming in at number 19 is 'Mardy Bum' by Arctic Monkeys. With their distinctive sound and clever lyrics, Arctic Monkeys have become synonymous with indie music. 'Mardy Bum', from their debut album, showcases their talent for crafting catchy and relatable songs.
18. Oasis - 'Cigarettes And Alcohol' Oasis, one of the most influential bands of the Britpop era, makes their first appearance on our list at number 18 with 'Cigarettes And Alcohol'. Despite controversy surrounding its similarity to other songs, this track propelled Oasis to stardom and remains a fan favorite .
17. Arctic Monkeys - 'Fluorescent Adolescent' Arctic Monkeys make another appearance on our list with 'Fluorescent Adolescent' at number 17. This song's success on the UK Indie Chart and its memorable music video featuring clowns have made it a beloved indie anthem.
16. The White Stripes - 'Seven Nation Army' At number 16, we have The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army'. This song's infectious guitar riff and powerful vocals have made it an instant classic. It's no wonder it was named one of the best songs of the past 15 years.
15. The Strokes - 'Someday' The Strokes burst onto the indie music scene with their debut album, and 'Someday' represents their contribution to the genre. This song, accompanied by a video featuring Slash, showcases The Strokes' talent for creating guitar-driven indie rock.
14. Arctic Monkeys - 'A Certain Romance' Arctic Monkeys make their third appearance on our list with 'A Certain Romance' at number 14. This closing track from their debut album has garnered critical acclaim and secured its place as one of the top indie tracks of the decade.
13. Blur - 'Song 2' Blur's 'Song 2' takes the 13th spot on our list. This high-energy track became a massive hit for the band, both in the UK and internationally. Its catchy chorus and energetic sound have made it a staple of indie music.
12. The Smiths - 'This Charming Man' No indie anthem list would be complete without The Smiths, and 'This Charming Man' represents their contribution to the genre. Released as their second single, this song showcases Morrissey and Marr's unique blend of wit and melody.
11. The Strokes - 'Reptilia' The Strokes make their second appearance on our list with 'Reptilia' at number 11. This song, featured in popular video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, solidified The Strokes' status as more than just a one-hit wonder.
10. Pulp - 'Common People' Representing the Britpop era, Pulp's 'Common People' takes the 10th spot on our list. This song, voted the third greatest indie anthem ever by NME, captures the essence of the genre with its catchy hooks and insightful lyrics.
9. The Verve - 'Bittersweet Symphony' 'Bittersweet Symphony' by The Verve holds the 9th position on our list. This iconic track, known for its sweeping orchestral arrangement and poignant lyrics, has left an indelible mark on the indie music landscape.
8. The Smiths - 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' At number 8, we have another classic from The Smiths, 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'. This song, with its melancholic beauty and introspective lyrics, has become a beloved indie anthem.
7. Joy Division - 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' takes the 7th spot on our list. This song, the band's first chart hit, remains their most memorable and enduring track. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics continue to resonate with listeners.
6. Arctic Monkeys - 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' Arctic Monkeys make their fourth appearance on our list with 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' at number 6. This song, awarded the 'Best Track' title at the 2006 NME Awards, solidified Arctic Monkeys' status as one of the greatest indie rock bands of our time.
5. The Libertines - 'Can't Stand Me Now' The Libertines' 'Can't Stand Me Now' secures the 5th spot on our list. This song, released shortly before the band's breakup, captures the tension and raw emotion of a crumbling friendship. Fortunately, The Libertines reunited shortly after, delighting fans around the world.
4. The Strokes - 'Last Nite' At number 4, we have The Strokes' breakout hit, 'Last Nite'. This song propelled The Strokes to stardom and brought guitar-driven indie rock back into the mainstream. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks have made it a fan favorite.
3. Oasis - 'Live Forever' Taking the 3rd spot on our list is 'Live Forever' by Oasis. This song, with its simple yet powerful lyrics, has become an anthem of hope and resilience. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of indie music at its most refined.
2. The Killers - 'Mr Brightside' 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers secures the 2nd spot on our list. This song, with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics, struck a chord with listeners around the world. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance have made it one of the greatest indie anthems of all time.
1. The Killers - 'When You Were Young' And finally, taking the top spot on our list is 'When You Were Young' by The Killers. This song, chosen by millions of fans, represents the epitome of an indie anthem. Its powerful vocals, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyrics have made it an unforgettable classic .
In conclusion, these 20 indie anthems have left an indelible mark on the music world. From The Stone Roses to The Killers, each song represents the spirit and energy of indie music. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the genre, these tracks are essential listening for anyone who appreciates the power of indie music. So turn up the volume, embrace the indie spirit, and enjoy these timeless classics.