Best alternative songs 2017 captures a year where guitar-driven rock shared space with moody electronic textures and defiant indie anthems. This overview highlights tracks that shaped playlists, radio shows, and live stages, balancing mainstream reach with underground credibility.
From stadium singalongs to intimate club sets, the best alternative songs 2017 blend sharp songwriting with production that appeals to both long-time fans and new listeners chasing fresh hooks.
2017 Alternative Hits Snapshot
Tracks that dominated streaming, radio rotation, festival stages, and critical lists, representing the year's strongest alternative wave.
| Title | Artist | Peak Chart Position | Key Theme | Impact & Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel It Still | Portugal. The Man | #1 Billboard Hot 100 | Anthemic pop-rock revival | Grammy win, stadium singalong staple |
| Sign of the Times | Harry Styles | #4 Billboard Hot 100 | Theatrical rock ballad | Solo breakout, critical acclaim |
| Fake Plastic Trees | Radiohead | Viral resurgence on streaming | Emotional alt-rock | Reignited classic status, frequent live feature |
| The Less I Know the Better | Tame Impala | #9 Billboard Alternative Songs | Psychedelic indie-funk | Tour highlight, festival anthem |
Anthemic Choruses That Defined Mainstream Radio
Songs like Feel It Still turned retro energy into modern hits, pairing singalong choruses with concise arrangements that fit perfectly between mainstream pop tracks.
These tracks prioritized strong melodies, instantly recognizable guitar riffs, and uplifting refrains, making them staples on alternative radio and late-night show soundtracks.
Gloomy Indie and Textured Experimentation
Dark, atmospheric productions
While anthems surged, many listeners also sought moodier soundscapes, with songs like Fake Plastic Trees offering orchestral melancholy and introspective lyrics.
Studio innovation
Artists layered synths, echoing vocals, and dynamic shifts to create space for both danceable grooves and quiet, haunting moments within the same track.
Festival-Ready Indie-Funk and Psychedelia
Tracks such as The Less I Know the Better carried bright grooves, hypnotic basslines, and warped guitar tones that turned festival fields into dance floors under the open sky.
These songs highlighted how alternative music in 2017 embraced live instrumentation while flirting with electronic production and psychedelic detail.
Key Takeaways on Best Alternative Songs 2017
- Anthemic pop-rock tracks topped charts and festival lineups
- Guitar hooks coexisted with moody, atmospheric production
- Psychedelic indie-funk brought danceable energy to outdoor stages
- Streaming revived interest in deeper catalog cuts
- Radio and festival circuits rewarded strong melodies and live instrumentation
FAQ
Reader questions
Which 2017 alternative song had the longest chart run on radio?
Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man maintained high radio rotation for over six months, making it one of the year's longest-running alternative hits.
Did 2017 see a return to guitar-focused alternative on mainstream radio?
Yes, guitar-driven tracks like Feel It Still and Sign of the Times gained significant traction, indicating renewed appetite for live instrumentation.
What made The Less I Know the Better a festival favorite in 2017?
Its hypnotic bassline, psychedelic textures, and high-energy arrangement created a celebratory vibe perfect for large outdoor stages.
How did streaming reshape the impact of older alternative songs in 2017?
Catalog tracks such as Fake Plastic Trees saw streaming surges, introducing classic sounds to new listeners and boosting their cultural relevance.