Indie rock has been one of the most popular genres of music for decades. It’s characterized by its raw, unpolished sound and its emphasis on DIY ethos.
Through to the 21st century, indie rock has continued to thrive, with new bands emerging all the time. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 20 best indie rock anthems ever.
20 Best Indie Rock Anthems
20. “Clocks” by Coldplay
While Coldplay is often associated with pop music, “Clocks” is undeniably an indie rock anthem. Its haunting piano melody and introspective lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
A few other songs from their early work could have easily made this list.
19. “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Maps” is a slower indie rock ballad that showcases the raw emotion in Karen O’s vocals.
Its lyrics are about the pain of a failing relationship, making it a relatable song for many.
18. “Club Foot” by Kasabian
This is another indie rock anthem that deserves a place on any list of the best indie rock anthems. Released in 2004, the song features a driving rhythm section, distorted guitar riffs, and Tom Meighan’s powerful vocals.
The song’s catchy chorus and infectious energy have made it a fan favorite and a staple of indie rock clubs and festivals. Its gritty sound and rebellious lyrics make it a perfect anthem for those looking to rock out and let loose.
17. “Kids” by MGMT
“Kids” is a synth-heavy indie rock anthem that is known for its catchy chorus and danceable beat. Its lyrics are about the carefree days of childhood, making it a fun song to sing along to.
That brilliantly simple synth intro makes the song instantly recognizable.
16. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
Green Day is often associated with punk rock, but “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a slower, more introspective song that fits the indie rock genre. Its lyrics are about feeling lost and alone, making it a relatable song for many.
We could have chosen many tracks from their 2004 album “American Idiot” for this list, including the title track, of course.
15. “Song 2” by Blur
“Song 2” is a high-energy indie rock anthem that has become a staple of sports events and rock concerts. Released in 1997, the song features a catchy guitar riff and Damon Albarn’s distinctive vocals.
The song’s simple structure and infectious energy make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in indie rock history.
14. “Naive” by The Kooks
“Naïve” is a catchy and upbeat indie rock anthem from The Kooks that has remained popular since its release in 2006. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of indie rock playlists.
Its upbeat energy and relatable lyrics make it a perfect anthem for those looking to escape their troubles and dance the night away.
13. “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers
“All These Things That I’ve Done” is a powerful indie rock anthem with soaring vocals and uplifting lyrics about overcoming obstacles.
It came in the era of countless great indie rock tracks and unsurprisingly, not the only The Killers song on this list.
12. “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis
“Chelsea Dagger” is a high-energy indie rock song with a catchy chorus and a sing-along melody. Its lyrics are about letting loose and having fun, making it a popular song for any indie night.
The mid-2000s were a time when many bands such as The Fratellis emerged and it was a great period for the genre.
11. “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age
“No One Knows” is a hard-hitting indie rock anthem with heavy guitars and pounding drums. Its catchy chorus and intense energy have made it a favorite indie rock anthem.
It has also inspired the sound of many bands since, but none of them have done it as well as QOTSA.
10. “Rebellion (Lies)” by Arcade Fire
“Rebellion (Lies)” is a driving indie rock song with anthemic vocals and powerful lyrics about fighting against oppression and conformity.
Arcade Fire are a staple of the indie genre, with this song being one of their best.
9. “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths
This is another indie rock anthem that has become an enduring classic. Released in 1986, the song features Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar riffs.
The song’s lyrics about loneliness and the desire for escape are both poignant and relatable, making it a fan favorite for decades.
8. “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
“Welcome to the Black Parade” is a theatrical indie rock anthem with grandiose instrumentation and a narrative storyline. Its lyrics are about embracing individuality and defying societal norms.
And, of course, it has one of the most famous opening notes of all time.
7. “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division
This track is a haunting and emotional indie rock anthem that has remained popular since its release in 1980.
The song’s melancholic lyrics and atmospheric sound have made it an enduring classic, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years.
6. “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys
Here we have another indie rock classic that has stood the test of time. Released in 2005, the song features the band’s signature witty lyrics and infectious guitar riffs.
The song’s energetic beat and catchy chorus make it a staple of indie rock parties and a fan favorite for years to come.
5. “Can’t Stand Me Now” by The Libertines
Released in 2004, the song features the band’s trademark garage rock sound and a powerful chorus that is impossible not to sing along to.
The song’s lyrics about addiction and friendship are both poignant and relatable, making it hugely popular and a defining moment in indie rock history.
4. “Last Nite” by The Strokes
Released in 2001, the song is known for its catchy guitar riff and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals.
The song’s upbeat tempo and rebellious lyrics make any an essential inclusion of indie rock playlists.
3. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
This song is known for its infectious guitar riff and danceable beat. Its lyrics are catchy and fun, making it a great song to sing along to.
It also has one of the best intros ever made, which always plays amazingly well with the crowd.
2. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
This song is arguably one of the most recognizable indie rock anthems of all time. It features a simple but memorable guitar riff and lyrics that are easy to sing along to.
You hear that riff sung in stadiums around the world, which had probably made it the most iconic piece of guitar ever written.
1. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
Released in 2003, “Mr. Brightside” quickly became a massive hit and is still a popular song today. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a favorite among indie rock fans.
While it was a huge hit with indie rock fans, it also had huge crossover too. To this day, the crowd will still go wild for this song in any pub, bar, or arena.
Best Indie Rock Anthems – Final Thoughts
These 20 indie rock anthems represent the best of the genre. From the raw power of The White Stripes to the theatricality of My Chemical Romance, there’s something for every indie rock fan on this list.
Whether you’re singing along to the catchy choruses or feeling the intensity of the instrumentation, these songs are sure to get you moving and feeling inspired.
“Coldplay” by Alex Bikfalvi is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.