Written by: Winston Whitford
Before We Start...Modern rock is listened to by millions across the globe, but very few have the privilege to call themselves "icons" of the genre. This topic is highly debated amongst listeners, but an analysis can be made in regard to an artist's influence over music as a whole. However, ranking these bands, let alone just listing them, based on their popularity or influences can be highly controversial and subjective. In this list, I would like to acknowledge that these artists are absolutely not the only influential and iconic bands that exist in this era of rock music. Instead, I would like to put together bands that I personally would consider some of the most influential, which was definitely a hard task to say the least. Regardless if you agree or disagree with the picks I listed, I hope you enjoy and are able to take in the rich history of these bands and their music that we cherish greatly today.
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15. Franz Ferdinand
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This Scottish post-punk revival band joined the modern rock scene in 2002 and have been gracing the ears of listeners ever since. they garnered their first successful hits with their singles "Darts of Pleasure" and "Take Me Out" which topped UK charts soon after. They quickly grew to international fame after their self titled record, "Franz Ferdinand", was released in 2004. Their subsequent tour in the United States combined with their popularity from MTV guaranteed this British band a spot in the charts in the US as well. Overall, their music greatly influenced the "new sound" that was being heard in rock music across the globe. Their unique guitar tonalities and complex rhythmic drives were the defining qualities that audiences loved about their music. Franz Ferdinand continues to make music today and have just released their fifth studio record called "Always Ascending" in 2018.
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14. linkin park
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Linkin Park, formed in 1996 in Agoura Hills, California, redefined rock music with their incredible fusion of hip hop, heavy metal, and punk. They were able to get a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and finally released their debut album "Hybrid Theory" nearly 4 years later in 2000. The record was a huge success with such hits as "Crawling", "One Step Closer", and "In The End" which helped the record become the best selling record of 2001. The band would go onto release six more studio records before the lead vocalist, Chester Bennington would lose his life to suicide in 2017. Although struck with grief and healing from losing a band member and friend, Linkin Park still plans to make and release music. With such a great fusion of genres mixed with the pure talent of the members, it is no question that Linkin Park is a band that has a great influence over the modern rock scene of today.
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13. Muse
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Straight out of the alternative rock scene in England, Muse rose to fame after their debut album "Showbiz" released in 1999. Just two years later, they released an equally well received album titled "Origin of Symmetry". Both of these early records in their discographies established a clear sound that resonated in melancholic themes. Muse would attain international fame after their third record "Absolution" which featured such hits as "Time is Running Out" and "Hysteria". Three years later upon the release of "Black Holes & Revelations", Muse would top the charts in the UK and US with their excellent combination of heavy rock, electronic, and harmonic falsetto featured in such songs as "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Starlight". With five more studio records to this day and several more hits that have blessed the charts, Muse consistently stands as a rock band with a great influence over what many would consider to be true modern rock.
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12. Rage against the machine
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Rage Against The Machine is a largely politically motivated band that beautifully combined elements of rap, heavy rock, punk, funk, and metal into a unique sound never heard in rock music. Their hit "Killing In The Name" (featured on their first self titled record) solidified itself as a hit that perfectly expressed their hatred towards discrimination, police brutality, and authoritarianism. They would go on to release two more studio records titled "Evil Empire" and "The Battle Of Los Angeles" in 1996 and 1999 respectively. After successfully promoting their message across the world, the band unfortunately split after their cover album titled "Renegades". Although they took a break on creating their own music, members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk formed Audioslave with lead singer of Soundgarden, Chris Cornell and released three albums until 2007 when the they disbanded. To this day, Rage Against The Machine stands as one of the most hardcore rock bands that has ever existed and their influence over modern rock is unquestionable.
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10. The Black Keys
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Formed as a duo rock band in Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys pushed a garage rock and blues sound in their music. This unique fusion, also promoted by bands like The White Stripes, contributed to a revival of the blues in modern rock. Upon the release of their first three records, The Black Keys saw a moderate amount of success, especially with their record "The Rubber Factory" which helped the duo to move forward to major labels.
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11. Blur
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It would be nearly impossible to mention influences on modern rock without mentioning the britpop bands of the 90's. Although other britpop bands like Oasis, Supergrass, and The Verve all had a great amount of popularity, none had quite the same amount of influence over modern rock as Blur. Starting out with the releases of "Leisure", "Modern Life Is Rubbish", and "Parklife", Blur established what would become the sound of British rock and pop music in the wearly to mid 90's. Growing more accustomed to the sound of indie rock and grunge which had gained popularity in the US, Blur began to experiment with the release of their self titled album "Blur". Songs such as "Beetlebum" and "Movin' On" featured new qualities inspired by the new emerging rock scenes of America. As they furthered their sound from their British roots, Blur began to notice success in the US, primarily because of their single "Song 2" which was radio hit. After releasing two more studio records, the band went on a long hiatus, but the frontman, Damon Albarn, was far from ending his music career. Shortly after the release of "13" in 1999, Albarn would form the hip hop and cartoon band known as "Gorillaz" which garnered a large amount of success globally.
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