19. Radiohead
Radiohead was formed in 1985. They advanced alternative rock with their experimental approach. Their breakout single “Creep” reached #7 in the UK and #34 in the US. Radiohead’s best-selling album was their third album, OK Computer (1997), and their follow-up Kid A (2000) was their first #1 in the US.
18. The Cranberries
The Cranberries was formed in 1989. Their 1993 debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? reached #18 in the US. The band’s first single “Dreams” (1992) reached #15 on the alternative chart. Their 1994 single “Zombie” hit #1 in the US and many other countries. Their first four albums reached platinum, and their fifth went gold.
17. System of a Down
System of a Down was formed in 1997. Their style defies definition, blending everything imaginable including Armenian music. Mostly it’s a mashup of punk, alternative, and metal. The group has won one Grammy out of four nominations. Three of their five studio albums debuted at number one. System of a Down has sold over 12 million records worldwide.
16. The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins was formed in 1988 by lead vocalist/guitarist Billy Corgan. Dubbed alternative rock, their sound incorporated a wide variety of influences. Their 1991 debut Gish was an underground success. Their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995) debuted at #1. As of 2012, The Smashing Pumpkins had sold 16.7 million albums worldwide.
