The musical landscape of 2015 stands out as a pivotal moment, especially for those deeply entrenched in the Tumblr community. This was the era when social media was awash with edgy quotes, teenagers flaunting band tees, flannels, and space buns, while retailers like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel thrived. The resurgence of vinyl records added to the nostalgia, inviting listeners to embrace the tactile joy of music. This period can be summed up as the triumph of “Tumblr grunge,”heavily influenced by the soundtracks of the time.
At the heart of this vibrant culture was an array of transformative music. A decade ago, artists such as Halsey and Melanie Martinez launched their careers, while Tame Impala released an album that redefined indie rock. Bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Twenty One Pilots, and Fall Out Boy brought emo sensibilities to the forefront. Each of these releases played a crucial role in shaping the musical identity of the year. Reflecting now, it’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since these iconic tracks first graced our playlists.
10 Trouble – Cage the Elephant
Album: Tell Me I’m Pretty
Cage the Elephant’s Tell Me I’m Pretty marked a turning point in their sonic evolution, showcasing a softer, indie-inspired aesthetic. The album yielded the globally successful single “Trouble,”which dominated Billboard’s Alternative Songs Chart for nearly a year, peaking at the top position. The message of “Trouble”resonates with themes of resilience and love, establishing it as one of the band’s most significant hits.
This song’s notable radio presence and its impact on the alternative rock scene during the 2010s underscored Cage the Elephant’s pivotal role in the genre’s evolution towards a more psychedelic sound, solidifying their status as front-runners in this new wave of music.
9 Black Sun – Death Cab For Cutie
Album: Kintsugi
The release of “Black Sun”was a significant chapter for Death Cab For Cutie following the departure of Chris Walla. This leading single from their album Kintsugi marked a departure in the band’s style, introducing a haunting melody anchored by a memorable guitar riff. Spanning nearly five minutes, the track incorporates buzzing synths and distorted guitars — elements new to the band’s traditional sound.
8 The Hills – The Weeknd
Album: Beauty Behind The Madness
Ten years have passed since The Weeknd released “The Hills,”a track that marked a stylistic shift from his previous pop-oriented singles like “Can’t Feel My Face.”Characterized by its dark, synth-laden production, the song showcases The Weeknd’s smooth vocals, creating a captivating atmosphere that diverged from what listeners had come to expect.
7 Uma Thurman – Fall Out Boy
Album: American Beauty/American Psycho
2015 saw the release of Fall Out Boy’s “Uma Thurman,”which cleverly merged mainstream appeal with alternative rock. Drawing listeners from all genres, this track featured pop culture references, including a nod to the actress Uma Thurman from Kill Bill, and sampled The Munsters theme song, making it an instant classic.
To this day, “Uma Thurman”evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the carefree summer days of 2015.
6 Pity Party – Melanie Martinez
Album: Cry Baby
Melanie Martinez burst onto the alternative pop scene with her debut album, Cry Baby, encapsulating her unique aesthetic through tracks like “Pity Party.”This song vividly describes a lonely birthday gathering, infusing nostalgia and emotional complexity into its narrative. By sampling Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party,”Martinez played a vital role in rejuvenating themes of nostalgia in contemporary alternative music.
With its infectious, synth-driven production, “Pity Party”became emblematic of a new wave of alternative pop, capturing the whimsical yet moody vibe of the era. Martinez’s distinct style resonated with the Tumblr crowd, making her a symbol for misfits everywhere.
5 Drown – Bring Me The Horizon
Album: That’s The Spirit
Following their acclaimed album Sempiternal, Bring Me The Horizon introduced “Drown”as a deeply emotional anthem from their 2015 release, That’s The Spirit. This track showcases the band’s willingness to experiment with various genres while maintaining their core sound.
With poignant lyrics like “Save me from myself / Don’t let me drown,””Drown”became a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners across Tumblr and beyond, often accompanied by moody, lyrical edits. This song not only exemplifies the band’s evolution but also their connection with fans, as lead singer Oliver Sykes brings the song’s emotions to life in live performances.
4 Daddy Issues – The Neighbourhood
Album: Wiped Out!
“Daddy Issues,”arguably one of the standout tracks from The Neighbourhood’s Wiped Out!, epitomizes the moody sound that characterized the Tumblr grunge movement. Delving into deeply personal themes regarding father figures, the song combines a catchy guitar riff with a haunting atmospheric sound that resonates with listeners.
This track has secured its place in playlists and late-night drives as a nostalgic reminder of its era while capturing the raw emotion that defined alternative rock during that time.
3 Castle – Halsey
Album: Badlands
Halsey’s arrival on the alternative music scene with “Castle,”the opening track of her riveting debut album Badlands, showcased her bold artistic vision. The conceptual album explores a dystopian narrative, with “Castle”setting the tone for the project. This electronic-infused anthem not only captivated fans but also gained traction in various film and TV uses, especially as the promotional song for The Huntsman: Winter’s War.
The success of “Castle”solidified Halsey’s status in the music industry, highlighting her unique ability to evoke the dark allure of fantastical worlds in her sound.
2 The Less I Know The Better – Tame Impala
Album: Currents
Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better”has undeniably emerged as the quintessential track of the decade in psychedelic indie rock. Featured on the game-changing album Currents, this track is distinguished by its infectious bass line and chill vibe, making it a favorite among indie enthusiasts.
With nearly 2 billion Spotify streams, the song’s entrancing sound continues to be a staple for old and new indie fans alike, showcasing Tame Impala’s lasting impact on the genre.
1 Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots
Album: Blurryface
Twenty One Pilots took the world by storm with “Stressed Out,”released a decade ago from their album Blurryface. The relatable lyrics addressing the anxieties of adulthood resonated widely, and the raw, drum-heavy beat created an irresistible sing-along experience.
The accompanying music video, featuring band members on tricycles and reminiscing about childhood, became an iconic representation of their imagery. “Stressed Out”not only showcased new trends in alternative rock but also became a cultural touchstone for nostalgia and adulthood, demonstrating the lasting influence of the genre.