How does modern rock differ from alternative rock?

Question

I need to know for an argument.

Answer 1

By the current definition they are the same, and that is because "alternative rock" lost its true meaning somewhere around 1991 (when Nirvana exploded on the scene).

"Alternative" was coined because that type of music had a huge, thriving fan base for its artists, while at the same time getting little to no airplay. When Nirvana took off, they brought a lot of the underground scene with them (or the mainstream went to it -- take your pick). As had happened with metal in the 80s, record companies saw what was happening in America, and they milked it dry, and the label lost it's true meaning. "Alternative" music can't be located on a dozen stations up and down the dial; it can be located on one, and then only *maybe*.

Anyway, to answer your question, by current standards, they are one and the same, in my opinion.

Answer 2

When I think of Modern Rock, I think RUSH, Alan Parsons Project and those kinds of bands that somebody's older brother might listen to...

When I think of Alt Rock, I think Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, NIN and similar but that's just me...

But...

The def from WIkipedia says this...

Modern rock is term commonly used to describe a rock music format found on American commercial radio. Generally beginning with late 1970s punk but referring especially to any rock music of the 1980s, 1990s or 2000s, the phrase "modern rock" is used to differentiate the music from "classic rock", which focuses upon music recorded in the 1960s and 1970s. More specifically, it is usually used to describe a "radio-friendly" variation of alternative rock. Many rock radio stations now refer to their format as modern rock. Modern rock stations primarily play current artists like an active rock station would, but active rock radio stations also mix their current music with classic rock. Modern rock was solidified as a radio format in 1988 with BIllboard's creation of the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The 1988 episode of the VH1 show I Love the '80s discussed INXS, The Cure, Morrissey, Depeche Mode, and Erasure under the topic of modern rock.

Modern rock is considered by some to be a specific genre of alternative rock[1]. Many fans of alternative and indie rock criticize modern rock as being too homogenized, and merely a poor imitation of the original styles. Some indie rock fans also criticize alternative rock as being no different from modern rock, and consider both to be imitations; however, alternative rock is seen as having once been the same as indie rock, unlike modern rock, which is considered to be a product of radio airplay. Still, despite such criticisms, modern rock continues to be one of the dominant forms of rock music on mainstream radio stations. A few examples of popular modern rock radio bands are Green Day, Blink 182, Sum 41, Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls and Linkin Park.

It seems to say that Mod Rock and Alt Rock are the same thing...I totally disagree with the wiki def

Answer 3

Alternative is known as a rock genre that can't exactly be put in to one certain genre.
Modern Rock could very well be alternative..
There's Hard, Progressive, Goth, Punk...Emo..all modern rock..
and if it doesn't fit into one of those they are considered Aternative.....I guess as a alternative..!!

Answer 4

Music genres are dumb.