Every family has one: the Gen X dad who insists music peaked the moment Kurt Cobain stepped onstage, Stevie Nicks twirled in chiffon, or The Doors opened… well, theirs. He’s not wrong about how great that era was. But he might be missing out on some killer albums that carry the same spark, grit, heart, and craftsmanship he grew up loving. Here are 20 albums you can play for him.
‘Lost in the Dream’ – The War on Drugs (2014)
A warm, guitar-drenched, Springsteen-adjacent ride through nostalgia and open highways.
‘Sound & Fury’ – Sturgill Simpson (2019)
Southern rock, psychedelia, and grit with an animated film to match its swagger.
‘A Black Mile to the Surface’ – Manchester Orchestra (2017)
Cinematic modern rock with the emotional heft of ’90s alt classics.
‘Boarding House Reach’ – Jack White (2018)
A wild, experimental, blues-soaked detour that still delivers the raw guitar grit Gen X rock fans love.
‘Blue Rev’ – Alvvays (2022)
Dreamy guitars and big hooks — like The Cranberries updated for a new era.
‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You’ – Big Thief (2022)
Organic, rootsy, poetic — the kind of record that feels instantly timeless.
‘Patience’ – Mannequin Pussy (2019)
Sharp, fiery rock energy that echoes the urgency of ’90s punk and alt.
‘Lush’ – Snail Mail (2018)
Earnest, guitar-driven indie with the spirit of Liz Phair and ’90s DIY charm.
‘I’m In Your Mind Fuzz’ – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (2014)
A blast of psychedelic fuzz-rock perfect for classic-rock obsessives.
‘Engine of Hell’ – Emma Ruth Rundle (2021)
A sparse, emotional knockout — raw enough to stop a room cold.
‘Gentle Grip’ – Public Practice (2020)
Post-punk grooves with a Talking Heads pulse and vintage swagger.
‘Good Woman’ – The Staves (2021)
Rich harmonies and emotional storytelling — a modern folk-rock gem.
‘Manning Fireworks’ – MJ Lenderman (2022)
Gritty, loose, guitar-led rock with flashes of Wilco and Dinosaur Jr.
‘Everyone’s Crushed’ – Water From Your Eyes (2023)
Angular, weird, and surprisingly catchy — alt-rock experimentation done right.
‘New Long Leg’ – Dry Cleaning (2021)
Deadpan spoken delivery over wiry guitars — Sonic Youth by way of modern London.
‘Rabbit, Rabbit’ – Speedy Ortiz (2023)
Knotty alt-rock riffs with a fierce, intelligent edge.
‘Flock’ – Jane Weaver (2021)
A lush swirl of psychedelia, glam, and cosmic pop.
‘Foul Form’ – Thee Oh Sees (2012)
Chaotic, loud, and electrifying — tailor-made for rock traditionalists.
‘Night Palace’ – Mount Eerie (2022)
Quiet, atmospheric, and deeply felt — music that rewards patience and stillness.
‘Jubilee’ – Japanese Breakfast (2021)
Bright, uplifting indie pop with rich production and emotional depth.