Not all alternative artists are focused on employing loud, aggressive sounds or are determined to remain on the cutting-edge of pop music. They may be a long way from Mariah Carey, but still, a large faction of bands are, frankly, far less threatening and more adult-oriented than the likes of Nirvana and even U2. For audiences who want their alternative rock mid-tempo and angst-free, artists such as John Mayer and Matchbox Twenty are pretty safe bets.

Notable Artists: The Wallflowers, Marcy's Playground, Counting Crows