After Sirius and XM merged their competing satellite radio stations in 2008, over 30 million people now subscribe to the “listen anywhere” service that includes nearly 175 music and talk channels, plus over 50 online-only channels and dozens of sports play-by-plays.
While it’s always great to have choices, that many choices can seem overwhelming to a new subscriber. So if you’re new to satellite radio, check out this list of the five most popular channels on SiriusXM based on listener numbers. If millions of subscribers are tuning in every day, they must be doing something right.
1. Lithium (channel 34)
“Come as you are” to SiriusXM’s top 90s alternative channel, or toss on a flannel and some Doc Martens to get in the spirit. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, Soul Asylum, Alice in Chains, Hole, and all your other grungy favorites await, but even if you’re not an existing fan, consider it a bit of historical fun to be immersed in the music that came of age with Starbucks (and hails from the same region as well).
2. Classic Vinyl (channel 26)
There’s nothing like hearing music played on vinyl. Songs sound warmer, richer, almost alive. And while actual vinyl records are making a comeback these days, the music of vinyl’s rock god heyday—including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, the Who and other legends—will live on through futuristic satellite beams once the turntable trend is over.
3. Classic Rewind (channel 25)
Moving on from the rock god era, Classic Rewind takes you on a ride through the 70s and 80s with sold-out stadium acts like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, the Police, John (Cougar, at the time) Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Genesis. Some say this was rock-n-roll’s last blast, but considering many of those bands are still touring and inspiring modern acts, rock music will still be kicking for quite a while.
4. Alt Nation (channel 36)
Just as rock-n-roll has adapted through the years, alternative rock has evolved beyond the angsty soul of the Lithium channel’s residents. Alt Nation plays modern alternative like the Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Muse, Silversun Pickups, Imagine Dragons, and even the folksier wave of alternative like Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers.
5. 90s on 9 (channel 9)
The 1990s featured quite a range of popular music, from boy bands to grunge to R&B powerhouses. If you want a sampling of everything, check out this broad channel that features artists like Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, Backstreet Boys, Marilyn Manson, Ace of Base, Green Day, Hootie and the Blowfish, and everything in between.
Treat your ears to never-ending music with SiriusXM Satellite Radio
If you’re bored with your local radio offerings or you want the convenience of radio wherever, whenever, without having to worry about a signal, satellite radio is a no-brainer. At Audio Shack in El Cajon, our trained experts can help you select the best equipment for SiriusXM satellite radio and professionally install it for you. So stop in today!
