This year was a standout for rock music, defying the notion of a “sophomore slump.” Many artists astounded us by following their promising debuts with equally impressive second LPs. Established acts either made notable comebacks or explored new, captivating directions. Particularly noteworthy were the emerging talents who found their voices and received wide recognition this year, as showcased in our list below.
As in any year, we had many honorable mentions (such as Tunde Adebimpe, Flock of Dimes, Hotline TNT, Bartees Strange, and Wet Leg) that we had to leave off. We also omitted several fantastic indie albums, including Hayley Williams’ incredible Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, which felt more aligned with pop-rock. Additionally, the alternative country group Fust gained a devoted following with their standout album Big Ugly, though it fits within a different genre.
We encourage you to revisit and enjoy these rock treasures from the past year, just as we have. – Patrick Gill
30. Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy (Granary Music / BMG)
It’s easy to take artists like Bob Mould for granted. He consistently delivers stellar songs that meet our expectations, but that would be a mistake, especially with Here We Go Crazy. As many of us grapple with uncertainty and preparing for challenges, Mould’s clear-eyed yet hopeful songwriting offers a powerful lifeline. His enduring belief shines through even amidst turmoil. – Brian Stout
29. Street Eaters – Opaque (Dirt Cult)
Street Eaters’ Opaque channels the raw energy of the punk revolution, blending nostalgic themes of alienation and youthful abandon with mature, more adult content. The guitar-driven track “Tempers” resonates with female listeners, vividly portraying a challenging experience with electrifying hooks and shimmering drums. – Eoghan Lyng
28. Ty Segall – Possession (Drag City)
In Possession, Ty Segall collaborates once again with filmmaker Matt Yoka, adding orchestral arrangements and horns amidst his jangly rock sound. Despite embracing diverse influences from the 60s and 70s, the album delivers a cohesive experience. While it may present a straightforward approach, the record boasts impressive depth and energy. – Patrick Gill
27. Raveonettes – Pe’ahi II (Beat Dies)
Few bands stimulate my senses like the Raveonettes, mixing shoegaze with rich harmonies that evoke nostalgia. Pe’ahi II leans into cacophony, enhancing the contrasts within their sound. With booming bass, glimmering guitars, and layered harmonies, it creates an exhilarating listening experience that is both visceral and blissful. – Alison Ross
26. Sports Team – Boys These Days (Bright Antenna)
Sporting a distinct British alternative rock sound, Sports Team deftly weaves influences from the Britpop era into their modern style. Their new album, Boys These Days, reflects a blend of nostalgia and contemporary wit that makes it both engaging and thought-provoking. – Rich Wilhelm
25. Sam Fender – People Watching (Polydor)
With People Watching, Sam Fender elevates his sound, employing bold production choices that make the album feel both expansive and commercially viable. The record, featuring sessions produced by Markus Dravs and Adam Granduciel, showcases Fender’s evolution into a generational talent deserving of attention. – Patrick Gill
24. The Beths – Straight Line Was a Lie (Anti-)
The Beths’ latest album is a brilliant collection of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics. Their unique sound, characterized by both vibrant melodies and thoughtful themes, results in an engaging listening experience that resonates long after the album concludes. – Chris Conaton
23. Viagra Boys – Viagr Aboys (Shrimptech Enterprises)
Viagra Boys’ self-titled album opens with an audacious welcome into their chaotic, cartoonish universe. The track “Man Made of Meat” sets the stage for their signature mix of absurdity and musical precision. Through their grotesque imagery and biting humor, the band still expresses genuine emotion beneath the surface, inviting listeners to find meaning in unexpected places. – Emily Votaw
22. The Waterboys – Life, Death & Dennis Hopper (Sun)
The Waterboys’ Life, Death & Dennis Hopper serves as a conceptual exploration of the actor’s life, blending emotional depth with musical experimentation. With tracks like “Memories of Monterey,” the album showcases creative soundscapes and a commitment to thoughtful storytelling that enriches their already impressive catalog. – Eoghan Lyng
21. U.S. Girls – Scratch It (4AD)
With Scratch It, the U.S. Girls project evolves further, incorporating shimmering retro vibes and lush pop sensibilities. Remy’s lyrics and performance invite engagement, speaking to our desires and the complexities of moving forward while reflecting on the past. It’s another captivating addition to their impressive body of work. – Rick Quinn
20. The Lathums – Matter Does Not Define (Modern Sky)
The Lathums’ Matter Does Not Define showcases their versatility within the guitar-pop-rock genre, offering a dynamic range of moods through four engaging teaser singles. Each track captures a different facet of the band’s musical personality, paving the way for an album that surprises with its depth and composition. – Rich Wilhelm
19. Pulp – More (Rough Trade)
Pulp’s new album, More, explores themes of love and existence with sincerity and urgency. Recalling their 90s glory days while infusing contemporary relevance, Jarvis Cocker’s introspective lyrics resonate profoundly, reiterating the importance of love in our lives. – Jack Walters
18. Tortoise – Touch (International Anthem)
Tortoise’s Touch transports listeners to an ethereal realm with its minimalist approach and meticulous production. Each song offers a unique auditory experience, prompting listeners to immerse themselves in the intricate details while maintaining an enchanting otherworldliness. – Jeremy Levine
17. The Ophelias – Spring Grove (Get Better)
The Ophelias’ Spring Grove represents a high watermark for the band, marked by stronger songwriting and confident vocals. Vivid and introspective, the album provides a poignant look into personal moments, matched with an energetic and cohesive sound throughout. – Brian Stout
16. Goose – Everything Must Go (No Coincidence)
Goose’s latest album, Everything Must Go, showcases their ambition through its extensive 14-track runtime, laden with intricate jams and varied sounds, celebrating both their past and future potential while forming a cohesive listening experience. – Patrick Gill
15. Racing Mount Pleasant – Racing Mount Pleasant (R&R Digital)
Hailing from Ann Arbor, Racing Mount Pleasant transcends typical college band expectations with grand aspirations. Their self-titled record features a varied sound, blending free jazz and rock influences that results in an impressive debut, showcasing their undeniable potential. – Patrick Gill
14. Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars (Matador)
Car Seat Headrest’s The Scholars finds Will Toledo returning to form, offering a grounded collaboration with his bandmates. The album nods to classic rock influences while delivering a raw, enlightening journey through its intricately crafted soundscapes, reinforcing their place in contemporary music. – Patrick Gill
13. Suede – Antidepressants (BMG)
Suede’s Antidepressants expresses a heartfelt plea for connection in a technologically driven world. This mature album combines dark themes with expansive sounds, crafting a masterpiece that showcases the band’s growth while remaining relatable and profound. – Jack Walters
12. The Royston Club – Songs for the Spine (Modern Sky)
Featuring large, infectious sounds, Songs for the Spine by The Royston Club boasts catchy choruses and powerful instrumentation. The album finds the band balancing their energy and songwriting prowess, resulting in memorable tracks that resonate deeply. – Rich Wilhelm
11. Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE (Jagjaguwar)
Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE may confound purists with its lush arrangements and R&B influences, diverging from the folk sound that initially defined the artist. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship is undeniable, with its artistic shifts reflecting Vernon’s evolving vision, yielding a compelling, personal listening experience. – Patrick Gill
10. Heartworms – Glutton For Punishment (Speedy Wunderground)
Heartworms’ Glutton For Punishment delivers a series of dynamic shifts and stellar guitar riffs. The album’s intricacies combined with distinct sections create an engaging and cohesive narrative, redefining expectations and delivering intelligent rock arrangements. – Nick Soulsby
9. Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory – Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory (Jagjaguwar)
In a shift for Sharon Van Etten, her collaboration with the Attachment Theory yields a darker, yet expansive sound. This album captivates with massive moments of grandeur, showcasing Van Etten’s gripping vocals while skillfully navigating through the atmospheric depths of their compositions. – Patrick Gill
8. SPRINTS – All That Is Over (Sub Pop)
With All That Is Over, SPRINTS fuse personal themes with garage rock’s deft musicianship, illustrating a shift towards introspection while still harnessing their energetic sound. The album’s vibrant textures place it firmly in a landscape that both embraces emotion and pushes boundaries. – John Lennon
7. Big Thief – Double Infinity (4AD)
On their sixth album, Big Thief embraces a more collaborative spirit, featuring a lighter dynamic that enriches their signature sound. Adrianne Lenker’s emotive lyricism combined with the band’s ensemble creates an evocative experience that captures the beauty of the everyday. – Patrick Gill
6. Horsegirl – Phonetics On and On (Matador)
Horsegirl’s evolution continues with Phonetics On and On, skillfully integrating diverse sounds and influences. The album marks a confident departure from their earlier work, demonstrating their authentic identity as they embrace individuality and experimentation. – Brandon Miller
5. Greg Freeman – Burnover (Transgressive)
Greg Freeman’s Burnover showcases a maturity that belies his earlier influences, offering a diverse array of themes and sounds that engage listeners deeply. This album illustrates a refined craft that balances raw energy with reflective storytelling. – Patrick Gill
4. Courting – Lust for Life, Or: How to Thread the Needle and Come Out the Other Side to Tell the Story (Lower Third)
Courting’s Lust for Life is a brisk, vibrant collection of songs that explore the spectrum of pop-rock. Despite its brief runtime, the album is packed with unique and intriguing tracks, showcasing the band’s innovative approach to guitar-driven music while maintaining a cohesive feel. – Chris Conaton
3. Wednesday – Bleeds (Dead Oceans)
Wednesday delivers a bold record with Bleeds, showcasing Karly Hartzmann’s storytelling prowess and dark humor. The band explores diverse musical landscapes, seamlessly melding indie rock and country influences, making it their most adventurous album yet. – Brian Stout
2. Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band – New Threats From the Soul (Sophomore Lounge)
In a delightful surprise, Ryan Davis’ sophomore album matches the brilliance of his previous work, delving into intricate themes and diverse musical arrangements that defy simple categorization. This project showcases Davis’s lyrical depth and risk-taking spirit, solidifying his place in contemporary music. – Patrick Gill
1. Geese – Getting Killed (Partisan)
With their third album, Geese has finally cemented their sound with Getting Killed, showcasing eclectic influences wrapped in accessible yet complex elements. The tracks balance intensity with moments of serenity, establishing a unique sound that resonates deeply, making them a key player in today’s musical landscape. – Patrick Gill
