10 Best Rock Albums Of 2022
2022’s rock landscape was a scrappy mosaic of reinvention and stubborn resolve, as if the genre looked itself in the mirror and dared the cracks to widen.
The Smile’s A Light for Attracting Attention smuggled Radiohead’s existential dread into sharper, more angular corners—mathy rhythms and ghost-note grooves not as an art project, but a nervous tic.
Ghost’s Impera strutted out like a glam-metal preacher, all hooks and holy fire, embracing its own theatrical absurdity with gritted teeth and open arms.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Patient Number 9 was a victory lap from the brink, stitched together by legends, haunted by time, yet still gleefully unhinged.
Wet Leg’s self-titled debut felt like the coolest kids at the party mocking everyone in the room—including themselves—with fuzzed-out riffs and bratty grins.
And Jack White’s Fear of the Dawn charged ahead like a Tesla caught in a blues hurricane, short-circuiting vintage rock with fried electronics and manic energy. These weren’t polished monuments—they were glorious messes, full of guts, wit, and the kind of noise that kicks boredom in the teeth.
Number 10
Five Finger Death Punch
– AfterLife
AfterLife showcases Five Finger Death Punch’s evolution while staying true to their trademark blend of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and emotional intensity. The album features a dynamic exploration of themes like resilience, mortality, and personal growth, giving it a sense of introspection layered over their aggressive sonic palette.
Number 9
Megadeth
– The Sick, The Dying … And The Dead
The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! is a ferocious testament to Megadeth’s enduring relevance in the thrash metal genre. The album is packed with intricate riffs, searing solos, and razor-sharp lyrics that confront themes of societal decay, mortality, and inner struggle. It demonstrates the band’s knack for balancing technical precision with raw intensity, delivering music that feels both classic and fresh.
Number 8
Machine Gun Kelly
– Mainstream Sellout
Mainstream Sellout continues Machine Gun Kelly’s evolution to pop-punk provocateur, building on the foundation laid by his 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall. Produced largely by Travis Barker of Blink-182, the album dives deeper into the genre’s hallmarks—emotive lyrics, driving guitar riffs, and punchy drumlines—while maintaining a raw, contemporary edge.
Number 7
Alter Bridge
– Pawns & Kings
Pawns & Kings is a dynamic and powerful album that cements Alter Bridge’s reputation for crafting soaring melodies, intricate musicianship, and deeply emotional lyrics. The record feels like a culmination of their trademark sound, blending heavy, chugging riffs with atmospheric, melodic layers that provide depth and contrast.
Number 6
Slipknot
– The End, So Far
The End, So Far marks a compelling chapter in Slipknot’s storied career. As their final album with longtime label Roadrunner Records, it encapsulates both a reflection on their past and a forward-looking evolution of their sound. The record ventures into new territories, blending their signature aggression with atmospheric experimentation, a testament to Slipknot’s ever-evolving artistry.
Number 5
Jack White
– Fear of the Dawn
Fear of the Dawn is a daring exploration of sonic experimentation and a testament to Jack White’s relentless creativity. The album is a whirlwind of energy, blending distorted guitars, frenetic rhythms, and unconventional production choices that showcase White’s penchant for pushing boundaries. It embraces a futuristic, almost chaotic sound while maintaining a visceral connection to rock’s raw and primal roots.
Number 4
Wet Leg
– Wet Leg
A messy, bratty, and irresistibly fun debut built on deadpan charm, sharp hooks, and post-punk swagger. It’s lo-fi, loud, and laced with sarcasm—like turning boredom into a dance party you didn’t know you needed. Unbothered, clever, and oddly sincere.
Number 3
Ozzy Osbourne
– Patient Number 9
Patient Number 9 is a triumphant and electrifying showcase of the Prince of Darkness’ enduring appeal and creative vitality. The album merges heavy metal’s ferocity with introspection, capturing Ozzy’s reflections on mortality, resilience, and his storied career.
Number 2
Ghost
– Impera
Impera is a monumental work that blends theatrical flair with intricate songwriting, firmly establishing Ghost as one of the most unique forces in modern rock and metal. Drawing on themes of imperialism, decay, and the cyclical rise and fall of power, the album weaves a grand narrative with its conceptual depth and ambitious scope.
Number 1
The Smile
– A Light for Attracting Attention
Anxious, twitchy, and strangely playful, this album trades legacy for freedom—paranoia grooves, angular riffs pulse, and dread shimmers with sly charm. It’s a leaner, looser exploration of modern unease that dances while everything quietly unravels.
The 10 Best are selected based on lyrics, innovative compositions, a unique approach to the genre, production quality, and public opinion/popularity.
Honorable Mention
Red Hot Chili Peppers
– Unlimited Love
A relaxed, exploratory sprawl with a familiar groove, this album finds a seasoned band stretching without straining. Funky, fluid, and occasionally soaring, it’s less about hits and more about vibe, chemistry, and the joy of playing together again.
Avril Lavigne
– Love Sux
Love Sux marks a triumphant return to Avril Lavigne’s pop-punk roots, delivering a fiery and unapologetic collection of tracks packed with high-energy riffs, infectious melodies, and raw emotions. The album captures the essence of early 2000s pop-punk with a modern edge.
