Albums
AC/DC – Power Up AC/DC’s Power Up, released in 2020, is a triumphant return to form for the iconic rock band, embodying everything fans have come to love about their hard-hitting, no-frills sound. Serving as a tribute to late co-founder Malcolm Young, the album brims with raw energy, thunderous riffs, and anthemic choruses that evoke their classic era. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring ability to craft electrifying rock …
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 …
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 while injecting it with a modern edge, reflecting Lavigne’s growth as an artist and her refusal to compromise her signature style …
Beabadoobee – Fake It Flowers Fake It Flowers is a heartfelt and dynamic debut album that channels the spirit of ’90s alternative rock while offering a deeply personal perspective. Released in 2020, the record captures the emotional turbulence of youth through its grunge-inflected guitars, catchy melodies, and confessional lyrics. It’s a nostalgic yet refreshingly modern take on the alt-rock sound, drawing comparisons to icons like The Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage …
Beach Bunny – Honeymoon Honeymoon is a vibrant and emotionally charged debut album that captures the intensity of young love and heartbreak through a lens of bright indie-rock energy. Released in 2020, the record is characterized by its irresistible melodies, punchy rhythms, and Lili Trifilio’s evocative, honest songwriting, which brings raw vulnerability to the forefront. The album seamlessly blends jangly guitars, catchy hooks, and emotionally resonant lyrics, creating a listening …
Bruce Springsteen – Letter to You Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You is a deeply poignant and reflective album that stands as a testament to his enduring artistry and connection with the E Street Band. CHeck Price Released in 2020, the album blends raw emotion with a classic rock sound, harking back to Springsteen’s early days while embracing themes of mortality, memory, and resilience. Recorded live with minimal overdubs, its production …
Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg Dry Cleaning’s New Long Leg, released in 2021, is a masterful post-punk album that thrives on its wit, tension, and intricate soundscapes. The band crafts an atmosphere that feels simultaneously raw and surreal, with jagged guitars, driving basslines, and restrained yet propulsive rhythms serving as the backdrop for Florence Shaw’s deadpan, spoken-word delivery. What makes the album extraordinary is Shaw’s ability to weave mundane …
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 …
Fleet Foxes – Shore Fleet Foxes’ Shore is a sweeping and luminous exploration of hope, nature, and renewal, released in 2020 as a balm for tumultuous times. CHeck Price The album marks a departure from the intricate baroque harmonies of their earlier work, favoring a more immediate, open soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The production captures a golden-hour warmth, with shimmering instrumentation and Robin Pecknold’s soulful, resonant vocals …
Fontaines D.C. – A Hero’s Death A Hero’s Death is a striking sophomore effort that solidifies Fontaines D.C.’s position as one of the most compelling voices in modern post-punk. Released in 2020, the album marks a tonal shift from their fiery debut, Dogrel, delving into introspective themes of identity, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Its mood is darker and more contemplative, yet it retains the …
Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight Medicine at Midnight, released in 2021, marks a vibrant and experimental chapter in the Foo Fighters’ storied career. Departing from their usual hard-hitting rock sound, the album leans heavily into a dance-rock influence, offering a fresh and dynamic twist while retaining their signature energy and anthemic spirit. With its sleek production and tightly crafted songs, the record thrives on rhythmic diversity and bold sonic …
Ghost – Impera Impera, released in 2022, 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. Musically, Impera showcases Ghost’s ability to merge heavy riffs, infectious …
Halsey – If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, released in 2021, is a bold and genre-defying statement that explores themes of womanhood, identity, and power through a gothic-rock lens. Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the album melds Halsey’s introspective lyricism with the industrial, cinematic soundscapes of her collaborators, creating a visceral and haunting experience. The album’s production is …
Hayley Williams – Petals for Armor Petals for Armor is a bold and introspective solo debut that showcases Hayley Williams’ evolution as an artist beyond her work with Paramore. Released in 2020, the album is a raw exploration of vulnerability, healing, and empowerment, embracing themes of self-discovery and emotional resilience. The title itself reflects this duality, combining the delicacy of petals with the strength of armor, an apt metaphor for …
Iron Maiden – Senjutsu Senjutsu, released in 2021, is a testament to Iron Maiden’s enduring ability to craft epic, ambitious metal that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners. Clocking in at over 80 minutes, the album embraces Iron Maiden’s signature storytelling style, featuring richly layered compositions and lyrical explorations of history, mythology, and existential themes. Musically, Senjutsu is marked by its intricate arrangements, dynamic shifts, and atmospheric depth, …
Jack White – Fear of the Dawn Jack White’s Fear of the Dawn, released in 2022, is a daring exploration of sonic experimentation and a testament to 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 …
Jehnny Beth – To Love Is to Live Jehnny Beth’s To Love Is to Live is a fearless and evocative solo debut, released in 2020, that pushes boundaries both musically and thematically. Known for her work with Savages, Beth explores deeply personal themes of vulnerability, power, and identity, crafting an album that is as unsettling as it is cathartic. The production, featuring collaborations with Atticus Ross and others, weaves together …
Low – Hey What Low’s Hey What, released in 2021, is a transformative and emotionally potent album that cements the band’s legacy as sonic innovators. The record builds on the experimental groundwork laid by their previous work, Double Negative, but pushes even further into the abstract with a stark, minimalistic approach and distorted soundscapes that are as disorienting as they are captivating. The album’s production, helmed by BJ Burton, is …
Low Cut Connie – Private Lives Private Lives is a vibrant double album that captures the raw, unfiltered energy of Low Cut Connie’s signature sound while diving deep into themes of connection, identity, and resilience. Released in 2020, the record blends gritty rock ‘n’ roll, soulful melodies, and heartfelt storytelling, delivering a collection that feels as personal as it is universal. Musically, the album exudes a timeless charm, combining piano-driven …
Machine Gun Kelly – Mainstream Sellout Mainstream Sellout, released in 2022, 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. Thematically, the record explores MGK’s experiences with fame, insecurity, and personal …
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Victime Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime, released in 2021, is a groundbreaking record that combines the hypnotic traditions of Tuareg guitar music with electrifying, modern rock sensibilities. The album is a powerful blend of fiery guitar solos, intricate rhythms, and impassioned vocals, creating an emotional journey that transcends language and borders. What makes Afrique Victime particularly compelling is its ability to balance intimacy and urgency. Its lyrics, …
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 …
Ozzy Osbourne – Patient Number 9 Ozzy Osbourne’s Patient Number 9, released in 2022, 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. Collaborating with a stellar lineup of legendary musicians, including Jeff Beck, Tony Iommi, and Zakk Wylde, the record shines with intricate guitar …
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Unlimited Love Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Unlimited Love, released in 2022, marks the reunion with iconic guitarist John Frusciante and serves as a love letter to the band’s signature sound while exploring new emotional depths. With a sprawling 17 tracks, the album showcases their ability to blend funk, rock, and introspective melodies in a way that feels timeless yet fresh. Frusciante’s return injects a soulful …
Rush – Permanent Waves Rush’s 1980 album, Permanent Waves, marked a pivotal shift in the band’s sound and approach to progressive rock. Known for their intricate compositions and heady themes, Permanent Waves saw Rush embracing more concise song structures while maintaining the complexity and sophistication that had defined their earlier work. This album became a game-changer for the band and influenced rock music at large, fusing technical prowess with radio-friendly …
Slipknot – The End, So Far The End, So Far, released in 2022, 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. The album is defined by its …
Snail Mail – Valentine Valentine, released in 2021, is a stunning evolution of Lindsey Jordan’s artistry, blending emotional depth with intricate, lush arrangements. The album builds on the raw, guitar-driven sound of Snail Mail’s debut album while expanding into more polished and dynamic territories, incorporating strings, synths, and layered production that elevate her introspective songwriting. At its core, Valentine is an exploration of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, with Jordan’s …
Soccer Mommy – Color Theory Color Theory is a stunning exploration of emotional vulnerability, pain, and resilience, framed within a lush indie rock soundscape. Released in 2020, the album employs a thematic structure inspired by color symbolism, with each section exploring distinct emotional states: blue for sadness, yellow for illness, and gray for mortality. This concept gives the record an introspective depth, making it feel both cohesive and deeply personal …
Spiritbox – Eternal Blue Eternal Blue, released in 2021, is a landmark album in modern metal, blending atmospheric soundscapes with crushing riffs and emotionally charged lyricism. The record seamlessly bridges genres, incorporating elements of metalcore, progressive metal, and ambient music to create a sound that is as heavy as it is ethereal. This dynamic range is a hallmark of Spiritbox’s artistry. At the forefront of Eternal Blue is Courtney LaPlante’s …
The Killers – Pressure Machine The Killers’ Pressure Machine is a deeply introspective and stripped-back departure from their signature anthemic rock. Released in 2021, the album offers a poignant, narrative-driven exploration of small-town life in Nephi, Utah, Brandon Flowers’ hometown. Its reflective tone and storytelling focus bring to light themes of isolation, loss, faith, and resilience, painting vivid, heartfelt portraits of the people and experiences that shaped Flowers’ upbringing. Musically, …
Turnstile – Glow On Turnstile’s Glow On is a groundbreaking album that redefines modern hardcore, blending intense energy with a strikingly diverse sonic palette. Released in 2021, the record pushes genre boundaries by incorporating elements of shoegaze, funk, and even dream-pop into their blistering core sound. It’s an exhilarating listen that simultaneously honors their punk roots and ventures boldly into new territory. What sets Glow On apart is its fearless …
Weezer – Van Weezer Van Weezer, released in 2021, is a high-energy homage to the rock and metal sounds of the 1980s that shaped the band’s origins. Packed with electrifying guitar riffs, arena-ready choruses, and a playful sense of nostalgia, the album channels the larger-than-life spirit of classic bands like Van Halen, KISS, and Def Leppard while maintaining Weezer’s signature pop-rock charm. This record stands out for its unapologetic embrace …