The entire climate of 2020 escalated quickly from being a crazy rollercoaster ride into the pandemic to a hellish nightmare for the whole world. It has been a disaster year for everyone except for the music industry, especially the rock music scene.
All musical creations this year were released on digital platforms. There has been no lack of enthusiasm from the artists and the audience. The year has given us an ample number of new releases. The artist made use of their quarantine period.
A surprising number of new artists have shocked the world with their extraordinary creations this year. Breaking free of despair, the rock music community has given us some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs that are bound to become immortal in global musical history. Let’s get the countdown for top rock albums started.
- ‘I Disagree’ by Poppy
We have all been there since Poppy first emerged on the internet. She first started as a mysterious, rather creepy persona on YouTube. Soon she grew to become one of the most influential musical figures of today. ‘I Disagree’ is her third studio album released in January 2020.
The album was a huge hit in America, Australia, Scotland, and the UK. It topped the Rock & Metal albums lists. The song ‘Bloodmoney’ from the album, was nominated for the Best Metal Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Poppy has become the first female artist to be nominated in the category.
- ‘The Ride’ by Bad Cop Bad Cop
The global rock scene has been missing the punk rock vibe for a long time. After the golden age of Green Day, there has not been much work done in the genre. Signed to Fat Wreck Chords, Bad Cop Bad Cop has successfully brought back the lost glory of punk rock with their third full-length studio album ‘The Ride’. The all-girl punk rock band from southern California has created a riot with their absolutely wild performance.
- ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ by Bring Me the Horizon
Bring Me the Horizon has utilized their quarantine days fruitfully by releasing their eighth record ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’. Though there have been talks about the EP since March 2020, the EP was released in October this year. Discarding their previous attempts to go typically mainstream BMTH has returned to their earlier self with extraordinary sounds and textures. They have also collaborated with the Japanese metal band BabyMetal and Amy Lee of Evanescence in the album.
- ‘The New Abnormal’ by The Strokes
American band The Strokes has an entirely different place in the independent rock industry. Their music has always been reminiscent of the past intertwined with their own modern twist. The driving force of the band Julian Casablancas, or Jules for his fans, still has not lost a single bit of charm and skills over the years. Their sixth studio album ‘The New Abnormal’ offers a bit of the ‘80s nostalgia mixed with their slow and serene hypnotic rhythms.
- ‘Song Machine’ by Gorillaz
Gorillaz has made a huge comeback with their seventh studio album, ‘Song Machine’. Released in October 2020, it released as a part of their web series of the same name. The album was many guest stars such as Peter Hook, Aries, Schoolboy Q, and more. The album has received mostly positive reviews from both the critics and the audience. It offers fun and exuberant sounds and textures. The cartoon world of the band adds a unique element to their every composition.
- ‘Ohms’ by Deftones
American alternative metal band Deftones has again delivered a flawless album called ‘Ohms’. This is their ninth studio album and got released in September 2020 with Reprise Records. The band is always experimenting with new sounds and elements in their every release. The lead vocalist Chino Moreno has outdone himself with a sterling vocal performance in the album. According to critics, this is one of the most refreshing creations in years.
- ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters’ by Fiona Apple
Released on April 2020, the fifth studio album by Fiona Apple ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters’ has marveled the audience with its charismatic panache. Each track possesses a boundless and wild melodic resonance of the everyday. The songs are full of optimism and confidence, making it her best creation so far. It has an almost perfect score in each music magazine. English model and actress Cara Delevinge lent her vocals for the title song.
- ‘Petals for Armor’ by Hayley Williams
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams decided to go solo with her for the first time, presenting a masterpiece studio album called ‘Petals for Armor’. She makes it look so effortless with her flawless vocals and an entirely different rhythmic vibe. Drifting away from Paramore’s pop-punk resonance, she has adopted an exceptional thematic flow that almost resembles Radiohead. Hayley has certainly broken the stigma of frontmen or frontwomen failing to go solo. The album has received positive reviews from critics.
- ‘Brave Faces Everyone’ by Spanish Love Songs
American Rock band Spanish Love Songs has inspired the world to survive through despair in the true sense. Their third studio album ‘Brave Faces Everyone’, released in February 2020, before everything went south. It offers a remarkable strength to the listeners. The songs like ‘Routine Pain’ and ‘Losers’ convey an optimistic message about life. the soundtracks acknowledge the pain and suffering of everyman. Released under Pure Noise the album received a widespread positive response from the whole world.
- ‘Nothing is True and Everything Is Possible’ by Enter Shikari
‘Nothing is True and Everything Is Possible’ is in the true sense the ‘most definitive Shikari record to date’. Released in April 2020, the album represents the real horror of the current year. The English band has widened its thematic spectrum embedding diverse melodic elements and style in the album. The album takes Enter Shikari to the highest peak of their career creating the most ethereal collection ever.