The Best Rock and Indie Music of 2020
Looking for the best rock and indie music of 2020? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our list of the year’s best tunes.
Introduction
The year 2020 has been, to put it lightly, quite a ride. Amid a global pandemic, social and political turmoil, and widespread uncertainty, music has served as a much-needed source of comfort and escape for many of us. As we look back on the year that was, there are plenty of standout moments in music to reflect on — both good and bad.
On the positive side, we saw several veteran artists make triumphant returns after long hiatuses, while plenty of fresh talent also emerged and made their mark. From indie darlings to pop superstars, there was no shortage of great music to choose from in 2020.
To help you make sense of it all, we’ve rounded up the best rock and indie music of 2020. From anthemic stadium-filling tunes to delicate bedroom ballads, these are the songs that helped us get through the year.
Best Rock Albums of 2020
It’s been a tough year for everyone, but music has been one of the things that has helped us all get through it. There have been some amazing rock and indie albums released in 2020. Here are our favourites.
The Strokes – The New Abnormal
The New Abnormal is the seventh studio album by American rock band The Strokes. It was released on April 10, 2020, through Cult Records and Sony Music. The album was announced on March 3, 2020, along with its lead single “At the Door”. “Bad Decisions” and “Ode to the Mets” were also released as singles.
Beck – Hyperspace
Beck’s fourteenth studio album is a departure from the more pop-leaning sound of his last few releases, instead returning to a more guitar-based sound. The result is a collection of songs that are both catchy and thought-provoking, with Beck’s trademark wit on full display. Highlights include the lead single “Dark Places,” the spacey “Hyperspace,” and the anthemic “Uneventful Days.”
Weezer – Van Weezer
Released on May 15, 2020, Van Weezer is the fourteenth studio album by American rock band Weezer.
The album Emotionally Available was set to be released as the first single on March 30, 2020, but it was surprise-released earlier on March 27, 2020. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was preceded by the singles “The End of the Game” and “Hero”.
The Killers – Imploding the Mirage
The Killers’ Imploding the Mirage is the Best Rock Album of 2020
The Killers’ Imploding the Mirage is the best rock album of 2020. It’s a return to form for the band, with a sound that recalls their early work while still feeling fresh and new. The album is full of catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, perfect for sing-alongs. It’s also one of the most personal albums from The Killers, with frontman Brandon Flowers sharing his struggles with anxiety and depression. If you’re looking for a rock album that will make you dance, cry, and sing along at the top of your lungs, Imploding the Mirage is it.
Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight
Foo Fighters’ tenth studio album, “Medicine at Midnight,” is one of the best rock albums of 2020. The album was released on February 7, 2020, by RCA Records. The album’s first single, “Shame Shame,” was released on October 23, 2019. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with 102,000 album-equivalent units. “Medicine at Midnight” is Foo Fighters’ fifth album to debut in the top three on the Billboard 200.
In December 2019, Foo Fighters announced that they would be headlining the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2020. In January 2020, the band cancelled their European tour due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Best Indie Albums of 2020
In a year that was anything but typical, the best rock and indie music of 2020 offered a welcome distraction from the chaos of the world. From grunge-inspired comebacks to experimental electronic music, there was something for everyone in 2020. Here are our picks for the best rock and indie albums of 2020.
Haim – Women in Music Pt. III
Haim’s third album, Women in Music Pt. III, is a masterclass in pop songwriting and execution. The album’s lead single, “The Steps,” is a perfect example of the band’s infectious blend of rock, pop, and R&B, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album. There’s not a weak track on Women in Music Pt. III, which is why it’s one of our favorite albums of 2020.
The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form
It’s been four years since The 1975 released their last album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It, and in that time a lot has changed. The band has become one of the biggest pop groups in the world, releasing a string of hit singles and selling out arenas on multiple continents. Despite their newfound fame, they’ve managed to stay true to their roots, keeping their music weird and experimental.
Their newest album, Notes on a Conditional Form, is no different. It’s a massive 22-track record that sprawls all over the place, touching on indie rock, synth-pop, ambient music, and more. It’s an ambitious album that will likely polarize fans and critics alike, but there’s no denying that it’s a fascinating listen from start to finish.
HAIM – Something to Tell You
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from HAIM. The trio of sisters last released an album way back in 2013 with their debut Days Are Gone. Since then, they’ve been busy with side projects, including solo work from eldest sister Danielle and touring with Taylor Swift. But now they’re back with their sophomore album Something to Tell You, and it was worth the wait.
Something to Tell You is a varied album that features HAIM’s signature sound of reminiscent ‘80s pop mixed with modern country-tinged rock. The first single “Right Now” is a sunny ode to living in the moment, while “Want You Back” is a heartbreak song with a catchy chorus. The album also includes more personal tracks like “You Never Knew,” which Danielle wrote about her late father, and the title track, which is about the anxieties of growing up.
With Something to Tell You, HAIM have delivered an impressive follow-up to their debut that will please both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
On their first album in six years, Vampire Weekend have ushered in a more relaxed, mature sound while still staying true to their indie rock roots. The result is an album that feels both fresh and familiar, and firmly entrenched in the present day.
Highlights include the lead single “Harmony Hall”, a song about the anxiety of entering into adulthood, as well as the anthemic “This Life”, which was co-written by all four members of the band. Father of the Bride is a solid return from one of indie rock’s most beloved bands, and proof that they’re still at the top of their game.
The National – Sleep Well Beast
On their seventh album, The National consolidate their position as one of the most reliable and rewarding bands in rock. Sleep Well Beast is another stealthy, sinister record that slowly works its way under your skin, revealing more of its charms with each listen. Like all of The National’s best work, it’s an album that feels timely and timeless all at once.
