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Top 10 Modern Rock Bands

Top 10 Modern Rock Bands
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VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey WRITTEN BY: Andy Hammersmith
From psychedelic soundscapes to post-punk revivals, these groups have defined rock in the new millennium! Join us as we count down our picks for the best rock bands of the modern era. Our list celebrates artists who've made their mark since 2000, showcasing innovative sounds and genre-bending approaches that have kept rock music evolving and thriving into the 21st century. The countdown includes Tame Impala, The 1975, Arctic Monkeys, My Chemical Romance, Haim, Vampire Weekend, Fall Out Boy, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, The Killers, and The Strokes! Which modern rock band gets your vote for the best? Let us know in the comments below!

#10: Tame Impala

Kevin Parker is the brainchild of this Australian act. Under his direction, Tame Impala is a new kind of psychedelic band. The trippy quality of each record lingers in your mind for long afterward. Taking in layers of instrumentation, listeners find themselves swimming in other dimensions. Albums such as “Innerspeaker” and “Lonerism” introduced a global audience to the act. With other records like “Currents,” Parker pushes the limits of the genre with guitars, synths, and slick beats. The singer’s higher pitched-voice guides you through many mystical trips. You might not be dancing to it all, but you’ll probably be lost in a trance.


#9: The 1975

In the 2010s, these pop rockers quickly made a case for themselves. Matty Healy and company had the look, attitude, and production values to wow listeners. Over the last decade, they’ve put out consistently fun and engaging records. These range from entertaining singalongs to more heartfelt ballads. Healy’s controversial antics steal the spotlight, but his bandmates each bring some sophisticated playing to their songs. George Daniel’s drumming is just one highlight of their eclectic sound. Through five albums, the British quartet have grown to try more baroque and experimental works. There’s also the welcome inclusion of other instruments like the saxophone.


#8: Arctic Monkeys

As exciting things were happening in America, these guys reinvigorated rock in their home country. Arctic Monkeys entered the scene as fresh-faced wonders with a hit record. “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” is pure and unadulterated fun. They reached the big time in the late 2000s, forging ahead with notable singles and big swings. Singer Alex Turner is a force of nature, bringing British swagger to his every performance. A chain of good work followed with songs like “Do I Wanna Know?” creating new fans in the 2010s. Their innovative efforts defy easy labels, making for a sometimes-abrasive and otherwise satisfying execution.


#7: My Chemical Romance

Some music fans would describe this band as emo or something else entirely. With their signature makeup, haircuts, and wardrobe, My Chemical Romance certainly has a striking look. Their music is even more breathtaking with Gerard Way and his bandmates lighting the way. They roared into the mainstream with three albums in the 2000s. This string of work represented some of the group’s most popular music, including 2006’s “Welcome to the Black Parade.” On both a visual and thematic level, the musical act knew when to push boundaries for dramatic effect. Their fourth record “Danger Days” saw them venturing once again into rock opera. While they broke up in 2013, the rockers later reunited at the end of the 2010s.


#6: Haim

With the power of three siblings, Haim knows how to make compelling rock. Their sound almost feels like a throwback to the likes of Fleetwood Mac. Their debut featured the kind of rocking grooves that make you want to sing and dance. Danielle, Este, and Alana are all multi-instrumentalists with tremendous talent. The lead vocalist alone can sing, play drums, and work a guitar to perfection. Their third record “Women in Music Pt. III” expanded their musical output, giving them more positive reviews and chances to stand out. Their music videos also highlight their artistic sensibilities, humor, and dance moves. The pop influence gives their most recent record “I Quit” some edge, proving they can keep people guessing.


#5: Vampire Weekend

Across multiple decades, this band still projects a youthful energy. Lead singer Ezra Koenig doesn’t seem to age and neither does his musical tastes. Vampire Weekend released their self-titled debut in 2008, having contributed to the recent legacy of indie rock. The riffs of “A-Punk” feel like something of an anthem for the subgenre. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Koenig and his fellow musicians found ways to keep listeners invested. There’s incredible rhythms on the likes of “Giving Up the Gun,” but then you get some clever wordplay in “Diane Young.” On all fronts, the group blend a quirky energy into their effervescent catalog. This also extends itself to more recent work such as “Capricorn” and what looks to be a promising future.


#4: Fall Out Boy

Taking a stab at pop punk, Fall Out Boy became successful during another boom for the genre. It was a time when other bands like Panic! At the Disco were doing the same. Their debut had promise, but then their follow-up “From Under a Cork Tree” brought them to a major label. Hits like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” also showed off their ability to create catchy earworms. On their third album, the quartet revealed that they could keep firing off big singles. “Thnks fr th Mmrs” marks yet another high point of their earlier output. Throughout the decades, they’ve endured through several musical left turns such as an ode to “The Munsters.”


#3: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

It might be easier to say what this band isn’t. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are an Australian collective with a loyal following, bringing together all kinds of artistic influences. The rock act explores various psychedelic, jam, and metal elements. Rather than being another Phish or Grateful Dead, the group paved their own way. They’ve managed to conquer venues around the world while avoiding the traditional spotlight. Aiming for something more than the Billboard charts, the act garnered a more pointed fanbase through their musical abilities. Gizzard fans might point to the band’s ever-changing catalog or the lively stage shows. Whatever the reason might be, this collective strikes a chord with certain rock fans.


#2: The Killers

The Las Vegas band were ready for the 21st century with their blend of alternative and new wave sounds. When The Killers released “Hot Fuss,” they were already set with a slew of awesome songs. “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside” immediately established them as a band to watch. Their run in the 2000s featured some major highs and hit albums. From incredible guitar lines to space-themed singles, the group built up an effective career of updating classic sounds. They later took funkier and dance rock detours while never betraying their early success. By the time they worked with Springsteen, the musicians achieved yet another level of musical credibility.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.


Arcade Fire

Mixing Alternative Rock Elements, the Montreal Act Won over Critics & Audiences


The Struts

The Queen-Influence Is Strong in a British Outfit Full of Glam & Arena Rock Sounds


Avenged Sevenfold

A High-Intensity Metal Band with Energy & Raw Talent for Days


Fontaines D.C.

The Outspoken Irish Band Provides a Different Look at Post-Punk


The Black Keys

Using a Blues Influence, This Duo from Akron, Ohio Know How to Rock Out


#1: The Strokes

You could call them the most important American band of the 2000s, or just a great one. The Strokes helped shape the trajectory of 21st century music. With their alternative style, the New Yorkers created a mashup of garage rock and post-punk. Julian Casablancas spearheaded the group’s vintage-sounding songs. Using solid riffs and punchy lyrics, they created a template that inspired droves of imitators. “Is This It” and “Room on Fire” were essential documents of the time, while their follow-ups were arguably underrated. Their 2020 record “The New Abnormal” was something of a comeback that earned them a Grammy win for Best Rock Album.


Did we forget another amazing band from the last ten years? Let us know in the comments below.

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