Stick a fork in it, because 2022 is done! Despite the challenges everyone on the planet has lived with over the past few years, music and those who make music remain our sonic heroes. This year produced a variety of great music from all genres – so many in fact, it would be difficult to name them all.
Alt rock has many tentacles and sub-genres that are genres of their own. But in the alternative rock world, we identify with them all so we will take a stab at a “best of” list for 2022. With the help of the staff at TNN RADIO, here is our Top 10 Alt Rock List, with a few honorable mentions.
TOP 10 of 2022:
They caused a frenzy in 2022 by announcing a 2023 tour with its original members and releasing a new song. The new track hit the airwaves and is #1 on our chart.
Number 1: This is “Edging” by Blink-182
Power-punk band The Dollyrots had a triumphant year with new music, but their 2022 heavy rotation song was a cover of the Gilbert O’Sullivan classic. Their spring calendar is filled with tour dates already.
Number 2: “Alone Again (Naturally)” by The Dollyrots
Although this song was on their 2021 album, it was not officially a single until 2022, where it picked up major steam. Turnstile has been around a minute, but song #3 – and opening for My Chemical Romance in 2022, and Blink-182 in 2023 – is making them a household name.
Number 3: This is “Holiday” by Turnstile
This year was a very successful year for many artists, not only for their music, but people turning out in droves to see them live. His highly anticipated third album dropped in 2022 and his 2023 world tour is expected to be just as massive. Slot #4 goes to Yungblud.
Number 4: This is “The Funeral” by Yungblud
Another band that has been around a minute, winners of Eurovision, Måneskin hit it big with “Beggin,’” but song #5 – which is on their upcoming album, “Rush” – and their Grammy noms will make the Italians a familiar name in the US.
Number 5: This is “The Loneliest” by Måneskin.
It was another banner year for Muse, and we get to see them live in 2023; in fact, they are booked through July! Slot #6 goes to our favorite Brits!
Number 6: This is “Won’t Stand Down” by Muse
We can’t explain it, but a song that came out at the beginning of the year gained traction and was just as strong at the end of the year. This one did well with alt rock fans, the EMO crowd, the Indie crowd and anyone who just likes music that makes you smile.
Number 7: This is “EMO Girl by Machine Gun Kelly.
This LA-based band has had a lot of success with songs like “I Love L.A.,” “Bet My Brains” and “She Gets Around.” They’ve already been announced for the mega loud fest, Welcome to Rockville, make way in 2023 for Starcrawler!
Number 8: This is “Roadkill” by Starcrawler.
Slot #9 on this year’s TNN / OCMN playlist goes to an Irish band that hit the airwaves hard with a song titled “Boys in a Better Land.” The song helped them take off enough to land at Primavera Sound LA in 2022, then the support role for Arctic Monkeys’ 2023 North American tour.
Number 9: This is “Roman Holiday” by Fontaines D.C.
Rounding out the top ten are a trio from New Jersey who are now a mainstay at alt rock and indie stations worldwide. We round out the Top 10 with a very happy sound.
Number 10″ This is “Do Your Worst” by The Happy Fits
Honorable mentions: Yeah, we know, there are a ton of great bands that put music out this year, but it’s a Top 10 list. There were a few others we just need to mention, so here they are!
This one came out late in the voting cycle, but it is already getting traction. The ska sensation from Orange County Bite Me Bambi gets this mention with “Want You Bad.”.
Another song that made the list is “Rebels Without Applause” by Morrissey.
This next one is a cover, and sure they are teens, but this band may be around a while. Do yourself a favor and check out The Linda Lindas!
Another 2021 release that blew up in 2022, this is “Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo. This one got a lot of help getting to the masses as it appeared in Netlix’s “Do Revenge,” “The Imperfects,” and “The School for Good and Evil.”
“Love Dies Young” by Foo Fighters – This was released in the ladder part of 2021 as part of “Medicine at Midnight,” but the song blew up in 2022. It was the last release featuring Taylor Hawkins.
