Rockin' The 2010s: Best Bands & Albums You Need To Know!
Did the 2010s represent a zenith, a plateau, or perhaps a subtle evolution within the ever-shifting landscape of rock music? The decade, undeniably, was a crucible where established titans weathered the changing tides of the music industry, while a new generation of bands emerged, each vying for a place in the pantheon.
This carefully curated examination delves into the sonic tapestry of the 2010s, a period when streaming platforms and chart metrics redefined the very nature of musical success. Its a journey through the evolution of rock, a genre that, since its genesis in the 1950s, has undergone countless transformations. From the branching out into diverse subgenres in the early 2000s, to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age in the 2010s, the story of rock music during this decade is a compelling narrative of adaptation and innovation.
The 2010s saw rock music navigating a transformed industry. While no longer the dominant force it once was, rock retained a dedicated following, with many bands skillfully leveraging social media to cultivate and expand their fan bases. Many of the bands that defined the decade's sound were already well-established names, their influence carried over from the preceding years.
One such group is the Black Keys, an American rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001. Guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, after eight years of honing their craft and gaining a cult following, achieved mainstream recognition in 2010 with the release of their ninth studio album, "Brothers." This record was a watershed moment, solidifying their position in the music world.
The diversification of musical styles within rock has been a constant theme throughout its history, and the 2010s were no exception. While heavy metal dominated the 80s and 90s, a gentler rock sound began to develop in the early 21st century, adding another layer of complexity to the genre. Regardless of the subgenre, an artistic connection continues to unite all forms of rock.
Here's a look at some of the key bands and artists who shaped the rock music scene during the 2010s:
| Band/Artist | Genre | Key Albums/Songs (2010-2019) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Keys | Blues Rock, Garage Rock | "Brothers" (2010), "El Camino" (2011), "Turn Blue" (2014) | Grammy Award Winners, critical acclaim, consistent chart success |
| Imagine Dragons | Alternative Rock, Pop Rock | "Night Visions" (2012), "Evolve" (2017), "Origins" (2018) | Multi-platinum albums, global touring success |
| Mumford & Sons | Folk Rock, Indie Folk | "Sigh No More" (2009), "Babel" (2012), "Wilder Mind" (2015) | Grammy Award winners, successful festival appearances |
| Vampire Weekend | Indie Rock, Baroque Pop | "Contra" (2010), "Modern Vampires of the City" (2013), "Father of the Bride" (2019) | Critical acclaim, strong album sales |
| twenty one pilots | Alternative Hip Hop, Pop Rock | "Vessel" (2013), "Blurryface" (2015), "Trench" (2018) | Global phenomenon, blending genres, innovative live shows |
| The Killers | Alternative Rock, Indie Rock | "Battle Born" (2012), "Wonderful Wonderful" (2017) | Arena-filling tours and continued commercial success |
| Foo Fighters | Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge | "Wasting Light" (2011), "Sonic Highways" (2014), "Concrete and Gold" (2017) | Continued success, headlining major festivals |
Rolling Stone's Best Rock Albums of the 2010s
The band, The Killers, from Las Vegas, exemplifies the success of rock music in the 2010s, scoring five number ones on the weekly Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and four number ones on Top Rock Albums during the decade.
The year 2010 also witnessed the rise of various new musical groups. Although a list of musical groups established in 2010 features roughly 200 pages, the focus remains on the most impactful names that left a mark on the decade.
The Japanese female idol group AKB48, achieved a Guinness World Record in 2010 for being the world's largest pop group, highlighting the global reach of popular music. Furthermore, the Japanese boy band Arashi released their million-selling album "Boku no Miteiru Fkei," which became the best-selling album in Japan that year.
These rock music artists are assessed based on popularity, critical acclaim, and (where applicable) their influence within the genre. Only each artist's work within the rock genre during the period from 2010 to 2019 was considered for this ranking, ensuring a focused perspective on the decade's musical landscape.
The music of the 2010s was also characterized by catchy tunes. In that period, the band Dum Dum Girls, formed in 2008, penned music that found its place in the punk rock scene. This group, with its combination of 80s nostalgia and 2010s intensity, was an instant success.
Another pivotal component of the 2010s musical landscape was the explosion of pop bands, such as One Direction. Their albums were released nearly annually between 2011 and 2015, each one becoming a smash hit. This era was marked by strong sales and a massive global presence.
Indie rock, a genre that is not easily defined, especially within the context of the 2010s, saw many acts find their way into the mainstream.
Several artists made an impact in the German music market during the 2010s. Linkin Park, for example, with their album "A Thousand Suns" (2010), topped the charts in Germany, the United States, and other countries. The album sold over three million copies. Subsequent albums, such as "Living Things" (2012), "The Hunting Party" (2014), and "One More Light" (2017), also achieved global success.
The era also saw reunions, such as the announcement by drummer Travis Barker that the Transplants would be reuniting for a new album and tour.
The proliferation of indie bands in the late 2000s and early 2010s, characterized by crystalline guitars and cryptic lyrics, offered new possibilities for artistic expression.
As we look back at the second decade of the 21st century, it's a time to reflect and assess some of the greatest rock albums of the period. This offers a chance to celebrate the music and the artists who shaped it.
The Australian rock scene, too, offered significant contributions, with numerous bands and artists becoming defining figures of the decade.
Finally, it's essential to recognize that the method of measuring success in music has evolved. Certifications have increasingly factored in streaming alongside sales figures, which further complicates the process of analyzing the impact of these albums and artists.
