2023 was a year of non-stop music releases. Whether it was veteran bands or new must-watch artists, everyone brought out all the stops to drop music that we have had on repeat all year long. From politically driven songs to tracks about toxic relationships to comeback singles, no matter what music you were looking for, you can find it in a 2023 release.

Wondering what music should be at the top of your must listen to list? While trying to narrow down all the best releases seems impossible, I managed to pick ten of the best releases for you all to check out. Keep reading for the top ten rock songs released this year. 

10. “T.M.I” Meet Me @ The Altar

Meet Me @ The Altar get open and honest on “T.M.I” off their debut album Past // Present // Future. This track talks about dealing with mental health and self confidence as seen with the lyric “I hate myself, I look in the mirror and start to cry.” The strong and punchy electric guitar and fast drums create a more upbeat tone. The contrast of the high energy sound with the more deep and negative lyrics works beautifully to create a song that will have you dancing while also not feeling alone. The topics and thoughts that are discussed on the track are ones that many can relate to and experience regularly. Meet Me @ The Altar absolutely smashed it and “T.M.I” is a must listen to from this year. 

9. “Blame Brett” The Beaches

The Beaches are “sorry in advance” on their song “Blame Brett.” This pop-rock song is a warning to our narrator’s next love interest she will not be the best partner as she sings, “I’m only gonna treat you bad, I’m probably gonna let you down.” However, she says you can blame her ex, Brett, for that. The tight guitar on the song keeps the song moving and makes you want to dance. A subtle, groovy base shines on the verse to give a more laid-back feel. The drums are subtle, but still pack a punch. This song was made to be blasted with your windows down as you scream the chorus. So turn it up and dedicate it to all the “Brett’s” in our lives. 

8. “Love From The Other Side” Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy made their return and came back with a bang. “Love From The Other Side” takes all the best elements from all eras Fall Out Boy, fine tunes them and adds in some new twists and spits out a comeback single that is better than anyone could expect. A piano and string opening leads into banging drums and roaring guitars that blend beautifully with the strings. When greeted with the iconic voice of Patrick Stump and belting chorus, you cannot help but scream. This four and half minute masterpiece showed us that Fall Out Boy took the time to reflect, refine their sound and are ready to make their return. They are back and better than ever. 

7. “Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate)” TX2

In a year full of politicians trying to pass laws to take away rights from those in LGBTQ+ community, TX2’s “Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate)” resonated with many. This song details how politicians are using religion as the basis to pass laws banning drag shows and ban books. The title specifically calls out the lieutenant governor of Tennessee who passed many bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community. However, it was recently discovered he was leaving flirtatious comments from his verified Instagram on photos of an openly gay man. This track is blunt and to the point: it addresses how those in power are happy to pass laws based on hate as long as it keeps them in power. Which, unfortunately, is becoming more and more relevant every day. The guitar opens the track with an electric riff that grabs your ear, followed by a scream that lets you know TX2 is angry. Listening to the track, you hear a lot going on: the drums are fast, pounding and keep the song moving. The vocals are rough, angry, and sassy. Mixed with the guitar and drums are electronic beats that add in a cool beat. It is loud, in your face, never backing down. The song closes out with a guttural scream from TX2 where he lets out all the built up anger with the world. By the end, you are head banging and screaming along.

6. “Cruel” Broadside feat. Brian Butcher 

Broadside and Brian Butcher from The Home Team created a catchy, groovy and dark but hopeful track. This song is all about wanting to give up, but someone in your life will not let you leave or give up on you. Ollie Baxxter of Broadside and Butcher sound great not only individually, but their voices blend beautifully when they combine. They each have their own unique vocal style that shines and still keeps the groovy feel to the song. The bass and guitar lines on “Cruel” are made for head bobbing and dancing. When this song is played live, it is almost impossible to stand still. This song manages to take a relatable and hard topic, but bring it to life in a fun, hopeful and catchy manner needed in 2023. 

5. “RITUAL” Waterparks

Waterparks new album INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY was spectacular, and their song “RITUAL” was a stand out track. “RITUAL” was a heavier song on the album and is full of a running dream beat that keeps you hooked in from start to finish. Singer Awsten Knight provides a range of vocals with a higher-pitched sound in the chorus, moments where there is some heavier, scream-like vocals, and a deeper effect on the line “like a ritual.” The track opens with someone asking “What if I want to have sex before I get married?” and someone responds with “Well I guess you just have to be prepared to die,” so you are immediately drawn in. Nothing else on the album sounds like it and remains a stand out track many listens later. 

4. “Worst Apology” Honey Revenge

“Worst Apology” is the sassy and powerful track that will get stuck in your head. This song is all about not accepting apologies from people who haven’t changed and will not change, a topic that so many people who have been in toxic relationships can relate to. Plus, the track has a cool groovy beat that will have you dancing in no time. Lead singer Devyn Papadol sounds amazing and brings the sassy energy with her vocal performance. The lyrics themselves are clever and meant to be screamed like “now my drink tastes like I should ruin your night.” Put all of that together and you have a top song for 2023. 

3. “The Credits” Arrows in Action feat. Loveless and Magnolia Park 

“The Credits” is one of the best collaborations released in 2023. Arrows In Action, Loveless and Magnolia all sound incredible during their individual moments. Loveless brings in anger during their verse and Magnolia Park soars on the powerful and emotional bridge, and Arrows In Action create the feeling of heartbreak and longing not only on the lyrics but on the instrumentals as well. From rolling drums and dynamic guitar, the song sounds like it belongs in a movie. Plus, the metaphorical lyrics to compare the ending of the relationship to a movie really bring the song to life. Of course, when three artists like them collaborate, you can expect nothing short of greatness. 

2. “18+” Scene Queen

Scene Queen was not afraid to call out bands in the pop punk scene on “18+.” This track discusses how many bands are now being called out for being inappropriate with underage fans. In the song she makes note of how many of these bands are still experiencing success. The anger is laced throughout her voice and the heavy guitars, drums and screaming in the bridge bring even more emotion. And the lyrics themselves are catchy and clever. You cannot help but chant  “eighteen plus, eighteen get those children off your bus” every time you hear it. Lyrics like “bras hanging off the bus” seemingly making a direct call out to the band All Time Low, how they famously collected bras on tour and kept them in a trailer. This was the song those who have been in the scene for a while needed. It is the song for us to let out all the built up anger and frustration with the actions of bands and people in the scene. 

1. “ALL CAPS” Weathers feat. John the Ghost

This song has been in my constant rotation from the second it was released. The high energy guitar and drums draw you in from the start. The two work together to create the feeling of anxiousness and rushing that all culminates in the chorus. Those elements mix with the catchy chorus that you cannot help but scream at the top of your lungs from every time. The verses are short and more laid-back, sounding almost like they are talking themselves through what is going on in the relationship. Both Weathers lead singer Cameron Boyer and John The Ghost sound fantastic on the track individually and blend well together. Plus, it touches on the relatable topic of struggling in a toxic relationship. All of this works together to create a song that hits more and more with every listen, making it the top song for 2023.

You can listen to all these songs on our official playlist here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Music videos for each track have been provided where possible. This was not possible for every song on this list due to embedding issues with YouTube.