Looking back on 2023, the number of well-written, beautifully produced and overall fantastic albums released is outstanding. From debut albums to veteran acts, everyone was dropping new music this year. With all the new music released, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Whether you were looking for pop rock, pop punk or post-punk, there was an album dropped this year to fit what style or sound for everyone. 

Trying to narrow down the top albums of 2023 was a very difficult task. However, everyone needs to know what albums from this year are must-listens to, right? So, I managed to narrow it down to five albums for you all to check out. 

Keep reading to check out the top five rock albums from 2023. 

5. This Is Why – Paramore

Paramore released their first album in almost six years on February 10, 2023, with This Is Why. The album sees Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Zac Farro reuniting once again to bring this long-awaited masterpiece to Paramore fans. Paramore explores a post-punk sound and faces a post-pandemic world on This Is Why. It explores the anxieties from witnessing global tragedies, but also growing older and seeing the changing world. The lead single “This Is Why” gave a look into what fans would expect from the album, with urgent melodies and lyrics talking about people lacking empathy and care for others. “The News” pairs well with the title track, addressing how the 24-hour news cycle has become all-consuming and we have become addicted to watching atrocities around the world unfold in front of us. In the song “Running Out Of Time,” Paramore realizes their time on Earth is not forever and they are entering stages of life without knowing what is going on. This album feels very cathartic not only for the band but also for the fans. The subject matter on the album is not unique to just the band. So, This Is Why allowed fans to have an album they could connect to their own lived experiences. The breath-taking songwriting pairs with dynamic drums, jagged guitars and emotional vocals from Hayley Williams to create songs that perfectly encapsulate this new era of Paramore. This Is Why is the comeback album that demonstrates these veterans are stronger than ever. 

4. Retrovision – Honey Revenge

Honey Revenge released their debut album Retrovision on June 23, 2023. The duo consists of Donovan Lloyd on guitar and Devin Papadol on vocals. The duo has been on the rise this year, and Retrovision cements who they are as a band. The album features a sassy and groovy sound, heavily influenced by the pop punk and rock groups they grew up listening to. The band has referenced bands like Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, The Plain White T’s, The All-American Rejects, Katy Perry, P!nk and even Korn, as bands and artists they grew up listening to that and inspired them to want to combine rock, metal and pop into one. They have even cited Disney rock like Hannah Montana and Demi Lovato as early influences for the group. The album is full of bright guitar riffs and toe-tapping drum beats that emulate pop anthems with a pop-punk twist. So, while you can dance to the record, you are also able to headbang and rock out. The catchy and quirky lyrics will get stuck in your head and have you singing along by your second listen. For example, the cadence and style of the chorus of “Favorite Song” are made to flow right off your tongue, making it perfect to sing along. “Sensitive” is the heaviest track, with more roaring and rougher guitars and heavier drums, leaning more into the duo’s pop-punk influences. “Scapegoat” slows it down for a moment with a more mellow and emotional moment. Papadol sings “not gonna be your scapegoat to use,” calling out her partner for trying to put the blame for the fallout of their relationship ending. The album talks about topics relating to toxic relationships like the angry and sassy song “Worst Apology” and letting your emotions dictate your decisions on tracks like “Airhead.” Retrovision is short, to the point and straddles the line of pop and rock music beautifully to create a fun album you cannot help but dance and sing along to. 

3. Built To Last – Arrows In Action 

Arrows In Action shows us that they are “Made For This” on their debut album Built To Last, which was released on May 26, 2023. The album discusses all the feelings and experiences that come with trying to figure out your place in this world. Songs about heartbreak, self-doubt, losing connection with loved ones and more can be found on this incredible album. The order of the tracks on the album creates a journey for the listener. It creates the experience of going through life with the band and experiencing the emotions that they have felt. The closing track “Built To Last” completes that journey and brings everything full circle with the last verse taking a line from each song on the album. It feels like a moment of reflection, looking back at what has happened in life so far.  It feels as if the band is ready to learn from what has happened so far and is ready to move forward. The album also features incredible collaborations. On the strong and thematic track “The Credits,” Loveless and Magnolia Park join the band to chronicle the ending of a relationship that the band does not want to end. They are holding on to what little relationship has left, hoping it will never end. Even though they know eventually “The Credits” will roll and the relationship will be over, just like a movie. The groovy and fun song “Wide Eyes” features Brian Butcher of The Home Team, who adds sassy vocals to his own verse and some backing vocals. With each listen, you unlock more levels to the album and can connect more and more with the tracks. Built To Last is a strong demonstration of what Arrows In Action can do as a band and they are just getting started. You can check out our full review of the album here.

2.  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY – Waterparks

Waterparks dropped their fifth album INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY on April 14, 2023 and they did not disappoint. The album does not simply fall into one singular genre category. It takes influence from pop punk, rock, pop, electronic and more. There is not a word to describe it other than “Waterparks.” Every album they release pushes the boundaries more and more, and this album was no different. Coming in at only 31 minutes, the album manages to pack a punch and tell a complete story. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY discusses themes surrounding religious trauma and how that affects how frontman Awsten Knight lives his life. The topics range from sexual guilt, mental health, relationships, and more. Knight does not hide what he is talking about with his blunt lyric writing. With lines like “I know you’re dying wish is to be baptized in my spit” on “Funeral Grey,” Knight is not afraid to say it how it is. There is no guessing what message he is trying to get across. Also, each song on the album has its own unique sound. The song “2 BEST FRIENDS” has light and playful instrumentals while “RITUAL” is heavier and dark. “CLOSER” is toned back with acoustic guitar, piano, and angelic sound. However, the fantastic production is what completes the album. All the layering, synthesizers and vocal effects are mixed and blended to create the atmospheric and cohesive experience of the album. You can check out my full review of the album here.

1. Are We Having Fun? – Weathers

Released on May 5, 2023, Weathers talk about love, heartbreak, anger, sadness and more on their album Are We Having Fun?. The album heavily focuses on the ups and downs of relationships, addressing everything from first meetings to break-ups. The group brings a cohesive sound from start to finish. Every song tells a complete story and has its own unique sound that still fits into the overall sound and vibe of the album. Are We Having Fun? features emotionally rich vocals from lead singer Cameron Boyer, especially on “Goodbye My Friends,” roaring guitars, groovy bass lines, strong and steady drums, fun synthesizers and more. Weathers shows how they have evolved and have honed in their sound, production and songwriting. Nothing feels out of place or thrown together. It all fits together like a perfect puzzle. The small little details like “Interlude” including the melody of album tracks “She Hates Me” and “Little Castaway” tie the album together and make it feel like a complete work and not songs just thrown together. The contrast of fast-paced funky tracks like “Drama Queen” and slower and darker songs like “Carsick” keep the listener interested the whole time. At only twelve songs, the album does not drag or feel too short. By the end, Weathers does answer the album title’s question: no, we are not having fun. Life and relationships are difficult. You have to keep pushing through, and everything will be okay in the end. You can check out our full review of the album here.

All albums mentioned on this list can be found on all major music streaming platforms.