Essential modern rock listening

The albums that define modern rock.

Our picks for where to start with modern rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top modern rock artists

Start with one of these.

The modern rock essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Put Up or Shut Up

All Time Low

Put Up or Shut Up

Energetic pop-punk anthems burst with youthful exuberance and catchy hooks that define early 2000s emo culture.

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Dirty Work

All Time Low

Dirty Work

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and pop-punk energy, laced with a hint of self-reflection and humor.

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So Wrong, It's Right

All Time Low

So Wrong, It's Right

Energetic pop-punk anthems blend catchy hooks with youthful exuberance, encapsulating the spirit of mid-2000s rock.

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Nothing Personal

All Time Low

Nothing Personal

A buoyant blend of pop-punk energy and catchy melodies, capturing youthful angst and exuberance.

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The Way I Am

Ana Johnsson

The Way I Am

A vibrant blend of alternative rock energy and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of youthful rebellion.

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Straight to DVD

All Time Low

Straight to DVD

Energetic pop-punk anthems blend catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, capturing youthful exuberance and angst.

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The Party Scene

All Time Low

The Party Scene

Energized pop-punk anthems collide with youthful exuberance and catchy melodies throughout the album.

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Don't Panic

All Time Low

Don't Panic

Energetic pop-punk anthems blend catchy hooks with heartfelt lyrics, capturing youthful rebellion and nostalgia.

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Wake Up, Sunshine

All Time Low

Wake Up, Sunshine

An energetic blend of pop-punk anthems and introspective ballads, brimming with youthful optimism and relatable themes.

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Last Young Renegade

All Time Low

Last Young Renegade

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics wrapped in polished production.

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Straight to DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts

All Time Low

Straight to DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts

A vibrant celebration of pop-punk's anthemic energy and heartfelt storytelling, capturing the spirit of a generation.

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The Three Words to Remember in Dealing with the End

All Time Low

The Three Words to Remember in Dealing with the End

Energetic pop-punk melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing youthful angst and nostalgia.

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Tell Me I'm Alive

All Time Low

Tell Me I'm Alive

An invigorating blend of pop-punk energy and modern rock melodies that captures youthful resilience.

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Future Hearts

All Time Low

Future Hearts

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and modern rock melodies that captures youthful exuberance and introspection.

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Most Ordinary Existence

Onnine Ibalgwan

Most Ordinary Existence

A reflective tapestry of modern rock, blending introspective lyrics with emotive melodies and dynamic instrumentation.

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People Who Stay Alone

Onnine Ibalgwan

People Who Stay Alone

A blend of introspective lyrics and expansive guitar-driven melodies characterizes this modern rock exploration of solitude.

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Pigeon is a Rat in the Sky

Onnine Ibalgwan

Pigeon is a Rat in the Sky

A whimsical blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that capture a youthful yet melancholic spirit.

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Believe in the Moment

Onnine Ibalgwan

Believe in the Moment

A vibrant blend of modern rock and melodic introspection, echoing the nuances of South Korean life.

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Love Sick Radio

Austin John Winkler

Love Sick Radio

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Unity

No Resolve

Unity

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