Metal Insider’s Elise Yablon’s Favorite Rock Songs of 2023

It’s hard to believe that 2023 is coming to an end. This has been quite a year for music, with a lot of artists putting out stellar albums and tracks. With 2024 almost here, I’m taking a look back at some of the music released in this past year that spoke to me. In forming this list, I looked at some of the albums I picked up, videos that caught my attention and singles that made me sing along to the radio over the course of 2023. These tracks speak to my love of energetic rock, passionate vocals and ear-catching melodies.

Green Day, “Dilemma”

From the singles already released, I can tell the upcoming Green Day album is going to be amazing. After making an album that just wasn’t them, they need it. “The American Dream Is Killing Me” is aggressive and catchy, though repetitive. “Look Ma, I Ain’t Got No Brains” sounds like it came out of their late 90s/early 2000s work. What I like about “Dilemma,” however, is that it is a straight up rock track. It reminds me of something off of 2000’s Warning (my favorite Green Day album). The first time I heard it, it had me headbanging and really made me want to jump around.

Boys Like Girls, “The Outside”

If you’re into pop-punk with a bit of an 80s flair, Sunday At Foxwoods is a fantastic album. “Blood & Sugar” is an upbeat, vibey track. However, I’ve been really attached to “The Outside” because of the energy. Coming in after the instrumental opening, it’s an energetic introduction to the first half of the album. The lyrics are upbeat and nostalgic, reminding me of a more mature “The Great Escape.”

Blink-182, “One More Time”

One More Time… saw the return of Tom DeLonge to Blink-182 and with him a return to the band’s classic sound. There is no denying that they sound more like their original, irreverent selves, but with more worldliness. While I love the catchiness of the single “Dance With Me,” it’s the title track that really stands out. You can tell that the guys are working things out on this record, but on “One More Time,” they put it all out there. They don’t mince words, splaying out everything that went on between them over the last few years in the most blunt way possible. But it’s also heartfelt. It’s not just a message between the band members, but a reminder not to take people you love for granted. I love songs that you can feel and this fits the bill.

The Libertines, “Run Run Run”

“Run Run Run” really caught my ear the first time I heard it. It is an energetic burst of rock that moves fast and goes hard.

Ludo, “Hey Friends”

The over-the-top pop-punk band never ceases to put out unique music. “Hey Friends” has word-salad lyrics and a creepy delivery that reminds me of You’re Awful, I Love You tracks like “Go-Getter Greg” and “Lake Pontchartrain.” The passion with which frontman Andrew Volpe sings makes you feel like something just isn’t right, but in the best way possible.