15 Best Rock Songs of 2022 – Year in Review
Story by Anne Erickson / Shinedown by Sanjay Parikh, Alter Bridge by Chuck Brueckmann, Black Veil Brides by Joshua Shultz
From Alter Bridge to Shinedown to Def Leppard, here are Audio Ink Radio’s 15 Best Rock Songs of 2022
In 2022, the idea of a “single” is more important than ever in the music world. Singles can make or break bands. Plus, the way streaming works, singles take on far more weight than full albums. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising that 2022 brought some incredible singles from the rock world. From Alter Bridge to Def Leppard to Shinedown, read on for Audio Ink Radio’s 15 Best Rock Songs of 2022. Listen to a discussion about the best albums of the year on the Audio Ink Radio podcast via the player below, on Apple Podcasts here and Spotify here.
Best Rock Songs of 2022:
Alter Bridge, “Last Man Standing”
Alter Bridge released their latest full-length LP this year in “Pawns & Kings.” While all the sons are strong, one that stands out is “Last Man Standing,” which starts with soft, swaying riffs and rhythms and builds to a swelling Alter Bridge rock anthem.
Black Veil Brides, “Born Again”
“Born Again” is the fourth single off Black Veil Brides’ latest album, “The Phantom Tomorrow.” It shows the band’s strong storytelling abilities, with frontman Andy Black saying it’s about the demons that hold us back or make it tough to get through life.
Def Leppard, “Take What You Want”
Who doesn’t want to hear a Def Leppard song about love? The ’80s rockers unleashed just that in 2022 with “Take What You Want,” a rock song that truly tells a love story.
Devin Townsend, “Heartbreaker”
Devin Townsend can really do no wrong. The Canadian singer and songwriter never repeats himself, and that’s apparent on the novel song “Heartbreaker,” which features complex arrangements and dreamy textures.
Disturbed, “Hey You”
Disturbed unleashed a new album in late 2022 with “Divisive,” and the album’s first single, “Hey You,” was an instant hit. The track features powerful riffing and David Draiman’s trademark bark and bite, making this an instant Disturbed classic.
Dope, “Believe” (feat. Drama Club)
New York City electro metal pioneers Dope released some new tracks this year, all leading up to a new album in 2023 that’s being released in pieces. “Believe” featuring Drama Club is a highlight. The song was originally a demo from Edsel Dope’s previously anonymous side project called Drama Club, and it’s a fun, wild track.
Falling In Reverse, “Voices in My Head”
Ronnie Radke and Falling in Reverse didn’t release a new album this year, but they did unveil some chart-topping singles. “Voices in My Head” is the band’s latest, with sharp guitars, catchy melodies and Radke’s urgent delivery.
Halestorm, “Back from the Dead”
Lzzy Hale and Halestorm release a new album in 2022, “Back from the Dead,” marking their first set of original tunes since 2018’s “Vicious.” The album’s title track is about getting through the pandemic and coming out stronger and ready to take on the world.
Korn, “Forgotten”
Korn hit the ground running this year with a new album, “Requiem,” and a chart-topping rock single in “Start the Healings.” While we like the aforementioned song, “Forgotten” is a hidden gem, offering many shades of sounds and Jonathan Davis’ eerie vocals.
Mark Tremonti, “I Fall in Love Too Easy” (Frank Sinatra cover)
“Mark Tremonti Sings Sinatra” has the celebrated Alter Bridge, Creed and Tremonti musician covering Sinatra’s songs to benefit the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). “I Fall in Love Too Easy” is a favorite, because it’s simply so relatable.
Nickelback, “San Quentin”
Don’t say you don’t listen to Nickelback, because we know you do. The band has been churning out No. 1 hits in a variety of formats for decades at this point. “San Quentin” off “Get Rollin'” is one of the heaviest Nickelback songs to date, with huge riffs and Chad Kroeger’s powerful delivery.
Of Virtue, “Hypocrite”
Michigan metal-core band Of Virtue unleashed “Hypocrite” this year, offering a heavy rock anthem with lots of melody. It’s super catchy and thematically is about the negativity that can build up inside us.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black Summer”
Red Hot Chili Peppers returned with not one but two new album this year, “Unlimited Love” and “Return of the Dream Canteen,” The band’s first proper 2022 single is classic Peppers, with a funk and groove that makes you want to sway your hips along.
Shinedown, “Daylight”
Off Shinedown’s latest album, “Planet Zero,” comes “Daylight.” The song recalls some of Shinedown’s greatest rock ballads, with yearning lyrics and warm guitars that almost give the listener a hug.
The Pretty Reckless, “Harley Darling” Unplugged
The Pretty Reckless release “Other Worlds” this year, offering acoustic versions of many of their hits, as well as other goodies. “Harley Darling” is a favorite, with the plugged-in song going acoustic and really putting the spotlight on Taylor Momsen’s raw vocals.
Three Days Grace, “So Called Life”
It’s hard to believe, but Three Days Grace have been rocking it for more than two decades. The band isn’t showing signs of slowing down, as their latest single, “So Called Life,” took them back to the top of the active rock radio chart.
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