In 2022, the best rock music sought to expand the borders of the genre. Breakthrough bands like Soul Glo and Chat Pile made thrashing, thrilling records that never stayed in one place for too long, while elusive lifers like Destroyer’s Dan Bejar and Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser returned sounding more mystifying and hypnotic than ever. Indie favorites Big Thief and Weyes Blood upped their ambition for records that sprawled like epic, feature-length films, while power-pop quintet Alvvays and death-doom duo Dream Unending crafted immersive headphones listens tailor-made for the chilly seasons. Below, check out some of the year’s most essential releases.
Listen to selections from this list on our Spotify playlist and Apple Music playlist.
Check out all of Pitchfork’s 2022 wrap-up coverage here.
(All releases featured here are independently selected by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, however, Pitchfork may earn an affiliate commission.)