10 Greatest Hard Rock Songs Of 2020

The Highlights From A World On Fire.

By Tim Coffman /

The year 2020 has been one hell of a ride. From the mass pandemic going on around the world to the massive blows to the music community like Little Richard and Eddie Van Halen, the whole idea of rock and roll didn't seem all that fun anymore. That didn't stop some artists from going for broke regardless though.

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Ever since January, there have been many great acts who graced us with some of the greatest riffs in recent memory, be it from the world of punk, metal, emo and anything else in between. Whereas some bands threw their sound back to the golden age of rock and roll, the best of the bunch were able to take the entire genre to new and interesting places that it had never been before.

This was also the year where we saw a lot of bands take bold new risks, many of which ended up paying off in spades once they reached the public. In a year where it seemed like the world was on fire, these are great examples of the phoenixes that rose from the ashes. Rock might not have as firm a hold on the mainstream anymore, but songs like these show where it's headed in this new decade.

10. Siberian Butterfly - Bob Mould

Not too many artists can claim to be putting out their best work in their twilight years. If you look at literally any other hard rock band, you'd be hardpressed to find any of them still making culturally significant work past their first handful of records. Even though it would be hard to keep up a decent track record, Bob Mould is one of the few guys out there making it look easy.

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From the word go, Mould's album Blue Hearts is an absolute punk scorcher, as he shrieks with the same tunefulness he had back in the glory days of Husker Du. Though there are a lot more angry moments on this record (as to be expected), Siberian Butterfly is that one shot of optimism that many fans have come to expect. With nothing more than guitar, bass and drums, this is one of the punchiest records to come out this year, getting in and getting out in just over 2 minutes.

Above all else, this is a song that can empower you even on your worst day, which is something that is sorely needed in times like these. Even with all of the new kids making riffs of their own, this kind of power pop has all of the kickass you really need.

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