Top 10 Greatest Rock Bands of the 21st Century

The Top Ten
1 Linkin Park Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park is associated with a mixture... read more

It's simply admirable how each song made by these six is a world away from the one before but still captures your attention like nothing else. Bennington's emotional songwriting helped millions around the world fight their demons, which simply is a testament to the enduring legacy of Linkin Park.

The raw emotion and skill on Hybrid Theory and Meteora is just amazing. A Thousand Suns and Minutes to Midnight aren't slouches either.

In a world where hip hop is mainstream, Linkin Park has found a way to convert rap fans to Linkin Park fans by including hip hop elements in a rock band and, at the same time, impressing hardcore rock fans too. While A Thousand Suns might have been a bit of a disappointment for many, it was still great music, just a whole lot different from what they had done in the past. They've said that in their upcoming album (which will hopefully come out this year) they're getting back to their roots. Linkin Park is without a doubt the best of the 21st century and is the band to watch in 2012.

2 Green Day Green Day are an American pop punk/punk rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1987. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar). Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative rock. Some of their... read more

Green Day truly is one of the best rock bands out there. Personally, they're my favorite band. They were excellent when 1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours came out, all the way up to their most recent albums Uno!, Dos!, and Tre! The band knows how to create the most poetic lyrics, like in songs such as Redundant, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and Last Night on Earth, as well as powerful political songs like American Idiot, Holiday, and Know Your Enemy.

Green Day has also influenced many bands during the 90s, and songs like When I Come Around, Brain Stew, Basket Case, and Longview are very catchy. Green Day is amazing, and I enjoy all of their albums.

3 Foo Fighters Foo Fighters are an American alternative rock band, formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain and the dissolution of his previous band. The band consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, main songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm... read more

The Foo Fighters owe their fame to Grohl's showmanship and skills. Their ability to make people relate to their songs simply makes them one of the most important bands of this century.

Each to their own opinion, but in my opinion, the Foo Fighters are not only my favorite band of the 21st century by a huge margin, but they are also my favorite musicians of all time! When I hear songs like 'Bridge Burning' (one of many, many, many exceptional FF songs), I HAVE to get up and headbang!

Number 22? Are you people serious? These guys are so much better than Green Day, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and Nickelback (especially Nickelback), and Dave Grohl is simply a legend. Listen to kickass songs like Pretender, Everlong, and Walk and you'll be hooked.

4 Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band, that was formed 1999 in California. Their longest lineup of members was M. Shadows (Vocals), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar), Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar), Johnny Christ (Bass Guitar), and The Rev (Drums)... read more

Lots of people question whether A7X is rock or metal. For me, their albums from City of Evil to Nightmare can be considered hard rock. The first two albums are metalcore, and Hail to the King is heavy metal. But even if we discount the metal albums, Avenged Sevenfold has the instrumental talent of old rock and metal bands like Pantera and Megadeth. They also possess the vocal and lyrical genius of modern rock bands like Linkin Park and Three Days Grace. Definitely should be first above Linkin Park and Green Day (who are also great bands).

5 Slipknot Slipknot is an American metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1996. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Alternative Metal during the late 1990s - 2000s and are distinguishable by the band's clothing choices, consisting of black/red jumpsuits and horror inspired... read more

Oh, please. Slipknot deserves better than 15th. Slipknot should be after Linkin Park. Their best songs, in my quick list, Psychosocial, People = Shit, Sulfur, Heretic Anthem, Sic, are better than Given Up, What I've Done, and Faint.

Amazing band. I love everything about their music. There will never be another band like them. Aren't there any maggots on this site?

Slipknot are everything metal represents and more. Pleased to see them on this list.

6 Muse Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocal, lead guitar, piano, keyboard), Dom Howard (drums, percussion) and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They've won several awards including 5 MTV Awards, 8 NME Awards, 2... read more

The amount of talent in this band could blow away all the other bands in the top 10 combined. Everyone in the band is a master at what they do, and so far the band has produced all fantastic albums. The amount of musical diversity throughout their music is thoroughly fascinating. Their ability to play different genres is even more so. And unlike just about every other band in the top 10, except Linkin Park and Green Day, their fan base is not horrible.

They should've been ranked number 1, not Linkin Park! Yes, I'm a Muser, but I try to be objective here. Muse are better live than Linkin Park, they have better songs and lyrics. Almost all Linkin Park songs sound the same. I know they do some experiments on 'Minutes to Midnight' till 'Living Things', but the experiments don't sound that different for me, maybe because they have a DJ and they never exclude rock in their experiments. Unlike Muse, which experiment from Alternative rock to Orchestral to Electronic and it sounds completely different. Listen to 'Stockholm Syndrome', then 'Follow Me', then 'Exogenesis Symphony' for example.

Muse also have great guitar solos and great basslines. 'Hysteria' was voted the greatest bassline of all time in 2011. Linkin Park doesn't have any great solos or basslines. Rock music isn't complete without epic basslines and guitar solos, in my opinion. I think Linkin Park wins just because they can attract more fans. They made the LPU and whoever registers to LPU has a big chance to chat and meet and greet with them. Who doesn't want that? They also created Music for Relief to help people. Of course, they have more fans and sell more albums. So, Muse is better.

And why should you have 6 members in a band if, in the end, you collaborate with another musician? Why should you have 6 members if most of you can play the same instrument?

7 Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal/rock band formed in 1998. The bands members all changed in the time between 2010 to 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (Vocals). The Ex-Members included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Aaron Fink (Guitar) and Mark Klepaspi (Bass)... read more

Deserve a lot more credit than they get. Phobia is one of the greatest albums of the last decade. From So Cold to Diary Of Jane to Give Me A Sign, each of their albums has had great songs with true meaning.

Are you kidding me? Breaking Benjamin is the best. They deserve to be #1. Songs like Dear Agony, Anthem of the Angels, and Give Me A Sign are great songs with true meaning.

These guys deserve to be #1. They are by far the best band to ever form, with A7X right behind them, and they deserve to be recognized more.

8 Nickelback Nickelback is a Canadian post-grunge band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band is composed of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair.

They are the most successful post-grunge band and for a reason. They are so diverse in rock genres, ranging from hard rock/metal songs to ballads and post-grunge/grunge songs. Chad has an insane voice, and he creates the greatest lyrics. They received the Billboard award for the best band for a reason! And that reason is that they're the best.

My most favourite band, and after I saw them live, I have seen their songs differently than before. My mom introduced me to Nickelback, and I have been glued to them and their songs ever since and will be until they finish. Looking forward to their 10th album. Love all the last 9 albums. Also, love Bon Jovi, Queen, Guns and Roses, and Skillet.

9 Coldplay Coldplay are a British pop rock band formed in 1996. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocalist and pianist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer and backing vocalist). Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed... read more

Coldplay is, put simply, the best band in the world! Their music is fantastic and can easily be sung. Their world tours have mesmerized us all. And every fan is respected by this fantastic collection that is Coldplay!

Best band should be in the top ten! They have made so many hits, and so many of their best songs are their most underrated! They are incredibly talented, and their meaningful lyrics bring their songs to a new level.

What I will say is they need to utilize Guy on bass more like they did on X&Y, but they are still an incredible band with songs so easy to sing along to, and they are just a brilliant go-to.

10 Blink-182 Blink-182 is a pop-punk band formed in 1992. The original lineup consisted of Mark Hoppus on bass guitar and vocals, Tom DeLonge on guitar and vocals, and Scott Raynor on drums. Raynor was fired from the band in 1998 and replaced by drummer Travis Barker. They gained mainstream popularity after the... read more

Dude, Blink-182 got me through some tough times. They are literally the best band in the history of life itself. I love their lyrics. Hands down, they are number 1.

They are the idols of many bands that are named here. Blink-182 are just the best.

Blink-182 is the best. The drums are so tight, and Adam's Song is a work of art.

The Contenders
11 Red Hot Chili Peppers The Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American funk-rock and alternative rock band, that was founded in 1983.

The band's members are Anthony Kiedis (Vocals), Michael "Flea" Balzary (Bass), Chad Smith (Drums) and numerous guitarists, most well-known being John Frusciante.

The band is among the... read more

This band has been around for a long time, and their music hasn't died. In fact, they're better than ever. Flea's tremendous bass licks, Anthony Kiedis' singing and rapping, Chad Smith always with the best rhythm, and their guitarists have made the sound of RHCP what it has been forever. Blood Sugar Sex Magik shows off their funkiness and sex-driven music, while Californication expresses their beautiful songwriting.

The most important band in my life, they have influenced and motivated me a lot. No words can perfectly describe how brilliant, emotional, and true their art is.

12 Metallica Metallica is an American Heavy/Thrash Metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman"... read more

Metallica defines, greater than any other counterpart, the essence of metal.

13 Fall Out Boy Fall Out Boy is an American pop punk band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley.

Fall Out Boy is the type of band that becomes your favorite for a while, and you find yourself playing their music over and over again. Then, you slowly grow out of them until you hear "Sugar, We're Goin Down" on the radio and you go crazy because you remember how much you love them.

Fall Out Boy is my favorite band ever! I also like a lot of other bands like Green Day, Linkin Park, Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, and many other alternative bands. I love FOB's music the most because it's original and can make you feel alive. I absolutely adore Patrick's voice.

14 Three Days Grace Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge/alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario in 1992 with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Their original name was Groundswell until they changed it to... read more

This is the greatest rock band of the 21st century, with all its albums being very consistent.

Three Days Grace are the musical therapists. The new singer is also decent. I love all their albums. Adam Gontier's voice is addictive.

Meaningful lyrics and kickass instrumental. Their new album, "Transit of Venus," is amazing.

15 My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2019 to present day. For much of their career, the band consisted of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way, and drummer Bob Bryar.

The best band. Should be in the top 3. The impact and passion they had is beyond any band from the 21st century. Their legacy still lives on today. The Black Parade is one of the best concept albums of all time and is a complete album.

Well, despite the fact that The Strokes and Radiohead are insultingly low on this list, when they should be in the top 5, I find it heartwarming that My Chemical Romance is here. Gerard Way is an angel. I'm a guy, and no, I'm not gay. He's an angel because he speaks to me in a way no one ever has. He gives hope, comfort, and saves all the broken. This is seriously the best band of all time, in my humble opinion. Not just Gerard, they are all angels of music. "Helena" is a piece of heaven. The rock part... I guess.

16 Disturbed Disturbed is an American alternative metal/nu-metal/hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken".

I'm a girl. I like pink, but I also like black. I enjoy heavy rock, and if you like to bang your head to some heavy rock, see and hear a cool-looking guy sing some awesome lyrics, and the band play some totally cool songs with incredible riffs on the guitar and wild drumming, then you've got to check them out if you've never heard them. If you like Metallica, Slipknot, or any heavy metal bands, you'll love these guys! They're one of my all-time favorites now. My husband laughs when I come home and he can hear it playing in the car!

17 Kiss Kiss, often styled as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals)... read more
18 Paramore Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro.

My favourite band is in 17th place. It's not possible... Best vocals by Hayley, best music by Taylor and Jeremy... It should be at number one... Green Day is a good band but not better than Paramore... All albums are good, and my favourite album is Brand New Eyes... So please vote for Paramore. It really deserves the number 1 place...

They had a breakup, but they stayed strong and released a new song in 2011. "Monster" was part of the Transformers movie soundtrack and was a YouTube hit.

Excuse me, 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse. You are standing in the way of the true biggest Rock Band today! Paramore deserves to be on top, not just because of Hayley's awesome voice and equally awesome hair, but because of their songs that reflect the feelings of teenagers in the present generation. Now, please step aside because Paramore is the only one truly at the #1 spot.

19 3 Doors Down 3 Doors Down is an American post-grunge band from Escatawpa, Mississippi that formed in 1996. The band originally consisted of Brad Arnold (vocals/drums), Todd Harrell (bass guitar) and Matt Roberts (guitar). They were soon joined by guitarist Chris Henderson, and later by drummer Richard Liles.
20 Bon Jovi Bon Jovi is a hard rock/pop rock band formed in 1983, which had a streak of successful albums in the late 1980s. The band originally consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Ritchie Sambora (left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (left in 1994), keyboard David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres... read more

I know most of his songs are from the 80s, but he is still one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time. I love his music. His best songs are Livin' on a Prayer and It's My Life. I don't understand why he is not even in the top 20 on this list. When will the minimum quantity reach?

21 Skillet Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States.

This is one uniquely talented band who have managed to break stereotypes around bands with Christian members. John Cooper is an excellent bassist, singer, and songwriter with a very talented couple of ladies to back him up. Their lead guitarist, Seth Morrison, is very good, too. Listen to Circus For A Psycho if you don't believe me. Great lyrics and powerful music are what they stand for.

Whoa! I just checked all the bands above Skillet, and none, not even one of them, can beat this band. Hero, Awake and Alive, Rebirthing, Comatose, Rise, What I Believe, Not Gonna Die, Fingernails... I can't name them all. All their songs are just amazing. They try to reach out to people with the lyrics, instruments, and their voices. This band keeps getting better and better, and they won't fade anytime soon. They are the best.

22 Arctic Monkeys The Arctic Monkeys, otherwise known as the Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The band consists of Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (percussionist,... read more

It's a shame they are so low. Such a talented group. While most people nowadays only know them for AM, every single album they have is amazing. Alex Turner is easily one of the greatest lyricists of the 21st century. Their music never gets old.

From the UK, Alex Turner has led the band to some fantastic things. Their song "I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor" has been a dancing favorite, and their new album "AM" shows off their musical creativity.

Pioneering rock music through the 21st century, AM's innovative integration of other rock genres shows pure creativity and extensive musicianship. They are the Rolling Stones of our generation.

23 System of a Down System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal group from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They've always been a very political band since their inception. Often being against genocide and war most notably in songs like: Pluck,... read more

The first album is hardcore, then the second album was their best album (Toxicity, Chop Suey), then their leaked album (Toxicity II) was renamed Steal This Album. Then their double album, Mezmerize/Hypnotize, for which they won a Grammy for the song B.Y.O.B... And so much more. Nowadays, they are touring around the globe, and they will make another album around 2013.

The best band ever. All songs by System of a Down are special. They always can fix my mood. Just listen to one song and I'm a happy person. I just love them!

Best bands of all time with amazing music and voice... The best song of all time is Toxicity.

24 Evanescence Evanescence is an American alternative rock/alternative metal band. It was founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody.

Evanescence brings a unique style of rock music with every album they make, providing classical, metal, and electronic influences led by the powerful vocals of Amy Lee. Their most recent album, 'Evanescence,' released in 2011, is as fantastic and mesmerizing as ever. They never cease to amaze me with their composition in every song. I always look forward to every new piece of content from each of the members and will support them until the end.

Evanescence has really come a long way with their new album, titled 'Evanescence', as a demonstration that the new lineup is more united and intense than ever. At the heart of the band will always be Amy Lee, the voice and founder, and the only remaining original member.

25 Rise Against Rise Against is an American hardcore punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Brandon Barnes. They are known for popularizing punk. Some of their most well-known... read more

My vote goes for them because they are far my favorite band, but to be honest, they are not the most skilled musicians compared to some of those above. I would still love to see them higher on this list.

Definitely deserve to be higher up on this list! Extremely well-written songs with lyrics that actually mean something!

Best punk band around, and they deserve the number 1 spot. Them or Alter Bridge.

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