[Lists] Top 15 Alt Rock Albums Expected For 2012

U2, a aand KROQ discovered in the early 80s.

Before we get to it, I think we owe 2011 a big thank you for another solid year in rock music.

Artists like The Black Keys, Florence + the Machine, and Cage the Elephant proved they have staying power. Newbies like Foster the People, Young the Giant, and Awolnation refreshed our pallets. And let’s not forget reunions from Blink-182, Jane’s Addiction, and Bush who rewarded our patience.

As we turn the page and set our eyes on 2012, some of the biggest names in rock music from generations now and then are slated to release new albums. No one likes a tease, but I can’t help myself with names like The Killers, Muse, and Green Day making this year’s list.  Oh, and by the way, none of them claimed our number one spot.

15. Neon Trees

Neon Trees busted out of the shell in 2010 with their debut LP Habits.  Lead by the colorful and impassioned exuberance of front man Tyler Glenn, Neon Trees stormed the airwaves with chart topping material in “Animal” and “1983.” Their energetic blend of pop-rock is set to return this spring with a second full-length album entitled Picture Show.  You can check out the first track released off the new record called “Everybody Talks” below.

“Everybody Talks”

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14. Silversun Pickups

Bursting through the airwaves on KROQ’s Locals Only with Kat Corbett, Silversun Pickups catapulted to worldwide success in 2009 with their sophomore effort Swoon.  The Silver Lake inhabitants had flirted along a top-tier status before, but it was the guitar-centric and insanely absorbing “Panic Switch” that made Silversun Pickups a major force in rock music.  Jonesy’s been playing a previously unreleased track titled “Seasick” on his jukebox as of late.  A song void of any dullness even after clocking in at nearly seven minutes in length.

“Seasick”

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13. U2

Legendary rock band U2 will release their thirteenth album in 2012 and first since 2009′s No Line on the Horizon.  We’re all quite familiar with U2′s musical recipe, but since the news broke that Danger Mouse will handle production, the possibility of encountering a completely different side of the Irish rockers makes this effort all the more intriguing.  For those of you who think Danger Mouse is a cartoon character, he’s actually a full-fledged musician/producer who’s worked with Gorillaz, Beck, Jay-Z, and The Black Keys.

If you’re an OG U2 fan, do you love this or hate this?

“Sunday Bloody Sunday”

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