"The times they are a changing" or "the more things change, the more they stay the same"? Both statements fit what was going on in rock back in 2009.

Acts such as Green Day, Linkin Park, Shinedown, Muse, Three Days Grace and Rise Against solidified their stance as rock radio staples in 2009, dominating the airwaves and continuing to build their impressive resumes. But other acts who had made their presence felt during the first decade of the 21st century — bands like Mudvayne, Puddle of Mudd, Alexisonfire and Breaking Benjamin — were about to face significant change as the decade came to an end, leaving us with some final musical statements that left their mark on the year.

You also had some new names arriving on the scene that would make their presence felt over the next decade. Halestorm, Asking Alexandria and Bring Me the Horizon all enjoyed breakthroughs during the final year of the 2000s' first decade.

You also saw the second era of Alice in Chains begin, the return of Creed after a layoff and a supergroup that included members of Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters and Led Zeppelin. It was certainly an interesting year, and you can revisit some of the rock songs that helped define 2009 in the gallery below. Be sure to check below the gallery for our Spotify playlist where you can hear all the tracks listed as well.

More From 94.3 The X