10 Best Rock Albums Of 2021
2021’s best rock records didn’t come to reassure or pat your head—they kicked the door in and demanded to be heard, scars and all. Turnstile’s GLOW ON hit like hardcore discovering sunlight, marrying aggression and euphoria in a way that felt strangely life-affirming without losing the punch. Wolf Alice’s Blue Weekend swerved from dreamy haze to barbed-wire riffs, proof that emotional whiplash can be its own kind of ecstasy.
Foo Fighters’ Medicine at Midnight dabbled in glam-pop flirtation with a grin that dared you to call it sellout—because honestly, they’ve earned the right not to care. Greta Van Fleet’s The Battle at Garden’s Gate went full arena messiah, leaning into their retro bombast so hard it looped back into something weirdly refreshing. And Royal Blood’s Typhoons gave rock a disco seizure, grinding out basslines with enough sweat and swagger to leave a mark. If rock was supposed to be dead, 2021 didn’t get the memo—it sounded too busy mutating, thrashing, and dancing under flickering lights.
Number 10
Snail Mail
– Valentine
Valentine is a stunning evolution of Lindsey Jordan’s artistry, blending emotional depth with intricate, lush arrangements. The album builds on the raw, guitar-driven sound of Snail Mail’s debut album while expanding into more polished and dynamic territories, incorporating strings, synths, and layered production that elevate her introspective songwriting.
Number 9
Dry Cleaning
– New Long Leg
Dry Cleaning’s New Long Leg, is a masterful post-punk album that thrives on its wit, tension, and intricate soundscapes. The band crafts an atmosphere that feels simultaneously raw and surreal, with jagged guitars, driving basslines, and restrained yet propulsive rhythms serving as the backdrop for Florence Shaw’s deadpan, spoken-word delivery.
Number 8
Low
– Hey What
Hey What is a transformative and emotionally potent album that cements Low’s legacy as sonic innovators. The record builds on the experimental groundwork laid by their previous work, Double Negative, but pushes even further into the abstract with a stark, minimalistic approach and distorted soundscapes that are as disorienting as they are captivating.
Number 7
Iron Maiden
– Senjutsu
Senjutsu is a testament to Iron Maiden’s enduring ability to craft epic, ambitious metal that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners. Clocking in at over 80 minutes, the album embraces Iron Maiden’s signature storytelling style, featuring richly layered compositions and lyrical explorations of history, mythology, and existential themes.
Number 6
Weezer
– Van Weezer
Van Weezer is a high-energy homage to the rock and metal sounds of the 1980s that shaped the band’s origins. Packed with electrifying guitar riffs, arena-ready choruses, and a playful sense of nostalgia, the album channels the larger-than-life spirit of classic bands like Van Halen, KISS, and Def Leppard while maintaining Weezer’s signature pop-rock charm.
Number 5
Royal Blood
– Typhoons
On Typhoons, Royal Blood evolves, trading minimalist fuzz for a more electronic, groove-driven sound. With glossy hooks and pulsing synths, they maintain their gritty edge while experimenting with new rhythms and a fresh, introspective vibe.
Number 4
The Killers
– Pressure Machine
Pressure Machine is a deeply introspective and stripped-back departure from their signature anthemic rock. The album offers a poignant, narrative-driven exploration of small-town life in Nephi, Utah, Brandon Flowers’ hometown. Its reflective tone and storytelling focus bring to light themes of isolation, loss, faith, and resilience, painting vivid, heartfelt portraits of the people and experiences that shaped Flowers’ upbringing.
Number 3
Greta Van Fleet
– The Battle at Garden’s Gate
The Battle at Garden’s Gate is a bold, theatrical leap into grandeur—classic rock meets prog ambition. Mythic lyrics, cinematic swells, and soaring vocals mix with sincere naiveté. It’s big, loud, and unafraid to overreach for the stars.
Number 2
Foo Fighters
– Medicine at Midnight
Medicine at Midnight marks a vibrant and experimental chapter in the Foo Fighters’ storied career. Departing from their usual hard-hitting rock sound, the album leans heavily into a dance-rock influence, offering a fresh and dynamic twist while retaining their signature energy and anthemic spirit.
Number 1
Turnstile
– Glow On
Glow On is a groundbreaking album that redefines modern hardcore, blending intense energy with a strikingly diverse sonic palette. The record pushes genre boundaries by incorporating elements of shoegaze, funk, and even dream-pop into their blistering core sound. It’s an exhilarating listen that simultaneously honors Turnstile’s punk roots and ventures boldly into new territory.
The 10 Best are selected based on lyrics, innovative compositions, a unique approach to the genre, production quality, and public opinion/popularity.
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Honorable Mention
Halsey
– If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is a bold and genre-defying statement that explores themes of womanhood, identity, and power through a gothic-rock lens. Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the album melds Halsey’s introspective lyricism with the industrial, cinematic soundscapes of her collaborators, creating a visceral and haunting experience.
Spiritbox
– Eternal Blue
Eternal Blue is a landmark album in modern metal, blending atmospheric soundscapes with crushing riffs and emotionally charged lyricism. The record seamlessly bridges genres, incorporating elements of metalcore, progressive metal, and ambient music to create a sound that is as heavy as it is ethereal. This dynamic range is a hallmark of Spiritbox’s artistry.
Mdou Moctar
– Afrique Victime
Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime is a groundbreaking record that combines the hypnotic traditions of Tuareg guitar music with electrifying, modern rock sensibilities. The album is a powerful blend of fiery guitar solos, intricate rhythms, and impassioned vocals, creating an emotional journey that transcends language and borders.
