10 Best Rock Albums Of 2021
2021 was a remarkable year for rock music, as artists tapped into a mix of nostalgia and innovation to deliver albums that resonated across generations. From genre veterans reclaiming their throne to fresh faces redefining the boundaries of rock, the year showcased the genre’s enduring versatility and relevance.
Number 10
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 9
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 8
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 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
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.
Number 5
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.
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
Dry Cleaning
– New Long Leg
Beach Bunny’s Honeymoon is a vibrant and emotionally charged debut album that captures the intensity of young love and heartbreak through a lens of bright indie-pop energy. The record is characterized by its irresistible melodies, punchy rhythms, and Lili Trifilio’s evocative, honest songwriting, which brings raw vulnerability to the forefront.
Number 2
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 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.
