Most Anticipated Albums of 2021

There are many reasons to be excited for 2021. The Corona vaccine is slowly being distributed, creating some hope that our lives can return to some normal. We have a new administration starting who take science seriously. New MCU content is finally coming out again!

And of course for us, there’s a ton of new music from artists we love scheduled or planned to come out this year. Granted, some of the below albums were on our Most Anticipated list from last year (and possibly the year before that), so until a release date is set, some of these are just possible releases to be excited about. We’ll take it.

1. Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight (Release date: Feb 7, 2021) – Said to be the Foos version of David Bowie‘s Fame, the early taste we’ve receive, “Shame Shame”, definitely finds the band heading in a more groove-oriented direction than we’ve seen before. As one of the most reliable and lovable bands in rock n’ roll, any new music from them will be anticipated, but it’s exciting to see where this new direction will take these stadium rockers.
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Original expected last year, the latest from the Peppers with returning member John Frusciante has taken longer than expected (the band switching management this year could also have played a part), but hopefully it means the latest from this legendary band will be something special to hear!
3. The Cure – The latest album from the 80’s alternative stars has made our list the last two years, but indicators are showing that it may finally get released this year. While we did get a surprising collaboration between Robert Smith and the Gorillaz last year, I think we are long overdo to hear what Smith and his band have cooked up for themselves.
4. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The ska-core vets have been teasing new music on instagram for months now, so it’s likely we’ll be getting the latest release from in 2021. Here’s hoping it embraces their anthemic punk roots, as this year we’ll all need some big tunes to raise our spirits.
5. St. Vincent – Annie Clark has mentioned in interviews that her next album, dropping next year, will be changing directions and taking inspiration from some of her earliest musical loves; Stevie Wonder and Sly & The Family Stone. We’re intrigued, to say the least.
6. Social Distortion – The veteran SoCal punks haven’t released a new album since 2011, so hopes are high they end this decade-long drought with new music in 2021. Frontman Mike Ness has stated in past interviews that the band is writing and looking to make their best album yet. Their unique brand of Americana and country-inflected punk rock has inspired many (including #7 on our list), but no one does it quite like them.
7. Lucero – When You Found Me (release date: January 29, 2021) – Anyone who follows this site knows we’re big Lucero fans, and knowing we get to start off the new year with a new album from them automatically brings us excitement. The high quality of the first two singles (the title track, and “Outrun the Moon”) makes us believe this may be one of their best in years.
8. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – New Fragility (release date: January 29, 2021) – Joining Lucero on the 29th will be indie rock DIY pioneers CYHSY. The first two songs released this year we’re both superb, so this should also be a refreshing return to the group’s twisty, folksy style of indie rock.
9. The Offspring – One of the most successful punk bands in history, The Offspring have kept a pretty low profile since their 2012 album Days Go By. This year, they released one jokey cover of a Joe Exotic song and their take on a famous Christmas tune, but it’s been a long time since we’ve heard new originals from them. Here’s hoping the time away has recharged their batteries and will lead to some radio-ready bangers for 2021.
10. blink-182 – Since the release of their excellent last album Nine, the group has teased unreleased music featuring collaborations with Pharrell, Juice Wrld, and other musical goodness. While the skate-punk riot “Quarantine” was nice for tiding us over, our hunger is high for new blink music in 2021!

Other Artists to Watch in 2021:

The Rolling Stones, Jack Johnson, Bleachers, Pale Waves, Pacific Radio, Adele, Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, CHVRCHES, The Hold Steady, Queens of the Stone Age, Liz Phair, Dinosaur Jr, Strand of Oaks, Julien Baker, Kendrick Lamar