Top 10 Junkyard Albums of 2021

Another round of voting for the best albums chosen by the Junkyard Rock Stories audience for 2021 is complete. This time, we had a selection of 30 albums for you to vote on. Most of the votes came, as usual, from our Facebook group, with a smaller number of responses from Instagram. There were more than enough votes overall, so we managed to compile the Top 10 Albums of 2021.

10. The Offspring – Let The Bad Times Roll

After nine long years of anticipation, this album nearly reached Chinese Democracy levels of hype with its constant delays and rescheduling. The Californian punk rockers’ tenth studio album caused quite a stir in the rock world, as expected. Reactions ranged from labeling it their biggest misstep to praising it as a solid release. We’re more inclined towards the latter, as reflected in our Albumometer.

9. The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock N Roll

We had higher hopes for this album from Taylor Momsen and her band to place higher, but making the Top 10 is still a great achievement. This fourth release deserves recognition not just on our list but on most rock charts for 2021. It’s top-tier rock ‘n’ roll, with standout features from members of Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden. It’s proof that “rock is not dead.”

8. Gilby Clarke – The Gospel Truth

The reliable Gilby Clarke once again proved his knack for crafting great rock songs and hits. For reasons unknown, this talent wasn’t fully utilized during his time with Guns N’ Roses. However, from Pawnshop Guitars to this The Gospel Truth, he has maintained his status as an understated rock star. A fine example of the New Wave of Classic Rock done the Gilby way, this album has been a mainstay on our playlists all year.

7. Wildstreet – III

This third album from the New York sleaze hard rockers came a full decade after its predecessor. Interestingly, we first heard a track from it back in 2017, as frontman Eric C. Jayk opted for a single-by-single release strategy, which stretched the process out. That said, it was worth the wait, especially for the final track that completed this fantastic hard rock record. If social media is any indication, Wildstreet is one of the hardest-working bands proving that “rock is not dead.”

6. Foo Fighters – Medicine At Midnight

The first new album of 2021, released on January 1st, naturally found its way onto every Top 10 list this year, including our modest one. From Grammy Awards to renowned international websites, Medicine At Midnight was everywhere. Whether it’s the iconic The Colour And The Shape or this peculiar album, Dave Grohl and company can seemingly do no wrong. Every year, we wonder what might have happened if Grohl had played on Nirvana’s Bleach while Chad was part of Nevermind. Would Foo Fighters still have won their umpteenth Grammy? Probably.

5. Budderside – Spiritual Violence

For us, the biggest revelation of 2021 in terms of new bands. If it were solely up to us, this would undoubtedly be the album of the year. Still, we’re happy that others recognized Budderside’s brilliance. Released in March, Spiritual Violence was followed by three singles from their upcoming album. Despite tweaking their sound for the new material, this record delivered a Velvet Revolver-esque effect on us, which is as high a compliment as it gets in our book. Plus, you know we’re fans of the “rock is not dead” movement, so bands like this will always have a special place in our hearts.

4. Iron Maiden – Senjutsu

This “monster album” caused the most commotion in the rock and metal world this year. Whenever Maiden releases something new, it’s an event: a sacred day that warrants a feast and celebration. Opinions on this album have been divisive, but we’ve already said our piece during the first live Albumometer. In any case, we expected these legends to make the list, and they’ve more than earned their spot.

3. Crazy Lixx – Street Lethal

Near the very top of this year’s list is the seventh album from Crazy Lixx. The Swedish melodic hard rockers once again showcased how this music should sound in the 21st century, proving there’s still an audience and a place for it. Grandiose choruses, powerful riffs, and explosive solos—what more could you want? We’ve broken it all down for you in our Albumometer, and there’s no question this high placement is well-deserved.

2. Smith/Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen

The only project/duo album on this year’s list comes from two guitar legends who not only play every instrument on this record but also share vocal duties. The result? Pure magic. Possibly the freshest thing to come out of the rock world in 2021. Honestly, it wouldn’t have been wrong to crown this album as the best of the year, considering the talent of Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. This grand release deserves far more than just second place on a modest Junkyard list.

1. L.A. Guns – Checkered Past

And the best album of 2021, as chosen by the readers of Junkyard Rock Stories, is the latest release from the gentlemen of Los Angeles. Interestingly, this marks another win for L.A. Guns, just as in 2019. Released late in the year, Checkered Past quickly gained widespread acclaim. Since reuniting in 2016, Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis have been on a roll, delivering one stellar album after another. This one is no exception. A full Albumometer review is still in the works, but rest assured, it’s coming. Hail to the kings of sleaze rock once again!