Most Anticipated Albums of 2021
About every six months I take time to look forward at what is coming out. There is something exciting and cathartic about looking forward and if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we all need to look forward to something.
So as I look ahead to 2021 in music, here as some albums I’m most looking forward to as well as some I hope come to fruition.
Confirmed Release Dates
Sammy Hagar & The Circle — “Lockdown 2020” 1/8/21
I’ve heard most of these songs already and many of them are quite short. But it’s Sammy doing some good cover songs and a few originals so I’ll check it out.
MSG — “Immortal” 1/8/2021
An early release date likely gets this one in my stereo for a few listens and a review so it makes the list.
Dead Daisies — “Holy Ground” 1/22/21
This one should be interesting. John Corabi is out but Glenn Hughes is in. I’m more of a Corabi guy than a Hughes guy but this one should still be worth a listen.
W.E.T. — “Retransmission” 1/22/21
Now we’re talking. One of my favorite “super groups” featuring Jeff Scott Soto and Erik Martensson of Eclipse. I’ve liked all of their previous releases but still waiting for that epic record from this band.
Foo Fighters — “Medicine at Midnight” 2/5/21
This album has been ready for over a year. It will be interesting to see how it sounds, especially after the lead single was more mellow than most expected. They haven’t made a bad album in over two decades so I feel pretty confident I’ll be into this one.
Inglorious — “We Will Ride” 2/12/21
I really liked their last record so I’ll excited to hear how they follow it up. Very underrated band.
Joel Hoekstra’s 13 — “Running Games” 2/12/21
Hoekstra is a great guitar player and he had some fantastic guest musicians on the last 13 release.
No Release Date Yet
Journey — No, Steve Perry is not involved but it’s always an exciting time in my house when Journey releases a new record. It’s been a decade since the last one, so here’s hoping this one is good.
Mammoth WVH — Wolfgang Van Halen chose his dad’s original band name for his solo project. I really liked the first single so I’m hoping the rest of the record lives up to the hype.
John Sykes — It’s been forever since we heard anything from Mr. Sykes but this week I heard his new song and it’s good.
Smith/Kotzen — A duo I wouldn’t have put together. But the one song I heard was good. I have a feeling it won’t sound a lot like Maiden, but should be a good one.
L.A. Guns — I’m thinking we will get a release date any day. Their last two records have been fantastic so I’m expecting big things.
James/Sweet/Hoekstra/Mendoza/Aldridge — This has no name yet but how could this not be great?
Since 2020 Sucked, I deserve these records in 2021
King’s X — It’s been rumored for nearly a year and has been recorded.
Extreme — It’s been rumored for multiple years and has been recorded.
Dan Reed Network — They just signed to a new record company which has to mean a new record is coming, right?
Sweet Oblivion — I loved this Geoff Tate side project and it’s my list, so it’s going on here.
Steve Perry — It worked once so it’s going on every list like this from here on out.
There you have it. 2021 already has some strong releases on the calendar with hopes of some more great records as the year gets going. Maybe we even will get to see a concert this year.
What records are you looking forward to in 2021?