Rock and Metal Albums Hitting Major Milestones in 2024
Rock and metal albums hitting major milestones in 2024: One is Alter Bridge with “One Day Remains” – Author Anne Erickson, Photo via Ashley Maile
These stories always make people feel a bit over-the-hill, because it can be shocking when an album that seems like it came out yesterday turns 20, 30 or more years old. They say time flies, and it really does, especially when it comes to good music. But, no matter how old these albums are, they are still just as powerful and infectious as they were the day they came out. Let’s get into some rock and metal albums hitting major milestones in 2024.
So many great albums are reaching milestones this year, but a few stand above the rest. Here are some records turning 20, 30 and 40 years old in 2024.
Albums Turning 20 in 2024:
Aerosmith, “Honkin’ on Bobo”
Aerosmith hit No. 5 on the Billboard chart with “Honkin’ on Bobo.” While it’s not a record they’re known for, it’s still a special one.
Alter Bridge, “One Day Remains”
Alter Bridge’s debut album, “One Day Remains,” is still one of the band’s most popular. It features seminal rock hits such as “Open Your Eyes” and “Broken Wings.”
Green Day, “American Idiot”
Who would have thought that Green Day would peak decades after they first formed in the 1980s? Their opus “American Idiot” went to No. 1 on the Billboard chart and was an instant hit.
Killswitch Engage, “The End of Heartache”
The Howard Jones era of Killswitch Engage is defined by “The End of Heartache.” This epic metalcore release features timeless songs such as “Rose of Sharyn” and the album’s title track.
Lamb of God, “Ashes of the Wake”
Here’s a metal classic turning 20. Lamb of God’s “Ashes of the Wake” peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard chart, thanks to incredible songs such as, “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For.”
Mastodon, “Leviathan”
Mastodon are one of my favorite metal bands, so album anniversaries from them always make me happy. “Leviathan” features great cuts such as “Iron Tusk” and “Blood and Thunder.”
Megadeth, “The System Has Failed”
Megadeth’s “The System Has Failed” peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard chart. Not bad for a niche thrash band.
My Chemical Romance, “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge”
“Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” marked My Chemical Romance’s sophomore studio album, and it made the guys an emo, household name with “Helena.”
Slipknot, “Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses”
“Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses” was a massive album for Slipknot. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, in part thanks to the single “Duality.”
The Killers, “Hot Fuss”
The Killers brought a whole new sound to rock radio with “Hot Fuss.” Singles such as “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” really took over the airwaves at the time.
U2, “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”
“How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, because hey, U2 is pretty much the biggest rock band on the planet. The album’s lead single, “Vertigo,” is instantly recognizable.
Velvet Revolver, “Contraband”
Guns N’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots supergroup Velvet Revolver made a huge splash with their debut album, “Contraband.” The record peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard and brought dirty hard rock hits like “Slither” and “Fall to Pieces.”
Albums Turning 30 in 2024:
Alice In Chains, “Jar of Flies”
This is an EP, so not a full-length, but I’m still including it, because it’s so influential. Alice In Chains’ “Jar of Flies” celebrates 30 years of great grunge songs like “I Stay Away” and “No Excuses.” Looking at rock and metal albums hitting major milestones in 2024, this is a big one.
Beck, “Mellow Gold”
“Loser” is one of the most popular songs out of the 1980s, period. It was so different from anything else at the time. Beck’s “Mellow Gold,” which has that song on it, celebrates the big 30 this year.
Bush, “Sixteen Stone”
Post-grunge darlings broke out bigtime with their “Sixteen Stone” album. Massive rock songs such as “Comedown,” “Machinehead” and “Glycerine” still rule rock radio.
The Cranberries, “No Need to Argue”
The Cranberries’ biggest hit, by far, is “Zombie,” off “No Need to Argue.” When it comes to rock and metal albums hitting major milestones in 2024, this is certainly one of the lighter ones.
Green Day, “Dookie”
When it comes to punk music, there’s no more of a controversial band than Green Day. Regardless of what you think is “punk,” “Dookie” had strong punk roots. The album brought catchy, punk-fueled songs such as “Welcome to Paradise,” “Basket Case” and “When I Come Around.”
Korn, “Korn”
Nu-metal influencers Korn made a name for themselves with their self-titled, debut record. It wasn’t their biggest record, buy boy, it introduced a whole new sound and really helped create the nu-metal genre.
Live, “Throwing Copper”
Live hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart with “Throwing Copper.” What a hugely successful alternative record. Singles “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes” were inescapable on rock radio.
Megadeth, “Youthanasia”
“Youthanasia” is one of Megadeth’s most powerful statements. The album was so popular that it reached No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
Nine Inch Nails, “The Downward Spiral”
Industrial rock music became a thing with Nine Inch Nails and “The Downward Spiral.” The controversial “Closer” is the album’s biggest track, but “Hurt” is a close second.
Oasis, “Definitely Maybe”
Oasis’ “Definitely Maybe” features some great alternative tracks, such as “Live Forever” and “Supersonic.” This one doesn’t have “Wonderwall,” though.
Offspring, “Smash”
“Smash” is the definitive Offspring record. The set features the band’s biggest hits: “Gotta Get Away,” “Come Out and Play” and “Self Esteem.”
Pantera, “Far Beyond Driven”
Pantera hit it big with “Far Beyond Driven” and tracks such as “Becoming” and “I’m Broken.”
Pearl Jam, “Vitalogy”
Pearl Jam’s “Vitalogy” is one of their biggest albums, really just behind “Ten.” Some of the album’s biggest hits include “Corduroy” and “Better Man.”
Slayer, “Divine Intervention”
Metal greats Slayer hit No. 8 on the Billboard chart with “Divine Intervention.” “Killing Fields” is an album highlight.
Soundgarden, “Superunknown”
Chris Cornell and Soundgarden reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart with “Superunknown.” Who can forget songs such as “Fell on Black Days,” “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman?”
Stone Temple Pilots, “Purple”
“Purple” really struck a chord with ’90s rock fans. Songs such as “Vasoline,” “Interstate Love Song” and “Big Empty” are among Stone Temple Pilots’ biggest hits.
Weezer, “Weezer”
Many of Weezer’s biggest hits came off their self-titled record. “Buddy Holly,” “Undone – The Sweater Song” and “Say It Ain’t So” are fun, catchy pop-alt songs.
Albums Turning 40 in 2024:
Anthrax, “Fistful of Metal”
“Fistful of Metal” marked the debut studio album from thrash metal band Anthrax, arriving via Megaforce Records. It didn’t chart, but it was the start of something great for metal music.
Black Flag, “My War”
Black Flag is obviously a legendary punk band, and their second studio album, “My War,” came in like a bang. The album’s title track is extra awesome.
Bon Jovi, “Bon Jovi”
While this wasn’t Bon Jovi’s biggest album, it was certainly important. “Bon Jovi” brought us great rock hist such as “Runaway” and “Burning for Love.”
Deep Purple, “Perfect Strangers”
Deep Purple’s legendary “Perfect Strangers” album peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard chart, so it was a big hit for these guys. The album’s title track and “Knocking at Your Back Door” are some standouts.
Dio, “The Last in Line”
What metal head hasn’t heard “The Last in Line?” The legendary Dio album is a mainstay in the metal history books.
Dokken, “Tooth and Nail”
Dokken’s “Tooth and Nail” spawned big hits such as “Alone Again,” “Just Got Lucky” and the album’s title track.
Iron Maiden, “Powerslave”
Man, it’s a big year for metal albums hitting milestones. Iron Maiden’s legendary “Powerslave” is four decades old this year. The album features great metal classics such as “Aces High” and “2 Minutes to Midnight.”
Judas Priest, “Defenders of the Faith”
Judas Priest hit No. 18 on the Billboard chart with “Defenders of the Faith.” Who doesn’t love the songs “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll” and “Freewheel Burning?”
KISS, “Asylum”
“Asylum” isn’t Kiss’ most popular album, but it deserves respect. It reached No. 20 on the Billboard chart.
Metallica, “Ride the Lightning”
My favorite Metallica record turns 40 this year, “Ride the Lightning.” Classic songs off the set include “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Fade to Black” and “Creeping Death,” to name a few.
Ratt, “Out of the Cellar”
What a hair metal classic. Ratt skyrocketed up the charts with “Out of the Cellar” in 1984. “Round and Round” is still a rock radio favorite.
Scorpions, “Love at First Sting”
Hair metal was certainly all the rage 40 years ago, as Scorpions’ “Love at First Sting” was a bit hit from the genre. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” is on this set.
Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the U.S.A.”
Bruce Springsteen hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart with “Born in the U.S.A.” 40 years ago. What a classic record, right? The album’s title track is legendary.
So, there are a collection of rock and metal albums hitting major milestones in 2024. Find our favorite rock and metal albums of 2023 here.
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