Even though they may have established their names many years prior, there are plenty of classic rock bands that proved they could create 10/10 albums in the 2000s. Doing so has not been an easy feat, as there has been plenty of competition in the music world. In the past 25 years, bands such as Green Day, Linkin Park, and Coldplay have all released iconic works that have set a high standard for all musicians to meet.

However, the legends of the game have always risen to the challenge. As it is, they came up competing against one another, so they knew what it took to stand out. From the year 2000 until recent times, these major bands have provided numerous examples of how experience is a crucial ingredient to greatness. Additionally, many of these albums hold significant historical context, making them true works of art.

10 A Different Kind Of Truth (2012)

Van Halen

For the first time since 1984, David Lee Roth was back with Van Halen to make one more final record. The only thing different this time was that it was a full family affair, as Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang was playing bass instead of Michael Anthony. The record saw immediate success, as it ended up number one on multiple Billboard charts, and finished second on the 200.

Many fans viewed this as Van Halen's true return to their iconic hard rock sound. The band was able to provide nostalgia, while still keeping things fresh. Of course, Eddie's guitar playing was another aspect that stood out, but perhaps most important was the connection between him and Roth. For one final time, fans got to experience why the duo became so beloved in the first place.

9 The Wind (2003)

Warren Zevon

The story of Warren Zevon's final album, The Wind, is both tragic and inspirational. On the one hand, it was tragic in that Zevon had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, which meant he knew his time was short. On the other hand, he showed true strength, living each day to the fullest, determined to release one more record.

Zevon would see this to fruition, and the album would be released two weeks prior to his death in September 2003. What he left behind was a masterpiece that was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning two of them, including one for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Along with a Bob Dylan cover and a feature by Bruce Springsteen, Zevon fulfilled his goal, making many of these tracks into essential Warren Zevon songs.

8 La Futura (2012)

ZZ Top

One of the biggest cornerstones of blues rock music has been ZZ Top. Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill were a dynamic duo who defined the classic rock genre at a time when many other sounds were at the forefront. After a nine-year absence from making records, the band returned with La Futura in 2012, which featured the classic "I Gotsta Get Paid."

The album became a hit, as it blended their iconic blues sound with boogie and hard rock. As this felt like a return to form, it was compared to decades past when they released Eliminator in 1983. As the last album in Dusty Hill's lifetime, this record now holds even greater meaning. It serves as a fitting remembrance of how great these two were together.

7 Mojo (2010)

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Very rarely in his career did Tom Petty ever miss. He was a musician who became famous for fitting into any project he chose. Whether with a band, as a solo artist, or in a rock supergroup, Petty was adaptable in all situations. As he returned to recording with the Heartbreakers after eight years, they aimed to deliver a musical renaissance.

The strong songwriting saw a return to a raw, bluesy sound, leaving fans satisfied.

The 65-minute album featured some longer tracks, showcasing the band's versatility. The strong songwriting saw a return to a raw, bluesy sound, leaving fans satisfied. It peaked at number two on Billboard's 200 list, but reached number one on their Top Rock Albums chart. Although it did not win, it was also nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award, further cementing its legacy.

6 Just Push Play (2001)

Aerosmith

When it came to marketing, Aerosmith was great at getting their name in the spotlight. From collaborations to movie soundtracks and music videos, the band always had some way to make their projects memorable. When they released Just Push Play in 2001, things were no different as they lined up big premieres.

The music video for the album's first single, "Jaded," was played at the American Music Awards and at Super Bowl XXXV. Starring in it was Mila Kunis, who was on the popular show That '70s Show at the time. With great exposure and songs made for the mainstream, the record became a hit. In time, it has only grown, as it has become Platinum-certified.

5 Black Ice (2008)

AC/DC

In 2008, AC/DC proved that their brand of rock and roll still had the edge that was appreciated in their earlier days. With powerful vocals and sharp guitar riffs, the band demonstrated they didn't miss a step during their eight-year recording hiatus. Their album Black Ice reached number one on both Billboard's 200 and Top Rock Albums charts.

Helping this album sell was a stellar promotion, as songs were used multiple times by World Wrestling Entertainment, and for use by the film Iron Man 2. At the end of its release year, it was the second best-selling record, only behind Coldplay. Over time, it has grown to be 2x Platinum in the United States and has sold over six million copies worldwide.

4 Clockwork Angels (2012)

Rush

To perform with the technical mastery that Rush exhibited throughout their years as a band takes a true dedication to the craft. Even with their final album, Clockwork Angels, which debuted in 2012, the band didn't miss a beat. Although this was their 19th album, the band still found ways to be fresh and relevant to the times.

Adding to the legacy of the album is a three-part book series by author Kevin J. Anderson. While writing the third novel, he even had help from Rush's drummer, Neil Peart, before Peart's death in 2020. Additionally, this record is ed for its 2013 win of the Rock Album of the Year award at the Juno Awards.

3 The Rising (2002)

Bruce Springsteen

Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression; therefore, it is not uncommon for world events to dictate an artist's writing. For Bruce Springsteen, September 11, 2001, became the source of emotion that propelled his 2002 album, The Rising. This record explores every facet of the tragedy, becoming an important piece of the times.

From sorrow to anger to hope, this record captures authentic feelings, making them relatable. Springsteen didn't create this as a best-selling musician, but rather as an everyday person understanding his neighbors' pain. For his efforts, Springsteen reached number one on the Billboard 200 and went on to win two Grammy Awards.

2 Two Against Nature (2000)

Steely Dan

After 20 years without a new album, Steely Dan began 2000 with a brand-new record. It quickly received praise for its blending of jazz and R&B styles. Additionally, its complex lyrics were appreciated, which propelled the record up the charts and into the sixth spot on the Billboard 200. It was a definitive statement that Donald Fagen and Walter Becker could still create at a high level.

During the 2001 Grammys, the album was nominated for four awards, winning three of them. One of its wins was for Album of the Year, which was a major accomplishment, considering their competition included Eminem, Paul Simon, Radiohead, and Beck. Now, the album has achieved Platinum certification, adding yet another one to reach this milestone for the band.

1 Hackney Diamonds (2023)

The Rolling Stones

It had been nearly 20 years since the Rolling Stones had released original material, but in 2023, they were back with Hackney Diamonds. The band delivered their signature sound and provided yet another memorable record. They even teamed up with rising star Sydney Sweeney for the music video to their song "Angry."

The album reached the top three on a couple of Billboard charts, marking a positive commercial response. As the latest record in their long list of 31 studio albums, it's too early to say where it will rank among the others in of success. However, when discussing the album in relation to their legacy, it will showcase how the band was able to create even in the later stage of their career.