This year marks the 20th anniversary of the seminal pop punk/pop rock Let Go, which arguably carved a path for the likes of today’s pop punk stars such as Olivia Rodrigo’s teenage angst-filled Sour and Beabadoobee’s Fake It Flowers. Let Go sold 18,000,000 copies and on Spotify alone, the top three tracks have been collectively streamed over 1.1 billion times. Released in 2002 via Arista Records, Let Go spawned some of the most iconic tracks of the past two decades, most notably ‘Sk8er Boi’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘I’m with You’. It would be hard to look back at some of the 21st Century’s best debut albums without recognising both the immediate and long-term impact of Avril Lavigne’s Let Go. To celebrate National Album Day as they focus on debuts, the Gigwise team share their picks for the most defining debuts of the 21st century (so far). Birthing some of the most exciting new musicians around as well as enduring the talent and impact of 00s voices - who said all the best music was made in the 60s? Kids born in 2001 are now 21 with blossoming music careers, taking inspiration from the current century we’re speaking through.

Just like the fashion cycle, musical trends have come and gone and comeback again as nostalgia seems to reign supreme.

Best rock debut albums