The Foo Fighters bandleader turns 56 on Jan. 14, and the occasion naturally offers a moment to reflect on his deep, wide catalog.

The band’s first album since the death of its drummer Taylor Hawkins is explosive, emotional and inspired. Foo Fighters’ frontman, Dave Grohl, returned to the drum kit while recording the album.

After bearing the loss of a core member, the Foo Fighters’ new album shows the band’s persistence through a powerful, cathartic album — their best release in over a decade. The Foo Fighters suffered ...