metal

Best Songs of 2025


It’s that time of year- time for my annual best of the year posts for music! As always, I remind my readers that I am by no means a professional music reviewer or journalist & that because of my own musical preferences these lists will always be strongly biased toward rock/metal.

This post will serve to recognize my favorite songs of 2025 that are strictly singles (not part of any album) or that are part of albums that didn’t make my best albums list (that post is forthcoming). Some of my favorites have been purposely omitted because I know they will feature on 2026 albums that are sure to land on my best albums list for next year (e.g. Silent Divide by Alter Bridge, Hallelujah by Black Veil Brides).

THESE ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

We’ll start off with my favorites COLLABORATIONS for the year.

  • The Fountain by Bernth/Brandon Acker: I owe a massive thanks to Jared Dines (YouTuber extraordinaire) for introducing me to both of these extremely talented gentlemen via his Jam House series. Bernth is an Austrian guitarist who moved to L.A. this year & is mainly known for metal guitar. Brandon Acker is from Wisconsin & is a true classical guitarist, who is also a master of several very old-fashioned plucked instruments such as the theorbo (thank you, Brandon, for introducing me to such a cool instrument!). These two are both absolute masters of their craft as is evidenced by the fact that they wrote this piece together in a very impromptu fashion, & the recording you hear here is literally only their second time playing it. Absolute geniuses, both of them! And the mutual respect they have for each other is a joy to behold. Even just watching their hands is entertaining. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGlO3-eBgOQ&list=RDyGlO3-eBgOQ&start_radio=1
  • Bite My Tongue by Halocene ft Lucas Woodland (of Holding Absence): I had heard of Halocene for years but only just got into them this year when I saw them open for Fame on Fire back in April. Since then they have released two fantastic collabs. This one also has a great video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwuJdrzqrSA&list=RDYwuJdrzqrSA&start_radio=1
  • Euphoria by Halocene ft Bryan Kuznitz (of Fame on Fire): The second of the aforementioned Halocene collabs, this one features Bryan from Fame on Fire, with whom, as I said, they toured earlier this year. Though Halocene do some amazing covers, their original music is also phenomenal & they deserve so much more credit than they get. Beyond their musical abilities, I really admire that Addie & Brad have continued to work together so well despite their divorce. When I saw them in April & even met them after the show, I actually had no idea they were no longer together. That speaks to how well they have handled the dissolution of their romantic relationship without allowing the band to dissolve. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-pOWioa3uo&list=RDv-pOWioa3uo&start_radio=1
  • End of You by Poppy/Courtney LaPlante/Amy Lee: With three fantastic lead vocalists, there was never any doubt that this collab would be amazing. And we were not left disappointed. Having said that, ideally I would have liked a little more of Courtney’s screams, but hey, maybe they can do another one featuring her more prominently (this one is definitely more Amy). This has a great music video as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rS83uI0Wak&list=RD3rS83uI0Wak&start_radio=1
  • Break the Silence by Nevertel/Sleep Theory: This is a true band collab- it’s not just lead vocalist Cullen Moore from Sleep Theory who is featured here- it’s ALL of Sleep Theory. Fun video too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcp17QPN72Q&list=RDQcp17QPN72Q&start_radio=1
  • God Is A Weapon by Falling in Reverse ft Marilyn Manson: If you follow Ronnie Radke, you probably saw this one coming, as he had been teasing pictures of himself & Manson for a while before this song debuted. Yes, they are both controversial artists whom no one is under any obligation to support, but viewed objectively, it’s impossible to deny the talent they both have. Ronnie’s falsettos have never sounded so insane (in a good way). This is a what I call a slow burn- the song honestly feels more like a Manson song than a FIR song up until the end. Furthermore, on first listen I was kind of lukewarm about it but after a few more listens I fell deeply in love. Also, can we talk about how good Manson looks & sounds now that he’s several years sober? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqJurrQKNdE&list=RDxqJurrQKNdE&start_radio=1
  • Never Met Anyone Like You by Ella Langley ft Hardy: This is one cleverly written country song. It starts out sounding like a love song. I won’t spoil it for you if you don’t know it, but let’s just say there is definitely a twist here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdLcgh6NYUI&list=RDFdLcgh6NYUI&start_radio=1
  • Teeth Marks by Keith Wallen ft Haley Roughton (of Gore): Keith Wallen is best known as one of the guitarists of Breaking Benjamin (before that he was with Adelitas Way). However, he also releases his own solo music. This song featuring Haley from the band Gore is particularly great. Haley’s voice is epic, so basically anything she touches is gold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auThnhvmIiQ&list=RDauThnhvmIiQ&start_radio=1
  • My Only Angel by Aerosmith ft Yungblud: Talk about a catchy piece, this one will get stuck in your head in no time. Yungblud was the perfect addition to make Aerosmith sound fresh & young again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74mV9qwlCgg&list=RD74mV9qwlCgg&start_radio=1
  • Weirdo by The Rasmus ft Lee Jennings (of The Funeral Portrait): I have TFP to thank for introducing me to the Finnish band The Rasmus, as The Rasmus were one of the openers for TFP on TFP’s headlining show that I saw in Greensboro in May of this year (easily one of the best nights of my life). Considering TFP has a song called Stay Weird (one of my all time favorites), Lee was the perfect feature for this song. What’s also really cool is that The Rasmus have now brought TFP out as an opener on their own headlining tour across Europe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyztNT2OEGA&list=RDDyztNT2OEGA&start_radio=1
  • The End of Us by TX2 ft Andy Biersack (of Black Veil Brides): TX2 has had a similar trajectory to Andy’s BVB in the sense of being someone that people either absolutely love or absolutely hate. It’s perhaps been even more vicious of an experience for TX2 due to the proliferation of social media. In any case, it warms my heart to see Andy supporting TX2 in this brilliant collab. Their voices mix perfectly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt8XWy-1dWo&list=RDqt8XWy-1dWo&start_radio=1

Next up the singles, again in no particular order (other than the first five).

  • The Girl You Left by Jordan Rainer: I had the great serendipity to discover Jordan Rainer through Instagram this year- sometimes those suggested posts actually get it right! I am very picky about country music but Jordan’s is exactly the kind I love. This was easily my most played song of the year, on multiple platforms. While Jordan has been very open about this being a divorce anthem inspired by her own life, I relate to it in a very different way. For me it’s about the conservative Christian culture I grew up in & how I feel abandoned by that culture. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I left that culture than that it left me, but the point remains the same- I’m not the girl I once was & I am so proud of that. It’s an absolute crime that this song isn’t wildly popular because it is SO. DAMN. GOOD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Etale0pLM&list=RDQ3Etale0pLM&start_radio=1
  • Evergreen & Skinny Lies by The Funeral Portrait: I’ve waxed on & on about this band so many times but I’ll never tire of evangelizing about them & trying to win more devotees to the Coffin Crew. These are both bonus songs that were released with the deluxe addition of the band’s 2024 album, the deluxe edition being released this year. Skinny Lies is heavier & extremely catchy, while Evergreen is more of a ballad & was principally written by guitarist/keyboardist Caleb. The lyrics are very personal to him, & the video which shows various behind the scenes clips of the band has become a favorite of mine. Skinny Lies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_2w7kEG-60&list=RD2_2w7kEG-60&start_radio=1 & Evergreen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exDJBs3kOYY&list=RDexDJBs3kOYY&start_radio=1
  • Popsicle by Lilith Czar: Formerly known by her legal name Juliet Simms, Lilith has rebranded over the past few years & embraced a grittier side of herself which I absolutely adore. This song is such an empowering piece that reflects on her experiences in the music industry, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The title of the song reflects a time when a record label wanted her to pose on a popsicle as part of an album or song promo. She refused. But it made great inspiration for this song which showcases both her incredible clean vocals as well as her guttural screams. Lyrics like this cut deep: “I had to let you think I ate out of the palm of your hand/Cause if you had your way/I’d be naked, starved, with nothing to say/Is it really all that you see?/So frozen & weak/I’d be riding on a popsicle in your fever dream/Turn me into something I’m not/A beautiful fraud/I melt in the silence/The payback is violent.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN8ANpnyiJY&list=RDHN8ANpnyiJY&start_radio=1
  • Pain On A Chain by Speed Of Light: I have The Warning to thank for introducing me to this extremely young but extremely talented band out of southern California. Like The Warning, the band is made up all of siblings. And like The Warning, their talent belies their age. I think the oldest member is 20 years old. So yes, they are YOUNG but they are one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen. Riley’s vocals are nothing short of viciously powerful- in the best possible way. The emotion she manages to convey while also holding it down on bass is very impressive. I was lucky enough to meet the band’s mom at the merch table after the show, & I thanked her for letting her kids travel the country introducing folks like me to such amazing songs. It truly gives me hope in this dark world to see teenagers embracing old school guitar-based music like this. Seriously, CHECK THEM OUT. And never miss the opening band! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q73qTzV2rKM&list=RDq73qTzV2rKM&start_radio=1
  • More Than Hate by Bilmuri: This is the song that finally brought me into the Bilmuri fan club. His former bandmate Caleb Shomo of Beartooth has been singing his praises for years, & now I know why. What a brilliant songwriter/performer Johnny Franck truly is! And his music videos? Oh man, I had been missing out. He somehow makes the simplest, lowest budget ideas turn into pure magic. A man who never takes himself too seriously but takes his music very seriously, this is a guy to watch for sure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzONJQRHtj0&list=RDBzONJQRHtj0&start_radio=1
  • Undertow by Twist It: I have Octane to think for introducing me to this young band out of Philadelphia. This one is an instant ear worm that never gets old. Side note, I love that the singer isn’t afraid to just be herself & wear her glasses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0me4168zs&list=RDFu0me4168zs&start_radio=1
  • Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs by Ashley McBryde: Switch up- time for a country song! The fiddle really adds to the sad note of this piece. It’s absolutely perfect in every way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3q7jcDWrQ&list=RDeg3q7jcDWrQ&start_radio=1
Lacuna Coil during Wacken Open Air at The Holy Wacken Land, Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany on 2022-08-05, Photo: Sven Mandel
  • Behelit by Slaughter To Prevail: The combination of orchestral parts with Alex’s insane growls is astonishing. Need I say more? I think not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cz-GLCQ1I0&list=RD0Cz-GLCQ1I0&start_radio=1
  • Fade Out by Kami Kehoe: Like so many other artists, I found Kami thanks to Octane. What a gorgeously haunting & powerful voice she has. I look forward to hearing more from her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJNX4tCmc0&list=RD0pJNX4tCmc0&start_radio=1
  • 2 Liter Spite by Point North: Let me be brutally honest- the first time I saw this come on Octane, I read Spite as Sprite & thought “How dumb is that, naming a song after a bottle of soda? Please.” HOWEVER, once I actually heard the song a few times, I couldn’t help but love it. Then I realized I was the one in the wrong because the title is 2 Liter SPITE, not Sprite. Ha!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDgfIqEDMTs&list=RDBDgfIqEDMTs&start_radio=1
  • Why by Plush: Plush absolutely nailed the state of the world when Moriah sings “Every time I open my eye/I bear witness to the endless suffering/Horrified by the monsters we’ve become/I’m beginning to realize/We’re a cancer consuming everything/Doing damage that cannot be undone/Oh/And I don’t know why/We’re allowed to survive/And I don’t know why we’re alive/Tell me, why/And I don’t know why/Our humanity has died.” Indeed, when I read the news, when I see the heartless comments people leave on social media, that’s exactly what I ask myself… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkvS2ktr3Do&list=RDpkvS2ktr3Do&start_radio=1
  • Dead Throne by Arankai: This is the solo project of Oscar, the bassist & harsh vocalist for Archers. I hope he doesn’t leave Archers but this song definitely proves he has lead singer energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Jsbg7pm6E&list=RDA2Jsbg7pm6E&start_radio=1
  • The Spell by Mammoth: For those who aren’t aware, Mammoth is the project of Wolfgang Van Halen, son of none other than Eddie Van Halen. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as this song proves. Wolfgang writes & performs all the parts on his albums: guitars, vocals, drums, bass- you name it, he does it. This is definitely a guy I need to see live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIP20TMlOHs&list=RDQIP20TMlOHs&start_radio=1
  • Caramel by Sleep Token: Ok, ok, I’ve finally gotten into Sleep Token- sort of. I know that many of my favorite bands & most of my fellow metalheads love this band, but for some reason I just have a hard time with them. Objectively I respect their talent but I simply haven’t vibed with them the way most people do. Having said that, this song is definitely pure magic. The music box motif at the beginning is brilliant, especially since it returns at the end- after the unexpected black metal ish breakdown. I knew the song was about the band’s complicated relationship with fame, but at first I was confused by the title of the song. However, then I saw someone explain it like this (I’m paraphrasing): everyone loves the sweet taste of caramel but no one likes the sticky residue it leaves behind on your hands. Brilliant! With lyrics like this, I can’t deny the genius of this song: “The sweetest dreams are bitter/But there’s no one left to tell/Too young to get bitter over it all/Too old to retaliate like before/Too blessed to be caught ungrateful, I know/So I’ll keep dancing along to the rhythm/This stage is a prison, a beautiful nightmare/A war of attrition, I’ll take what I’m given/The deepest incisions, I thought I got better/But maybe I didn’t.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iSvoQNfrrk&list=RD4iSvoQNfrrk&start_radio=1

As soon as I post this, I’m sure I’m going to think of songs I forgot. But for now, those are my choices for best songs of the year. It was truly an excellent year for music, so there was much to choose from. Be sure to stay tuned for my upcoming post re best albums of the year!

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Best Albums of 2024


As with my previous post for best songs/singles of 2024, please remember that I am not a professional music reviewer. I do not have the time or ability to listen to every new album that comes out. So yes, these are really just my personal opinion on the things I managed to check out this past year- but that’s all these kind of lists ever really are anyway, right? Ok, enough babbling- enjoy!

  • As Above So Below by Highly Suspect: I think I have to put this one as number one for a couple of reasons. First, I had never gotten into this band before at all. I’d heard of them but knew absolutely nothing about them. So falling in love with this record was totally unexpected. Everything changed when Summertime Voodoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP8irm3M9Xc&ab_channel=HighlySuspect) debuted in June. All of a sudden I couldn’t ignore this band any longer. The guitars, Johnny’s soulful voice, just everything about this song felt so right to me. It didn’t take long for me to fall under the spell of Blue Eyed Devil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e4vAn-lu8E&ab_channel=HighlySuspect) for the same reasons. After that, I just knew I had to check out the full album. Another reason this one comes as number one for me is because it is truly an album experience. You cannot just listen to one or two songs here & there. You really have to listen to the whole thing, from top to bottom, to experience it the way it’s meant to be experienced. Yes, I know some folks have said the lyrics here leave a lot to be desired, & that’s probably a fair criticism. However, Johnny has been open about writing all the music first & then later writing all the lyrics in a very short space of time. Basically, he used this album as therapy to deal with some very serious issues in his life, & that is exactly why the album feels so incredibly personal. He is literally baring his soul. So yes, it’s messy & complicated at times. But above all else it is DEEPLY EMOTIVE & that is what keeps bringing me back to this album over & over again, even as someone who is not normally a huge blues rock fan (not opposed to it of course, just more of a metalcore chick). The screams in Run For Your Life (More Pills) give me chills every time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDLBzMw3UO8&ab_channel=HighlySuspect). I was not expecting that the first time I heard it & it was the most glorious surprise. But again, to fully appreciate it, you need to listen to the full album in order. I could go on & on, but I’ll end this by saying that I cannot wait to see Highly Suspect live for the first time in just a few weeks (they’ll be my first show of 2025).
  • Greetings From Suffocate City by The Funeral Portrait: I fell in love with this band the minute I heard Dark Thoughts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DP5vhiDTk&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic) on Octane in 2023. In fact it was my song of the year that year. I confess I prefer the original version over the one featuring Danny Warsnop that is on this album, but both are fantastic. If you’re not familiar with this band, think a soulful singer, a la Brent Smith of Shine Down, but with the aesthetic of My Chemical Romance. Might sound crazy but trust me, it 100% WORKS. I cannot wait to see them live for the first time next month. But back to the album. Be sure to check out Voodoo Doll (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esy7QoIzZ5s&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic). The version on this album features Amanda from Eva Under Fire. The song is about drug abuse & how it impacts the loved one of those who fall under its spell. This is especially poignant since Amanda lost her dad to the opioid epidemic, & her mom was also an addict but thankfully has recovered. Having her feature on the track makes it even more powerful. I didn’t think I could love anything more than Dark Thoughts but Stay Weird (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4LiERdg3ok&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic) might be my new favorite. With lyrics like “Perfect isn’t perfect to me/I’d rather go down with the freaks/Than feast with the kings/Stay weird/Don’t ever fake it/Don’t let them take out your heart/Stay weird/So what, they hate you/Their world can’t contain who you are,” this is exactly the kind of song I wish I’d had 20-25 years ago.
  • Popular Monster by Falling in Reverse: Yeah, yeah, I know Ronnie Radke is a controversial figure but I already have a blog post all about why I still think he’s a genius (https://athicketofmusingsblog.com/2023/02/07/10-reasons-why-ronnie-radke-is-a-genius/), despite some of his antics. And yes, I agree he’s been a little extra off the chain lately, but I suspect that may be due to a breakup with his long term girlfriend (I could be wrong of course). Regardless, it does not take away from the absolute genius of this album. Also, who else but Ronnie would take his mug shot from almost 20 years ago & make it the album cover? Yeah, probably no one. He’s a character alright. Anyway, the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jakpo7tj7Qw&ab_channel=EpitaphRecords) is part of what got me into FIR a few years ago. And yes, that song actually came out 5 years ago at this point, but when the songs (& videos) are on the level that FIR puts out, it’s only fair to take your time finally putting them all together in an album. Prequel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0lhueeib8&ab_channel=EpitaphRecords) hits super heavy with lyrics like “You’re a slave to labor & you praise the fascist/You kiss the hand that takes half in taxes/Faking outrage & being seen, a generation with no self-esteem/It’s time to rise up & stand against them/Break the chains & finally see the vision/We’re post-traumatic from a broken system/Follow me into the chaos engine/It’s time to stand, it’s time to fight/Don’t be afraid to twist the knife/Your sacrifice to break the curse/Prepare to die, prepare to burn/Abandon hope, it’s not enough/’Cause all our gods abandoned us/Your sacrifice to break the curse/Light the match, watch it burn.” Then the high notes he hits afterward? Whew! This man could be on Broadway or in opera, no doubt. Then there’s the insanity of Ronald (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWoQ7PFSYlk&ab_channel=EpitaphRecords) which features Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail & Tech N9ne. I got the pleasure of seeing this one live with Tech N9ne, & let me tell you, it’s a banger. Let’s not forget the country metal breakdowns in All My Life featuring Jelly Roll (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9jFPUb7HA&ab_channel=EpitaphRecords). Did I mention the videos for all these songs are INSANE?! Forget the movies, just watch FIR videos back to back.
  • Made From the Dirt by Kassi Ashton: Kassi came on my radar in 2023 when I fell in love with the incredibly well written Drive You Out Of My Mind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ipRfLf79WU&ab_channel=KassiAshtonVEVO). It made my 2023 list of best songs of the year, but I’ll confess I did not seek out any more of her music until this year when I heard the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIc3HyiTnew&ab_channel=KassiAshtonVEVO) while driving to my hometown one day. The fact that I first heard it in the middle of nowhere made it even more special to me. With lyrics like “If you see me blazing trails instead of taking the highway/Leaning into love even when it hurts/I never fit the mold so I did it my way/I may be fighting but I didn’t swing first,” this song feels like it was written for me. After that, I knew I had to check out more by Kassi. I soon found an interview in which she was talking about her hometown (California, Missouri) & how she loves that she’s from there but she loves just as much that she learned how to leave. I’m not a touchy person but when I heard that I wanted to hug her & say “Yes, yes! You get it! Thank you for speaking for girls like me!” Soon after that I got the album & it’s been on frequent replay ever since. Yes, it’s a country album but think the jazz/blues sound of Bonnie Raitt combined with the country grit & sass of Reba McIntire. The Straw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4xrAeWGV0o&ab_channel=KassiAshtonVEVO) is my favorite on this album. The pain in Kassi’s voice is so powerful that it almost brings me to tears every time I listen- which is a lot. In fact I wrote a whole blog post about how this song was inspired by a toxic romantic relationship but for me it’s about my relationship with conservative America (https://athicketofmusingsblog.com/2024/11/08/dear-conservative-america-im-breaking-up-with-you/.). As I’ve said with other albums, I could go on & on but let me end by saying you shouldn’t miss the sass in Called Crazy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsCoOfzAKzs&ab_channel=KassiAshtonVEVO). I think most every woman can relate to the line “I’ve never been called crazy by a man who didn’t come back for more.” Ha!
  • Fission by Dead Poet Society: I have Ben Anderson, the drummer from Nothing More, to thank for introducing me to this band. I’d heard of them before but never paid attention to them until I heard Ben introduce one of their tracks on Octane just a few weeks ago. As much as I love Nothing More I figured if they had toured with this band & recommended them, they had to be worth a listen. Turns out they are worth a whole lot of listens! The song Ben recommended was Hurt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-hrEMw4V4Q&ab_channel=DeadPoetSocietyVEVO) which has become my favorite off of this album. I assumed the song was written about drug/alcohol addiction but vocalist Jack has stated it’s actually about being a musician & how difficult it is to stay in the industry these days & actually make a living. But like any great song, it’s written in such a way that it could be applied to multiple scenarios. Interestingly this band, while being very American, had a lot of their early success in Mexico. Anyhow, other stand out tracks are the groovy opener 5:29:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84wcWetvCTo&ab_channel=DeadPoetSociety-Topic) & Running In Circles (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-6H8udEpiw&ab_channel=DeadPoetSocietyVEVO). However, like the Highly Suspect album, I strongly recommend listening to this one from top to bottom to truly appreciate its full essence. In fact, this band has some similarities to Highly Suspect, but is perhaps a bit more danceable (is that word?).
  • One Assassination Under God by Marilyn Manson: Yes, I realize Manson is an incredibly controversial figure & I’ll confess that I almost didn’t include this album for fear of people verbally bludgeoning me over it. Let me just say this- I do believe in innocent until proven guilty as well as in separating the art from the artist. Having said that, due to the very serious nature of the allegations against Manson, at this time I do not plan to buy his merch or see him live again. However, I will still listen to his music, since I can stream it on a service I’m already paying for. Now that that’s out of the way, I have to say this album is a fantastic piece of art. You can hear in his voice how much healthier he is these days. In fact he recently announced he’s almost four years sober, which is huge for someone who has struggled with addiction like he has for much of his adult life. In fact Manson sings about his addiction on this album, saying “A reason for me, for me to get by/Became a need, a need to get high/Then into a life that was no life at all,” in standout track As Sick As The Secrets Within (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOd8hE-xTDY&ab_channel=MarilynManson). Sacrilegious (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-lcU0xrRQ&ab_channel=HajastaryAquimOficial) is incredibly catchy & danceable while Raise The Red Flag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckIQOTduNbI&ab_channel=MarilynManson) captures some of Manson’s anger from his earlier years.
LEADTOOLS v20.0
  • Find the Beautiful (EP) by Plush: I have Disturbed to thank for introducing me to the powerhouse ladies of Plush. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see these two bands touring together but thanks to David Draiman’s Instagram I got to see/hear Moriah singing with David as she performed Ann Wilson’s part in Don’t Tell Me during that tour. Immediately I knew I had to hear Moriah’s own band because she has a seriously powerful voice- think Lzzy Hale or Joan Jett. I don’t know their exact ages but I’m pretty sure all the ladies in this band are under thirty, but, like The Warning, their talent & professionalism is miles ahead of what you’d expect for their age. My favorite tracks here are Hope It Hurts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9JTA8ECJbU&ab_channel=PLUSHROCKS) & Left Behind (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLvQlqc-Xw&ab_channel=PlushRockVEVO). If the latter doesn’t get your heart racing a bit, you might need to see a doctor. Run (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywr9RBxnFGU&ab_channel=PlushRockVEVO) is also a standout track that showcases Moriah’s incredible range, but really every song here is a winner. I cannot wait to see these ladies live someday.

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Best Albums of 2021


Happy new year, everyone! What that means for this blog is that it’s time for my annual best albums of the year post. Keep in mind while reading that this list is strictly MY opinions, nothing else, so there is no need to be offended that most of these albums are from the same genre. Furthermore, I am by no means a professional music reviewer. I do not have access to every album that is released, & certainly not advanced access to them. I discover new music mostly through the satellite radio in my husband’s vehicle, YouTube, & word of mouth from friends. I’m really old school & don’t even have a Spotify account. Yes, I am crazy & still buy & use actual CDs! One of these days when my car dies, I don’t know what I’m going to do if its replacement doesn’t have a CD player. I literally might pay to have one added to a new car- totally not kidding, y’all!

Anyway, this year, in an effort to diversify my list a bit, I decided to include suggestions from friends on their choices for best albums of the year. You’ll find those at the end of this post, along with a list of my choices for most anticipated albums of 2022.

Also, you’ll notice these are all listed as number 1- that’s because I’m not the most tech savvy blogger & couldn’t figure out how to insert the pictures without the blog automatically restarting my list at number one. Insert massive eye roll.


Best Albums of 2021

    1. I won’t keep you in suspense. My choice for number one album of the year is Created From Filth & Dust by Lilith Czar. Some of you may know Lilith as Juliet Simms, her legal name, who previously performed under that name, as well as with the band Automatic Loveletter. She was also on the show The Voice years ago. Last but not least she is married to Andy Biersack from Black Veil Brides & they could easily win an award for hottest couple. But more importantly they are both highly intelligent talented people who seem to have a truly mature relationship. Anyway, enough intro- onto the music! This album is truly genius from top to bottom. There isn’t a bad or throwaway song on it. Lilith has always had a gorgeous voice but lyrically & musically she is at her most powerful here- & let me tell you, she kicks some serious ass! My absolute favorite is the anthemic Anarchy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1i9jQw5fjk) which even my 5 year-old daughter loves & requests on a regular basis. Other favorites are the poignant Lola (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9qrW3Zkch0) & Diamonds to Dust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSoj-W7YriA). It’s downright criminal that songs like these aren’t played on every radio station in the country. A lot of the inspiration behind this album was the sexism that Lilith has faced over the years, being told by record labels “Oh, you need to dress like this & sound like this. Be sexy- but not TOO sexy. Do this- but don’t do that!” etc. Nowhere is this inspiration more evident than on the powerful song King (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vly7rbfHqg). Not only is it lyrically powerful but the bass line is banging. Working with Sumerian Records has clearly given Lilith a freedom she’s never had before & I am so here for it! There is so much more I could say about this album but I’ve got many more to write about, so let me just end it by saying this- LISTEN TO IT! Regardless of what genres you usually like, you will NOT be disappointed.
    1. See What’s on the Inside by Asking Alexandria– These 5 British guys are like fine wine- they just get better with time. Every album they release tops the last one, & this one is no exception to that rule. From my very first listen of lead single Alone Again (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1G9DU4Rc9c), I was hooked. Lead guitarist Ben Bruce explained that this was the first album the band has made in years where they did it the old-school way: they all got together in one room & just jammed & wrote music. And boy, can you tell! The guitar riffs here are phenomenal & prove that Ben is definitely one of the best guitarists of the modern era. Lyrically & musically this album is a true masterpiece. Perhaps my favorite from this album is Faded Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j9wWx5dKcs) which includes a supremely catchy guitar lick & lyrics that are so fitting for the depression that Covid has brought on or worsened in so many of us. Other stand-out tracks include Never Gonna Learn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YrmwaDOEPw) & The Grey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfOamKyv1Lg).
    1. The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood by Ice Nine Kills– I’ve never been interested in horror movies & probably never will be, but that doesn’t lessen my devotion to this largely horror-inspired band. I’d heard of INK for several years now but had never really listened to them. However, when I saw that they did a track with Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach I was intrigued enough to give it a listen. It’s safe to say I’ve been addicted to the band ever since! I even read the novel American Psycho which was the inspiration behind the track featuring Jacoby called Hip to Be Scared (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozOb5FcnDf4) which is definitely one of my favorites off of this album. Not only does Spencer Charnas have a gorgeous voice (& face), he is obsessed with puns & finds ways, with his bandmates, to craft truly incredible lyrics that can speak to anyone, even those of us who haven’t seen the horror movies that inspired the songs. Be sure to check out Rainy Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZMlDGdzysk), The Shower Scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGUdEZT7sGs), & Ex-Mortis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRNs79tzxUE). My daughter loves the latter one & frequently requests “Way Below,” as she calls it.
    1. Heart & Soul by Eric Church– This is actually a triple album because Eric Church decided to spend 28 straight days writing music in a cabin in the mountains of NC during the height of Covid lockdowns. At the end of those 4 weeks, he had way too much music for just one album so he split it into 3 albums. The man is a genius, y’all! Eric Church has a good voice of course but that isn’t what makes him special- what makes him special is his lyrical genius & the way he captures emotions in the stories his songs tell. Like so much of his work, these albums get better with every listen. There are so many good tracks here, but I’ll try to simplify it to only my top favorites. Be sure to check out the brash Stick That in Your Country Song where Church addresses everything from inner city violence & gangs to unemployment- not your typical country music fare, which is of course the entire point of the song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAX5XvdKRFk). Russian Roulette (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiSCFjQUwuY), Do Side, & Break it Kind of Guy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPFVMkklguU) are also highlights. It’s worth mentioning that part of what makes this triple album so good is Church’s long-time back-up singer Joanna Cotten. Church has never been afraid to let her shine but that’s never been truer than on this venture- & that’s a good, good thing.
    1. Ruthless by Gary Allan– Generally speaking I’m not much interested in musicians who don’t write their own songs. But I make an exception for Gary Allan because his voice is just so imperfectly perfect. It has that exquisitely gruff sound that makes it perfect for singing heartbreakingly sad songs- which for some reason I really love. This album got a lot of mixed or even negative reviews but I don’t care what the experts say- I love it. Yes, there are a few lines here & there that are corny & probably could have been better written, but taken as a whole, it’s still a great piece of work. Allan has a knack for choosing songs that make us face some of our less than comfortable emotions, that make us examine the less than perfect parts of ourselves, & that’s a lot of what I like about him. Temptation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI3LTkMqEAs) is just such a track. So is Slide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpuRg7x6YlU). I read a review that said this was a song about a man begging to be allowed to cheat- but that isn’t how I take it at all. I take it as a song that acknowledges that none of us is perfect & if we want to have any kind of long-term relationship (romantic of otherwise), we have to accept that we’re going to fail each other or generally be less than our best selves at times. The Hard Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4EUrcyRcQ) is another great track that gets better with every listen. Lastly I want to mention Waste of a Whiskey Drink (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6fSXGLIP9w) which is actually the first song I heard from this album- & one that I immediately loved. Some have called this a misogynistic song but that isn’t how I see it at all. I see it as a song that calls out the problems with casual hook-ups & generally inauthentic relationships. Gary Allan is a heterosexual male so it only makes sense that he’d sing a song from that perspective, right? Besides, that are TONS of songs out there deriding men & all of their many faults, so let’s let the guys have their turn to air their grievances, ok? Besides, if you need a reminder that women aren’t always innocent victims, check out my previous blog post on toxic femininity. Enough said.
    1. Dearly Beloved by Daughtry– As I suspect is true for many other folks, I loved Chris Daughtry in high school & early college but hadn’t really listened to him for the past decade. However, as soon as I heard Heavy Is the Crown on Octane (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PPjXHC_NkU) I was hooked. Like many of the other albums here, this is one that I’ve appreciated more every time I’ve listened to it. One of my favorites is Asylum (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRKSb2jjg8Y) which is an incisive look at modern society, particularly in light of Covid- at least that’s how I take it. Another favorite is The Victim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdMKMv747Qk), a super empowering song that I think we could all use these days. Also be sure to check out Changes Are Coming (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJxsvofC-p0).
    1. The Phantom Tomorrow by Black Veil Brides– Andy Biersack, being the genius that he is, has created yet another brilliant concept album. Be sure to read up on the back story to the album to fully appreciate it. My favorite tracks are Crimson Skies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqULtMh9lg), Scarlett Cross (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2A9Bbjlg84), & Fields of Bone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR37XyIXqPg). I should also mention that this is the first album with Lonny Eagleton on bass & he has definitely proved to be a more than worthy replacement for former bassist Ashley Purdy.
    1. 3rd Degree: The Raising by Gemini Syndrome– If ever there has been a band who deserves so much more attention than they get, it’s Gemini Syndrome. Lyrically these guys write some of the most profound songs every created. My favorite from this album is IDK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wzA14GcM_k) which is a play on the texting abbreviation for I don’t know as well as the words “I decay.” Brilliant, right? Lyrically I swear the band read my mind when they wrote this song. It will probably go down as one of my all-time favorite songs ever. Other stand-out tracks include Die With Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_naop2VCKCM) & Abandoned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE4fGPelTHU).
    1. In the Court of the Dragon by Trivium– Like AA, Trivium is a band that seems to only get better with time. And like AA these guys are still only in their 30s- & yet this is Trivium’s 10th album!! As if songs like Feast of Fire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue8XLsKYtQ), The Phalanx (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMoOqlhC-l4), & the title song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybekW8fZHH0) weren’t killer enough, the band also created fantastic music videos to go with them. The latter could actually be called a short film. Brilliant!
    1. Death By Rock & Roll by The Pretty Reckless– This was a very difficult album for Taylor Momsen & company to make due to the death of their long-time producer & friend Kato Khandwala. However, they still managed to turn out a great album. The title song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX6KILafIS0) is a banger with excellent guitar licks while Twenty-Five (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As03tlODkdw) is a hauntingly beautiful piece with an equally haunting music video that showcases just how much Momsen has grown up over the past few years. Another great track is And So It Went (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W-nlfhh8Uo) which features Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine.

    Honorable Mentions

    • Servant of the Mind by Volbeat– Danish rockabilly
    • Below by Beartooth– American hardcore punk
    • You’re Welcome by A Day to Remember– American pop-punk-metalcore hybrid
    • Bullet for My Valentine by Bullet for My Valentine– Welsh heavy metal
    • You Will Be the Death of Me by Light the Torch– Metalcore super group featuring Howard Jones
    • The Ides of March by Myles Kennedy– second solo album from Alter Bridge’s vocalist

    Friends’ Picks

    • Kostolom by Slaughter to Prevail– A bit heavy for my usual taste but this Russian deathcore band is definitely worth a listen if you like that kind of thing. P.S. The lyrics are in English (the guitarist is actually British).
    • Radical by Every Time I Die– Metalcore project out of Buffalo, NY
    • The Million Masks of God by Manchester Orchestra– Indie rock band from Atlanta
    • Manic by Wage War– Another metalcore band, this one from Florida
    • Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish– I can’t say I’ve really gotten into Billie Eilish but I definitely respect her both as an artist & as a person
    • Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night by The Bleachers– An Indie pop band from NYC
    • Scaled and Icy by Twenty One Pilots- Another pop band that I can’t say I’ve gotten into but that I do actually respect

    Most Anticipated Albums of 2022

    • Halestorm– If Back From the Dead (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srT0pgC_yto) is any indication, not to mention their 4 previous albums, this forthcoming album is going to ROCK.
    • Three Days Grace– I am obsessed with lead single So Called Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ViIny2YZH0). It’s literally been stuck in my head intermittently since the first time I heard it. It’s a banger & I hope the album will be full of similar songs. If there was still any doubt that Matt Walst can carry the band just as well or better than Adam Gontier did in their early days, this song erases it.
    • Papa Roach– Between Kill the Noise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90GB5T73XI) & Dying to Believe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0s_xIEDnAw), Jacoby & company have already released 2 amazing songs that are both lyrically & musically on point for the world these days. I can’t wait to hear what else they have in store for us.
    • Fever Dream by Palaye Royale– I’m convinced that anything these 3 brothers touch turns to gold. They’re just that good. Check out Paranoid (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2uP7RRnfQ), Punching Bag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzprXZGoLs), & No Love in LA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qePhiiz7dtc) for a taste of what’s to come. I cannot wait.
    • A Trigger Within– Irishman Jimmy Trigger (ex-fiance of Ashley from New Year’s Day) is the genius behind this up & coming LA band. His EP from a few years ago was brilliant & I can’t wait to see what this handyman (literally- that’s his full-time day job) has in store for us this year in his rock star line of work.
    • Slipknot– While I’ll probably always prefer Stone Sour over Slipknot, there is no denying the genius of Corey Taylor’s heavier project.
    • It hasn’t yet been confirmed but Swedish geniuses Avatar have released 4 new songs since their 2020 album, so I’m inclined to think they’ve got a new album in the works- I certainly hope so. All of these songs have been innovative & brilliant. Be sure to check out the haunting Going Hunting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sQvH1LjFCw) with its lilting piano motif & the latest release Cruel & Unusual (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH_CUc3pr84).
    • Motionless in White blessed us with a new single this year so I’m sincerely hoping that means that another album is on its way. Check out Time Bomb which includes a lot more singing from guitarist Ricky Olson (https://youtu.be/49Ln8Suk0p4) as he shares the vocals with lead singer Chris.
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