music review

Best Albums of 2023


Yes, it’s that time of year again, time for my annual albums of the year post! If you haven’t already seen it, check out my previous post for my choices for songs of the year. Since so many bands/artists no longer release actual albums (or even EPs), I felt the need to create a separate post to highlight some of my favorite songs that either aren’t part of an album or that really touched me even if the rest of the album didn’t (or in some cases I never got around to listening to the rest of the album because I’m not a professional music reviewer & definitely don’t have unlimited time for these things).

I’d like to remind readers that these are solely MY choices for the albums that I most enjoyed this year, the ones that personally spoke to ME the most. Yes, I realize that I “should” have Metallica’s 72 Seasons & Sleep Token’s Take Me Back to Eden on here, like just about every other best albums list this year. But the fact of the matter is that while both albums are objectively great, they just didn’t speak to ME the way the ones I’ve chosen here did. I will also willingly acknowledge that I am non-conformist enough that I subconsciously tend to steer away from anything that is wildly popular at any given time (whether that’s music, a TV show, a movie, or a book), even when it’s within my own favorite non-conformist genre. Maybe I’m just an overgrown teenager that way…

Anyway, without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of 2023. At the end you’ll find my choices for best EPs of the year, as well as the albums I’m most anxiously anticipating for 2024. Aside from the first three, these are in no particular order.

  • The Mockingbird & The Crow by Hardy: Alright, y’all, I never expected my album of the year to contain the phrase “dead buck on my Instagram” not once but TWICE, but here we are. Ha! A couple months ago I was driving home from Costco when I heard Sold Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r57GhcHEgGo) on Octane & immediately fell in love. Who was this redneck country singer who wasn’t afraid to scream like the best metal singers? I had to know. It didn’t take me long to fall way down the rabbit hole with Hardy. The fact that Hardy managed to write a half country- half rock album that is incredibly well written on both “sides” is nothing short of phenomenal. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr6JPLNMnyI) is perhaps my favorite because it encapsulates a dilemma I know good & well- the divide between the “country/redneck” part of me & the rock/metal part of me. The former represents the more conservative, people-pleasing nature I grew up with while the latter represents the more free-thinking part of me that I’ve embraced as an adult. I imagine some of that is true for Hardy as well, though I suspect for him it’s more to do with the music itself, but nonetheless I see parallels to all of life here. It’s so easy to be the mockingbird- to do the things others before you have done, to do what’s expected & “proper,” (in Hardy’s case write the more traditional country music)- & yet sometimes the crow just beckons so strongly that it cannot be contained (in Hardy’s case this means embracing his rock & roll side). It’s hard to choose but perhaps my favorite lines on the album are as follows: “And I refuse to be another/Mockingbird with a microphone/I’ll fly the line I choose to, brother/Even if that makes me the crow.” Like any great album, this is one that deserves to be listened to top to bottom, front to back. But in order to save time, I’ll highlight just three more of my favorites here: Wait in the Truck featuring Lainey Wilson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsMB0i5YTOc), which is a poignant piece about domestic violence; Radio Song featuring Jeremy McKinnon of A Day to Remember (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km3DY77vINU), which makes fun of how simplistic & formulaic much of country music is; & Jack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwtjL9UI4uQ) which discusses the dangers of alcohol & how easily one can slip from a casual drinker to a full-blown abuser.
  • Blackout by From Ashes to New: This album has been a long time coming but thankfully it did not disappoint. Indeed it’s chock full of banger after banger. With opening track Heartache (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh1gQWwBp5Q) followed by Nightmare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD7nQ_DledY), followed by Hate Me Too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0h0Oo1EzJw), the album starts off with three of the band’s most successful tracks to date. The latter has a hilarious music video you’d do well to check out- & is also probably their most “pop” sounding song to date- but with some great guitar riffs. Then you’ve got Monster in Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yoHqZawQEU) which is dominated by Matt Brandyberry’s rapping. There seriously isn’t a bad song on here so I could go on for a while but lastly let me mention Until We Break (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiT0NJf4emk) which features Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. Again, it’s hard to choose but perhaps my favorite lyrics on this album are in this track: “You’re the heart of the fate that divides us/A plague & a virus, yeah, & all we need to do is/Close our eyes ’cause there is nothing to see (nothing to see)/We’ll all be fine if all we do is believe, so/Smile for the camera, swallow the dagger/Cut out the ones who disobey/Follow the leader into the fever/One by one until we break.”
  • The Surface by Beartooth: Here’s another album that simply rocks from top to bottom. To be honest, I loved Beartooth’s second & third albums but the fourth one disappointed me. Not so with this one! As soon as I heard leading single Riptide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv3t0Fvgvik), I knew this album would be DIFFERENT- optimistic & uplifting but without losing an ounce of heaviness! I for one am thoroughly enjoying seeing lead singer & mastermind of the group Caleb Shomo finally winning the battle against his depression. Doubt Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfY5VokMkL8) is another banger that is universally relatable- after all, we’ve all had to beat some doubters along the way- even if the strongest one of those is the voice in our own head. I could go on all day but let me also mention Look the Other Way (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiEKANbfEYQ) & Might Love Myself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83rcK9Xne5A), both of which really showcase the beauty & power of Caleb’s voice. You can truly hear the happiness in his voice here & it’s nothing short of delightful.
  • Skeletons by Pop Evil: I own six out of seven of this band’s albums, so I think it’s safe to say I know their catalog well. But if I’m being perfectly honest, the last three albums left me disappointed. They had some good songs here & there, but taken as a whole none of them really grabbed me like their earlier work. Well, this year I’m glad to say they grabbed me again- in a good way. As soon as I heard Paranoid/Crash & Burn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTrh8xRXtk) & Eye of the Storm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9jGRtmCsNQ) I was in love. Then I heard the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95lkrtb7Gt4) & I knew I had to check out the full album. This time it did not disappoint. My favorite lyrics are from the aforementioned title track: “We live in a world gone mad that’s lost control/What doesn’t kill us leaves a hole in our soul/Chase a satellite, get lost in outer space/We’re only human, we’re flesh & bone/Fighting wars within/We’re only human, we’re flesh & bone/Lonely skeletons” & Who Will We Become: “We may not control the events that happen to us/What happened to us?/But we have a choice to choose who we will become/Who will we become?” I 100% believe that- we cannot always control what happens to us but we CAN control who we become. I have to believe that- otherwise there’s no hope. I should also mention that the last three songs on the album are easily among the heaviest songs the band has ever done.
  • Confessions of the Fallen by Staind: Oh man, Staind were one of the first rock bands I ever loved. Naturally I was excited to see the band back with their first album in twelve years. I’m not sure that it was ever a single but my favorite track here is Cycle of Hurting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2tCwGPuUzs). The lyrics are dark & painful but the song leaves me feeling empowered to do exactly what the title says- end the cycle of hurting. Lowest In Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Nm-yx9CLg) is probably one of the band’s heaviest songs to date & proves they definitely aren’t going soft in their middle age. Vocalist Aaron Lewis is certainly a controversial character, & I don’t agree with all of his views, but I definitely respect him as a person & as a musician. Regardless of what you think of his politics, this album is well worth a listen.
  • Dance Devil Dance by Avatar: I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again- it’s downright criminal that Avatar aren’t more popular than they are. I submit to you that if you don’t like watching five tall, long-haired Swedish guys prance around on stage in clown outfits, then you need to reevaluate your life. Ha! Anyway, I fell in love with this band when I saw them live back in 2018. I had never heard them before & knew nothing about them, but they entranced me from the very first song. These guys are not just excellent musicians, they are also true PERFORMERS. Stand out tracks include the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_t_U8aYDlo); Chimp Mosh Pit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIUseqP3my8) which comes with a music video that proves these guys may be serious musicians but they don’t take themselves too seriously & know how to simply have some FUN; & Violence No Matter What (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjef8L7pRZs) featuring none other than Lzzy Hale. I should also mention the danceable, almost country like The Dirt I’m Buried In (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JPtxtSK-Cs)- it was the band’s first song to reach the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
  • Life is But a Dream… by Avenged Sevenfold: No list would be complete without this album. I think Ben Bruce from Asking Alexandria said it best when he said that the A7X guys aren’t just musicians, they’re COMPOSERS. My favorite track is Nobody (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrRTY2UDjw) with its bizarre song structure & the unexpected guitar solo that closes the song. Mattel is also great (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYmVTVnXXlk) but really this is an album that needs to be listened to in full, not piecemeal. It’s the kind of thing you really ought to listen to in a dark room while doing absolutely nothing else.
  • Papers Hearts (EP) by Sleep Theory: Sleep Theory burst on to the scene via Octane with hit single Numb (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7s9gFaWpUM) & it wasn’t too long after that that they rocketed from unknown, unsigned band out of Memphis to signing a record deal with Epitaph Records & opening up for none other than Shinedown. If you’ve listened to any interviews with these guys, you will know they are as humble & hard-working as they come. I couldn’t be happier to see them having the success they’re having, & I can’t wait to see what next year holds for them. I was lucky enough to hear them debut Gone or Staying (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac9OiIXFqUA) live on Octane a few months ago & it just might be my favorite on this EP. It’s the perfect blend of soulful R&B & heavy that makes this band so darn good.

For these last two artists, I’m not sure how to classify them because these are all singles but there were multiple songs I absolutely loved by both artists, so it felt more fitting to put them here, as if they were an EP, than with the singles post. I guess I’ll just group them by artist name.

  • TX2: Here is yet another artist I discovered thanks to Octane. One morning I was running errands & heard Degrade Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r79AhrOPOE) on Octane & was immediately hooked. I found myself thinking “This is obviously a young guy with a punk rock aesthetic/sensibility, yet the guitar work & overall song structure seem more classic rock & roll.” Naturally I had to have more, so to YouTube I went & quickly fell down the TX2 rabbit hole. Heaven Was Full (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb9aQy3d5oo) contains a massive guitar solo & is a perfect song for anyone who’s ever felt like they just couldn’t live up to the expectations others have for them without sacrificing their own conscience. I Would Hate Me Too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keegsPt1jCU) is both hilarious & sad all at once. He may be only 5’4″ as he sings in the latter song, but trust me when I say, TX2 is going to have a big impact on the rock scene over the next few years.
  • Set It Off: Once again, I have to thank Octane for introducing me to this band. They’ve been around for over a decade but I had never heard of them until Punching Bag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb5-s5qwlCQ) took over the airwaves this year. I was immediately hooked & hungry for more. Be sure to watch the music video for this one because the end of it sets up the beginning of the video for Win Win featuring Scene Queen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOAwvMU8N8). The latter is such a fun song & I’m very impressed with how the guys let Hannah (aka Scene Queen) start off the song & sing at least as much of it as Cody does. That shows confidence & a willingness to share the spotlight, which I love to see. Evil People (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP4W9EGdlsI) & Parasite (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qm6qlz7ups) are also fantastic songs. What’s super interesting about this band is that they’ve had BY FAR their most success this year- AFTER leaving their record label & going independent. Just goes to show that sometimes the “right” way isn’t always the RIGHT way.

Now for most anticipated albums for 2024... (By the way, there are a few songs I probably should have included in this year’s songs of the year but because I know they will be on albums debuting next year, I am saving them for next year’s post- since I imagine those albums will make it to next year’s version of this post.)

  • Jeris Johnson- if When the Darkness Comes & Ode to Metal are any indication, Jeris’s next record will be nothing short of phenomenal.
  • Slaughter to Prevail
  • Judas Priest (coming 3/8/24)
  • Anything by Falling in Reverse- who knows? Maybe Ronnie will surprise us & do an album after swearing he won’t because he has done better with singles since 2018. But with Ronnie, you just never know what he’s got up his sleeve. Whatever it is, I know it will be breathtaking.
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Best Songs Of 2023 (Singles/Covers)


If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that I do an annual albums of the year post. Well, this year I decided that I need to make two posts- one for full length albums/EPs & one for singles/covers. So many bands/artists are no longer releasing albums & it feels unfair to exclude them when sometimes they make some of my favorite songs. Do I miss the days of CDs & actually going to a store to buy a physical album? Absolutely. But I also realize that we have two choices in life- evolve or die. I still refuse to use Spotify other than for podcasts because it pays artists so little for their music, but I have started downloading albums on Amazon music & only buying physical CDs for smaller bands that I know really need the monetary support, especially since I have a newer car now that doesn’t have a CD player. (Gosh, I miss having a CD player!!) I’m not sure if musicians get better returns off of Amazon Music (or YouTube, which I also use a lot) but since I do pay a monthly subscription (vs there are free options for Spotify), I’m hoping it pays them a little better. If not, at least I buy concert tickets & merch as often as I can.

Anyway, on with the show- I mean post. Please remember, I am not a professional music reviewer. I am a nurse who just happens to love music. I don’t owe anyone anything, so I feel no obligation to choose certain bands/artists, even if I know they are being universally praised this year. So, without further ado, here is my list for my favorite songs of 2023. These are in particular order, other than the first two.

  • Dark Thoughts by The Funeral Portrait: A few months ago I heard this song on Octane & was immediately entranced. I swiftly looked up the band, who are based out of Atlanta, on Instagram only to realize I’d already been following them- but hadn’t actually listened to their music. Crazy! Anyway, Lee has one of those powerful, soulful voices that you absolutely cannot forget. Think Brent Smith of Shinedown, Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, or Jared Weeks of Saving Abel (incidentally all of these singers are Southerners except for Patrick- hmmm….). In fact, the band have often been said to have a Shinedown type sound but with a My Chemical Romance image/aesthetic. I think that’s a pretty accurate description. In any case, this song has an infectious chorus with insanely fun guitar riffs & is one of those that will quickly find its way into your head. Moreover, the lyrics are so dear to my heart. Lee wrote this about his struggles with OCD & boy, can I relate. The song may be called DARK thoughts but it definitely leaves me feeling pumped up & ready to fight those dark thoughts. No question about it- this is my song of the year, & I know it will be one that I’ll cherish for many, many years to come. If you don’t check out anything else on this list, I beg you to check out this one, even if rock isn’t normally your thing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DP5vhiDTk
  • Watch the World Burn by Falling in Reverse: You never know what you’re going to get with Ronnie Radke & this song is the epitome of that. It starts off with some crazy rapping- arguably the fastest he’s ever done- but then builds into a giant breakdown with full on screaming. As always, the music video that accompanies the song is basically a miniature movie. I’ll be honest- my first listen of this song left my head spinning. I wasn’t sure what to think because the song structure is so bizarre. It literally has no chorus! But I quickly found that I couldn’t stop listening to it. My favorite lines are at the end: “One day you’re gonna figure out that/Everything they taught you was a lie/Watch the world burn/The fear is what keeps you alive/Break the fucking chains, take back your life/The fear is what keeps you insane/Break the fucking chains, take away the pain.” If that doesn’t fire you up, what will? P.S. Yes, the band can & does perform this live. I’ve seen it done twice. Bassist Tyler Burgess helps with the vocals, including the rapping, & the synergy between him & Ronnie & the rest of the band is phenomenal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMXESlny4-I
  • Artificial by Daughtry: Chilling & heavy, both lyrically & musically, Daughtry leaves no doubt about the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence with this banger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSmySDrz9ko
  • Drive You Out of My Mind by Kassi Ashton: Yes, I do love some country music too. And this right here is one of the most cleverly written country songs I’ve ever heard. The rhyming she uses is brilliant & her slightly husky voice is perfect for the raw emotions of the song. I confess a lot of female country singers sound whiny & almost childish to me- but not Kassi. This is a woman whose voice I could listen to all day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ipRfLf79WU/s
  • Your Place by Ashley Cooke: Since we’re on the subject of country music, let me go ahead & throw this one out for consideration. While clearly written about a break-up (“you made your bed & I ain’t sleeping in it”), I think the song can apply to anyone who’s tried to stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. Sometimes it simply “ain’t your place!” . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l21ubH2_Z70
  • Viking by Slaughter to Prevail: Now let’s switch gears entirely to what is undoubtedly the heaviest song on this list. Alex once again proves he is at least part beast with his impressive growls & screams. I can confirm that he does make these same crazy animal-like noises live. There is also a fantastic guitar riff that sounds very reminiscent of Slipknot- but without being an outright copy of course. Basically, I’m here to tell you that you do in fact need some Russian death metal in your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fdqJhNbnSY
  • Spirits & Demons by Michael Ray (with Meghan Patrick): Ok, back to country one more time. I’d never heard of Michael (or Meghan) but I came across this song on satellite radio & fell in love. Once I realized Michael wrote it about his own divorce from fellow country singer Carly Pearce, it became even more powerful. The message of the song is that no matter what society tells you, you won’t find healing in alcohol. “Getting over you drunk is the only thing about us lasting forever, & ever, & ever/Spirits & demons won’t bring no healing/Ain’t no miracle at the bottom of the bottle I’m drinking/It’s just a buzz on a broken heart barely beating.” In a culture that often glorifies alcohol & encourages people to drink their cares away, that’s a powerful & timely message.
  • Flowers by Miley Cyrus: I have a whole blog post about this song. I’ve never followed Miley closely but this song is brilliantly written & performed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7KNmW9a75Y
  • Devil You Know by Tim Montana: Here’s another artist I discovered thanks to Octane this year. This song is the perfect blend of rock & country- so naturally I love it. The emotion in Tim’s voice is undeniable here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwEaKJrxDEY
  • Dead to Me by Palaye Royale: Anything these brothers touch is gold. I wasn’t expecting any new music from the guys this year since they released a stellar album last year AND their mother is struggling with advanced stage cancer. But out of nowhere they dropped an EP just last week which includes this catchy song that is lyrically one of the most overtly personal songs Remington has ever written. The rage in his voice goes perfectly with the almost rap-like verses & contrasts nicely with the softer chorus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t2yMEizfa4
  • Jaded by Spiritbox: This band has massively grown on me this year, especially this song. It is gorgeous, haunting, & super catchy all at once. Courtney is a goddess, end of story. I’m sure her husband (guitarist for the band) agrees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjnZVpVvJ-k
  • Bite Your Tongue by Atilla: Atilla Frontman Chris Fronzak has never been known for keeping his mouth shut- which is largely the gist of this song. While I don’t support his career as an Only Fans star, I do admire him as an entrepreneur in general (he has several businesses outside of Atilla & Only Fans). This is a man who is not afraid to work. I recently listened to a podcast where he talked about selling golf balls & mowing lawns in his neighborhood before he was even a teenager! I may not agree with every facet of his life, but I do respect him, & there’s no doubt that this is a fun song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAwlewK-Xbo
  • Lost by Bring Me the Horizon: Infectious, upbeat, & beyond catchy, this is a song that is lyrically very dark & yet still somehow manages to be uplifting. I think we’ve all felt lost at some point or other & can relate to the angst here.
  • Dance Song by Austin John Winkler: Damn, it’s good to hear Austin’s voice again (the original singer for Hinder)! Having finally recovered from years of alcoholism that almost killed him (literally), he’s back & better than ever. This is a funky, groovy piece that will leave you wanting to dance & just have fun. I also love the honesty of the lyrics: “I’m not shy about the mess I’m in because we’re kind of all doing the same dance.” So true! In the age of perfectly curated social media accounts, it’s important to be reminded that none of us really has our shit together. We’re all just bumbling our way through this crazy world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwTJJ8XRr6M

Now for the covers:

  • Every Time We Touch by Electric Callboy: I’m convinced these Germans can’t possibly make a bad song so it’s no surprise that this cover is brilliant. As usual for this band, the video is hilarious. If you need to smile, check out the bromance between Kevin & Nico to get a laugh. (In case you watch the video & wonder, no they are not actually a couple. Both are heterosexual, married to women, & fathers. But they do have a great bromance.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuBXeF5acqE
  • What’s Love Got to Do by Black Stone Cherry: This was released as an homage to the great Tina Turner after her death earlier this year. Covering a song this massive isn’t easy but BSC proved they were up to the task (no surprise with their talent). Chris’s soulful voice is perfect for this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTi5XSaRLag
  • Lips of an Angel, Part 2 by Shaylen & Austin John Winkler: I’m not sure if this counts as a true cover but I don’t know where else to put it, so I’m putting it here. If you loved the original, like I did, you have to hear this. Austin’s sexy, husky voice is as brilliant as ever & combining it with country singer Shaylen makes for a powerful combination. I also hadn’t realized this but Austin wrote the original song in just one night based on his own real-life experience. He was only 23 at the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU1qcb5steI
  • Closer by Palaye Royale: The original is plenty sexy but Remington’s raspy voice makes it even sexier. I don’t think I need say anything else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOjl_L2aXsQ
  • Separate Ways by Daughtry & Lzzy Hale: This is my favorite Journey song, an absolute classic. Daughtry & Lzzy Hale together are a phenomenal combination, so naturally this is a stellar cover. Of note, it was released exactly 40 years to the day of the original song.
  • Last Resort: Reimagined by Falling in Reverse: The stakes were definitely high covering a song as massive as this. Naturally Ronnie nailed it. If he’d done a standard cover that sounded roughly similar to the original- well, that just wouldn’t work. You can’t beat Papa Roach at their own game. So what did Ronnie do? He turned it into a slowed down piano ballad (a la his own reimagined songs) that serves to really highlight the gut-wrenching lyrics of this classic piece. It got the seal of approval by Jacoby Shaddix himself- that, my friends, is how you know you’ve made it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESOjt2_yJrU

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Best Albums of 2022


It that’s time of year again- time for my annual album hall of fame post. As usual, these albums are almost entirely rock/metal because that’s the majority of what I listen to. Also, I’d like to add that I am by no means a professional music reviewer. I do not have access to every album that is put out- I don’t even have Spotify or Apple Music! All I have are a TON of CDs & YouTube. And Octane/Liquid Metal when I’m riding in my husband’s vehicle. I’m old school & that’s just all there is to it. Plus, I feel like musicians get ripped off by streaming services so I’d rather support them by buying their physical albums as well as their merch, & of course concert tickets when I can. Be prepared- this is a long list because there were SO many good albums this year. I tried to cut it off at 20, which is more than I usually do, but I just couldn’t. And I’m sure I still forgot some worthy albums! As usual, other than the first few, these are in no particular order. So, without further ado, here are MY choices for the best (e.g. my favorite) albums of 2022.

Fever Dream by Palaye Royale: Oh man, there is so much I could say about this amazing album. It is a true opus for the Palaye brothers. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6sMdysAYNk) is arguably the most epic song they’ve ever created, which is saying a lot considering their incredible catalog of music. Between the touching lyrics, the stunning guitar solos, & the brilliant music video, it’s the culmination of everything Palaye have ever done. Line It Up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5ZxO2YnFOE) is a gorgeous duet with LP in which her voice & Remington’s blend absolutely perfectly. Lyrically it’s a song I think almost everyone can relate to in the sense of wanting to escape the drudgeries of everyday life & wanting something different than our parents. Then there’s Oblivion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FgGWmKg49A) with its haunting lyrics & video, not to mention the stunning Punching Bag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzprXZGoLs). And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the more upbeat, almost pop-sounding No Love in LA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qePhiiz7dtc)- which also has a fantastic music video & lays bare the superficiality of Hollywood & the whole LA scene. Lastly be sure to check out the gorgeous Broken (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrUM4tVpmRc) & the accompanying video which, along with Oblivion, was filmed in Prague. I could go on & on about this album but suffice it to say that it is most deserving of the title Album of the Year.

Scoring the End of the World by Motionless in White: I fell in love with MIW the first time I heard Reincarnate & I’ve been a diehard fan ever since. With every record the band has matured & progressed in new ways & this album is no exception. From the “softer” songs like Masterpiece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbFaVDfkI00) & Porcelain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19_OhhHXWdk) to the crushing heaviness of Slaughterhouse (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbVXWcB5xAg), this album proves that the MIW boys can do it all. Furthermore, the lyrics on this album are some of Chris’s best ever. From more introspective songs like Masterpiece to more social commentary songs like Slaughterhouse & Red, White, & Boom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bowj8NkSX4Q) Chris held nothing back this time. I also can’t fail to mention the 80’s inspired Werewolf which even my kindergartener loves. It has a terrific video too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzojuv9zMGA). Lastly, I must mention Cyberhex (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmjQVRtxS4E) with its soaring vocals & touching lyrics which Chris described as a love letter to the fans.

Holy Fvck by Demi Lovato: I actually already wrote a whole post inspired by one of the songs on this album, but yet again I must say that if you had told me earlier this year that I’d have Demi Lovato on this list, I’d have laughed. But the joke’s on me because this album is truly amazing, & I’m so glad that I was willing to overcome my own biases & check it out. It’s not the heaviest rock album of the year by any means, but it’s no pop album either. Regardless, it rocks. Lyrically Demi has blown me away with the raw outpourings of her heart in tracks like 29 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bEQv1uf5v0) & Happy Ending (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usKh7fLTjj4). The former is written about a relationship she had with a 29 yr old when she was just 17. It’s not one I can personally relate to but I know quite a few women who can. In fact I probably know more women who can relate to it than I even realize because this is a subject people often don’t speak on. The latter, Happy Ending, contains what might be my favorite lyrics of the entire year: “Sure I’m sober now & everybody’s proud, but I miss my vices/And I tried to be your hero/I lent you my voice/ I was your poster child, it was working for a while/But it didn’t fill the void/Am I gonna die trying to find my happy ending?/And will I ever know what it’s like to be fine without pretending/That my skin isn’t crawling/My demons aren’t calling & tearing me to shreds?/Am I gonna die trying to find my happy ending?” Whew, if that doesn’t touch your heart, I don’t know what will. Yet on some level I think we’ve all felt this way at times, even if we haven’t experienced the vagaries of celebrity & fame like Demi has. Another favorite of mine & the one I wrote about recently, is Eat Me ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSmvW2sZ3ZU) which is an incredibly fun song that is all about claiming your own identity instead of conforming to the whims of those around you. Lastly, I want to mention Skin of My Teeth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgrC_h8-2FM) & Substance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzUKeGZiEl0), both of which touch on Demi’s substance abuse struggles in the past. It’s so easy to dismiss celebrities with drug problems as spoiled brats who don’t know how good they have it, but tracks like these make you realize how similar these people are to everyday folks who struggle with the exact same issues. This album has made realize even more than ever that there is nothing about celebrities’ lives that I envy. Even if you’re a hardcore rock/metal fan who never listens to anything else, I implore you to at least check out a few of the tracks from this album. Demi doesn’t have to be your new heroine (she isn’t mine either), but I think you’d be short sighted not to give this album at least one spin.

Back from the Dead by Halestorm: Considering Lzzy Hale is one of my all-time favorite rock stars it should come as no surprise to see this album here. From the soaring title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srT0pgC_yto) that speaks about defeating the demons of depression to the incredibly fun Wicked Ways (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaV7WY3_6Hk&list=RDzaV7WY3_6Hk&start_radio=1), this album starts off with a real bang. This is a fantastic album for any woman (or man) who has ever felt suppressed, ridiculed, belittled, or generally “othered.” Take Strange Girl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqPIpVT_FY) which was written about Lzzy’s bisexuality- yet it’s done in such a way that anyone who has ever been viewed as “strange” for any reason can relate. The self-empowerment of tracks like My Redemption (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjHwC3Kg8DE) is also a joy to behold.

Of Kingdom & Crown by Machinehead: I’ve been listening to rock & metal for my entire adult life & yet somehow I never got into Machinehead until this year. Oops! Anyway, this year I found myself listening to vocalist Rob Flynn’s podcast on YouTube because he has interviewed many of my favorite artists like Andy Black, Spencer Charnas, & Brent Smith. Because of this, YouTube recommended the song No Gods, No Masters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgSHazBbDNU) from this album. From the very first listen I was blown away by Robb’s voice & the guitar & vocal melodies & harmonies. I had to hear more. Next, I found Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxyxGqLm8fU), which is considerably heavier, & I knew this was an album I needed to hear from top to bottom. As it turns out, it really is best listened to that way because it’s a concept album that was actually loosely inspired by the anime Attack on Titan that Robb watched with his sons over quarantine. He was inspired by the anime to write a record where there’s no clear protagonist or antagonist. Both of the main characters do really bad things but in their minds feel that they are heroes because they feel justified in their wrongdoing. If that’s not a summary of human existence, I don’t know what is! Needless to say, it makes for a brilliant album. From the epic 10 minute opener Slaughter the Martyr (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc0s9Q9WROI) to the ending track Arrows in Words From the Sky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-g_QIia-50), this album does not disappoint. I’m particularly impressed with the harmonies between Robb & bassist Jared McEachern. Needless to say, I’m now making my way through Machinehead’s back catalog, but I daresay this is their best album yet.

Spirits by Nothing More: Arguably their heaviest album to date, Spirits does not disappoint. From the stirring opener Stand in the Fire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbWr515vhkw) to the rousing closer Spirits, this album is musically high energy & yet lyrically incredibly introspective & philosophical, as one expects from the brilliant Jonny Hawkins. Perhaps my favorite track is Valhalla (Too Young to See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awRxMSs1vRc). Lyrically I can relate to it so much, which is often true with this band, perhaps because of the similar background Jonny & I have, having grown up in conservative religious households in the South. Also be sure to check out You Don’t Know What Love Means (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll8aJ5IiEP4) which Jonny has stated was inspired partly by his father saying those exact words to his sister years ago when their mother was dying of cancer & his sister was struggling with drug addiction. It’s an excellent treatise on how we often abuse the word & concept of love because we don’t understand what love actually is. Lastly, I must mention The Other F Word (Call Out the Fake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpIXbUVGyL4). In a world where social media & political correctness rule, this is exactly the kind of wakeup call we all need from time to time.

Love, Drugs, & Misery by Eva Under Fire: If you love strong female vocalists like Lzzy Hale or Taylor Momsen, then Eva Under Fire is for you. The album starts off with a bang with Blow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7A5XMG5fUo) which features Spencer Charnas from INK. Other highlights include Another Shot Through the Heart & Misery, both of which- like most of the album- have incredible 80s rock vibes. Also be sure to check out the powerful ballads The Strong (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjfFOnvAl3Y) & Heroin(e), the latter of which is extremely personal to vocalist Amanda Lyberg as both of her parents were opioid addicts (her mother has recovered but unfortunately her father did not survive his addiction). Heroin(e) was also featured in the movie Sno Babies which is about the opioid crisis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smnkcKe52Ic). Overall, this is one of those albums that is truly great from start to finish.

True Power by I Prevail: I remember when I Prevail first burst onto the scene with their epic cover of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space, & it’s been a lot of fun to watch their rise to fame from such humble beginnings. Despite loving their initial EP & LP, I actually wasn’t a big fan of their second album Trauma. However, this year’s album is another story. Both lyrically & musically it is an incredibly well written album. My favorite track is the hard-hitting Body Bag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEzYKLLUAI4) which is a fantastic song for getting your mind out of the excuse zone & into the “let’s get it DONE” zone. Other stand-out tracks include FWYTYK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASr-WjLZs7U), There’s Fear in Letting Go (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2PYtvIYDHE), & Visceral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t9h-bugGrU).

AfterLife by Five Finger Death Punch: FFDP are one of those bands that metal elitists love to hate but I couldn’t care less. I’ve loved them for over a decade now & I’m not about to stop. Lyrically there is no doubt that this is Ivan’s best work, which is clearly influenced by his sobriety & overall improved mental health. It would probably be fair to say that musically this is the band’s “softest” work to date, but the subject matter of the lyrics is anything from light. Opening track Welcome to the Circus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD0E_Gj9xMk) is probably the most “traditional” FFDP song on the album & it doesn’t disappoint. Judgment Day is arguably the most experimental song the band has ever done & was inspired by Ivan’s near-death experience that preceded his final trip to rehab when he finally achieved long term sobriety. Thanks for Asking (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tfTLvsXQmQ) is another favorite of mine. This is one of those records where I glean something new every time I listen to it.

Planet Zero by Shinedown: If we had to suffer through a worldwide pandemic, at least we got some amazing albums out of it, one of those being this album. Shinedown have been very open about the fact that the pandemic & all the things that happened as a result of it were a direct influence on this record. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IipnUpoW-58) is one of my all-time favorite Shinedown songs, & it’s definitely my favorite song inspired by the pandemic. Lyrically & musically it is simply perfect. The emotionally charged Daylight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE5qvvhvORQ) is another great one you don’t want to miss. Back to the heavier side, check out the snarky Saints of Violence & Innuendo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghrrjUz0qNw) & America Burning (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrLguoBRj9k).

Ego Trip by Papa Roach: Could Papa Roach make a bad album if they tried? Probably not- they’re just that good. Anyway, the album starts off with the heavy-hitting Kill the Noise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90GB5T73XI) & continues for a total of 14 songs which cover the entire realm of the band’s diverse capabilities. Don’t miss the emotional ballad Leave a Light On or the title track with its incredibly fun music video that was shot in Mexico City (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtHNtA2Fn90). Dying to Believe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0s_xIEDnAw) & Cut the Line are my other favorites here.

Impera by Ghost: I guess I’m late to the party, but I was never into Ghost before this album. Frankly, I just thought they were kind of- well- boring. But earlier this year I read an article about this album in Revolver magazine & I knew I had to give it try. I immediately fell in love with the epic opening track Kaiserion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu32wkmix9k) & even more so with the 80s-sounding Spillways (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9DV1eHQpcA) which remains my favorite on this album. Other highlights include Hunter’s Moon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtkaUZvMaG8) & Griftwood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6WA06fNscc&list=RDd6WA06fNscc&start_radio=1), both of which have some insanely catchy guitar riffs. I’m also happy to report that I’ve gone back & listened to some of Ghost’s older music & now appreciate it a lot more (especially Rats- how had I missed that one?), but I still maintain that this is their best work yet.

Gifts From the Holy Ghost by Dorothy: I saw Dorothy open for Halestorm back in 2016, & I’ve been in love with her incredible voice ever since. However, her second album just didn’t really stir me the way her first one did. This year’s album though feels like a return to her original style & is incredible. From the rousing Black Sheep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRs8olywhS4) to A Beautiful Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SqPWW7cr18), this is an album that never fails to pump me up & make me smile. Close to Me Always (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu32wkmix9k) & the title track are also ones you don’t want to miss.

The Death of Peace of Mind by Bad Omens: Considering this band is originally from my home state of VA, I must confess I am late to the party here also. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouW_RCAI0sg) caught my attention on Octane this Spring, but when I really fell in love with it was when I heard it played between sets at the Trinity of Terror tour in late April. Not sure why but hearing it then just cemented to me how truly epic the track is. Once I got the album, I realized how incredibly talented Noah & his bandmates are. From heavier tracks like Artificial Suicide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBcUkTXAwbw) to more melodic pieces like Nowhere to Go (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a8CogWA3-Y) & Just Pretend (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekU1dQjMsOQ), there isn’t a wrong note in this whole album. Considering how young Noah is, I am especially impressed with his lyrical & musical maturity & can’t wait to see what else he creates for us in the future.

Welcome to the Chaos by Fame on Fire: I know of this band thanks entirely to seeing them open for the Trinity of Terror tour. They really grabbed my attention live with Plastic Smile (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Te8RLeL98), & thus I looked them up on YouTube not long after the concert. I soon realized this is a very talented band who can cover a large variety of musical territory. They remind me a bit of fellow Floridians A Day to Remember, in that regard. Anyhow, other favorites include the title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGj5HdQruQE), which features Spencer Charnas from INK, Emo Shit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub8rixwLuSw), & Lost in Doubt (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTJjQ3QX3Y8), but there seriously isn’t a bad song on this entire album. Well worth a listen from top to bottom.

How To Let Go by Sigrid: Yes, I do in fact have a pop record on here. And this is it! I know of Sigrid, who hails from Sweden, entirely thanks to the duet Bad Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4552tadeuM) she did with Bring Me the Horizon. I came across it & figured it was worth a listen since BMTH were involved. Immediately I fell in love with Sigrid’s gorgeous voice & the inspiring message of the song. Thankfully I decided to explore this album a bit further because I found the absolute gems of Burning Bridges (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udRAIF6MOm8) & It Gets Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j7LGMc9ZGU). Everything about Sigrid is exactly what I wish had been popular when I was a teenage girl. Here is a young female pop star with a phenomenal voice who also plays piano, dresses fairly conservatively- a far cry from the Britney Spears of my youth, that’s for sure- & writes lyrics that have actual substance & aren’t just about being a sex toy for much older men. How refreshing! Consider these lyrics from Mirror (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7lr7pU9fYA): “It took me walking away to really know/I love who I see looking at me/In the mirror, in the mirror/Nothing compares to the feeling right there/In the mirror, in the mirror/I needed loneliness to know there’s nothing I can’t turn into confidence.” Pop songs I can listen to with my 6 year-old daughter & know that she’s getting an uplifting message? Say what? Yes, I love it!

Rakshak by Bloodywood: If you know me in real life or have been following this blog for a while, you may know that I have a bit of an obsession with Indian culture- everything from food to Bollywood- so it should come as no surprise that I was thrilled to discover Bloodywood, an Indian folk-metal band. These men have found a way to combine traditional Indian music with metal & rap- bloody genius! My favorite track is Dana Dan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a65A626Ed20) which became even more powerful for me once I realized the song is a stand against sexual assault & rape. Listen to the song & Google the lyrical translation (some of the words are English but some are Hindi &/or Punjabi) to grasp the full weight of the message. Gaddaar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a65A626Ed20) is another highlight, but really the whole album is a journey that shouldn’t be missed.

Dark Sun by Dayseeker: Apparently this is Dayseeker’s fifth album but this year is the first they’ve come across my radar. I’m so glad they finally did because this record is a real treat. From the heaviness of the opening track Dreamstate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7abxfS42lqs) to the acoustic Paper Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x63lP7wK5Ic), this is a band that knows how to convey powerful emotions across a wide variety of musical landscapes. Furthermore, much like Noah of Bad Wolves, vocalist Rory Rodriguez has one of those perfectly smooth voices that can make just about anything sound good. Crying While You’re Dancing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x63lP7wK5Ic) might be my favorite on this record, with its touching lyrics about the superficiality of life as well as the lovely guitar solo near the end. It’s either that or Neon Grave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg7SUe8nOik) which Rory wrote (along with much of this record) about the death of his father. Anyone who has ever lost someone they love will be able to relate to this touching song, which feels especially relevant at this time of the year when family means so much.

Pain Remains by Lorna Shore: Ah, Lorna Shore, a band I’d probably never heard of prior to the past few months. But here lately their name is everywhere- & rightly so. Most bands don’t survive having a lead singer leave once. Yet here is a band that is now on their THIRD lead singer & is now bigger than ever. With the captivating & energetic Will Ramos at the helm, it seems this ship is finally on course. The album ends with the Pain Remains trilogy, the first of which (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIw4vAXikgg) is probably my favorite as it’s the one that initially caught my attention & made me say “Holy crap- what is this? I like deathcore?!” As so many other reviews have said, this is deathcore that is so much more than “just” deathcore- it’s deathcore that deserves to be played in an opera house.

Explosions by Three Days Grace: This album starts off with a banger with So Called Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ViIny2YZH0), a song that perfectly encapsulates the angst of living through a worldwide pandemic. On a much softer token, check out Lifetime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToGQoIKgr8) which is another great song that anyone who has ever lost a loved one will strongly relate to. The touching music video was filmed in Mayfield, Kentucky, the site of a horrific tornado in December 2021. Guitarist Barry Stock lives not too far from there & the band wanted to dedicate this to the community & those who were lost. Also be sure to check out Neurotic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e-k9oJn-kI) which includes a great feature from Lukas Rossi.

The End, So Far by Slipknot: No compendium of albums of the year for 2022 would be complete without mentioning the latest effort by Slipknot. From the eerie The Dying Song (Time to Sing) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INi3qP1oWlY) to Yen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FnG9lGLyEM) to Hivemind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIw4vAXikgg) & many others, this album proves once again that Corey Taylor & his crew always have a lot to say, &- like aways- they say it well.

The Mourning by Black Veil Brides (EP): I don’t usually include EPs but BVB are one of my favorite bands, & these 4 songs are excellent examples of their brilliant musicianship, so I felt compelled to include this. Savior II (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXPvviSqFYk) is a follow up to one of their much earlier songs, & really showcases Andy’s voice. Lyrically it speaks on trying to live up to being the role model that he has inevitably become for so many. Also be sure to check out Devil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0cRT1ehiSM) which is heavier & has a fun music video shot in Mexico City. Also, can we talk about how perfect the album artwork is?

I Rise by Cory Marks (EP): Canadian Cory Mark is flying the flag for country rock & he’s doing a hell of a job of it. He just wrapped up a tour with rock titans Five Finger Death Punch & he’s on Better Noise Music which is a label that’s almost entirely dedicated to rock/metal. This man has found a perfect way to blend the two genres, & as someone who enjoys aspects of both, I love it. An excellent example of this is In Me I Trust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nGcOc19kz4) which is a fantastic ode to self-empowerment. Burn It Up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-09GAXe1Mc) is also lots of fun.

Rotoscope by Spiritbox (EP): I’m once again a bit late to the party with Spiritbox but none of their previous music really grabbed me the way this EP did. Obviously Courtney has an excellent voice, but for some reason it wasn’t till this EP that the band really made me stop & give them my full attention. The title track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpl28kp5WVA) is borderline danceable & a true pleasure to listen to over & over.

I’ve never done this before with one of these posts, but I’d also like to give a shout out to a handful of singles that will appear on forthcoming albums or EPs that really spoke to me this year.

First, I must mention Zombified & Voices in My Head by Falling in Reverse. Prior to this year I had only a vague idea who Ronne Radkie was, & what little I knew about him didn’t endear him to me. However, after watching many interviews with him (especially the very insightful ones with Ryan J Downey), watching some of his Twitch, & really delving into his lyrics, I must admit that he’s won me over. Do I agree with everything he says or does? No, but I could say the same for almost every rock star (or human being in general) that I like (or actually know in real life). At the end of the day, he’s found a way to completely turn his life around & has written some incredibly brilliant music in the process. I could write a whole blog post about him- & likely will once I read his book (which should be shipping out soon). Anyway, all that to say that Zombified is one of the best songs written about cancel culture & the dangerous groupthink that seems to have taken hold of society these days. It also has a fantastic music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDDz1Er2IXA). Voices in My Head, which also has a phenomenal music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7_e_NY-f3g), was written about Ronnie’s struggle with hypochondria but can be applied to many different scenarios in life. It’s also a great song for showcasing the wide variety of musical styles that he & his bandmates are capable of covering.

Lastly, we need to discuss 1984 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7OTUNqAIwY) by Russian deathcore heavyweights Slaughter to Prevail. This song was written in opposition to the war with Ukraine. I believe the video was actually filmed in Russia which was an extremely gutsy thing to do considering the circumstances in the country right now. Vocalist Alex Terrible has been very open about the fact that he & his bandmates are open to fines or even jailtime due to their vocal opposition to the war. Thankfully the band has been able to make their way to the US recently, but they still don’t know how long they’ll be able to stay here & if they will eventually face serious repercussions in their home country for their stance against the war. Lyrically of course the song is very important, but I must also congratulate the guys on their incredible guitar work in this piece. It’s absolutely stunning & makes me very anxious to hear what else they create for us in the future.

I’m sure I’m forgetting someone but I have now provided you with literally HOURS of excellent music to explore, so I hope you will check out at least a few of these, even if they aren’t your typical style. I for one am already excited for some of the new music coming for us in 2023. Speaking of which, my most anticipated albums for next year include Avatar’s Dance Devil Dance (coming in February), Godsmack’s Lighting Up the Sky (also coming in February), & hopefully the already completed but not yet released album from the guys in From Ashes to New (a new favorite band of mine this year).

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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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