Ronnie Radke

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 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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10 Reasons Why Ronnie Radke is a Genius


**EDIT (11/10/25): Over the past year or so this post has gained FAR more traffic than it ever did when I initially published it back in early 2023. Part of me is tempted to remove this post altogether as my feelings about Ronnie have become increasingly conflicted. However, I stand by what I said here AT THE TIME I SAID IT. Having said that, at this point I would feel remiss if I did not edit this to say that I’ve become increasingly disappointed by Ronnie’s behavior over the past year or so. This deterioration of behavior roughly translates to when he & Saraya broke up last Fall (2024). Whether that was truly the catalyst or not of course I’ll never know, but it’s obvious that his behavior- particularly online- has deteriorated ever since then. Am I going to stop listening to his music because of it? No, I’m not- I believe in the separation of art & artist. And I also think, based on the reports of other musicians I respect who continue to tour with or maintain friendships with him, that a lot of what Ronnie posts online is purely a publicity stunt- to get his name in the press, to get people stirred up & talking about him. In some ways it’s a brilliant strategy but at 41 years old, some of his antics are now feeling quite tiresome. I miss the Ronnie from his interviews with Ryan J Downey back during the pandemic when he was talking about taking a step back from social media. Again, I still love Ronnie’s music & probably always will. There are many admirable things about him & his life, but, especially in light of this post gaining significantly more traffic, I do feel it necessary to say that I do not approve of all of his online antics these days.**

It’s only in the past year or so that I’ve fallen in love with the musical genius of Ronnie Radke. I have to thank a friend, who actually doesn’t much care for Ronnie, for introducing me to him when he referenced one of Ronnie’s oldest songs with the timeless line “Why do good girls like bad guys?” When he said that, I realized I didn’t actually know that song- though I certainly recognized the sentiment- nor who Ronnie really was. Cue quick Wikipedia read-through, & I swiftly filed Ronnie away under the category of rock stars who are very much not my type (musically or personally). Why was I so quick to reject him? Well, his Wikipedia page discusses his imprisonment, drug use, accusations of domestic violence (never proven), & a myriad of other less than flattering situations, so can you really blame me for saying “No thanks, not someone I’m interested in learning more about or whose music I care to know”?

In any case, over the next few weeks for some reason I kept running into Ronnie’s name & decided to check out some of his music as well as some of his interviews. I soon came to realize that I had judged him far too quickly- & far too harshly. I still remember the first time I listened to The Drug in Me is Reimagined & asking myself “How is this the same guy I read about on Wikipedia & dismissed so quickly?” The gorgeous piano ballad that builds up into a serious rock opera is absolutely brilliant, & suddenly I knew I couldn’t ignore Ronnie anymore. Someone who could take one of his old pop-punk type songs & transform it- with the exact same lyrics- into a rock opera just HAD to be someone worth knowing more about. Then I came the interviews Ronnie has done with Ryan J Downey over the years, & those REALLY changed my mind about him. These are not your typical rock star interviews- they’re more akin to therapy sessions than traditional interviews. Some date back as far as 2013- not long before his daughter was born- & others are as recent as 2021. You can find them all on YouTube, & I strongly encourage you to check them out if you want to have a better understanding of who Ronnie is. Or if you just want to hear the story of someone who has overcome some pretty insane obstacles in his life- some of which I will discuss below.

So, on that note, here are 10 reasons why I- a proverbial good girl- like Ronnie Radke- a proverbial bad guy- though I like to think these reasons are far less superficial than one usually assumes when someone uses that phrase.

  1. He can make almost any kind of music. I think the only thing I haven’t heard Ronnie do is a straight-up country song (though the closing song on Fashionably Late definitely has some country vibes). From the insanely fast rapping on his brand new song Watch the World Burn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMXESlny4-I) to the piano ballad/rock opera of the aforementioned The Drug in Me is Reimagined (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2cbhYihBWY) & I’m Not a Vampire Revamped (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nWmBJxW9q0), the man is a true musical genius. You want pop punk? Check out Fashionably Late (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPoaKxm4wDg). You want more traditional rock/metal? Check out Zombified (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDDz1Er2IXA). You want rap + metal breakdowns with operatic vocals sprinkled in? Check out the aforementioned new song Watch the World Burn or Voices in My Head (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7_e_NY-f3g). I could go on & on, but if it weren’t for his distinctive voice, it would at times be hard to believe that the same man is writing & performing all these songs- but he is. How many other bands can lay claim to a singer with such versatile abilities? Not many. That’s not a diss on anyone else. But whatever you say about Ronnie, you cannot objectively say he isn’t talented.
  2. He has overcome an incredibly painful childhood. As is referenced often in his lyrics, Ronnie’s mother left him, his brother, & their dad when Ronnie was just a toddler, largely because of her drug addiction. He has had essentially no relationship with her from there on out. Obviously, this led to some major issues in his life- & probably still does. But he’s the first to admit that. In Just Like You he sings “You don’t wanna be too close to me ’cause you might see my broken heart… I’m just a boy who’s angry at his mom.” In interviews & in his recently released autobiography (cowritten by Ryan J Downey, the interviewer I mentioned earlier), Ronnie has talked about how it took him a long time to learn how to have healthy relationships with women because of his relationship- or lack thereof- with his mother. It’s this kind of insight & willingness to examine his own past that has led to the more mature version of Ronnie we see today. Which leads me right into the next point.
  3. Despite a litany of toxic relationships– which no doubt inspired Bad Girls Club (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzLZN1K-PUE– side note: Ronnie now calls this song “cringey” but I must confess I have a soft spot for it- it’s a brilliant way to show that women can be toxic too)- Ronnie has now managed to establish & maintain what by all reports is a very healthy long term relationship. Since at least 2019 he has been in a serious relationship with Saraya Bevis- aka Paige of WWE. I gained a whole new respect for Ronnie when I watched an interview Saraya did in which she discussed their relationship & how he helped her achieve sobriety, took care of her after her neck surgery, & generally encouraged her to be the healthiest version of herself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-wQ7hwGZ_M). Perhaps most impressive was the fact that after years of being good friends, she finally confessed to Ronnie her true feelings for him, but because of a recent breakup she had experienced, Ronnie encouraged her to wait a while before beginning a relationship with him because he didn’t want to hurt her, nor did he want to risk their relationship not working out because he wanted it as much as she did. Especially considering how absolutely gorgeous Saraya is, the fact that Ronnie had that kind of foresight & self control is impressive. And it paid off! Because after she took some time to heal, as he had suggested, they did end up together & have been together ever since. Maybe some people preferred the wilder, womanizing Ronnie, but I much prefer this version.
  4. As I’ve already referenced, Ronnie is not afraid to admit his past mistakes. Whether it’s confessing that he now finds songs like Bad Girls Club & Alone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcbOfVKSMkA) “cringey,” calling himself an idiot for throwing a mic stand into a crowd, expressing extreme regret over the fight that eventually led to his imprisonment (see below), or admitting embarrassment about his past Tweets, this is a guy who is not afraid to say he’s made some major mistakes. Considering some of the things he’s done, I couldn’t admire him the way I do if he weren’t capable of such honesty.
  5. He overcame imprisonment. Yes, Ronnie went to prison. No, he isn’t a murderer as the internet loves to claim. He was involved in a fight in the desert outside Vegas in which someone else fired a weapon that killed another man. Because Ronnie was involved in setting up the fight & because he had brass knuckles in his pocket (that incidentally were never used), he was arrested for various charges. But what actually sent him to prison for 2.5 years was violating his probation related to the previous charges. This happened largely because of his drug use & the fact that he was touring with his band & inevitably missed parole check-ins. As you might expect, while he was in prison, Ronnie’s original band Escape the Fate fired him. I can’t say I truly blame them in light of the circumstances- after all Ronnie was an addict when he went to prison, so he was a mess all around. In any case, Ronnie used his time in prison to form a new band (Falling in Reverse) & write what would become their debut album The Drug in Me is You. Obviously that was no small feat & most people in his situation would have just given up on their dreams. Not Ronnie. He just used it as fuel to light the fire under his own feet. Oh yeah, have I mentioned that Falling in Reverse ended up being a way bigger band than Escape the Fate? Yep.
  6. Speaking of drugs, Ronnie has overcome opiate addiction. He used, or at least tried, other drugs too, but opiates, including heroin, were his drug of choice. Experiencing opiate withdrawal in prison was no picnic but Ronnie did it, & furthermore while in prison he realized that drugs weren’t making him more creative or fueling his artistic dreams. In fact, they were only having a deleterious effect on his life & career. Despite the many temptations I’m sure he has faced since his release, he has remained sober ever since. In fact, he cut out alcohol entirely a few years ago too, even though he had never had the same struggles with that as with opiates. But again, he realized it was an unhealthy distraction from greater things. I suppose some people like their rock stars to have crazy tales of drunkenness & debauchery- but not me. I prefer mine smart & sober. They make better music that way, & they’re a lot less likely to suffer an early death.
  7. He says whatever he wants & doesn’t bow to political correctness. Just check out the lyrics to Zombified if you want Ronnie’s feelings on cancel culture. He is someone who even the rock world has tried to cancel at times. After all, with his past he is very easy to vilify. It’s sad to see how even after being sober for years, the media has often continued to refer to him as a drug user- as if that’s all he’s ever been or ever will be! Are there times when I don’t agree with everything Ronnie says or does? Of course. But I don’t even agree with my own HUSBAND all the time. I can’t expect rock stars to always think the same as I do! That would be boring. I’ll give you a very timely example. On the recent Shiprocked cruise, Ronnie called out Atilla frontman Chris Fronzak. I’m not going to go into detail, but I found most of the “beef” between these two to be quite childish & silly. Having said that, I also don’t put it past Ronnie (or Chris) to have ignited this “beef” just to get their names in the headlines right before the release of the band’s newest song. I mean, it’s free publicity. I might not necessarily approve of the tactic- but I can’t deny the genius there because it certainly worked!
  8. Despite the original tension between the bands- very understandable of course- Ronnie has actually made up with his former band Escape the Fate. They have actually toured together many times. In fact, they’re on tour together right now. I’m seeing them both this weekend, & I can’t wait! (That is, if I can get over this miserable strep throat that has made me far, far sicker than I was with Covid last year. Sighhhh…)
  9. Ronnie is proof that we CAN escape our fate (yes, that’s a reference to his original band’s name). Here’s a man from a broken family- whose MOTHER abandoned him- who ended up addicted to opiates & in prison by the age of 25. And yet, here he is- at almost 40- more successful than he’s ever been! He’s co-headlining a tour with Papa Roach for the second time in the past few months & they’re selling out arenas left & right. His last 3 singles have all hit #1 on rock radio, despite being very much outside of the typical rock radio format. His latest music video hit 1 million views in 24 hrs (maybe less). He’s published his autobiography. He has stayed sober for over a decade, & despite the fact that their relationship ended poorly, he has maintained a healthy, working relationship with his daughter’s mother & has always been a part of his daughter’s life, regardless of any issues between him & her mother. Whether you like Ronnie or his music or not, you can’t deny that he has truly turned his life around. There are so many points in his life when Ronnie could have just given up & consigned himself to his natural “fate,” but he never has. And THAT is inspiring!
  10. As a natural follow up to the last point, Ronnie is proof that people CAN change, that we can in fact evolve into better versions of ourselves, regardless of our past or the obstacles we face. I think it’s fair to say that the Ronnie of the past decade or so is not the same Ronnie the world knew in his Escape the Fate days, or even his early Falling in Reverse days. (I wouldn’t even like him if he hadn’t evolved.) He has changed so much about himself- everything from his hair/fashion to his on-stage persona to his musical style. Watching his old videos, it’s hard to believe that the Ronnie of the 2020s is the same man as the 2006 Ronnie with Nikki Sixx style hair & eyeliner. It wasn’t a bad look, especially at the time, but I much prefer the more natural look he’s going with these days. The long black hair- that isn’t teased up like the 80s- the much plainer clothes, & the blacked out tattoos all serve to showcase his Native American features that make him naturally gorgeous (e.g. the shape of his eyes, his high cheekbones, his elegant skin tone- he is part Blackfoot Native American). Ronnie will be the first to admit that his older appearance & even some of his older songs make him cringe. But hey, who among us doesn’t have parts of our past that make us cringe? On a more serious note, while Ronnie has incorporated various music styles for most of his career, it’s in the past decade that he has really perfected the ability to blend everything from rap to metal to rock opera. He is equal parts Eminem, Corey Taylor, & Freddie Mercury. I realize some people find that disconcerting or confusing, but I find it inspiring. Most importantly, Ronnie has learned how to apologize for his past mistakes, how to analyze his own behavior, & how to better control his temper. No doubt all of these things have contributed to the greater & greater success he is now seeing. He still makes mistakes, as we all do. But at the end of the day, he is continually learning, growing, & trying to be better. Combine his messy past with his current success, & it’s safe to say that Ronnie is one of the most relatable rock stars of the day. It’s so easy at times to condemn him, but when you really think about it, most of the time he’s likely no worse than the average person- he just gets a lot more media attention for his mistakes than most of us do! After all, as his own song says, “I am aware that I am an asshole/I really don’t care about all of that though/I’m living my life the way that I want to/And you can’t deny/That honestly I’m just like you.”
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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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5 Traits of Successful People


As some of you know, I am an avid reader & have been for basically my entire life. Here lately though, in addition to reading, I have also gotten into podcasts a bit. Because I’m old school & don’t have Spotify or Apple Music, or whatever other platforms people use for podcasts, I just find them on YouTube- you know, the “old fashioned” way. Ha! Anyhow, as far as books, I do love fiction & still read more of that than anything. But I also really enjoy autobiographies & memoirs, particularly from rock stars I admire. So it should come as no surprise that a lot of the podcasts I enjoy are also essentially interviews with my favorite rockstars.

Obviously I enjoy reading/hearing about the lives & backgrounds of musicians whose work I enjoy, but beyond that I also really enjoy hearing about their struggles to find success & how they managed to do so, particularly at a time in history when being a rock star is nothing like it was back in the 70s or 80s. The people living the old school “rock star” lifestyle aren’t actually rock stars now- they’re rappers, pop stars, or even country singers. Rock & metal are arguably more “alternative” & outside of the mainstream now in the 21st century than they were in the 20th century. The point of this is that anyone who finds a way to make a living doing this kind of music nowadays (really any music, but especially rock/metal), whether you like the music or not, is worth a second look. Because, believe me, they haven’t gotten there by pure chance or luck.

Having said all that, between the various books, interviews, & podcasts I’ve consumed about a variety of bands, as well as a handful of athletes that I find interesting (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Gronk, Baker Mayfield, Arian Foster, to name a few), there are certain trends I’ve noticed in these people. Just about all of them will acknowledge that some of their success is due to luck or genetic factors over which they have no control, but lots of other people have those same factors or experience the same type of luck & don’t achieve the same kind of success. So- what sets these people apart? Let’s take a look.

(Keep in mind that most of my examples here will be musicians but that doesn’t mean these traits aren’t applicable to other fields- even those of us “regular Joes” with normal jobs.)

  1. Successful people have unwavering, unshakeable self-confidence. This kind of confidence may even come across as arrogance sometimes, but the fact of the matter is, if YOU don’t believe in you, why should anyone else? It might not be fair but that’s just the way the world works. In a recent podcast Aaron Rodgers talked about how he envisioned being an NFL quarterback long before it actually happened. That might sound ridiculous, but as the host of the podcast (Marcus Aubrey) stated, Rodgers would never have made it there if he hadn’t first believed he could.
  2. Successful people do not embrace a victimhood mentality, even when at times it might be justified. Instead, they embrace a “no excuses mentality.” Look at Lzzy Hale. She could have said “You know what? Female rock stars rarely make it. Screw this.” But she didn’t. Diamond from Tetrarch could have said “I don’t see any other black female guitarists in metal bands. This is going to be too difficult. Forget it.” But she didn’t. Ronnie Radke could have said “I’m stuck in prison & my band fired me. I’ll never make it now.” Instead, he formed a new band & wrote an entire album while in prison. And he was performing on the main stage of Warped Tour within a few months of his release (& it’s only been up from there)! From Ashes to New could have said “Man, we lost our singer. No one cares about nu-metal anymore. Forget it.” But they didn’t. And they’re doing better than ever now! Leland Melvin could have said “I don’t know any other black guys who are astronauts or scientists. Forget this.” But he didn’t. Tom Brady could have said “Damn, I was a 6th round draft pick. I’ll never be a star.” But he didn’t- & now he is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game. Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch came to the US knowing almost zero English. His first guitar was made out of a wooden coffee table. No excuses- he made his dreams come true. And the list goes on & on . . .
  3. Successful people are willing to suffer & take risks to achieve their goals. They know that the route to the top doesn’t come easy & they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there. If that means touring in a crappy van & barely making enough money to buy Ramen or food from the McDonald’s dollar menu (hello, Motionless in White), they’ll do it. Palaye Royale used to tour the country in their mom’s SUV with guitarist Sebastian doing the vast majority of the driving. How he survived, I’ll never understand because there is no way he was getting more than a few hours of sleep each day. Andy Biersack/Black of Black Veil Brides dropped out of high school as soon as he turned 18 & moved from Ohio to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. At times that meant living in his crappy, old car that barely even worked. But he did it. The guys in Lamb of God used to come off tour & go straight back to being dishwashers & construction workers. It wasn’t glamorous, but that’s how they could pay the bills & continue to pursue their musical dreams. Asking Alexandria moved from England to the US & lived in an RV in a Wal-Mart parking lot in their early days. It wasn’t glamorous either, but it’s how they eventually got the success they have today.
  4. Successful people work harder than anyone else in the room. They don’t count on talent alone to make them successful because they understand that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Ice Nine Kills just opened up for Metallica- the biggest metal band in the world- but one of their guitarists (Ricky Armellino) went straight back to work on his other band’s music after the show. Could he have basked in the glory of his accomplishments? Absolutely. But he knows that the constant grinding is a large reason why he’s achieved what he has so far, so why stop now? Long before their current success, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas used to sell his CDs at Warped Tour. His band wasn’t even playing the show! He was just wandering around talking to people & somehow convincing them to buy his music. And he set an insane goal- I think it was 1,000 CDs a day or something like that. And as one of his bandmates recounted in an interview, he never left until he met his goal. Talk about dedication! And talk about an insane belief in yourself to even attempt such a thing! Hats off to you, Spencer.
  5. Successful people are willing to adapt & admit to their own mistakes. A lot of the musicians I’ve listed here have struggled with drug &/or alcohol addiction at some point in their lives. Yet all but maybe one of them are now sober & thriving. Why? They realized their addictions were ruining not just their careers but their lives. And they were willing to do the hard work of addressing why they were using those addictions as coping mechanisms in the first place so they could come out on the other side bigger & better than ever. On a less serious but still important level, think about the bands (or even TV shows) that have really stood the test of time. Most of them don’t sound the same now as they did on their first record. Why? Because they grew & evolved & experimented with new ideas over the years. And people appreciate that because that’s what we as human beings should do- we should grow & evolve & experiment with new ideas over time. And even if we never have to overcome something as crippling as heroin addiction or alcoholism & the gamut of problems that accompany such substance abuse, we should all be “big enough” to admit to our own mistakes & constantly strive to do better.

I talked about this in a previous blog post, but it seems like nowadays people feel like they have to tip toe around their successes for fear of making others feel bad. There is also a lot of focus on self-help books & prayer but not a lot of focus on getting out there & doing the real dirty work that actually leads to success. As I also discussed in the same previous post, we all have a different vision of what success looks like to us, & there is nothing wrong with that. For example, as much as I love rock music & reading/hearing about the artists behind the music, I have absolutely zero desire to live that kind of lifestyle. I’m very happy to be a “regular Joe” (or perhaps I should say Jane?). But I still find a lot of utility & inspiration in hearing about the struggles my favorite artists have faced. My challenges in life may be very different but the mindset I need to overcome those challenges needn’t be so different. And the same is true for you.

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