I can’t believe we are through with another year. And what a year it was, It saw me complete my goal of reviewing my massive Jeff Scott Soto Series with over 80 posts and 18 months of work. I was crazy to do it, but I loved every minute of it. I also started two more rather large and incredible series with Bon Jovi and Def Leppard which should take me through most of 2024. These might be the last two really Series I do as they are the last of my large band collections I have in my possession. All the other artist I have aren’t in such abundance like these were.

With the Soto, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi Series, I actually didn’t spend much time with new releases and if I’m being honest, this was a pretty piss poor year for rock albums that I grabbed me interest during the year. So, we are going to go through what I call the Top Albums of 2023, but I missed so much this isn’t a definitive list. This is only what I listened to in the year so take it with a grain of salt. Of course there will be some honorable mentions, a worst of album and maybe a best of re-issue/box set. I am not doing a Rock only list this year as I want to highlight anything I listened to this year that I thought was great. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee if it is morning, or a beer if it is any other time of day…and enjoy!!

MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2023:

#10 – The Rolling Stones – ‘Hackney Diamonds’

Is this the best Rolling Stones album, no, not at all. But let’s be honest, how cool is it we got another Stones album. I think it is really cool. Producer, Andrew Watt, was on board to bring the band back to life. He made it modern, but still a Stones album. I liked his work with Ozzy and I like it here. You Still get Mick and Keith and the boys sounding like who they are so don’t fret. There is a bar room blues feel to it, but it also feels relevant for today. They have Lady Gaga on board and even Sir Paul McCartney. I found it it to be a fantastic listen and one of my favorites for the year. Way to go boys. I like “Angry”, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, “Bite My Head Off” and so many more. Check it out!!

#9 – Rick Springfield – ‘Automatic’

The man never stops. Rick Springfield is a force to be reckoned with. For his 22nd album (or somewhere in that ballpark), Rick goes back to his pop roots and delivers 20 songs in just under an hour which means each song is under 3 minutes and it is all just a frantic barrage of great songs. The songs could’ve fit on any of his albums as he seems to have picked styles from each and included them here. You get some rocking tracks and some pop ones with hooks for days and that voice that still sings like he was a teenager. It is the most fun album he’s made in years. I really liked “Exit Wounds”, “She Walks with Angels”, “Automatic”, “We Are Eternal” and “Neutron Star”. Well, that is only a small smidgen of what is great. It doesn’t all work, but with 20 songs, there is more than enough to keep you satisfied.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VXGbJyYov_c%3Fsi%3DTntGI24VlyKqG-U_

#8 – Jason Bieler & The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra – ‘Postcards from the Asylum’

I find it amazing when an artist that has been doing this for 30 years is now at his most prolific phase of songwriting. The first Baron album was incredible and Jason did not disappoint with the 2nd. This is a smorgasbord of sound and there is so much to listen to that no listen seems to be the same. There is so much variety in the songs as it rocks out, it is proggy, it is industrial, it is insane how varied it is. You get slow songs, upbeat songs and heavy songs. It seriously has everything. I really enjoy “Sic Riff”, “Heathen” and damn “Numb” is so good. The album is eclectic that contains a little weirdness and a whole lot of awesome.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cbb09Rgx4nM%3Fsi%3D5LCS7ytvCYiQosHv

#7 – Morgan Wallen – “One Thing At A Time”

You have my kids to thank for this one (and the next). I had to listen to this a lot and not by choice, but over time I found myself listening to it when they weren’t around. What is happening to me. I am no a huge Country fan, but dang it, Morgan’s songs are really good. This is a double LP with 36 songs. It is almost 2 hours of music and man, it goes by quick. A lot is relatable and a lot is crafted to reel you in and have you singing along to all the hooks. I really dig “98 Braves” as I love the Braves, but that isn’t all. I also enjoy “Tennessee Fan” (even though I’m a Georgia Bulldog at Heart), “You Proof”, “Cowgirls (with Ernest)” and of course the songs about drinking like “Born with A Beer in My Hand” and “God Made a Bar”. Shoot me, I liked it. Don’t worry, I’m as surprised as you.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyi1DaFZzXQ%3Fsi%3D3hCtmpWhS9A9it8D

#6 – Olivia Rodgrigo – “Guts”

We are going from Country to Pop Radio with one of the biggest artists of the year, Olivia Rodrigo. No sophomore jinx for her as I think her second album is even stronger than her first. I would never have listened to this it is wasn’t for me kids and now I sing along to the songs when they come on. I was worried putting this on the list would be a “Bad Idea Right?”…fuck it…it’s fine. Which is one of her best songs on the album. Hell, she even got a Grammy nod for best Rock Song with “Ballad of A Home Schooled Girl”. Crazy! You should also check out the song “Making the Bed” (a personal favorite), “Vampire” and “Get Him Back!”. There is anger, angst and just plain fun and I’m okay with all that.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Dj9qJsJTsjQ%3Fsi%3D7MCkAltPp1-HunOL

#5 -Maneskin – ‘Rush!’

This band from Italy has been making a name for themselves. They came in 2nd on X Factor, won Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 and now they are hitting the Charts here in the States. This is pop rock, hard rock, modern rock and all sorts of other stuff. The songs are full of hooks and lead singer, Damiano David, has such a cool, unique voice and he showcases it throughout the album. Songs like “Gasoline”, “Gossip (with Tom Morello)”, “Feel” and “Kool Kids” had me cranking the volume while driving down the road. But a song as strange as “Blah, Blah, Blah” had me loving everything about them. They have since released a deluxe edition called “Rush! (Are U Coming?)” which I haven’t spent enough time with yet, but the original is Aces!!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aqqQRuO_UK0%3Fsi%3DXEp4aUmaWC_CHCyH

#4 – Candlebox – ‘The Long Goodbye’

The end is near. Candlebox has released their final album. Kevin Martin has decided to hang it up due to lack of support in the music industry and the high cost of touring. All I know is I hate to see them leave. I did step away from them for awhile, but a few albums back I fell in love with their music again. And their output quality has been incredible and this one is no different. I really am enjoying the songs “What Do You Need”, “Punks”, “Elegante” and “Cellphone Jesus” and the end of them makes me a little sad. At least they are going out while still putting some damn good music. Thanks for music!!!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hqNHsVcspMY%3Fsi%3DHQHJtnr_Hrk14eca

#3 – Winger – ‘Seven’

Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rod Morgenstein, John Roth and Paul Taylor bring us back one of the best releases in a long time. The band’s seventh album properly titled ‘Seven’. A band that was better than the reception they received. A group of uber talented musicians who found their sound on the third album ‘Pull’ and have never looked back. Kip still sounds as great as ever and if you love their earlier stuff, this will fit right in nicely. Songs like “Proud Desparado”, “Tears of Blood” are great songs that showcase the album, but it is songs like “Stick the Knife in and Twist” and “One Light to Burn” that take if over the top. And then to get one of the best ballads of the year with “Broken Glass”, proof this album is one of the top albums of the year.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=rMxMbbBav5U%3Fsi%3DB3eLCGs0cvasho4J

#2 – Extreme – ‘Six’

Extreme is back after 15 years with, yep, you guessed it, their sixth studio album…called ‘Six’. Along with Winger, they are not very creative with their album names as they saved that creativity for the music. This was one of the most talked about albums of the year thanks to Nuno Bettencourt’s unbelievable guitar work on “Rise” and the whole album. The rock world was starving for some great guitar work and Nuno delivered and then some. He even sang on some songs along with singer Gary Cherone. Rounding out the band is Pat Badger on bass and they brought Kevin Figueiredo back on drums as well. The music was heavy, eclectic and typical Extreme with so many different sounds to offer. Some of my favorites, other than “Rise” are “#Rebel”, “Banshee”, “The Mask”, “Thicker Than Blood” and “Hurricane”. An all around solid rock & roll album done like only Extreme can do it.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iJ_AOIbj8AA%3Fsi%3DJhQDdd0O5N40mCBc

#1 – The Defiants – ‘Drive’

Alright, we are to my favorite album of the year. And if you know me at all, this is no surprise. We have the third album from the Danger Danger alumni calling themselves The Defiants. It is one of my favorite singers of all time, Paul Laine along with Bruno Ravel on bass & guitar and Rob Marcello on guitars. If you’ve heard any of their albums, you know what you are going to get. It is nothing short of stellar 80’s style melodic rock. Paul’s vocals haven’t aged a bit as he still sounds utterly amazing. This was my Summer Time album as it just kicked major ass. With songs like “Hey Life”, “19 Summertime”, “So Good” which was so good! and “Go Big Or Go Home” you get nothing but anthem rock. And the BEST BALLAD OF THE YEAR goes to “Another Time, Another Place” and it might be the best one they’ve ever done. This album was incredible from beginning to end and got the majority of the listens this year!! Can’t wait until next year when we have not one, but two Paul Laine albums coming!!!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=96QocmJaGaY%3Fsi%3DoimW65cJ5DNomdrD

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

In no particular order, here a handful of other albums I enjoyed this year. There aren’t a lot as finding time was tough with all the stuff I picked up this year. It as a good collecting year for sure.

Wig Wam – “Out of the Dark”: The band broke up for awhile and then a couple years got back together and delivered one of their best albums. They followed it up with this one and again, did not disappoint. If you love rock with a little Glam and a little sense of humor, then turn this baby on and crank it to 11. “Out of the Dark” was good and heavy as was “High & Dry”. And “Uppercut Shazam” rocked with a little humor and the instrumental “79” I also found to be great. Lots of good stuff here.

Megan Maroney – “Luck”: Another album I only listened to because of my kids. Yes, more country but not only is she easy on the eyes, her voice is easy on the ears. The songs are catchy and you will sing along after just one listen. “I’m Not Pretty”, “Why Johnny” and “Tennessee Orange” instantly caught my ear and never let go.

James Blunt – “Who We Used To Be”: I mean, it is James Blunt, why would it not be on the list. The man not only has quick wit, a killer and very unique voice, but his songs are really great too. He never lets me down when I want some good pop songs. So many good songs to mention such as “Saving A Life”, “Beside You”, “All The Love That I Ever Needed” and “The Girl That Never Was”. If you won’t listen, at least follow him on Twitter (Or X or whatever its called), he’s a riot!!

Royal Blood – ‘Back to the Water Below’: This is Royal Blood’s fourth album and they haven’t lost a step. Their music is part garage rock, part psychedelic, part hard rock, part stoner, part blues rock all rolled up in to a nice tasty treat. The opening track “Mountains at Midnight” set the tone quick. “Pull Me Through” elevates the album to another level and “Triggers” lays waste to any doubt. A brilliant piece of music.

Mammoth WVH – ‘Mammoth II’: Wolfgang Van Halen is back with his second album already and he picked up where left off his debut. He didn’t try to change anything as if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. It really is like a second volume of the debut. His musicianship is unmatched by anyone as he plays all the instruments (basically) and sings. The singing is my only problem and it is not with his voice as it is great. It’s the volume of the vocals, they aren’t high enough in the mix which was my complaint on his debut. Regardless, it is still a great album including “Another Celebration at the End of the World” and “I’m Alright”. I also enjoyed “Take a Bow” and “Right?”. You can’t go wrong with any of it.

BEST RE-ISSUES:

There were a ton of re-issues this year including Candlebox and Van Halen to only name a couple, but my favorites are the following two sets. I couldn’t pick just one. Why are they so good? You get bonus material, rare material, unreleased material and a live show (or 3).

The Darkness – ‘Permission to Land…Again”: What is not to love. You get 4 CDs and one DVD. It includes the original album, rare B-sides, bonus unreleased demos, as well as live albums from their iconic shows at London’s Astoria (2003), Knebworth (in support of Robbie Williams in 2003) and Wembley Arena (2004). Speaking of Robbie Williams…he’s the other one.

Robbie Williams – ‘Life Thru A Lens’ (25th Anniversary Edition): This Deluxe Edition 4 CD set celebrates the 25th-anniversary of Robbie Williams’ multimillion-selling solo debut album, Life Thru a Lens. It brings together the original album with bonus tracks and B-sides. Disc 3 contains previously unreleased demos, rehearsal recordings and rare remixes. Disc 4 features the first audio release of the complete concert, Live in Your Living Room, recorded at the Forum in London on June 3, 1998.

WORST ALBUM:

Def Leppard – “Drastic Symphonies’: Okay, if you are going to do an album using a Symphony Orchestra, you have to re-record the songs or do the album live. In under NO circumstances do you take the original mix of the songs and intersperse the orchestra in to make it sound different. That is exactly what Def Leppard did for most (or all) of these songs. It is the laziest approach and no one was wanting a symphony album to begin with. They should’ve spent more time with as they had just released a new album in 2022, so no one was clamoring or more material so soon from them. A big misstep! Sorry guys, I still love you though!!

And there you have it. All the albums I enjoyed in 2023. Some surprises for me and some that weren’t. I am glad each year we do get some great new albums to keep our listening pleasures fresh. It is nice to get new material from newly discovered artist or even from old favorites. Music is always the best and can get you through any situation and why I love it so. Let me know what your favorites were for the year and tomorrow we will see what is coming for new music in 2024!! Can’t wait for that!!

Thanks for always stopping by and spending some time!!