The Top Rock Albums of 2017

2017 has been a fabulous year in music, but mostly for all the Anniversary Editions of some of my favorite albums from Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Stone Temple Pilots.  However, there were some stellar Rock albums this year as well.

This list will be my favorite “Rock” albums of the year.  All other types of music will be for a later post.  I am going to leave this one to my favorite genre.  It is a broad genre, but these are the albums that I consider to be ROCK!!

Also note, these are MY FAVORITES!!  These are not the most popular or trendy albums.  These are the albums that I connected with during the year and kept coming back to again and again.  And without further adieu, here are the Top Rock Albums of 2017:

My #1 Album of the Year:

61hNZekCmAL._SS500 Jonny Lang – ‘Signs’This album is straight-up Blues Rock and was one of two albums I can’t stop listening to this year.  With songs like “Make It Move” and “Wisdom” how could I vote for any other album as #1.  If that isn’t enough, Jonny’s guitar playing is sensational and his vocals are filled with so much emotion you are attached to these songs.  Here is what I said in my review…He has brought a rawness back to his music that brings a more authentic blues sound and brings a lot of emotion.  There is no reason you should skip out on listening to this album. (Click at the top to see the review).

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As Lions – Selfish Age – Album Review

As Lions’ debut is the incredible ‘Selfish Age’.  There is a lot of buzz around this band and not only because Bruce Dickinson’s son, Austin Dickinson, is the lead singer, but also because these kids are super talented and understand how hard rock should sound.  The new face of rock is upon and us and I am given hope that we are in good hands.

First off, It is pretty brave for the kid of a famous singer or musician to go the same route as their famous parent, but there is no comparison needed. They are two very different singers and two very different bands.  The only other thing to say about the subject is that Bruce must be one proud father because this kid and this band are incredible.

The Band:

  • Austin Dickinson – Vocals
  • Conor O’Keefe – Guitar
  • Will Homer- Guitar
  • Stefan Whiting – Bass
  • Dave Fee- Drums

The opening track, “Aftermath”, immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album.  From this song, you hear great production, great song structure, a melodic sound and intelligent lyrics.  You will get this from every song on the album; however, every song is different.

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Friday New Releases – January 20th

Things are starting to pick up in the music world.  Next, however, the full onslaught on new releases starts.  This week, there are a few good ones I am wanting to try (highlighted in blue).  I am not familiar with any of these bands, but what I have heard is intriguing and I think worth a listen.

  • 170x170bb-35  Aaron Keylock – Cut Against the Grain – (Mascot Label): First one on my list is Aaron Keylock.  He is a blues guitarists and I don’t think I mention this, but he is only 18.  This is his debut solo album and I think it is worth a listen.  As the new face of rock, I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.

  • 170x170bb-36  Starset – Vessels – (New Razor & Tie Enterprises): Next up is Starset. They are an electronic rock/hard rock band.  The single “Monster” is really awesome so I figured they might be something great.  This is their 2nd album which mean I missed the first.  I will listen to this and if it is great,  go back and spin their first album.

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