As we close in on the end of another year, I thought I’d share with you my favorite albums of the year.
Before I get into this too much, know that I haven’t listened to every album that came out this year. I’d love to hear your thoughts on your favorite albums from 2023. Feel free to email me at meltdown@wrif.com. Maybe there’s some you can turn me onto.
As much as many bands were out on tour this year, there wasn’t much new music from some of the biggest bands on the planet. Next year we’re expecting new albums from Mick Mars (I’ve heard it and it’s pretty good), Motley Crue, Ace Frehley, Judas Priest (Cannot wait!), Bruce Dickenson, Scott Stapp of Creed, and Robert Plant to name a few. That’s just in the first few months of the year. Hopefully, many more bands will announce new albums.
Most of my picks are interchangeable, but the final one is my favorite of the year. As for some records that I thought were pretty good, the new Saliva record is a solid album from the guys. Jesse James Dupree put out a rip-roaring, fire-breathing record as well. The Mammoth WVH record was killer, too.
Now onto my top five of the year.
hardy - the mockingbird & THE CROW
This album is one of the most interesting albums I’ve listened to in a while. The first half of the record is country, with some great guest spots from Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson, before then changing over to rock during the title track. The rock side features the hit “Jack” and a song with A Day To Remember’s frontman, Jeremy McKinnon that is as heavy as anything out there. Great record.
Hardy’s the mockingbird & THE CROW album
avatar - dance devil dance
I LOVE this record. Personally, I didn’t care too much for their last album, Hunter Gatherer. It was good, but I had hoped for more after their stellar Avatar Country record. The album spawned the single “The Dirt I’m Buried In”. Other highlights include the title track, and a song in which the band is joined by Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale for “Violence Not Matter What”. Clocking in at just over forty minutes, this record leaves you wanting more.
Avatar’s Dance Devil Dance album.
metallica - 72 seasons
The boys put out a solid album in 2023. They even had a theatrical release where they played every song off of it in theaters the day before it came out. My level of anticipation rose after hearing the first single, Lux Aeterna. The rest of the album doesn’t match up to that song, but there are some killer songs like “You Must Burn” and “Sleepwalk My Life Away”. Quality effort from Metallica.
Metallica’s 72 Seasons album.
alice cooper - road
Alice Cooper’s Road album. He came through town supporting this album with Rob Zombie in early September. The album captures Alice’s life of traveling the Road to play rock music for his fans over the past 50-plus years. I suppose if someone can write an album like that, Alice can. I could’ve done without The Who cover, but I think it’s an excellent album.
Alice Cooper’s Road album.
avenged sevenfold - ...Life is but a dream
What can I say, I loved this album since the first time I listened to it. It’s so different, almost challenging for the listener. I realize this album isn’t for everybody, but it’s for me. During my interview about the album with guitarist Zacky Vengeance, he nailed it when he said that some people will love it, some won’t. That sums it up.
This record has so many different flavors, that it’s hard to peg it down and describe it. There’s A7X, Daft Punk, Disney, jazz, wicked time changes, and everything in between. The boys set out to make a statement, and I think they did with my pick for the top album of 2023.
Avenged Sevenfold’s …Life Is But A Dream album.
