#totalrockfiend bestrockalbumsof2017

[totalrockfiend]

Best Rock Albums of 2017

When I started contemplating this list, I got kind of... DEPRESSED.

Why come?

Well, when I put on my thinking cap and tried to conjure up some candidates for this list, sadly very few rock records (released this year) came to mind.

In fact, off the top of my head, I could only recall three albums (more on those later).

So, of course that sent me to Google search box...

“Dear Google, what were the best Rock Records of 2017?”

And low and behold, a bunch more noteworthy material than I had originally imagined came to light.

What does all this mean to you, dear reader (as if anyone’s reading this)?

Well, I’m going to divide this review into three sections:

Part I: My Recommendations for the BEST rock albums of 2017.

Part II: My BIGGEST disappointments among rock albums released in 2017.

Part III: Supremely interesting rock albums from 2017 that I’ve yet to hear (completely anyway).

So, here goes...

Part I:  My Recommendations for the BEST rock albums of 2017...

This is going to be short and sweet, because there are only three records on this decidedly diminutive list.

We’re All Alright, Cheap Trick

After 2016′s somewhat disappointing Bang, Zoom, Crazy I was happy to see Cheap Trick back with their second album in as many years.

And not only that, but a ROCKIN’ release to boot!

Read my full review here... 

Weather Diaries, Ride

Following the acrimonious split of Ride founders and principle songwriters, Andy Bell + Mark Gardener, and release of the disastrous Tarantula album, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1996, Ride officially hung it up.

But after a “short” reunion tour wound up stretching out to nearly18 months, due to OVERWHELMING fan demand, the boys decided to give the studio another go.

Read my full review here...

Concrete And Gold, The Foo Fighters

Music critic + author, Steve Hyden may have said it best when it comes to the Foos latest record... “The Color And The Shape has nothing to fear from Concrete And Gold...”

But that acknowledgement aside, how many artists manage to match their artistic high-water mark 20+ years into their careers? Not many. Like really, almost NOBODY in the music game.

Meanwhile, if you’re into the band’s Beatles-meets-Floyd-influence-worn-on-the-sleeve and paired with punk-inflected, grinding guitars and howled vocals, Concrete and Gold is another solid Foos release.

Plus, I’m a total Foo’s apologist. So, you KNOW I’m going to recommend at least giving this a spin (or two).

Part II: My BIGGEST disappointments among rock albums released in 2017

Owing to the fact that I didn’t realize how many rock records were even released in 2017, you can bet I don’t have a ton to complain about. But there ARE a few bees in my bonnet none-the-less...

Pacific Daydream, Weezer

What happened to Weezer? I’ve actually been working on a longer review of this record (still in progress) delving deeper into this question.

Anyway, every Weezer record for the last 10 years has been touted as a “return to form.” Major promises of The Blue Album, redux! Most recently their release prior to Pac Daydream, the “White Album,” garnered such praise (though it didn’t make the cut for me, but whatevs).

So, does Pacific Daydream continue in that general direction? Not hardly. And while I was initially enamored of Mexican Strat (by faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar my fave track amid this messy affair), even this tune falls well short of any daydreams I’m interested in indulging.

Basically, Rivers turns in a glossy pop record that’s shined to such a tremendous sheen the glare might distract you from the albums utterly un-listenibity and complete lack of substance. Unless you’re brain dead, however, this is HIGHLY unlikely.

Hey, if I want to hear a slick pop record, I check in with Katy Perry, mmmm-k Rives?

Interiors, Quicksand

Listen, I’m not here to bag on Quicksand. That fact that they’re still in the game, still touring and still making records 27+ years later is a REVELATION. And as far as I’m concerned, they’re welcome to keep at it however they chose. 

Moreover, Interiors, Quicksands first full fledged since 1995′s Manic Compression is by no means. It just didn’t live up to my expectations. I guess that’s my issue. I was EXCITED for this album. And the results just didn’t equal my excitement.

Criticism aside,  Walter, Sergio and the boyz haven’t lost a step musically. But the grooves and guitar hooks just didn’t rock my world with the same visceral attack as early the classic Quicksand of the early ‘90s. 

On the other hand, it is, after all, Quicksand. So, I’ll likely give this record another shot. And maybe you should, too?

Part III:  Supremely interesting rock albums from 2017 that I’ve yet to hear

What I DID discover during my research into the past year’s record releases: There’s a heap of album’s I WOULD like to hear, but haven’t spent time with yet...

Shade, Living Colour

Yes, I’m ashamed to say it. I have yet to hear Living Colour latest album, Shade. Never mind that I caught the band this past summer. Or that I they played the staring role in my first legit rock show (waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1989). Or that LC was my FIRST stated favorite band.

But we all know LC’s resume, so this record is definitely at the top of my SHORT LIST.

A Deeper Understanding, War on Drugs

Actually, I have heard, at least some of this record. And with band leader Adam Granducie’s usual mix of indie rock, folk, alt-country, Springsteen-inflected Americana rock, and shoegaze tones + dynamics in evidence on Understandings, I look forward to hearing more!

Visions of Life, Wolf Alice

This female fronted band hailing from North London has cultivated a punky, classic ‘90s alt-rock sound that’s music to this total rock fiend ears. And the promise of a hearing their new album has go me EXCITED! 

Blood, AFI

If I’m being honest, I’ve never been disappointed by an AFI record. The band’s punk roots, goth leanings, and arena rock aspirations have pleased my discerning ears for many a moon. Which makes this another must hear release.

Songs of Experience, U2

Fan. Apologist. Call me what you like, but I’m on the U2 train for good. Ride or DIE, y’all!

And I’ll be riding with U2 ‘till the very end! So, Songs of Experience here I come!

In-Ter A-Li-A,  At the Drive In

These guys hung up their Drive In 17 years ago, with following their last (and best, IMHO) record, Relationship of Command. In the interim, they’ve certainly been pretty busy, most notably with The Mars Volta. But the promise of the late ‘90′s most exciting experience band crafting some new tunage is, well, promising to say the least!

 Nightmare Logic, Power Trip

Is there such a thing as alt-metal? Well, if there is, the guys are doing it. And I can’t wait to hear MORE.

In Spades, Afghan Whigs

No one’s accused Whigs’ front man, Greg Duli of being a “Gentleman” in quite some time. But this band’s impeccable track record makes their new album worth a look see, agreed???

Pollinator, Blondie

Blondie’s latter day albums, which includes No Exit, and it’s hit single, Maria, have all proven solid efforts. So, how can I not investigate the latest from Deb and her band of merry musical mates? I mean Ms. Harry IS proto-alt-rocks’ original punk rock princess, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight???

In closing, a question for you...

Let’s hear about your favorite rock records of 2017?