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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 14, 2015 7:28:44 GMT -5
Dead Inside
Muse
From: Drones
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5sJhSNUkwQ
Alternative Peak: #1, Chart Run: 20 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #10, Chart Run: 20 weeks
AAA Peak: #19 , Chart Run: 11 weeksReview: I already covered this in my other review thread, but I'm going to do so again here. I'm a fan of Muse, and I've always enjoyed Matthew Bellamy's vocals. (though I wish Christopher Wolstenholme could sing more often, as "Save Me" from their 2012 album was an excellent song showcasing his vocals) For this lead single from their latest concept album, the song is no exception to Muse's singles being of great quality. But the best part of the song is the concluding verse, where Bellamy and the accompanying instrumentation build up end the song with a bang. A+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 14, 2015 8:16:18 GMT -5
Failure
Breaking Benjamin
From: Dark Before Dawn
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVIh1MFWDVw
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 28 weeks
Alternative Peak: #28, Chart Run: 16 weeksReview: Like the earlier review of Muse's song, I believe I covered this already. Breaking Benjamin had a new-line-up (only frontman Benjamin Burnley remains) and was reformed in 2014, before releasing this song as the lead single from their anticipated fifth album, which is also their first to top the all-genre album charts. And like the other three singles off "Dear Agony", it's amazing. Ben still sounds great as ever, and the instrumentation is epic. A+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 14, 2015 8:32:07 GMT -5
Crystals
Of Monsters and Men
From: Beneath the Skin
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-PgPZ3F9P4
Alternative Peak: #4, Chart Run: 21 weeks
AAA Peak: #1 , Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Here's one of the big ones, from Icelandic folk band Of Monsters and Men, who had a big first era; "My Head Is an Animal" went platinum in the US, and "Mountain Sound' and "Little Talks" were huge alternative hits. So how did their second lead single go? To be honest, I'm quite disappointed. The song's good, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. The song has that epic feel, but at the same time, it doesn't go anywhere. Maybe it's because of the absence of the male vocalist? I don't know, because even with him, the song's still bland in comparison to MS and LT. But thankfully, they made up for this with their follow-up. Nice use in the trailer of "The Good Dinosaur", though. C+
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Red
Moderator
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Post by Red on Oct 14, 2015 9:46:13 GMT -5
Definitely one of my favorite stretches so far. I like every song, and, in the case of "Dead Inside", we're talking one of my favorite songs of the year. And hey, coming up shortly is another of my favorites of the year...and perhaps my least favorite.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 15, 2015 7:16:49 GMT -5
Shots
Imagine Dragons
From: Smoke + Mirrors
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQrgto184Tk
Alternative Peak: #16, Chart Run: 20 weeks
AAA Peak: #11 , Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Here's another undeserved flop of the year. This was better than "I Bet My Life", with a better message of forgiveness and better instrumentation, even though it's synth-driven. Seriously, if "Roots" outpeaks this... A-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 15, 2015 7:26:24 GMT -5
Little Monster
Royal Blood
From: Royal Blood
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ere2Mstl8ww
Alternative Peak: #18, Chart Run: 20 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 23 weeksReview: Our second Royal Blood song is no different from the first in that it has superb guitar work and lyrics that aren't offensive. The difference is that it's better and kicks more ass. A+
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H.
5x Platinum Member
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 5,447
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Post by H. on Oct 15, 2015 7:27:18 GMT -5
Love Little Monster and Shots!
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 15, 2015 7:46:28 GMT -5
Dancing On Nails
We Are Harlot
From: We Are Harlot
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltPmj7TuHX0
Mainstream Rock Peak: #13, Chart Run: 18 weeksReview: And just like that, we're back to the generic songs. Here's Danny Worsnop's new rock and roll band... and this song isn't as good as "Moving On", which showcased his vocals. This, on another hand, is filled with misogynistic lyrics, and Worsnop comes off as insincere. While it isn't as bad as "The Death of Me" from his former band, it's filler material for Active. Next! C
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 15, 2015 8:30:02 GMT -5
Human Race
Three Days Grace
From: Human
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk2vNh3VXgc
Mainstream Rock Peak: #3, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Well, this was better. Here's My Darkest Days Grace's second single to be reviewed, and it isn't as good as IAM. The song is actually decent, but is weighed down by some dumb lyrics (I don't belong here, not in this atmosphere, goodbye, goodbye). The song's good, but I've heard better from them. B
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 20, 2015 0:03:35 GMT -5
Coming for the Throne
Otherwise
From: Peace at All Costs
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu6MfEMVtdo
Mainstream Rock Peak: #18, Chart Run: 16 weeksReview: I don't have much to say about this; it just sounds like a lot of other active rock hits out there. Passable, but I've heard better songs in this vein. C+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 20, 2015 0:07:45 GMT -5
Wish You Hell
Like a Storm
From: Awaken the Fire
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7JkgwDnDYc
Mainstream Rock Peak: #17, Chart Run: 21 weeksReview: And here's an even more generic song. This was the second charting song from New Zealand-based rock band Like a Storm, and it isn't very good. The lyrics spell generic rock (the whole song is about revenge), and the instrumentation is generic. In other words, skip it! D+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 20, 2015 0:45:57 GMT -5
Done with April, now let's do the May ones. Tear In My Heart
twenty one pilots
From: Blurryface
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nky4me4NP70
Alternative Peak: #2, Chart Run: 26 weeksReview: twenty one pilots have been on a roll with their current era, with this lead single rocketing to the top 10 in weeks (it was blocked from #1 by X Ambassadors' "Renegades"). I dig this song because it's catchy, and the rapping part is kind of cool. Which leads to it's flaws; the lyrics in the rap are weird. (you curse your government and fill taxes with cement, seriously?) B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 20, 2015 0:54:38 GMT -5
Don't Wanna Fight
Alabama Shakes
From: Sound & Color
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-5OX7CO26c
Alternative Peak: #14, Chart Run: 20 weeks
AAA peak #2 (#1 on Mediabase), Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Alabama Shakes broke out in 2012, with "Boys & Girls" getting more recognition in 2013 following a few Grammy nominations and an SNL performace. That album was excellent, and while I did enjoy "Sound & Color", I maintain that its predecessor was better. As for this song, it's alright. Brittany Howard sounds great, but the chorus is a bit repetitive and it's definitely a step down from "Hold On". B
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Red
Moderator
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Post by Red on Oct 21, 2015 15:40:22 GMT -5
A lot of songs I'm not as familiar with in this most recent update, but "Don't Wanna Fight" is always a winner.
Ack, gotta give star ratings to some of these songs. This should be interesting.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 9:23:27 GMT -5
Due to me resuming school, I'll probably take a break from this for now. I'll probably do some reviews here and there when I have the time.
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Post by Doc Indie Party Rock on Oct 30, 2015 23:13:44 GMT -5
"Dancing On Nails" is one of my top Rock hits of the year. I'd tip that C to the side, squeeze it a bit and put a line thru it to look more like this A ;)
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:13:44 GMT -5
Sorry
Meg Myers
From: Sorry
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym1J5IAk2P4
Alternative Peak: #16, Chart Run: 18 weeksReview: I can't get into Meg Myers as much as others; sure she has a great (and sexy) voice, and she is kinda hot,, but there's something about her that I can't really get into. However, this song is probably the best of the three I've heard from her, with the creepy production, and Myers' voice is filled with emotion. B-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:19:22 GMT -5
Renegades
X Ambassadors
From: VHS
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u-niluB8HI
Alternative Peak: #1, Chart Run: 27 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #2 (#1 on MB), Chart Run: 22 weeks and countingReview: This will wind up being the biggest alternative hit of 2015. While I like this song unlike most of the rock posters here, it isn't worthy of setting spin records and an eleven week run at the top spot at alternative. Neither is it deserving of descending the chart slowly. The chorus is catchy and the vibe is cool, but it's not an excellent song, but good for what it is. But do yourselves a favor and stay away from their boring album. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:25:08 GMT -5
The Wolf
Mumford & Sons
From: Wilder Mind
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3iXpv4h-o
Alternative Peak: #4, Chart Run: 25 weeks
AAA Peak: #7, Chart Run: 26 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #17, Chart Run: 19 weeksReview: As I mentioned earlier, Marcus Mumford and co. went for a new sound with their latest album, which was polarizing to fans of the band who missed their folk sound. I think this is better than "Believe" in that Mumford still sounds great and the instrumentation is epic, especially the solo after the chorus. Great song. A
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:33:46 GMT -5
Moaning Lisa Smile
Wolf Alice
From: My Love Is Cool (US Edition)
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z71df68qLp0
Alternative Peak: #9, Chart Run: 19 weeksReview: Another new band to break out this year. It's rare to see female-fronted acts graze the top 10 of the Alternative charts, but this British alternative band, led by frontwoman Ellen Rowsell, did it this year (though it fell like a rock soon after it peaked). And I like this. Ellie's vocals are great, and the grunge-influenced instrumentation works for this song. Shame that recurrent airplay for this was little. A
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:41:21 GMT -5
Hush
Hellyeah
From: Blood For Blood
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZScBMwmmQ
Mainstream Rock Peak: #10, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Here's single number three from Hellyeah, and while it took some time for me to get into this, it's still not very good. The chorus rocks, but at the same time, it's plagued with negative lyrics about how he was raised from hell. Passable song and a step up from "Moth", but improvement is still possible. B-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Oct 30, 2015 23:47:00 GMT -5
Jenny
Nothing More
From: Nothing More
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TWr2pj6kqM
Mainstream Rock Peak: #6, Chart Run: 22 weeksReview: Now this I can get behind. It's not as good as Ballast (sorry), but that's quite hard to top. The first verse starts slow, but it progressively builds up to a great chorus, and that pace continues for the rest of the track. Great rocking track. B+
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Red
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Post by Red on Nov 4, 2015 5:24:04 GMT -5
Didn't even notice you posted these! Finally up to "Moaning Lisa Smile", which I can't wait to give a great star rating to...and the exact opposite with "Renegades".
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 15, 2015 9:11:32 GMT -5
Faith
Devour the Day
From: Single
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3sqUAGnh1o
Mainstream Rock Peak: #15, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: This is ok. I like how they try to add the theme of being in a congregation to relate to the song's subject matter, but the song's not excellent either. B-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 15, 2015 9:15:07 GMT -5
Untraveled Road
Thousand Foot Krutch
From: Oxygen: Inhale
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSD5vSSGLOM
Mainstream Rock Peak: #19, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Compared to "Born This Way", this is very good. I like Trevor McNevan's rapping in the verses, and the chorus is catchy. Instrumentation could have been better, but I'll take it. B
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 15, 2015 9:19:31 GMT -5
Amen
Halestorm
From: Into the Wild Life
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGchlqCjj8A
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Another generic rock song about "sex, drugs and lust"; basically doing whatever you want. But life isn't supposed to be like that! I'll say it again, Lzzy Hale has a great voice, but she chooses to waste it on songs like this. Next! C
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 15, 2015 9:23:46 GMT -5
Nobody Praying For Me
Seether
From: Isolate and Medicate
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7uOXHMhaO8
Mainstream Rock Peak: #6, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: I have a soft spot for Seether's music, as I generally like Shaun Morgan's vocals. This song is no exception, except that lyrically it could have been better. Great message behind the video too. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 15, 2015 9:31:43 GMT -5
Lydia
Highly Suspect
From: Mister Asylum
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev-bR9ii7Gs
Mainstream Rock Peak: #4, Chart Run: 27 weeks
Alternative Peak: #24, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Here's Brooklyn's answer to Royal Blood (I have no idea why Billboard refuses to classify this as alternative when it's musically similar to Royal Blood). The song starts off slowly and gets progressively louder until the final chorus and guitar solo; nice! The vocals from Johnny Stevens are great too, the guitar riffs are killer and the story-telling is nice. Hence what makes this one of the best songs of the year. Hope to see more of you on the charts in 2016, Highly Suspect! A+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:23:43 GMT -5
Hold Back the River
James Bay
From: Chaos and the Calm
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqiH0ZSkM9I
AAA Peak: #2, Chart Run: 20 weeks
Alternative Peak: #9, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Another new AAA crossover to alternative, and this is one of the better ones. The song starts off with a few guitar strings, then things pickup in the second verse before climaxing with the bridge. Bay's vocals show as well, and the lyrics are well-written. A-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:26:41 GMT -5
Peaches
In The Valley Below
From: The Belt
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4zbFEHZbOU
Alternative Peak: #18, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: I like the mixing of the female and male vocals as well as the cool instrumentation. B+
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