|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:32:28 GMT -5
First
Cold War Kids
From: Hold My Home
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZzJ78FWjl8
Alternative Peak: #1, Chart Run: 37 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #5, Chart Run: 11 weeks and countingReview: If you're living under a rock, you'll only hear of this band this year, thanks to this sleeper hit. They've had minor hits such as "Hang Me Up to Dry" and "Miracle Mile", but this is their first big hit, hitting the apex on the alternative charts in the fall of this year. I actually like this; the chorus is epic, and the lyrics are great. Hopefully Alternative continues to embrace this band! A
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:40:18 GMT -5
Ex's & Oh's
Elle King
From: Love Stuff
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uLI6BnVh6w
Alternative Peak: #1, Chart Run: 32 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #2 (#1 on Mediabase), Chart Run: 36 weeksReview: Once again another newcomer. Elle King is the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider (her real name is Tanner), and unlike her father's comedy work, this song is pretty decent. The instrumentation is reminiscent of The Black Keys. The song is about King's ex-boyfriends wanting to come back to her, though she's afraid of that from happening. I'll take it. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:43:17 GMT -5
What's Next?
Godsmack
From: 1000HP
Listen here:
Mainstream Rock Peak: #11, Chart Run: 16 weeksReview: "Something Different" was something different from Godsmack. This isn't. It's generic rock. C
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 2:47:14 GMT -5
Footsteps (Go Higher)
Pop Evil
From: UP
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXvkTuMyZpM
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 28 weeks and countingReview: Much better than "Beautiful", or any of the singles from "Onyx", the instrumentation kicks ass, and the chorus is pretty good. A-
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 3:25:04 GMT -5
Gravity
Papa Roach
From: F.E.A.R.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIgtaM7OV4g
Mainstream Rock Peak: #5, Chart Run: 25 weeksReview: I mentioned earlier that I liked Papa Roach's previous single, "Face Everything and Rise", despite the clichéd lyrics. But this song is better. For instance, we hear Jacoby Shaddix rapping in the verses, reminiscent of Papa Roach's earlier nu-metal material. The lyrics are pretty good too, as Jacoby wants to mend his relationship with his ex-lover ("I wanna start over, wanna try this again, you're everything I need, everything I'm not, so pull the trigger give me one more shot."). And not even Maria Brink (who contributes uncredited vocals) could ruin this song. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 16, 2015 3:33:01 GMT -5
Better Place
Saint Asonia
From: Saint Asonia
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAOfEP2OrLU
Mainstream Rock Peak: #8, Chart Run: 20 weeks Review: What do you get when you combine Three Days Grace, Staind, Sevendust and Finger Eleven? The result is Saint Asonia, which consists of Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace (providing vocals and playing rhythm guitar), Mike Mushok of Staind (playing the lead guitar), Corey Lowery of Sevendust (playing the bass), and Rich Beddoe, formerly of Finger Eleven (playing the drums). The song to be honest, sounds more like Staind with Adam Gontier's vocals, but that's not exactly a bad thing as I like Staind (come on release new material already! ). One thing though weighing the song down, is the basic lyrics about "being in a better place without you". The growl before the final chorus is also unnecessary. So yeah, I'll take this, but it could have been better. B
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 0:31:53 GMT -5
Dreams
Beck
From: Single
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTM3YPTYNo0
Alternative Peak: #2, Chart Run: 20 weeks
AAA Peak: #1 , Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: "Who is Beck?" is a question many ignorant people asked after he won the Album of the Year this year at the Grammys for "Morning Phase", beating out the favorite choice, Beyoncé's critically-acclaimed surprise self-titled release. A few months after the win, Capitol decided to release a new single, capitalizing on his Grammy win. Unlike the songs off "Phase", the song is disco and dance influenced, which was why I wasn't into this at first. However, this song grew on be, and the "stop fu cking with my dreams" part is gold. Really catchy song, check it out. A+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 0:38:23 GMT -5
Hallelujah
Panic! At the Disco
From: Death of a Bachelor
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxYyHHR0Q1c
Alternative Peak: #11, Chart Run: 22 weeksReview: Another punk veteran to return to the alternative scene. Unlike Fall Out Boy, P!AtD have more or less stuck to their punk roots, or at least they haven't gone as mainstream as them (e.g. recruiting Demi Lovato, Migos, etc. for their tracks). Also, unlike FOB, Panic has only one member, none other than Mr. Brendon Urie, so he plays all the instruments too, which makes Brendon's work more impressive. While the instrumentation is by no means excellent, it's still good enough, and I like the carefree vibe too. Brendon sounds great too. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 0:43:09 GMT -5
Ship To Wreck
Florence + The Machine
From: How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9v8jLBrvug
AAA Peak: #1, Chart Run: 25 weeks
Alternative Peak: #8, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: I reviewed "What Kind of Man" earlier, and that was a kickass song. While not as good as that song, the instrumentation on "Ship To Wreck" is beautiful, as is Florence's vocals. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:03:11 GMT -5
Jekyll and Hyde
Five Finger Death Punch
From: Got Your Six
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCBPmxiVMKk
Mainstream Rock Peak: #3, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Unlike several of the rock posters here. I don't hate Five Finger Death Punch. They have some good singles here and there, heck I even gave "Wrong Side of Heaven" a favorable review earlier! This though.... is not very good. I think the Voice Mail-voice in the verses makes it kinda unique, but Ivan Moody still comes off as obnoxious and unpleasant. And you think we do't have our own demons to fight? We do! The saving grace of the song is the catchy chorus, even with the "oh, yo, yo" part. The band is capable of much better than this, and while good for what it is, it's still one of the weaker active rock hits of 2015. In other words, skip it. C+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:13:22 GMT -5
Miscellanea
10 Years
From: From Birth to Burial
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8enq2A9fR7k
Mainstream Rock Peak: #18, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: 10 Years haven't had a top 10 hit since parting ways with Republic Records. They then signed to Palehorse Records but could only muster two top 20 hits since, this being the second one. The band's Deftones-like vibe is present in this song, and the vocals are great. Shame that this couldn't do better. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:17:58 GMT -5
Don't Wake Me
Aranda
From: Not the Same
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AO7r3_AHeE
Mainstream Rock Peak: #17, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Brothers Gabe and Dameon Aranda return to the charts after two years with this single. While there's little buzz about this single, I personally like it, the vocals are cool, the songwriting is different from your usual rock song, and the music is good. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:30:39 GMT -5
The Vengeful One
Disturbed
From: Immortalized
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nW-IPrzM1g
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Our second active rock band to return after a hiatus is Disturbed, whom are famous for songs such as "Down With the Sickness", "Prayer", "Inside the Fire" and "Another Way to Die". During the hiatus, frontman David Draiman spent the time with his side-project Device, who had an active rock #1 hit in 2013 called "Vilify", but its parent album and singles also didn't have longevity. Flash forward to 2015 and they're back with a new album, which stuck to their roots, which is a good thing, this song included. The instrumentation kicks ass and David sounds great as usual. It's lyrically poor though. (the song is about the Devil; how many songs on Active about negativity do we need?) B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:39:33 GMT -5
Could Have Been Me
The Struts
From: Everybody Wants
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARhk9K_mviE
Alternative Peak: #5, Chart Run: 23 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #12, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Getting a release two years later in the US after it was first released, this song was a success on both the active rock and alternative charts. I'd say it's pretty deserved, as the song is very good. There is a glam rock vibe (without being too heavy) and the vocals are Freddie Mercury-like too. The chorus is very catchy too. Check this out, and I hope this band can add more diversity to the alternative chart in the coming years. A+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 1:45:55 GMT -5
Killpop
Slipknot
From: .5: The Gray Chapter
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhJh5_6MuCk
Mainstream Rock Peak: #10, Chart Run: 23 weeksReview: After the scream-fest that was " Custer" deservedly flopped, "Killpop" was released as the third single, and it scraped the top 10. Unlike "Custer", I actually really like this. Corey Taylor's vocals are showcased in the verses, and the instrumentation is beautiful, though I could do without the awkward climax with the screaming. A-
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 2:02:17 GMT -5
Wherever You Go
Sublime With Rome
From: Sirens
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8RTGPLEOmU
Alternative Peak: #17, Chart Run: 19 weeksReview: As y'all know by now, Bradley Nowell is dead. So what did the remaining members do? Well, they formed Sublime With Rome with vocalist Rome Ramirez, though Bud Gaugh left the band in 2011. "Panic" was great. This, not so much; it doesn't sound much like Sublime, with it's carefree vibe and "The Little Mermaid"-like music, but that's not a bad thing as the song is still good and fun. Rome sound good too. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 2:07:23 GMT -5
Cut the Cord
Shinedown
From: Threat to Survival
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9itwt_opsvQ
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 23 weeks
Alternative Peak: #34, Chart Run: 10 weeksReview: I personally think "Threat to Survival" was a good record. It's much poppier than what you'd expect from Shinedown, but I enjoyed hearing Brent Smith's voice once again. This is perhaps the best song on the record as it's the most hard-hitting and heavy one. A
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 2:17:31 GMT -5
Electric Love
BØRNS
From: Dopamine
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYr96YYEaZY
AAA Peak: #6, Chart Run: 23 weeks
Alternative Peak: #15, Chart Run: 22 weeksReview: And another new comer. BØRNS, or Garrett Borns gained recognition with his "Candy" EP, which featured this song. He also got shout outs from Taylor Swift and OneRepublic. And I think the praise is deserved, because this song is excellent. The melodies and vocals are great; it's indie pop perfection. A+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 2:20:07 GMT -5
Sedona
Houndmouth
From: Little Neon Limelight
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wifV5RYr8
AAA Peak: #1, Chart Run: 22 weeks
Alternative Peak: #13, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Another decent AAA crossover. The song is relaxing and the vocals are cool. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 22:43:11 GMT -5
2 Heads
Coleman Hell
From: Coleman Hell - EP
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAeWAwdZf9I
Alternative Peak: #5, Chart Run: 27 weeks and countingReview: So, our first Canadian artist to reach the alternative top 10 in a while, huh? Well, the song's pretty good. It's really catchy. One thing though, is that there are only three parts to this song; the hook, a repeated verse, and the pre-chorus, and as such, it gets a bit repetitive. There's also no guitar and the song sounds very dancy, so this being on Alternative feels awkward. Still a great track, just not for Alternative. A-
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 22:46:12 GMT -5
The Otherside
RED SUN RISING
From: Polyester Zeal
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1cj2M_Mprw
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 25 weeksReview: Razor & Tie records tries to push another new artist to the rock charts, and this one's pretty damn good too. Sure, it's an Alice In Chains rip-off, but the grunge-influeced guitar solos are still great and the lyrics are decent too. Vocally, it delivers, so, check it out. A
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 22:50:33 GMT -5
Angels Fall
Breaking Benjamin
From: Dark Before Dawn
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zFfRSeA1ls
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 23 weeks
Alternative Peak: #39, Chart Run: 2 weeksReview: So, if Breaking Benjamin's lead single for their comeback album was great, it's quite hard to top that. Well, they just did it with this song, as "Angels Fall" is a damn excellent track too. Ben's voice is filled with emotion, the lyrics are meaningful, and the guitar riffs and solos kick ass as usual. Definitely check this out. A+
|
|
|
Post by Doc Indie Party Rock on Dec 17, 2015 22:50:47 GMT -5
"6AM" by Fitz & the Tantrums should have been a #1 hit on every chart. That was mine for 2014
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:22:08 GMT -5
I Am
AWOLNATION
From: Run
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLZkf6HvO2Q
Alternative Peak: #4, Chart Run: 21 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #32, Chart Run: 10 weeksReview: "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)" was fun. This, while good, isn't as good as the former; the instrumentation is weaker, and although like "Hollow", has a catchy chorus, it's less memorable and is repetitive (though "Hollow" has a repetitive chorus, the instrumentation more than made up for it). Good song, but I've heard better from Aaron. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:26:50 GMT -5
Different Colors
WALK THE MOON
From: TALKING IS HARD
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqw4LCOdD04
Alternative Peak: #7, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: "Shut Up and Dance" was one of the biggest hits of 2015, and I explained why earlier. Like SUAD, this song is fun and care-free. A
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:39:45 GMT -5
The Ghosts of Beverly Drive
Death Cab for Cutie
From: Kintsugi
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=srvcc8izHSU
Alternative Peak: #3, Chart Run: 23 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #15, Chart Run: 16 weeksReview: I mentioned earlier that I loved "Black Sun", which was a success despite its slower pace. The second single off "Kintsugi" is, of course, faster paced, and is one again musically and vocally enjoyable. A+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:44:10 GMT -5
Outta My Mind
The Arcs
From: Yours, Dreamily
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84Fpso2cBY
Alternative Peak: #17, Chart Run: 19 weeks
AAA Peak: #4, Chart Run: 21 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #21, Chart Run: 13 weeksReview: Now this is the Dan Auerbach I want. It's catchy (and not moody). B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:46:59 GMT -5
Molecules
Atlas Genius
From: Inanimate Objects
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTR9-_8ML38
Alternative Peak: #10, Chart Run: 22 weeksReview: "Trojans" was great. And "Molecules" is even better, with the great synth-driven production and vocals from Keith Jeffrey. A+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:49:59 GMT -5
For You
All That Remains
From: The Order of Things
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92Hh36QhhE
Mainstream Rock Peak: #15, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: I tend to have a soft spots for ballads, as I mentioned in my review of TOAD's "Angel". This is no exception, though some may call both songs 'sappy'. B+
|
|
|
Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 17, 2015 23:52:47 GMT -5
Never Giving Up
Of Mice & Men
From: Restoring Force
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z8Vqo4sSck
Mainstream Rock Peak: #20, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Here we go, another metalcore song. The chorus, I guess is decent and is lyrically better than most other songs from bands such as, say, Bullet for My Valentine or Asking Alexandria (we'll get to the latter again later). Nothing special though, but not a bad song either. B-
|
|