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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 0:10:47 GMT -5
This Goes Out To You
P.O.D.
From: The Awakening
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ghgA0oSTeQ
Mainstream Rock Peak: #18, Chart Run: 18 weeksReview: I don't get the hate of this song either. Like the previous review, it's nothing special, but it's not bad. Instrumentals are cool, though. B
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 0:12:50 GMT -5
Halo
Starset
From: Transmissions
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwiYfNyC81A
Mainstream Rock Peak: #16, Chart Run: 22 weeksReview: Like their previous two singles, the instrumentation kicks ass. Here the lyrics are good and Dustin Bates' vocals are cool too. Epic song. A+Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 5/5 Vocals: 5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:09:26 GMT -5
Outside
Foo Fighters
From: Sonic Highways
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV7c6ThfXvs
Mainstream Rock Peak: #7, Chart Run: 17 weeks
Alternative Peak: #11, Chart Run: 19 weeksReview: Sonic Highways' final single was one that I wasn't hoping for, as "I Am a River" or "What Did I Do? / God As My Witness" would have been better choices, and this was initially my least favorite off the album maybe besides "In the Clear". That said, this eventually grew on me and is basically what'd you'll expect of a Foo Fighters song. Great music and vocals and Dave Grohl's signature howl. The build-up to this song is great too. ASong-writing: 3.5/5 Music: 4.5/5 Vocals: 4/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:12:19 GMT -5
The Ground Walks, with Time in a Box
Modest Mouse
From: Strangers to Ourselves
Listen here (music video) : www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0ZI9vQfr4Q
Listen here (the full 6 minute song): www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBTtPt8-WAY
Alternative Peak: #19, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Modest Mouse's second single here, like "Lampshades", is great, with Isaac's unique vocals, fun music, and six minutes of nice indie guitar work. ASong-writing: 3.5/5 Music: 4.5/5 Vocals: 3.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:16:11 GMT -5
Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart
Chris Cornell
From: Higher Truth
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhJ9IwYc5NU
Mainstream Rock Peak: #2, Chart Run: 17 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #5, Chart Run: 16 weeks and counting
Alternative Peak: #18, Chart Run: 12 weeks and countingReview: So, Chris Cornell's back with a new solo single, and thankfully it doesn't involve Timbaland. It's unique from his Audioslave and Soundgarden work as it isn't heavy, leaning towards folk rock with the use of the banjo. That's not a bad thing as the song's still good. Cornell's vocals are good as usual, and while I've heard better from him, it's still a good song. B+Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 3.5/5 Vocals: 4/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:18:44 GMT -5
Throne
Bring Me the Horizon
From: That's the Spirit
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_qI_F2ZJI
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 20 weeks and counting
Alternative Peak: #38, Chart Run: 4 weeks and countingReview: BMTH's second single here is also good, though it lacks any metalcore elements. Heck, I may even prefer it to "Drown" for it's post-hardcore sound, even if the lyrics are a bit generic. B+Song-writing: 3/5 Music: 4/5 Vocals: 3.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:36:48 GMT -5
S.O.B.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
From: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iAYhQsQhSY
AAA Peak: #1, Chart Run: 17 weeks and counting
Alternative Peak: #3, Chart Run: 17 weeks and counting
Mainstream Rock Peak: #18, Chart Run: 10 weeks and countingReview: One of the more polarizing singles on the charts due to the lyrical content and its uniqueness, I must say that I enjoy it. The vocals are great, the chorus stands out and is fun, and the music is a nice throwback to soul music. Another unique song on the alternative charts. Song-writing: 3.5/5 Music: 5/5 Vocals: 4.5/5 A
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:40:06 GMT -5
In Between
Beartooth
From: Disgusting
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2p_w409y-o
Mainstream Rock Peak: #20, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Not a metalcore fan, but this song is pretty cool. The verses are aggressive and the chorus is fun. Gives me A Day to Remember vibes. And that's a good thing. Check it out. B+Song-writing: 2.5/5 Music: 4/5 Vocals: 3.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:43:59 GMT -5
Mercy
Muse
From: Drones
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8Xpdx60Ws
Alternative Peak: #10 Chart Run: 20 weeks
Mainstream Rock Peak: #23, Chart Run: 11 weeksReview: Just like "Dead Inside", "Mercy" is another awesome single from Muse. What's there not to like? The instrumentation is slightly heavy with some dance elements added to it, Matt Bellamy's vocals are great and powerful as usual, and the chorus is memorable. A+Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 5/5 Vocals: 5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 10:50:09 GMT -5
Cirice
Ghost
From: Meliora
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Ao4t_fe0I
Mainstream Rock Peak: #4, Chart Run: 22 weeks and countingReview: Ghost (or Ghost B.C.)'s breakout hit in the States, "Cirice" is a great metal track that puts other songs in the same vein to shame. Satanic lyrics or not, the lyrics are decent, Papa Emeritus' vocals are great, and the guitar riffs and solos are awesome. ASong-writing: 3.5/5 Music: 4.5/5 Vocals: 4/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 11:00:27 GMT -5
I'll try to finish this up by next week, then spend time on reviewing the AAA hits and some of the songs that had smaller impacts on the rock charts. I'll probably start reviewing the 2016 top 20 rock hits in this thread too.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 22:20:07 GMT -5
Stressed Out
twenty one pilots
From: Blurryface
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRviuL6vMY
Alternative Peak: #1 Chart Run: 18 weeks and counting
Mainstream Rock Peak: #36, Chart Run: 5 weeks and countingReview: I really like this song at first, with the cool synth-pop driven music, but it's burnt out on me recently. Still a good and fun song, though. The rap part is pretty decent. Song-writing: 3/5 Music: 3.5/5 Vocals: 3.5/5 B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 22:23:59 GMT -5
Thank You
Sevendust
From: Kill the Flaw
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qt3QbEzq7Q
Mainstream Rock Peak: #12, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: This song actually has some nice heavy guitar riffs and solos, but the lyrics are a bit generic, as Lajon Witherspoon criticizes (or thanks, lol) someone for slowing him down. Good song, just could have been better. BSong-writing: 2/5 Music: 4.5/5 Vocals: 4/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 22:35:53 GMT -5
Nightlight
Silversun Pickups
From: Better Nature
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4IDM3ltTYo NB: This video is seven minutes long. The song starts at 1:40
Alternative Peak: #7, Chart Run: 18 weeks and countingReview: After three years, SSPU are back with a new album! While I didn't love it on first listen, this song is pretty decent. Brian Aubert's vocals are once again great, the music, while not as good as "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)" or as kickass as "Panic Switch", is still chill and good. A-Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 4/5 Vocals: 4/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 23:13:07 GMT -5
Don't Wait Up
Robert DeLong
From: In the Cards
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bRg519gPuI
Alternative Peak: #19, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Our second EDM (ok, fine, he's playing a guitar in the video thumbnail) single from Robert DeLong is better than his first, with a really catchy chorus and fun vibe to it. A+Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 5/5 Vocals: 5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 23:33:54 GMT -5
Mountain At My Gates
Foals
From: What Went Down
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_EIE5f2t6M
Alternative Peak: #14, Chart Run: 20 weeks and countingReview: Really good indie rock song from the British band; the vocals are amazing, as is the awesome build-up at the end of the song. A+Song-writing: 4.5/5 Music: 5/5 Vocals: 4.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 23:37:40 GMT -5
I Am the Fire
Halestorm
From: Into the Wild Life
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hkmuTvkp_s
Mainstream Rock Peak: #3, Chart Run: 15 weeks and countingReview: I wasn't too keen on their last two singles, but this is pretty good. The chorus is epic, Lzzy Hale's vocals are at her best (among the three singles off the album), and the lyrics aren't clichéd. I'll take it. B+Song-writing: 4/5 Music: 3.5/5 Vocals: 4.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 18, 2015 23:42:34 GMT -5
Fallen Angel
Three Days Grace
From: Human
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXOH4H--OQY
Mainstream Rock Peak: #8, Chart Run: 13 weeks and countingReview: My Darkest Days Grace's third single to be featured here is better than "Human Race", both vocally and lyrically, and the music is decent. This will probably grow on me over the coming weeks. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 0:10:57 GMT -5
New Americana
Halsey
From: BADLANDS
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-eYbUVZedY
Alternative Peak: #18, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: So, in case you didn't know by now, Halsey (a.k.a. Ashley Frangipane) is one of 2015's biggest breakout stars, and she's featured in a song with Justin Bieber, opened for Imagine Dragons and The Weeknd, is well-known on Tumblr, and her album has sold 231k so far. But as for this song... it's not very good. Catchy I'll give it, but the lyrics of this song are beyond horrendous. The chorus basically says that the new generation of Americans should smoke weed and listen to Biggie and Nirvana. Rhyming "marijuana" and "Nirvana" doesn't work. The best part of the song is the vocal distortion at the end of the chorus, and that's not saying much. This song, unfortunately, is rising up the pop charts, and that's not a good thing. God, please don't let this be a hit in 2016! D+Song-writing: 0.5/5 Music: 3/5 Vocals: 3.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 0:23:22 GMT -5
The Light
Disturbed
From: Immortalized
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LypjOTTH6E
Mainstream Rock Peak: #1, Chart Run: 11 weeks and countingReview: Disturbed's second song on the list is actually damn good. Sure, musically it's similar to their previous work, but it still sounds good. You gotta give them credit for sticking to their sound throughout the years. No change is better than some bad change in sound. And the lyrics... are what you'd not expect of a Disturbed song; 'cause it's an inspirational song that tells you that even in tough times, something good will eventually happen. ASong-writing: 4.5/5 Music: 4.5/5 Vocals: 4.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 0:30:10 GMT -5
I Won't Give In
Asking Alexandria
From: Single
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX0Bu_klgvo
Mainstream Rock Peak: #16, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Asking Alexandria's first single with Denis Stoff after Danny Worsnop left the band as he didn't want to create anymore metal music. And it isn't good. Where do I begin? First, the lyrics. They don't make sense. The verses talk about how the protagonist wants someone to save him, but in the chorus, he states that he (or she, whatever) is killing himself/herself! And because of that, the protagonist dosen't give in. The f uck? Then, there's a totally useless screaming section after the second and third choruses. And then... Denis' vocals. They're whiny. In the end, this song isn't good, it's not convincing and it's off-putting, and I only hope that they can improve on their next single. Next! CSong-writing: 1/5 Music: 3/5 Vocals: 2/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 0:42:40 GMT -5
Wash It All Away
Five Finger Death Punch
From: Got Your Six
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9VFg44H2z8
Mainstream Rock Peak: #2, Chart Run: 11 weeks and countingReview: Even though "Got Your Six" wasn't a very good album, it still had its moments, this being one of them. The lyrics aren't excellent, but since we're talking about mainstream rock radio here, it doesn't matter much. In fact, it's lyrically and musically better than "Jekyll and Hyde". The pre-chorus and chorus are energetic and fun, and show Ivan Moody's vocals. Fun track. A-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 0:52:32 GMT -5
Fire and the Flood
Vance Joy
From: Dream Your Life Away
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmWd8DPrEc
AAA Peak: #1, Chart Run: 15 weeks and counting
Alternative Peak: #6, Chart Run: 17 weeks and countingReview: Probably my least favorite of the three singles released off "Dream Your Life Away", but it's still a good song. Like "Mess Is Mine", the song builds up to a nice chorus but "Mess" had some epic feel, this not so much. Decent, but could have been a bit better. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 1:04:07 GMT -5
Roots
Imagine Dragons
From: Single
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PscXGpsF3dY
Alternative Peak: #13, Chart Run: 14 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #24, Chart Run: 7 weeks and countingReview: I would like to know what Imagine Dragons were thinking when they decided to release this. What's with the machine gun sounds? The weird piano intro at the start of the song? The meaningless lyrics? This was released as a thank-you to the fans, but why can't they push another song from "Smoke + Mirrors" instead of pushing this "demo"? In other words, this is a song that's just "there". C+Song-writing: 3/5 Music: 3/5 Vocals: 3.5/5
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 9:47:22 GMT -5
Leave a Trace
CHVRCHES
From: Every Open Eye
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Eo84jDIMKI
Alternative Peak: #19, Chart Run: 20 weeksReview: Great vocals from Lauren Mayberry? Check. Awesome synths? Check. Good song? Definitely. A-
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 9:58:00 GMT -5
Become the Enemy
Like a Storm
From: Awaken the Fire
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIt6W9TNJZc
Mainstream Rock Peak: #11, Chart Run: 16 weeks and countingReview: Like a Storm's second song on the list. Is it better than "Wish You Hell"? The answer is... yes. However, it's still a generic track, with unimpressive vocals from Chris Brooks and terrible lyrics about hate. The thing is, I give them credit for making this catchier than "Hell", but it's still not impressive. And the more they churn out songs like this, the more I feel the need that they should stay away from the Active rock chart. C+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 10:02:02 GMT -5
Save Today
Seether
From: Isolate and Medicate
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfj6r5tfEf4
Mainstream Rock Peak: #7, Chart Run: 12 weeks and countingReview: The softer side of Seether is present in this song, as this song is more of a ballad. Shaun Morgan's vocals show in the chorus, and the accompanying music fits them for the most part. Good track. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 10:08:05 GMT -5
State of My Head
Shinedown
From: Threat to Survival
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv0B-DLtMiM
Mainstream Rock Peak: #5, Chart Run: 8 weeks and countingReview: Sure it's a pop rock track, but I still enjoyed this song. Fits the alternative rock chart more than the active rock chart too. Of course I'll want Brent and co. to go back to their heavier roots, or at least, songs such as "Cut the Cord" or "Sound of Madness" or "Save Me", but I'll take this for what it is. B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 10:13:50 GMT -5
Thank God for Girls
Weezer
From: Weezer (White Album)
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJMruBJfhNM
Alternative Peak: #16, Chart Run: 7 weeks and countingReview: So Weezer's gone back to releasing corny material such as "Beverly Hills" and "Pork and Beans". That's why I wasn't keen on this at first, due to the lyrics. I've since come around to this, as it's a fun song, good for what it is. Song-writing: 1.5/5 Music: 4/5 Vocals: 3.5/5 B+
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Dec 19, 2015 10:21:25 GMT -5
Mess Around
The Black Keys Cage the Elephant
From: Tell Me I'm Pretty
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl7cF9bwNHE
Alternative Peak: #4, Chart Run: 7 weeks and counting
AAA Peak: #4, Chart Run: 6 weeks and counting
Mainstream Rock Peak: #21, Chart Run: 6 weeks and countingReview: I was anxiously waiting for new Cage the Elephant material, being a fan of them. However, my expectations were lowered when I heard Dan Auerbach produced the new record, especially coming after "Turn Blue". But Auerbach has produced records for Ray LaMontagne and Lana Del Rey, and the singles didn't sound like The Black Keys. This though... is a Black Keys rip-off. The background vocals in the chorus and the music could've come from something off "El Camino" (great album by the way), but Matt Schulz's vocals just don't fit with the music. The result is, ugh... just disapointing. Good song, but could've been much better. "Tell Me I'm Pretty" was still a good record even though several of the tracks were Black Keys rip-offs (kinda hard to tell since both Cage and Keys are garage rock bands, but still...), so I only hope that Cage's next album is a return to their roots. Song-writing: 3.5/5 Music: 2.5/5 Vocals: 3.5/5 B
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