The Unknown – Edge of Paradise
This album has 10 songs that absolutely took over the year. Every song perfect in delivery and conception. The lyrics, deep, emotional, positive and stirring. Relevant topics, all handled with care. The best female fronted metal/prog album since Edenbridge’s The Bonding or Xandria’s Neverworld’s End!
More music videos than I could have imagined; especially during a pandemic, when you cannot tour. Brilliant. And their outreach to fans is beyond anyone I have ever witnessed before. They haven’t hired some PR firm; it is run by the lead singer. Margarita Monet personally cares whether or not you like their music and whether your interest in the band is nurtured. Yes, theirs is the template of a modern – interactive, progressive band who plans on being around, a long time. They have 10 successfully, advancing years behind them already. A strong track record, indeed. Congratulations! I’m a fan and ready to watch and listen to them get to at least another 10 years!
Titanium – Phantom Elite
They controlled the first ¾ of the year, until Edge of Paradise came along. I really thought no one could top Titanium. Not even Edge of Paradise could top their song “Titanium”. One of the heaviest, best lyrical songs of the decade.
In a league with Tool’s Fear Inoculum album. It’s harder than rock, it is titanium! “Atomic Number 22!’ Another of the best female fronted metal/prog albums since Edenbridge’s The Bonding or Xandria’s Neverworld’s End! Usually, I feel lucky to find at least one favorite new band. In 2021 it was two, and more. Keep reading.
The Battle at Garden’s Gate – Greta Van Fleet
I really see this band emerging as a contender. Yes, they get a lot of criticism, but I also read a lot of love on the Internet, as well. This album was leagues above their first two. Hopefully they will keep this direction going, along with a little less shrill-pitched screaming from Josh Kiszka; and this band is poised for legendary status.
Half of this album’s songs could make a decade’s list. They are that good. If they get the whole album up to the standards set by “Broken Bells”, “Heat Above”, “Tears of Rain”, “Stardust Chords”, “The Weight of Dreams”, or “Age of Machine”, watch out! They will be as legendary as those they are being compared.
Blessings and Miracles – Santana
Listened to all of his back catalog all spring and summer long. Finally completed buying the discography, then along came this album. I had to have it. I said it with his last great album, Santana IV, that Carlos is a consummate professional and he is magnificently prolific. His music never grows old, because he collaborates so well with every succeeding generation. He pulls in the best to help make his music better and relevant. Keep it going Carlos, we’re here for you!
Playing House – Meer
For me, this is my Progressive Album of the Year. I am so glad to have listened to this band for the first time, and I am looking forward to what’s next. “Beehive” is one of my favorite songs of the year. But “Picking Up the Pieces”, “At Sea”, “Honey”, and “Across the Ocean”, were also perfect.
Shore – Fleet Foxes
A friend asked me mid-year, “isn’t this the best album they ever made”. I said it was great, but not like Helplessness Blues. Maybe it was the times, but Helplessness Blues was with me all year and it dominated every road trip and spare moment I had to listen to music. I knew, and still know the order and every track on Helplessness Blues.
Although Shore is a wonderful album, no tracks stood out. In fact, I had to look up the song names again. I think Shore actually suffered, like Tears for Fears new album might, in being introduced too early. As a listener, everybody wants a tease, but if you have to wait too long for the actual album, other bands may fill the gap. That is what happened with Shore.
While I was waiting for it, along came Phantom Elite’s Titanium. Shore, keeps a steady hand on the wheel, it is great music. But when you are the Fleet Foxes, expectations are high. Especially when fans have seen you reach the heights of Helplessness Blues, Sun Giant, and the debut. They expect more. Still a fan, hoping for something that moves me as well as the video they played in 2020, for this album, before its release. That video had me anticipating something as powerful as Helplessness Blues. I know they can do it. They have already proven it to me.
To The Far Away – Dave Bainbridge
I have long been an Iona fan, but had never experienced a Dave Bainbridge solo album until now. This was a magnificent prog album and number two on my prog list for sure. The album cover art is one of my favorites of the year. The story behind it is even better. Watch my interview with Dave to hear that story. Every track is excellent and well crafted here.
Under A Mediterranean Sky – Steve Hackett
This is the best Steve Hackett album I have heard in a while. It is much more varied and I think better than his solo album, Surrender of Silence. Who doesn’t want to go on a trip to the Mediterranean? If you can travel there in your mind, without fighting Covid-19 and the travel traffic and issues, this is your passport. Please more of these albums Steve! Mostly instrumental, and the lead instrument is that lead guitar. I’m in, for more trips to other continents around the world.
One to Zero – Sylvan
This band is back with a vengeance! Good to hear them again. “Go Viral” is one of the best songs of the year! A great concept album about virtual reality, how timely. So happy to have Sylvan back.
10.2 – Coast
Wow! It was great to hear these guys again. Looking forward to their next album with anticipation. Finally, met them via Zoom interview. I’m in!
We the People – Sparrohs
I love it when bands come out of ‘nowhere’ and blow your mind. Every video they made I, watched them all. A band that loves to travel and make videos and great music. I think that adds up to enormous global success. So wonderful to meet and talk to them on Zoom. So much life and adventure in this band. Can’t wait for more! And these guys are gonna give it to yah! And they released three albums this year. Can you say prolific! Tie – Hide in View – Black Swan Lane – Jack is a consummate professional. Another great album and a good talk about the Chameleons on Zoom. Happy to finally meet yah and looking forward to the next one.