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Top 10 Picks by: Will
Here is the part where I write stuff and you read it, or alternatively, this is the part where you quickly scroll past these ramblings to see who I’ve chosen as the WillToRock Top 10 Albums of the year. Either way is acceptable, but just know it’s NOT always easy to write review after review of album after album. No matter how much I enjoy them. No, this is a labor of love. Most of it for you, but some of it for me.
Because when I was growing up I LOVED to read everyone’s reviews and check out all their pictures. Both concerts and albums. What did we agree on?! Where did we diverge?! I had subscriptions to Kerrang!, Circus, Hit Parader, and Metal Hammer and I was at my happiest when the postman would deliver my issues and I would tear into it, wide eyed and excited about what had happened or what was to come. Not that I took it for granted, but I just never thought about all the work that went into producing THAT much content on a weekly or monthly basis.
For this article, my review process all started many months ago where I’d have different opinions about different albums and I’d either text myself that thought or record a voice memo and send it to myself. Do you know how difficult it is to decipher some of these garbled inklings into viable descriptions? Sometimes I don’t even know what the hell I was thinking at the time. But alas, I’ve read and re-read all of these reviews and think…no, I know that these are the 10 (plus) albums that I listened to more than any others this year.
And now that you’ve had a brief glimpse into my process, and you’ve been very patient reading my ramblings… Please enjoy…
WILL’s Top 10 Albums of 2024!
10. Green Day – “Saviors”
Green Day’s Saviors, their first studio album since 2020’s Father of All Motherfuckers, doesn’t break new ground for the band, but it is the best collections of songs they’ve put together since 2004’s American Idiot. The album packs in 15 songs in 46 minutes which makes for a pleasant, short but sweet, don’t-bore-us-get-to-the-chorus, collection.
Saviors strikes a decent balance between angst and acceptance, with Billie Joe Armstrong’s signature snarl delivering sharp critiques of societal and political issues (“The American Dream is Killing Me“) as well as reminiscing about days gone by (“1981“, “Corvette Summer“). There are quieter moments on this album too (“Goodnight Adeline“, “Father To a Son“) that offer a great contrast to their usual bombastic barrage.
Overall, Saviors is a welcome return to form for Green Day, blending their classic punk ethos with their evolution into seasoned rock veterans. As a fan of the band, I found plenty to love here.
9. Linkin Park – “From Zero”
Almost out of nowhere this year came the announcement that Linkin Park were back with not just a new album, a new single and a World Tour, but a new singer in the form of Dead Sara’s, Emily Armostrong.
As expected the announcement was met by a few with a little bit of nervous trepidation, but after hearing first single, “The Emptiness Machine“, a lot of those voices were calmed. Including mine.
“From Zero“ introduces a fresh chapter for Linkin Park. Armstrong, known for her powerful, emotive delivery in Dead Sara, adds a new dynamic to the band’s sound. It’s not recreating the wheel, it’s just adding a different type of rim. She brings the power and potency that Chester was always able to deliver (Check out the Punk-ish intensity on “Casualty“and “IGYEIH“), but also adds a different type of impact to the quieter moments on the album like “Over Each Other” and her amazing performance on “Good Things Go“.
Let’s face it adding a female vocal to Mike Shinoda’s signature rap sections adds a new layer of depth to the band. From Zero retains the atmospheric veneer and heavy guitar riffs Linkin Park is known for. It’s a great start to the next chapter of the band and with Emily Armstrong now front and center, the band should be able to chart a continuous bold path forward. (R.I.P. Chester!)
8. Mac Saturn – “Hard To Sell”
I first caught wind of Mac Saturn at the tail end of last year when they opened up for The Struts. I’ve seen thousands of openings acts and couldn’t tell you a thing about them. Not so for Mac Saturn. This band stuck in my head! So I was REALLY excited for the release of their debut album and I was NOT disappointed. The Detroit-based rock band released “Hard To Sell” in January and it is loaded with infectious, funk rock goodness.
From the first track, “Mint Julep” you’re immediately transported back to the days when Huggy Bear would be hustling the streets while Shaft was kickin’ in doors. Yes, that’s the sounds that permeates the entire album. Highlights include “Young In Paradise“, “Mr Cadillac” and “Boxcutter“.
Carson Macc’s soulful voice leads the charge while Mick Moody’s funky, groove laden riffs provide a nostalgic, yet modern take on all 10 of these gems. Seriously, check this band out!
Mac Saturn were set to start a headlining tour earlier this year but were derailed by an unfortunate turn of events involving one of their band members (Who is no longer part of the fold). Here’s hoping that they get back on track in 2025. I for one will be front and center!
7. Beasto Blanco / “Kinetica”
Beauty and the Beasto Blanco strike again with “Kinetica“. Another gritty album that expands on BB’s dynamic blend of hard rock, alternative, and industrial elements. As always the diversity of vocals between Chuck Garric and Calico Cooper stand out but there are many highlights to be found.
Album opener “Run For Your Life,” blasts off an album that is full of rockers with their trademark industrial melodies, gothic undertones and even a beautiful “sweet”(?!?!) ballad, “Kill Us All With a Smile” penned by Calico (Who had a larger hand in the writing on this album). “Skull Rider” is another favorite that has Chuck and Calico trading vocals with a cool tempo change over the chorus.
“Brother” Chris Latham adds some fantastic guitar work to this release making it their most complete (start to finish) album to date. It all works and expands on what has become a very impressive Discography
6. Black Country Communion / “V”
Black Country Communion “V” is a powerhouse of an album, showcasing the supergroup’s trademark blend of hard rock, blues, and classic metal. The fifth (yes..that’s what “V” means…) studio release from the band, nay Supergroup, featuring Glenn Hughes (bass/vocals), Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Jason Bonham (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards), brings an electrifying mix of emotional depth and sheer musical excellence.
“V” is chalk full of heavy rock riffs, virtuosic solos, and the commanding vocals of “The Voice”, Glenn Hughes, who is still defying time and logic. The album is littered with Bonamassa’s fiery guitar work, but it’s the soulful, bluesy “Restless” that still stands out to me as one of the best songs that the band has written.
I’m hoping that 2025 Brings BCC out on the road, because I’d LOVE to catch some of these gems live.
5. Judas Priest – “Invincible Shield ”
Invincible Shield, Judas Priest’s 19th studio album, released in March 2024, reaffirms them as one of the most consistent bands in metal. Produced by JP rhythm guitarist, Andy Sneap, the album delivers 11 tracks that blend many different elements of the classic Priest catalog.
The opening track, “Panic Attack,” sets a blistering tone for what’s to come and is the song that would be produced if Painkiller and Turbo Lover had a lovechild. Front and center are Rob Halford’s enduring vocals and signature screams. Songs like “The Serpent and the King” and the title track feature powerful riffs and dynamic solos from the Priest fountain of youth, Richie Faulkner. Although the legendary Glenn Tipton’s guitar work only appears on a few of the tracks, his writing and influence is slathered all over it.
A return to many of the classic elements of Judas Priest, Invincible Shield stands as a testament to their enduring ability to produce compelling music that once again, after 50 years, has them sitting on top of the Metal Mountain.
4. The Black Crowes – “Happiness Bastards”
“Happiness Bastards“ is the 9th (Proper) studio album and the first since 2009’s “Before the Frost…Until the Freeze“ from The Black Crowes, and it’s a no-holds-barred return to the band’s signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and swagger-filled classic rock. With their core chemistry intact, Chris and Rich Robinson once again tap into the raw energy that made them legends in the ’90s. The album delivers a gritty, vintage feel, but with a bevy of great song writing that makes it stand above some (most?!) of their previous releases.
From the first dirty slide guitar intro to “Bedside Manner,” into the confident strut of “Rats and Clowns” it was easy to see that The Black Crowes are back and they mean business. These two set the stage for an album filled with punchy guitars and Chris’ soulful voice.
Happiness Bastards is a mix of high-octane rockers and smoother, bluesy moments. None more-so than album closer, “Kindred Friend” that has Chris’ vocals sounding like a forlorn Joe Walsh.
The whole album wreaks of infectious rhythms and deep-pocket grooves that fans of their earlier albums will immediately recognize and welcome like a long lost friend. The Black Crowes proved that they still have the fire and swagger to keep them rocking and relevant after all these years.
3. Magnum – “Here Comes The Rain
What a bitter sweet release this turned out to be.
Magnum’s Here Comes The Rain arrives as both a triumphant celebration and a poignant farewell to the band and founding guitarist/songwriter, Tony Clarkin’s legacy.
For those not aware, Here Comes The Rain was released on January 12th, 2024…5 days after the sudden death of Mr. Clarkin. Although they never broke big in the U.S., Magnum have remained darlings in Europe for over 50 years. And with this, their final release, the album has turned into a fitting tribute to Clarkin’s decades-long contributions to the rock music scene.
Here Comes The Rain is an album that contains all of the elements that made Magnum popular in the first place. While subsequent releases have been spotty at times, HCTR brings back the progressive melodies, extravagant orchestration and intricate storytelling (“Some Kind of Treachery“, “Borderline“) of their early days, while blending the quick hit, gritty pop rock (“Run Into The Shadow“, “Blue Tango“) that adorned their most successful albums in the 80’s.
As always Bob Catley’s voice, although more fragile these days, still propels the heartbeat of this collection. None more prominent than on “Broken City” that almost acts as a solo, vocal performance.
It’s hard not to add more gravitas than this album probably deserves in light of Clarkin’s sudden death, but that doesn’t’ detract from the fact that the soaring melodies and powerful lyrics capture his innate ability to weave stories of heartbreak and hope so seamlessly together.
Here Comes The Rain turned out to be a fitting epitaph to an incredible band and an immensely talented and underrated songwriter in Tony Clarkin.
You done good, me ol’ son. You done good.
2. Mick Mars – “The Other Side Of Mars”
Motley Crue, eat your petty little hearts out. Mick Mars quietly went about his business putting out an album that would have been the best Motley album since…well shit… This may have been the best Motley album altogether. The bones of this solo album seem to have been kicking around for years with Mick teasing it as far back as 2014. But patience has been deemed a virtue and it has paid off.
Mick, with the help of Jacob Bunton (Who let’s face it, has a golden touch), Winger’s Paul Taylor and producer Michael Wagener (who produced another gem you may have heard of called “Too Fast For Love“) have put together a grungy, rock circus of songs. And everything under this big top works.
Bunton handles the majority of the vocals (outside of “Killing Breed” and “Undone” that have Brion Gamboa singing) Taylor handles rhythm guitar and keyboards, Chris Collier who mixed and mastered the album handles bass duties, Ray Luzier (Korn) is on drums and Mick’s guitar playing and soul is all over the rest of it.
Mars could have easily gone the twiddly twiddly guitar player solo-album route and showed off his prowess as a six stringer, but instead seems to have thrown all his efforts into creating some beautifully crafted songs that rely on killer riffs and molten melodies. Imagine that. Even the album closer, the instrumental “LA Noir” showcases Mick’s bluesier side instead of some masturbatory note fest.
It’s sad that due to health issues, we most likely will never get to hear any of these songs performed live. But such is life. Mick has left us with a complete gem that was worth the wait. And for most of us, at least he wasn’t “Cancelled”… cough.
For the longest time, “The Other Side of Mars” was going to be my album of the year, But…
1. Sebastian Bach – “Child Within The Man”
…Sorry Mick, Love him (Skid Row Fans) or Hate him (Skid Row), Sebastian Bach has released a beast of an album. “Child Within The Man” is my Album Of The Year and proof that you definitely can’t judge a book by it’s *cover.
This is a banger from start to finish. The song titles alone should clue you in that this album is slathered up and down with pieces of Sebastian’s‘ heart and soul.
The album kicks off with “Everybody Bleeds” that slowly revs up into a FIST, setting the tone for what’s to come. The first of a few guests show up on “Freedom” as John 5 throws down the lead guitar work. Myles Kennedy has a couple of writing credits on “What Do I Got to Lose” and “To Live Again“. Orianthi provides the guitar work on “Future Of Youth” and Steve Stevens shows up on “F.U.“. All of these friends show up as complimentary attributes, never overshadowing the songs they contributed on.
Even though there have been glimpses of the Baz of old on some of his previous albums, this feels like all those years of writing and reflection in the 10 years since his last solo release have come together in one perfect package.
This album transcends expectations, proving that Sebastian Bach isn’t just a rock legend from the ’80s/90’s—he’s an artist with depth and staying power. Child Within The Man is a triumphant, reflective powerhouse of an album that stands out as one of the most compelling rock albums of the year.
Sebastian, Welcome Bach.
(*Outside of all the sentimentality of the cover art being painted by Bas’ dad, (David Bierk, who also painted SR’s “Slave To The Grind” cover), it almost made me not want to buy this album. I would imagine that, in some circles, this disc didn’t get the credit it truly deserves based on the cover alone. I may be wrong, but in my Youth (gone not so wild) it was the shock and awe of some album covers alone that made me throw down my cash.
2024 Additional Albums I liked, But…:
Accept / “Humanoid”
&
Saxon / “Hell, Fire and Damnation”
I’m placing these two together as the reason for them being outside the Top 10 is almost identical. I really liked both of them. BUT…
…They’re a lot of the same that we’ve come to expect from Accept and Saxon. Both legendary metal bands that consistently release solid albums. And that’s just what Humanoid and Hell, Fire and Damnation are… solid albums that don’t stray too far from their collective lanes. They both sounds good. A lot of decent songs, but nothing here that makes me think they’ve reinvented themselves. For both bands, I’d say their last 2-3 releases all could have been one long album and you wouldn’t blink an eye thinking that the songs didn’t come out of the same writing sessions. Again, I enjoyed them, but…
Nestor – “Teenage Rebel”
Oh Nestor. Their 2021 release, Kids In A Ghost Town to me is almost a perfect album. (I’m still ignoring their cover of Whitney’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”). I’ve spun that disc (yes, I still play CD’s) maybe more than any other over the past few years. It’s the perfect 80’s throwback album that encompasses everything about that period in time that was good and fun. It almost feels like an AOR greatest hits album.
So how excited was I when they announced in 2024 that they’d be releasing their follow up?! Very! BUT… Instead of an homage to the 80’s, this album feels like more of a parody and at some points even a blatant rip off. Take “Teenage Rebel“; Tell me the start of that song isn’t Bon Jovi’s “Wild In The Streets“. Go on.. Try!!! How about “21“? The pre-chorus melody is 100% from Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good“. There are MANY other similarities that I can’t even put my finger on yet, but it all just seems way too familiar.
Now with that said.. I still LOVE Tobias Gustavvson’s voice, Jonny Wemmenstedt’s guitar playing is next level (at times Yngwie-like) and there are some really good songs on this album, but I notice myself doing a bit of skipping. (And completely ignoring “Daughter“. Can people just record songs for their loved ones ONLY?! They don’t need to be on your album!).
Although it sounds like a complete diss, I still love Nestor. I’m just hoping that for their next release, they bring more of themselves to the proceedings.
Toby Jepson / “Little Angels Live Rarities”
Little Angels are another band that just didn’t quite break in America. But they were fanTASTIC. The incredible vocals of Toby Jepson, the amazing guitar and keyboards from the Dickinson Brothers, Bruce (not that one) and Jimmy as well as the occasional accompaniment from the “Big Bad Horns” I could go into the History of the band but I’ll let Wikipedia sort that out for you.
Anyway… 3 of their full album releases, Don’t Prey For Me (’89), Young Gods (’91) and Jam (’92) were phenomenal, and Toby released a compilation of these songs from various live or acoustic solo sessions. Which is the big “BUT” that doesn’t allow this album on my top 10. (I don’t include Greatest Hits)
They’re all old songs, but I love all of these versions and I love this ensemble. From the more recent recordings on this album you can tell Toby’s voice hasn’t lost a thing. It’s a really great collection of moments in time that honors a very underrated band.
Unfortunately, most of you who didn’t order it won’t have the opportunity as it was a limited release. So if anyone wants to grab a few pints to reminisce and or rock out to this release, let me know. I’ll get the beers in and crank up my stereo for you (I do encourage anyone who isn’t familiar with them, check out the Little Angels Discography. An amazing band that opened for the likes of Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Van Halen at their peaks).
*************
And that, as they say… is a wrap.
This year I wanted to include an end of year Thank You from me to the great people who contribute to WTR, and those who appreciate what we on the team do.
Diane Lynn is my WillToROCK. She has the same enthusiasm as she did when she first joined and I appreciate all her amazing coverage. From festivals, to tribute bands, she kicks ass up and down this place.
Manuel Gay joined the team this year and has been a thunderbolt of energy. He’s got a different taste music-wise which adds a wonderful diversity to what we do. A great, addition, an eager learner and someone who is producing great content.
Marie Randall is the WTR sniper. Every now and then she fires off a shot (of reviews) when we least expect it. Always great coverage and always appreciated.
Thanks also to Joe Scheffer, Carol Fisher and Molly Gonzalez for their ’24 contributions.
I encourage you to search out their names above (after you’re done reading my nonsense of course) and check out all of the great coverage they’ve provided.
We’re always looking for great talent and if you fancy yourself as a writer of words, speaker of opinions or taker of pictures, drop me a line.
Also, Thank YOU! If you’ve read this far, you’re either soooo bored or you have some appreciation for what it takes to put together the coverage that we provide. Thanks for being a follower of WillToRock. We’ve got some great stuff coming in 2025.
And lastly, my annual reminder, that it’s the time of year for giving (and as we’re all animal lovers at WTR), I want to once again offer up Tails Of Gray Senior Dog Rescue for your charitable consideration.
Peace and Love and Music to All!
Related:
WillToRock’s Top 10 Albums of 2023
WillToRock’s Top 10 Albums of 2022