The WillToRock Top 5 will be a randomly timed post giving you an artist’s Top 5 (albums, concerts, singers, guitarists…etc.)
GabrieLa is a singer/songwriter from New England, MA who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. An incredible singer with Rock roots, who defies being confined to any one genre.
At the age of 17, GabrieLa wowed a crowd of 70,000 people singing the National Anthem at a New England Patriots Football game. She also sings as one half of the acoustic duo, 20Something (with Faster Pussycat, Budderside guitarist, Sam Bam Koltun). As well as being signed to Extreme Guitarist, Nuno Bettencourt’s new production company, Altlantis Entertainment, GabrieLa is an ambassador for the anti bullying movement, Free2Luv.
GabrieLa sent us her Top 5 albums, and because she begged and pleaded and absolutely couldn’t narrow it down to JUST the Top 5… She added another…and another… and finally… another… So, without further ado…
GabrieLa
Top 5 Albums (And Top 3 Albums AFTER that…)
5. Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours”
I love a female vocal that’s got that rough, sultry, bluesy sound. It’s the type of vocal that makes you feel all the feels. Stevie Nicks & Christine McVie are a masterclass in this and I have been taking the “Rumours” class since I could talk.
4. Lady GaGa – “The Fame Monster”
I could never in a million years list all of my female artist inspirations. There’s way too many to name. Stevie, Nancy… the list goes on and on. However, I’ve always been very clear on the most influential female artist in my life….. Gaga. This album came out when I was 11 years old and it definitely shaped me into who I was becoming as an artist and as a writer. She’s a badass and this album is the SHIT. The end.
3. Queensryche – “Operation: Mindcrime”
My dad raised me on all the 80’s rock artists. It’s no secret that classic 80’s rock has a huge part of my heart and it’s been such an honor to tour with the best of them and become friends with legends. Operation: Mindcrime became a favorite of mine at 6 years old. Yep, you read that right. “I Don’t Believe in Love” & “Eyes of a Stranger” were songs my headphones constantly blared. To this day, this album gets me through gloomy days and erm….. quarantines…. though, it’s even sweeter now to hear my dear friend Todd La Torre nail them. (thanks YouTube). Want a vocal masterclass? La Torre is your answer.
2. Dio – “Holy Diver”
Ronnie. James. Dio. ‘Nuff said.
1. Alice In Chains – “MTV Unplugged”
When my Mom was pregnant with me, she would put headphones over her tummy and play this album in its entirety. By the time I was born, she could play the whole album on guitar. Alice in Chains has been an influence for me since… well… apparently before birth. This has been one of those albums in my life that raise the goosies on my arms, no matter how many times I listen. The songs on this album have some of the best lyrics ever written and Layne’s vocal performance leaves me speechless each time. Layne was not just a vocalist, he was an artist.
GabrieLa’s Plus-THREE-For-The-Road:
+1. Bee Gees – “One Night Only”
Not only is this an amazing album… it’s an amazing LIVE album. “New York Mining Disaster 1941”, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”, & “I Started a Joke” are basically writing at its finest. Fun Fact: Barry Gibb is one of my favorite songwriters and it’s always been a dream of mine to write with him.
+2. The Cars – “The Cars”
This album is a good time. This album is fun as hell. This album played in my headphones the entire day and right up to the moment I stepped on the field at Gillette Stadium to sing the National Anthem for the Patriots game. It makes me happy and chills me out. Also, can we talk about the guitar playing? Like Damn.
+3. Richie Kotzen – “The Essential Richie Kotzen”
One of the greatest vocalists I’ve ever heard in my life. Any time I’ve had the pleasure to join him on stage has been a dream come true.
