With so many good albums coming out, this year was the hardest year for me to pick my ten best albums of the year. However, I have still put together a list that, at least for now, I agree with. Here are the top ten albums of 2006:1) New Found Glory: “Coming Home”
This is the best album of the year simply because it’s the most infectious, and looking back on the albums I bought this year, I couldn’t take this one out of my CD player for a long time.
Download: “It’s Not Your Fault,” “Connected”
2) Bob Dylan: “Modern Times”
Bobby sings his heart out on this album and he still manages to go beyond what’s expected from him. Although it wasn’t the most free-flowing album he’s done, it’s still an unbelievably good album.
Download: “Spirit on the Water,” “Someday Baby”
3) The Killers: “Sam’s Town”
Bulldozing through an expected sophomore slump, The Killers put out an album that surpasses all expectations. Although very over the top, the songs are pure and Brandon Flowers sings from the soul. With great melodies and unique song arrangements, this album is definitely a top three.
Download: “When You Were Young,” “Uncle Johnny”
4) The Living End: “State of Emergency”
The songs are simply amazing. Chris Cheney’s song writing has taken yet another step forward. If I didn’t expect so much out of this band with every new release of theirs, then this would have been the best album.
Download: “Wake Up,” “Nothing Lasts Forever”
5) John Mayer: “Contiuum”
Mayer finally goes back to what he does best and plays blues the way they’re supposed to be played. And, as he always has, he displays a softer side on the nice slow-jams and acoustic masterpieces. A must own for any guy that needs help in the Lady Department (I obviously have more than one copy then).
Download: “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Stop This Train”
6) Brand New: “The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me”
Fans have been waiting for this album for years. However, they probably weren’t expecting this album. It goes beyond what all of us expected and, in it’s own right, is absolutely amazing. It’s not poppy or catchy like their previous albums, but it is stellar in arrangements and content.
Download: “Sowing Season,” “You Won’t Know”
7) Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Stadium Arcadium”
I’m sure that looking back on this album a year or more from now, this will probably be the best album to come out of this year. I did listen to it for an entire drive to Daytona Beach and back, but after listening to it so much, it’s still the Chili Peppers, who didn’t really do anything different than they usually do. The songs are great and the double album is rare, but I guess I just expected a little bit more. However, these guys are still one of the best three bands out today.
Download: “Hump de Bump,” “Torture Me”
8) Meat Loaf: “Bat out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose”
Yes, Meat Loaf released an album this year, and yes, it is amazing. Although Jim Steinman didn’t do a whole lot on the album, it’s still a great album. Meat Loaf filled the gap with appearances from Niki Sixx of Motley Crue, John 5 of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, and Steve Vai. He also recruited some of the best studio musicians around. It’s not as good as the first two Bat albums, but it’s darker and harder than anything he’s done before. I love this album, no matter how over the top it is.
Download: “The Monster Is Loose,” “Alive”
9) +44: “When Your Heart Stops Beating”
It’s obvious who the best parts of blink-182 were when you listen to Mark Hoppus and Travis Barkers’ newest offering. Although there is a little bit of a techno that I don’t really dig, it’s still full of a punk spirit and pop influence. Great hooks and melodies that will keep you singing long after you stop listening to it.
Download: “When Your Heart Stops Beating,” “Chapter 13”
10) My Chemical Romance: “The Black Parade”
This could actually be the best album of the year, but since I had no idea where to put it because I’m still not sure about the album, I figure that as long as it’s in the top ten, it’s at least on the list. It’s a great album….I think. It could also be the worst album. The jury’s still out on this one, but for now, I’m loving it like McDonalds.
Download: “The Black Parade”, “I Don’t Love You”
11) Dragonforce: “Inhuman Rampage”
My friends would kill me if I didn’t include this in the top ten, but top eleven is good enough. Although the songs are crap, the skill levels of the players are amazing. I know they aren’t the fastest players on the planet, but they are incredible. I love listening to this album, especially to get pumped up or just for a laugh. Powermetal at it’s best, folks.
Download: “Through the Fire and Flames,” “Cry for Eternity”
Honorable Metions:
Senses Fail: “Still Searching”
Hit The Lights: “This is a Stick-up..Don’t Make it Murder”
Iron Maiden: “A Matter of Life and Death