Rock Ramblings: The Glorious Sons top the list of 2017’s best rock albums

By Medicine Hat News on December 14, 2017.

As I was sitting at the kitchen table helping my son decorate his gingerbread house I started to reflect back on my favourite rock and roll albums of 2017. Maybe I’m a little biased, but I feel like 2017 was a big year for rock. Here are my top 10:

10) Theory of a Deadman — Wake Up Call: Not everyone is a fan of the new melodic sounds from Tyler Connelly and the crew from Theory. This album is definitely a departure from their previous work, with less heavy distorted guitars and more power chords, acoustic guitars and even some piano. Just a reminder they are coming to Medicine Hat Feb. 27 for a show at the Esplanade. Favourite track: “Echoes.” Hidden gem: “Wicked Game.”

9) Stone Sour — Hydrograd: Lead singer Corey Taylor describes Hydrograd as “rock and roll in its best form,” and he is right. From Song No. 3 to Rose Red Violent Blue, Stone Sour are back at the top of their game. Favourite track: “Song No. 3.” Hidden gem: “Mercy.”

8) Imagine Dragons — Evolve: Reeling on their success of Smoke and Mirrors comes the third studio album from Las Vegas rockers Imagine Dragons. While music critics may not have loved the album, fans (like me) were impressed. Favourite track: “Thunder.” Hidden gem: “Walking the Wire.”

7) Seether — Poison the Parish: The seventh studio album from South Africa’s Seether is one of their most well rounded albums to date. Poison the Parish is a lot heavier and powerful than their previous records — going back to their earlier sound circa 2002’s Disclaimer. Favourite track: “Let You Down.” Hidden gem: “Emotionless.”

6) Royal Blood — How Did We Get So Dark: The sophomore album from British rock duo Royal Blood does not disappoint. It clocks in at just more than 30 minutes mixing heavy rock with groovy sounds. Favourite song: “I Only Lie When I Love You.” Hidden Gem: “Hole in Your Heart.”

5) Queens of the Stone Age — Villains: The seventh studio album from QOTSA is more up-tempo and a little looser than their last release Like Clockwork. If you’re into psychedelic, funkified rock n’ roll this album is for you. Favourite track: “Feet Don’t Fail Me.” Hidden gem: “The Evil Has Landed.”

4) Foo Fighters — Concrete and Gold: The Foo Fighters teamed up with a number of different artists like Paul McCartney and Justin Timberlake for their ninth studio album. It is the band’s second album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Favourite track: “Run.” Hidden Gem: “Make it Right.”

3) Greta Van Fleet — From the Fires: If you love classic rock a la Led Zeppelin than you need to listen to Greta Van Fleet. The Michigan-based quartet is one of the biggest up and coming rock bands. Their double EP has major vintage vibes. Favourite track: “Highway Tune.” Hidden gem: “Safari Song.”

2) Papa Roach — Crooked Teeth: It’s hard to believe Crooked Teeth is the ninth studio album from California’s Papa Roach. It is one of their most diverse albums to date, mixing the old Papa Roach sound with a new pop/rock sound. With a hint of politics, and social commentary Crooked Teeth gives you plenty to chew on. Favourite track: “American Dreams.” Hidden gem: “Periscope.”

1) The Glorious Sons — Young Beauties and Fools: I really can’t remember the last time I was able to listen to an album from start to finish without skipping a song. Young Beauties and Fools is the second album from Kingston’s The Glorious Sons. Their songs are catchy, melodic and very well written. I have not stopped listening to the album since its release in October. Favourite track: “Sawed off Shotgun.” Hidden gem: “Come Down.”

Will 2018 be filled with as much rock to enjoy? You can expect new music from the likes of Alice in Chains, Tool, Stone Temple Pilots, Pop Evil among many others. I guess time will tell.

Cassie Donnelly is the morning show co-host at 105.3 ROCK. You can reach her on twitter @cass_1053rock