50. The Sarandons – Drawing Dead
Canadian heartland rockers The Serandons return with their sophomore album. Crisp songwriting with bright guitar melodies and meandering bass lines makes for a listen that fans of Dawes will embrace.
49. Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes
Cosmic soul music doesn’t get much better than this. A life-affirming listen well worth getting lost in.
48. Rival Sons – Pair Of Aces – Part 1 and Part 2
Rival Sons, arguably the best rock band to emerge over the last 20 years, loaded up their gear on a friend’s yacht and sailed to Catalina Island to record two live shows, one in the ballroom of the Avalon casino, and the other in the historic Catalina theatre. The less is more vibe with these recordings will take you down a mid-era Led Zeppelin path.
47. Nervous Eaters – Rock And Roll Your Heart Away
Stalwarts of the Boston rock scene since the ’70s, the latest album via Wicked Cool Records rides a Power Pop wave with the DNA of a garage band.
46. Robert Jon and the Wreck – Red Moon Rising
The evil spawn of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackberry Smoke, Radio-friendly Southern Rock carries the day with just enough outlaw to keep things real. Come for the country stompers, stay for the best pedal steel this side of the Tedeschi Trucks band.
45. Red Clay Strays – Made For These Moments
With vocals that would make Chris Stapelton blush, The Red Clay strays are shooting up the charts with a bullet destined to be breakout stars for 2025. “Wondering Why,” the single from this one, just might be the Americana single of the year.
44. The Libertines – All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade
With a long-awaited comeback, their first album in nine years, the Libertine lads have replaced their snarl with T-Rex glam, Oasis excess, and Mott The Hoople Soul.
43. Jessica Pratt – Here In The Pitch
There is an effortless and ageless quality to Pratt’s voice that makes this record a noir baroque-pop marvel. The Brian Wilson laid-back Ronettes by way of Carole King vibe make this one an elegant listen that would make Astud Gilberto blush.
42. Peter Perret – The Cleansing
The head honcho of the Only Ones is aging quite agreeably with a Paul Weller quality to his work. With Johnny Marr, Bobby Gillespie along with members of Fontaines D.C. chipping in, this one is likely to go down as Peter Perret’s best.
41. Sam Blasucci – Real Life Thing
Best known as one-half of the campfire-noir group Mapache, on this solo effort Sam Blasucci channels the accessible side of the Todd Rundgren catalog and the Hipster-Indie vibes of Weyes Blood. A chill late-night, smoke-filled listen for sure.
40. Elbow – Audio Vertigo
There is a distinct Peter Gabriel by way of Talking Heads vibe wafting in the air on this one with just enough of a prog dusting to keep the purists at bay.
39. The Courettes – The Soul Of…The Fabulous Courettes
Mixing 60’s girl group, garage, and Austin Powers dance party elements into a hipster all-night rave with Flavi and Martin Couri hosting the grooveathon of the year.
38. Good Looks – Lived Here For A While
With their more than solid sophomore effort Austin-based Good Looks has been through the mill with guitarist Jake Ames nearly killed in a hit-and-run and their van catching fire destroying all their gear. With all of the turmoil in the review, the band has come up with a Tom Petty meets The Pretenders instant classic.
37. Zach Bryan – The Great American Bar Scene
With Zach Bryan, it’s all about the songwriting, which is on this one, dare we say, Springsteen worthy. Highlights include “Sandpiper” with Bruce Springsteen himself lending assistance, the title track, and the sublime “Mechanical Bull.”
36. D.A.D. – Speed of Darkness
40 years in and these Danish rockers seem to be in their absolute prime. Sure, they are firmly entrenched in the early ‘80s, but with a frontman as dynamic as Jacob Binzer it definitely works. Part prime Aerosmith and a whole lot of Nazareth, this one is rock and roll like it used to be.
35. Shadow Show – Fantasy Now!
With frenetic grooves and dazzling harmonies this Detroit power trio combines garage psychedelia and girl group swagger into a blender of mojo fun.
34. Color Green – Fools Parade
Jam band-adjacent, the band draws from 60’s folk to 70’s rock with enough Laurel Canyon vibes to make Dawes Jealous.
33. Mother Hips – California Current
Psychedelic Americana is the name of the game here as the Northern California band, 30 years on, their Byrds meet Tom Petty mantra still reigns supreme.
32. Fantastic Negrito – Son Of A Broken Man
Documenting his tenuous relationship with his father who threw him out of the house when Negrito was 12, this record is as uplifting as it is heart breaking. Shades of Parliament Funkadelic and Bobby Womack makes things real.
31. Lions in the Street – Moving Along
Dial back the hot tub Time Machine back to ‘70s Free era rock and roll. The title track, “Moving Along,” could have been an Exile In Main Street outtake.
30. Cats In Space – Time Machine
With Time Machine, Cats In Space continues to plant their flag on the hallowed grounds of Classic ‘70s Rock and Roll.
With loud guitars, pristine multi-track harmonies, and knob-twirling tighter than skin on an apple, this record brings to the minds ear the glory days of Deep Purple, Night Ranger, and REO Speedwagon.
29. Jeremie Albino – Our Time In The Sun
Another in the growing number of first-rate acts coming out of the Easy Eye Sound stable, Jeremie Albino matches Al Green with Leon Bridges with some of the best blue eyed soul of the year.
28. Chuck Prophet – Wake The Dead
14 records in now, having recently recovered from stage four lymphoma, Chuck Prophet joined by Cumbia group Qiensave is at the top of his game with the release of his latest record, Wake The Dead.
Over 11 tracks Prophet digs deep into Cumbia music using traditional Latin American instruments including accordions, a bajo sexto (Mexican twelve-string guitar), and a Farisa Organ along with Tejano and bolero stylings making this an electrically groovy listen.
27. Scarlet Rebels – Where the Colours Meet
Scarlet Rebels Where The Colours Meet, released just in time for rock record of the year consideration, with a landscape of anthemic rock bringing both U2 and Muse to the minds ear.
From the opener “Secret Drug” a song that sounds like a street fight between AC/DC and The Cult, all the way to “Out of Time,” an epic ballad that features Elles Bailey, there is not a rat floating in this punch bowl.
Tack this band up on your bands to follow wall.
26. D-A-D – Speed of Darkness
D-A-D, the abbreviation for Disney After Dark, has released their 13th record of ’70s rock glam-inspired blow-pop good times music.
The opener “God Prays To Man” roars like an AC/DC 45 inch sung by Steven Tyler slowed down to 33rpms, “The Ghost” attempts to out Bon Jovi Bon Jovi, and “Strange Train” carries a bong hit of Black Sabbath.
These Danish rockers never fail to deliver on their musical soundscape that those of a certain age and musical acumen will find to be quite fulfilling.
25. The Pearlfishers – Making Tapes For Girls
With a comeback after a five-year hiatus Glasgows own Pearlfishers are back with one of their best records to date.
Led by major-domo David Scott along with a relatively loose collective of musicians, the template percolates on a bed of Power Pop with a Brian Wilson pillow.
“Hold Out For A Mystic takes the stage with Tom Petty backing late-era Beatles, “When The Sun Comes Back To The West Coast carries the essence of R.E.M.
24. Leon Bridges – Leon
Rising from the remnants of his last excellent record, Gold Diggers Sound, his latest self titled new album provides a glimpse into the Texas places that helped to shape Bridges musical life.
“Panther City” provides a first hand account of his early life, “Peaceful Place” seems to level sit his career and life, and “Ghetto Honeybee” could have been a Motown classic.
With much of the record record in Mexico City’s studio El Diserto this record takes the listener on a spiritual journey well worth taking.
23. Crossbone Skully – Evil World Machine
Produced by Mutt Lang and featuring Alice Cooper guitarist Tommy Henricksen there is a lot of Whitesnake and Def Leppard in the DNA of this record.
22. Sam Millar – Virtual Summer
A bit late for the peak-summer beach vibing, Virtual Summer is hands down the best summer anthem meets power ballad record of the year.
Millar himself has said that releasing these gems now will give the listener something to hold on to when winter sets in allowing them to create their own virtual summer.
Bon Jovi-adjacent highlights abound including the 80’s stolen jam “Chardonnay” and the Duran Duran vibing “Deja Vue.”
21. Billy Strings – Highway Prayers
Billy Strings is quickly morphing himself into the best live performer, in any genre, on the planet. Somehow finding the time to release a proper long-player right in the middle of his hectic tour schedule.
On this one, Strings has somehow managed to channel the Americana magic of Stapelton and Sturgill while maintaining his unflinching bluegrass ethos.
20. Nick Lowe – Indoor Safari
With his first album in 11 years Nick Lowe with his wrestling-masked comrades Los Straitjackets create a sound that will take you back to the golden age of rock and roll radio.
19. Eramus Hall – Lost And Found
If Bootsy Collins and James Brown had a love child the love spawn would be Eramus Hall. Old school Funk and retro soul with have your feet moving and your body grooving.
18. The Virginmarys – The House Beyond The Fires
Part Punk, lots of Rock with a bit of blues sprinkled in, guitar player Ally along with drummer and husband Danny Dolan make some beautiful noise together with their band The Virginmarys.
From the full-tilt boogie of “You’re A Killer” to the frenetic swagger of “Lies, Lies, Lies.” on to the staccato rhythms of “Trippin New York City” there is barely a chance to take a breath on this post-punk call to arms.
17. Scarlet Rebels – Where the Colours Meet
Scarlet Rebels Where The Colours Meet, released just in time for rock record of the year consideration, with a landscape of anthemic rock bringing both U2 and Muse to the minds ear.
From the opener “Secret Drug” a song that sounds like a street fight between AC/DC and The Cult, all the way to “Out of Time,” an epic ballad that features Elles Bailey, there is not a rat floating in this punch bowl.
Tack this band up on your bands to follow wall.
16. Dawes – Oh Boy
For the first time, Brothers Goldsmith, Taylor and Griffin, record as a duo with a winning formula that continues the L.A.- noir esthetic and continues to wave the Laurel Canyon flag.
15. Bywater Call – Shepherd
Highlighted by the back of the bar pipes of Megan Parnell, this new (to us) band brings to the mind’s ear the best of Tedeschi Trucks with a mix of Black Crowes. Highlights abound but “Turn It Around” and “Everybody “Knows” are stone-cold highlights.
14. The Smile – Cutouts
Thom York, Johnny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner ate taking a break here from their Radiohead gig on this Abbey Road recorded effort that should please those in the know.
13. The New Roses – Attracted To Danger
Should Brian Adams ever decide to go on a Def Leppard Bender the result would be The New Roses. Perfect from- the-day rock.
12. The Sheepdogs – Hell Together/Paradise Alone
Ever prolific in 2024 The Sheepdogs produced their output in the form of singles and two highly excellent E.P.s Hell Together and Paradise Alone. Not a bad note between the two, there is a certain cosmic awareness that engulfs once you let this band take over your aura.
11. Pernice Brothers – Who Will You Believe
Over the span of 12 songs and 40 minutes, one thing is certain after several curated sessions of the Pernice Brothers’ latest ‘Who Will You Believe” is that the boys are brilliant songwriters with a keen eye for the earworm.
With the Americana ambiance of “ I Don’t Need Tbat Anymore,” a song that features Neko Case, Joe Pernice channels early-era Nick Lowe, and the road trip-worthy “Hey Guitar” this is a calming record for troubled times.
10. MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
Newcomer MJ Lenderman hits that sweet spot between Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp. There is a Neil Young flair on “Joker Lips,” and the title track could have been a Ryan Adams B side.
09. Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band – Loophole
A cult act to many, a National institution to others, Michael Head’s latest incarnation with the album Loophole just may be his best. This one has it all, psyche-baroque pop, bossa nova, and straight-ahead pop splendor.
08. Paul Weller – 66
Whichever version of Paul Weller you prefer, whether it be The Style Council, Jam, or Modfather Paul, 66, in honor of his 66th birthday, is sure to check-off all of the boxes for you.
“Flying Fish” is an elegantly constructed song with a slight yacht rock feel to it, and “Rise Up Singing” could have been a righteous Motown ballad back in the day. “Soul Wandering” would have fit in brilliantly as a B-side on any Jam single, and “Jungle Queen” checks off all of the Modfather incarnations in one song.
07. Tuk Smith – Rogue To Redemption
Tuk Smith just may be single-handily bringing real Rock and Roll back to the ears of the masses. With more hooks than an episode of dangerous catch, killer choruses, and riffs for miles, this is the record The Struts wished they could make.
06. Black Keys – Ohio Players
One of the consistently great bands doing business today, The Black Keys with their latest record, Ohio Players, the band gives a tip of the chapeau to both their home state and the ‘70s funk scene in a record that integrates Rock, Soul, Funk, Blues, and dance floor grooviness into a sound that is uniquely Black Keys. The added spice of Beck into the gumbo enhances the meal.
05. The Black Crowes – Happiness Bastards
The first set of new songs since 2013’s Wiser For The Time, their latest, Happiness Bastards, has the Robinson brothers at their snarling best, so much so that Crowe’s aficionados are citing this as their best output since Amorica released in 1993.
From the Stones doppelganger opening salvo of “Bedside Manners” next the urgent festival-ready anthem “Rats and Clowns,” the message is clear. The Black Crowes, despite their recent absence, might be the best guitar band going.
04. Gospelbeach – Wiggle Your Fingers
L..A. band GospelbeacH is one of the few bands that dream-weaves Psychedelic Pop, Rock, and Americana into a gumbo of immensely catchy melodies that will have you walking the 60’s hipster streets of London one minute and the beaches of California the next minute.
03. J.D. McPherson – Night Owls
J.D. McPherson is front and center with his his Duane Eddy stylings on his first proper non holiday album since 2017’s Undivided Heart and Soul.
With one foot in the Rockabilly ethos and the other in vintage 60’s surf guitar McPherson has created a deliciously eclectic wonderment of a record.
02. lemon Twigs – My Golden Years
From the opening salvo of “My Golden Years,” a song that is “Go All The Way” Raspberries morphing into Holland era Beach Boys, to the Todd Rundgren vibes of “They Don’t Know How To Fall In Place” on to Badfinger without the bad vibes mantra of “If You And I Are Not Wise,” there is nothing not to like about this record.
01. The Armoires – Octoberland
Once you enter the hot tub time machine labyrinth that is Octoberland, the latest from The Armoires, the Secretariat in the Big Stir Records stables, your quixotic quest to find the perfect pop record of the year will have reached its satisfactory conclusion.
From the opening E.L.O.-centric strains of the opener, “We Absolutely Mean It” to the Cheap Trick Power Pop splendor of “Ridley & Me after the Apocalypse” on to the mid-era solo George Harrison stylings displayed on “You Oughta Be Cut In Half,” there are no thorns in this bed of roses.
Enter at your own risk, you won’t want to leave.
Rock Is The New Roll 