A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about the songs that have helped me through hard times. I only included ten, but obviously there are so many more! With this in mind, I created a YouTube playlist.
Included are bands such as Linkin Park, Good Charlotte, Asking Alexandria, Alter Bridge, and Three Days Grace! Feel free to comment — here or on YouTube — with your own additions to the playlist!
P.S. – Subscribe to my YouTube channel! Cool things are coming soon!
This installment could get rather lengthy. I saw three of the featured bands a few weeks ago, so I have a lot to say.
1. Locust Grove
A hard rock band from Oklahoma. These guys put on a kick ass live show, and they mean it when they say they’re bringing heavy guitar riffs back to rock. Lots of hair, gritty yet melodic vocals, and riffs reminiscent of Five Finger Death Punch, Sevendust, etc., Locust Grove could easily be your new favorite band. Check out the tracks “Monster” and “Menace of Society” below.
A rock band from California. These guys have been setting the world on fire this spring, being signed to a major label and playing such festivals as Carolina Rebellion and Rocklahoma. Joyous Wolf puts on one of the most energetic performances I’ve ever seen, in addition to their raw talent. I will not compare them to anyone else, but I will tell you they blend rock-n-roll, blues, and southern rock masterfully. The guys have currently left the road to record their first album. Here’s a taste of what you can expect.
A hard rock/Southern rock band from Texas. You may have heard their cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” thanks to Sirius XM Octane. Blacktop Mojo employs all the best elements of classic rock, rock-n-roll, and Southern rock to bring fans a sound that is pure joy to the ears. They put on a fantastic show, doing whatever it takes and giving 110% every time. It’s no wonder they have already cultivated quite the following. You can look at their tour dates on Facebook…and if you’re going to Louder Than Life in September, you will see them there!
4. Icon For Hire
A pop/rock/alternative band from Tennessee. For fans of Paramore, Pink, PVRIS, etc. Icon For Hire just finished a spring tour. Listen to them below and keep your eyes open for updates/announcements!
5. Dead Like Juliet
A hard rock/metal band from Italy. For fans of Bring Me the Horizon, The Amity Affliction, early Asking Alexandria, etc. You can get Dead Like Juliet’s latest album, Stranger Shores, now! Here is the most recent single, “Unwanted.”
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I haven’t been in the best place mentally or emotionally for the past month. Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore.
I know we all have those songs that make us feel good, but what about the ones that are like a balm to our bruised hearts/souls? My recent struggles have led me to a few discoveries, one of which surprised me very much.
Alter Bridge: “I Know It Hurts”
Myles Kennedy is the king of uplifting lyrics. I can name a track from each Alter Bridge album that could be on this list, but “I Know It Hurts” takes the spot because of one simple line: “Now is not forever.” Sometimes, that is the best thing to remember.
Alter Bridge: “All Ends Well”
I said Myles was the king, right? “If you believe in nothing else, just keep believing in yourself.”
Almost Kings: “Better Than This”
There are actually a couple of songs from these Georgia natives that I could have chosen. However, “Better Than This” immediately struck a chord in me. I understand it so much more now.
Asking Alexandria: “Alone in a Room”
I know, I know. I haven’t shut up about this band or this song, but the lyrics describe my mindset so accurately that it’s scary.
Linkin Park: “Heavy”
Honestly, isn’t it nice to know you’re not the only one? This song has brought me to tears more than once, especially following Chester’s death.
Asking Alexandria: “Under Denver”
“Just wait and see, just sit and breathe.”
Andy Black: “Put the Gun Down”
This was the one that surprised me. I hadn’t listened to Andy’s solo record, then I randomly decided to let it play on Amazon. I ended up with this song on repeat. I couldn’t have found it at a better moment.
Blink-182: “Adam’s Song”
Self-explanatory.
Fun: “Carry On”
“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground. Carry on.”
Modest Mouse: “Float On”
My line has always been “Don’t worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy. We’ll all float on alright.”
Alter Bridge’s “birthday” was January 4th. It has been an amazing fourteen years, filled with truly epic music. Here, I will rank their albums from my most loved to my least loved. (My list includes only their studio albums.)
1. Blackbird (2007)
The title track alone is enough to earn Blackbird the number one spot. It blows my mind that anyone can hear that song and not acknowledge Alter Bridge as one of the best rock bands in existence. By the time “Ties That Bind,” “Come to Life,” and “Watch Over You” are added, there is no disputing the strength of this record.
2. Fortress (2013)
This was a tough one, because for me, Fortress and One Day Remains are neck and neck. However, Fortress took number two based on “Lover” and “Waters Rising” (which is in my top 5 favorite AB tracks; I adore Mark’s voice).
3. One Day Remains (2004)
And so we come to Alter Bridge’s debut record, and man, is it a winner. At the time of its release, I was focused on other bands, mainly Avenged Sevenfold, and I missed it almost entirely (though I did see them at a festival on this tour). Once I became obsessed with Alter Bridge, however, I quickly realized there isn’t a single song from One Day Remains that I can’t listen to. My favorites are the title track, “Find the Real,” “In Loving Memory,” and “Shed My Skin.”
4. AB III (2010)
Confession: I don’t love every song from AB III. I don’t hate any of them, but it’s not an album I typically listen to from start to finish. With that said, the songs I do love on it are standouts in Alter Bridge’s career: “Slip to the Void,” “Isolation,” “Ghost of Days Gone By,” “Wonderful Life,” “I Know It Hurts,” and “Words Darker Than Their Wings.” (Again, anything Mark lends his vocals to is alright with me.)
5. The Last Hero (2016)
I like this album. Really, I do. I saw them three times touring for it. But it didn’t have as many songs that jumped out and grabbed me as their previous records. “Show Me a Leader” is great, and “Crows on a Wire” is a punch to the face (in a good way). I also enjoy “Twilight,” “My Champion,” and “This Side of Fate.”
I have to admit: I wasn’t impressed when I first heard “Open Your Eyes.” However, upon giving the entirety of One Day Remains a chance, I discovered that it is a very strong record from start to finish. My favorite tracks are “One Day Remains,” “Find the Real,” “In Loving Memory,” and “Shed My Skin.” Oh… and I adore “Watch Your Words.” 💜💜💜
I’m addicted to all things related to Alter Bridge, in case you didn’t notice. Naturally, that means 2018 is going to be great for me. Myles Kennedy is finally releasing his first (technically second) solo album, entitled Year of the Tiger, in March; and Mark Tremonti’s other band will have a record out at some point next year.
Today, the title track from Myles’s album was released. It is very different from his work with both Alter Bridge and Slash. I love seeing another facet to this artist I admire so much! Check it out and feel free to leave a comment telling me your thoughts!
Mostly Music 