Welcome! For the first time on the pages of Junkyard Rock Stories, we’re presenting a TOP 5 list of the best albums. After the voting concluded, we tried to cross-reference the results with the editorial team’s general opinion. Interestingly, and to make things even better, there weren’t any major disagreements on this matter.
The previous year, 2017, brought us plenty of interesting albums, singles, concerts, and more. Only the releases reviewed on this website made it into the final selection. There could have been even more albums on the list, but it wouldn’t be fair to rank and discuss releases that, for various reasons, weren’t reviewed here.
So, let’s get started:
5. The Dead Daisies – Live and Louder
Many might argue this album didn’t even belong in the running for Album of the Year. While there’s some logic to that, we decided to include it in our shortlist because it serves as a sort of “status snapshot” of The Dead Daisies’ career so far.
This live album, featuring the band’s biggest hits, captures the essence of this unique yet irresistibly “classic” rock band. With five familiar faces from the global rock scene hiding behind their signature skull-and-rose motif, The Daisies are gearing up for their fourth studio album next year—with a new drummer in tow.
It’s bound to be thrilling as we wait for new material. What can we say? We can’t wait for more from The Daisies! Check out the review here: The Dead Daisies.
4. Warrant – Louder, Harder, Faster
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year came from the latest album by once-legendary glam rockers Warrant.
Though they’ve long been without their iconic frontman, the late Jani Lane, Warrant managed to create their best album yet, led by vocalist Robert Mason. This fantastic hard rock record evokes their glory days while also showcasing the band’s ability to adapt to the standards of modern hard rock—a true delight.
However, there’s a problem: this album is practically absent from global (let alone local) top lists. The stigma against this type of music—still dismissively referred to as “hair metal”—dates back to the early 1990s. We won’t dive into this issue too deeply here (though it deserves its own separate article), but Warrant, along with other bands from that era, continues to be unfairly overlooked.
Their media absence, coupled with prejudice, means that albums like this often go unnoticed. We’ll discuss this more another time, but for now, you can check out our review here: Louder, Harder, Faster.
3. L.A. Guns – The Missing Peace
The legendary sleaze rockers L.A. Guns delivered a major comeback, surprise, and sensation in 2017.
Fans’ long-held belief that only Tracii Guns’ return could rescue this band from obscurity proved true. With Tracii and Phil Lewis back together, it was already a monumental event. Add a new album to the mix, and it’s a milestone in rock ‘n’ roll history.
The Missing Peace is far superior to anything the band has produced in the last 15 years. We’ve already written about it, so feel free to check out the review. However, much like Warrant, L.A. Guns are also experiencing a similar fate, overshadowed by their past.
But with Phil and Tracii reunited, and some young blood in the lineup, this once-powerful band could regain the respect and position they once held. The Missing Peace—it was well worth the wait!
2. Art of Anarchy – The Madness
Another 2017 release that, for some reason, flew under the radar. In our opinion, this could have easily topped our small list since it’s an incredible album from this supergroup of world-class musicians.
This blend of modern hard rock, reminiscent of Creed, Guns N’ Roses, and Disturbed, marks the group’s second release—and a new beginning. Their debut album with Scott Weiland was practically a flop.
But Scott Stapp has masterfully stepped into Weiland’s shoes, bringing the band much-needed energy. The year started strong for them, with performances and album promotions. But for some reason, they slowed down later in the year—perhaps an inevitable fate for supergroups, as their members must prioritize commitments to their “main” bands.
We hope to see their return next year because The Madness proves they have a lot more to offer. Check out the review here: The Madness.
1. Stone Sour – Hydrograd
And finally, the most important one. Stone Sour’s latest release, Hydrograd, is our Album of the Year, as chosen by both our website and the readers’ votes.
Massive, grand, heavy, and modern, this rock masterpiece was delivered by the mega-popular quintet led by Corey Taylor.
There’s not much more to write about Hydrograd, so if you haven’t listened to it yet, make sure you do. Our review, which is the most-read review on the website (and the most-read review of the year), can be found here: Stone Sour – Hydrograd.
That wraps up 2017. Of course, there were plenty of other albums, whose reviews you can find on this site. We hope and expect 2018 to be even better.
Happy New Year to all! Rock on!
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