40th spot to 31st Best Albums of 2017

#40-TLC

You just can’t recapture the past.  Especially without a member, my personal favorite member.  But TLC’s self-titled 2017 album comes out strong, especially the song, “Haters” in which the message is absolutely true.  And it’s a good message.  Very relevant in these tumultuous times.  I’m not big on the very heavy sampling, but maybe the other 2/3 of the group can work out the kinks of being a duo and produce some quality tunes that are more in line with the past albums.

#39-Katy Perry

I think she was pushing a little hard to find that empowerment anthem, and because she was trying too hard it didn’t happen organically.  I like ‘Hey Hey Hey” but the first line of the song is, “A big, beautiful brain” which is a little over-the-top and not that singable.  Another example is “Power.”  It’s almost like Perry writes in soundbites that she hopes can become the next catch phrase or mantra.  I suggest she just write from her heart instead.

#38-John Mayer

I’m not gonna lie—Mayer is losing major points and positions because of his weird-ass cover art.  He looks like a junkie with unwashed hair that someone doodled over at the bus-stop.  WTF?!  Whoever convinced him to go that direction (or approved it) should be terminated.  Also, as much as Mayer tried to introduce some funk vibe into The Search for Everything, the album is mostly boring.  It’s like once he lost his arrogance, he also lost his inspiration.  The only songs I could attach to is “Never on the Day You Leave” and “Roll it On Home.”  The song “Changing” gets honorable mention from me.  But sometimes Mayer comes on a little too strong and tries to force emotion, which I do not like.  I would like to see John Mayer do something different but have that spark too.  Work on the whole package, man!  This album makes me wonder if he was just a flash in the pan-not a real talent.

#37-Kid Rock

He has that southern-fried rock going on, but I can’t help but think of Trump when I listen to it.  I don’t know if it’s true or not, but my impressions are Rock is more racist than rebellious these days.  I have no idea how he is as a person, but the type of music is a little too Lynard Skenard for me to feel comfortable jamming to.

#36-Various Artists

Trios sounds like an experimental, jazzy cacophony.  Sometimes it’s just discordant sounds, others it intones a suspenseful mood.  The album is individual and cohesive.

#35-The Killers

It’s a little quiet, and a Lot less dancy.  Wonderful Wonderful was probably the best example of (just slightly alternative) rock & roll in the scene, which comes as a surprise to me.  “The Calling” is the most reminiscent of their other albums.  I also liked, “The Man…Remix” is a space-oriented shake-your-ass kind of song

#34-Drop Kick Murphys A little less pub-anthem, but still as cheeky as ever.  You can still sing to them when you’re drunk, but 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory is more melodious than past fare.  Standout of the bunch is “First Class Loser” which is awesome!

#33-Evanescence

Synthesis is Epic to the point I was wondering if it was written for a show or at the very least a video game.  This gal can SING though and per the usual she proves it.

#32-Linkin Park I see Linkin parts as four distinct sounds:  The angsty scream-yelling (not too much), the rap with thoughtful lyrics that make sense, the melodious singing, and the catchy hooks.  This album is very melancholy, without a lot of that anger that I used to like.  The sound is too different in One More Light and alienates me as a long-term fan.  The songs are still catchy, but they’ve lost that edge.

#31-Maroon 5

Red Pill Blues doesn’t have that special Maroon 5 beat.  It’s also not dancy at all.  And it’s not really catchy like past albums.  It’s kind of soft and unassuming, a dud actually.  I’m disappointed and hope they will rev things up again.