My Top 10 CDS of 2011

It's taken me a while to finish the last 2 CDs that I had to review, but with that task now complete I can move on to 2012.

Before I do though, here's my list of the 10 best CDs of 2011.

1. Whitesnake - Forevermore

The album was one of the first ones I bought in 2011 and it has never left my work bag the whole time since. This album was simply outstanding.

2. Beth Hart / Joe Bonamassa - Don't Explain

Likely the biggest surprise to me on the list. I like both artists but a covers album of jazz, R&B, soul and other songs as one of MY favorites. That shows you how good it is.

3. The Elves (featuring Ronnie James Dio) - And Before Elf...There Were Elves

The music world lost a giant when Ronnie James Dio passed. This archival release highlights an early part of his rise to the top of the Silver Mountain!

4. Simon Kirke - Filling The Void

The drummer behind all the big Bad Company hits turns the tables with this solo release. A solid rock and roll album that comes with a light touch instead of a ton of tricks of the trade.

5. Black Country Communion - 2

This album is a great album but for me it was a little less masterful than the first album.

6. Iced Earth - Dystopia

Best Iced Earth album from top to bottom in years.

7. U.D.O. - Rev-Raptor

The appreciation of Udo Dirkschneider continues to grow with each successive release from the band.

8. Anthrax - Worship Music

It was a long time coming but well worth the wait.

9. Bad Company - Live At Wembley

Documenting the band's Wembley Stadium concert in fine fashion.

10. Doro - 25 Years...And Still Going Strong

The CD part of this 2 disc DVD/ 1 CD release amply demonstrates why Doro Pesch remains the Metal Queen.

My Album of the Year:

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on January 15, 2012 at 8:28pm

I liked the Black Country Communion and Anthrax cd's as well. Beth hart/Joe B., Elves, Simon Kirke, Iced Earth, Bad Co. and Doro are discs I haven't heard, but out of these the Hart/Bonamassa cd holds the most interest for me.

I disagree on the Whitesnake and U.D.O. selections. I think you guys are well aware of my dislike of Coverdale's vocals, and I'm really just not a fan of U.D.O.

Overall, great read. I must check out Hart/Bonamassa. I also wanna check out some solo Bonamassa.

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Permalink Reply by TageRyche on January 15, 2012 at 9:33pm

Bonamassa's solo CD from 2011 "Dust Bowl" is on my want list.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on January 15, 2012 at 9:56pm

I sampled that one, its very country... Not my flavor...

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Permalink Reply by Jon on January 16, 2012 at 7:04am

I liked Whitesnake, but when I listened to it in the car, it sounded horrible so I couldn't include it.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Christensen on January 16, 2012 at 6:20pm

I have the Whitesnake CD, only listened to it once.

Joe Bonamassa is playing a concert hall, I've never heard of him. I'm going to investigate online.

What is that Elf CD, what songs are included? I have this CD and a few Elf songs on a compilaiton that came out long ago.

I have the Iced Earth, it is good, but I'm not into them as much as I was years ago. Watching Over You is still my favorite Iced Earth song. Rev-Raptor, like it!