This list features my favorite 28 studio album releases of 2017. I will also post a list of my favorite deluxe reissues and live releases of the year in another post...
Artist: Beck
Title: Colors (Capitol Records)
Tell me more: Since Beck burst on the music scene in 1994 with his breakthrough hit "Loser," the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has somehow blended alternative rock, pop, soul, funk, hip hop, Americana and a myriad of other styles with unearthly brilliance. On his 13th full-length album Colors, the Southern California-based artist continues to chart his own creative path with a master's touch. This time out, Beck has simultaneously tapped into 1980s synth pop, modern rock and late '60s psychedelic rock to carve out yet another expansive masterwork. The songs here are mostly upbeat, buoyant and armed to get concertgoers on their feet with infectious grooves. The swirling title track "Colors," exuberant "I'm So Free," propulsive "No Distraction" (with its cool fly-by Beatlesque guitar hits and Beck's falsetto vocals) and dreamy "Fix Me" are among this writer's faves. This is an album that reveals its sonic secrets and wonders more fully with each subsequent listen. Information: beck.com.
Title: New World Arisin' (Big Records)
Tell me more: Big Head Todd and the Monsters have released their 11th full-length album and it's as epic as the title. New World Arisin' kicks off with the explosive "Glow," a song that expertly bridges alternative rock and blues. From there, the Boulder, Colorado-spawned quartet delves into Southern blues-rock ("New World Arisin' "), melodic alt rock ("Damaged One"), funk ("Trip") and jangly psychedelia ("Mind") – and that's just the first handful of tracks on the album. Thirty years into their illustrious career, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are still writing and performing with the firepower and creativity displayed on their breakout 1993 album Sister Sweetly. High octane rocker "Detonator" the lovely "Wipeout Turn" and inspired blues rocker "Under Your Wings" are among the other memorably-affecting songs on the outstanding New World Arisin'. Information: BigHeadTodd.com.
Title: Stranger in the Alps (Dead Oceans)
Tell me more: Los Angeles singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers' full-length debut Stranger in the Alps is a beautiful album showcasing her expressive soprano offering up introspective songs. The intimate folk-rock soundscape where Bridgers sings artfully of relationships and the mysterious links that bring people together and divide them requires good listening skills. The songs occasionally kick it up a notch (the blissfully burgeoning "Scott Street"), but the tone overall is of lush and haunting songs that soar with quiet firepower. "Smoke Signals," "Motion Sickness" and the piano- and cello-anchored "Georgia" are among the the wonderful tracks on an outstanding debut where Bridgers' very intimate forays achieve a universal reach. Information: deadoceans.com.
Title: Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie (Atlantic Records)
Tell me more: A breezy and sumptuous album that captures the magic of Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, the first-ever collaboration between Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie was one of 2017's biggest and most welcome surprises. With 10 terrific songs performed with shimmering arrangements that showcase the affecting voices of Buckingham and McVie, the riches include the infectious "Feel About You," lush "Red Sun," power pop-mining "On With the Show" and piano-anchored ballad "Game of Pretend." Information: BuckinghamMcvie.com.
Title: Dragonfly (Essence/MGM)
Tell me more: Kasey Chambers' ambitious double album Dragonfly succeeds on every imaginable level. The Australian singer-songwriter's potent songs and shining vocals always amaze, but on "Dragonfly" there is a magical quality how she moves effortlessly between country blues, bluegrass, Americana and traditional country in the service of her confessional songs. The collection is divided into two parts; disc one features the "Sing Sing Sessions" produced by Paul Kelly while the second disc features the "Foggy Mountain Sessions" produced by her brother and frequent producer Nash Chambers. The powerful "Ain't No Little Girl" finds her beautiful soprano erupting to a roar, while she can artfully rebound on the melodically lush "Summer Pillow" before masterfully moving into roots rock territory on the soaring "You Ain't Worth Suffering For" - and that's just on the first disc. The second disc features an equal number of amazing songs, including the gospel spiritual-styled "Shackle & Chain" and "No Ordinary Man," the speedy title track and electrified Delta blues gem "If I Died." There are several special guests, with Keith Urban's vocal contributions particularly affecting on "If We Had A Child." Information: KaseyChambers.com.
Title: Bone on Bone (True North)
Tell me more: Master singer-songwriter-guitarist Bruce Cockburn returned with the epic Bone on Bone, his first new full-length album since 2011's Small Source Of Comfort. Always an artist difficult to pigeonhole, Cockburn's latest album finds the 72-year-old Canadian great once exploring roots, folk, blues and more with a master's touch. The gorgeous folk song "Forty Years in the Wilderness" is one of the beautiful songs in his extensive discography. His songs are rich in alluring textures and melodies, and the probing and confessional lyrics challenge in ways that vastly outdistance the cliches and trite observations too common in the digital age. "Cafe Society" somehow brings in the timely topics of refugees, drug use, police violence and dozens of other topics without sounding calculated; the jazz-tinged spoken word heavy "3 Al Purdys," introspective "Looking and Waiting" and instrumental finger style guitar work "Bone on Bone" collectively serve to remind long-time and new fans of Cockburn's brilliant and wide-ranging talents. Information: BruceCockburn.com.
Title: Step Into Light (33 1/3)
Tell me more: Fastball is back. The Austin, Texas-based trio's latest studio album Step Into Light is a wonderful collection of melodic and smart pop-rock tunes sure to please lovers of top-tier songcraft. Fastball's first album since 2009's Little White Lies, the 12-song set Step Into Light features a wide range of infectious songs including the rocking lead-off track "We're On Our Way," the shimmering power pop gem "Just Another Dream," surf rock-styled instrumental "Tanzania" and the sweeping Americana-flavored title track. "Step Into Light" also finds Fastball's all-original lineup (Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield) stretching their sound as evidenced by the album-ending art rocker "Lillian Gish" and genre-defying "Frenchy and the Punk." Information: fastballtheband.com.
Title: Chills & Fever (Ruf Records)
Tell me more: The fourth album release from singer-songwriter-guitarist Samantha Fish finds the Kansas City, Missouri native stretching her sonic wings to inject an authentic blend of Motown soul and R&B into her established blues-meets-roots rock brew. Armed with a far-reaching soprano and dexterity on the fretboard to match, Fish has somehow found a musical place that recalls the classic sounds of Motown mixed with electric blues. Recorded at The 45 Factory in Detroit, Chills & Fever teams Fish with a supporting cast that includes a horn section that adds particular magic to the tracks. Standouts on the excellent 14-song disc include the dynamic "He Did It," the playful title cut and lead guitar-anchored "You Can't Go." Information: rufrecords.de.
Title: Who Built The Moon? (Caroline Records)
Tell me more: A dramatic and stylistic shift away from 2015's Chasing Yesterday, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' third studio disc Who Built The Moon? certifies the greatness of Oasis' principal songwriter. Noel Gallagher's latest effort features a lavish mix of alt rock, electronica, synth pop and tinges of gospel, soul and other styles. Listening to the exuberant "It's a Beautiful World," driving New Order-mining "She Taught Me How to Fly," cosmic blues romp "Be Careful What You Wish For" and expansive "Holy Mountain" is to be spellbound by the wide range of styles collected and merged with flawless artistry. The urgent "Fort Knox," acoustic "Dead in the Water" and heavy title track are other standouts. Gallagher's voice and dazzling guitar work are seminal, while the role of noteworthy artists who guest on the album including Jason Falkner (of Beck, Jellyfish and Air fame), Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) and Paul Weller (The Jam) help bolster this amazing album. Information: NoelGallagher.com.
Title: Fierce Mercy (Compass Records)
Tell me more: Colin Hay has an innate ability to write and perform songs that entice musically while effortlessly forcing the listener to think. On his latest masterwork Fierce Mercy, the acclaimed singer-songwriter uses a batch of original songs (several co-written with Michael Georgiades) that explore life from the insightful perspective that the majority of life's days are in the rear view mirror. But Hay's Fierce Mercy is no downbeat lament; there is a rich tapestry of both sonic and lyrical textures. The disc's soundscape blends folk-rock, jazz, Americana and more while the richly-drawn lyrics aim at the everyday triumphs and tragedies that define people's lives. "A Thousand Million Reasons" is a gorgeous and subtle song that taps into the powerful genesis of love. "She Was the Love of Mine" finds the singer celebrating the life of his late mother. "Frozen Fields of Snow" is a deeply-affecting song written by Hay that looks at the life of a military veteran outside the narrow confines of a battlefield tale. The deluxe edition of Fierce Mercy includes three outstanding bonus tracks providing even more great reasons to get a wonderful album. Information: ColinHay.com.
Title: Incognito (Turn-Up Records)
Tell me more: Master singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Richard X. Heyman returned with his 12th album, this one featuring an outstanding batch of 14 must-hear original songs. Incognito is an album that grabs the listener on first listen, with literate tales that are melodic, adorned with shimmering harmonies and infectious guitar-anchored hooks that outdistance the majority of his power pop contemporaries. In a better world, the title track "Incognito," "A Fool's Errand" and "Her Garden Path" would be all over the radio. Heyman can conjure up firepower to spare, as evidenced by the driving "Chalk It Up" and soulful "Terry Two Timer." And Heyman's skills to create and craft wistful songs bolstered by melodic rock are as strong as any artist in memory (just listen to the yearning Americana-tinged "And Then" and "Gleam"). A masterwork from start to finish. Information: richardxheyman.com.
Title: Bidin' My Time (Rounder Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty, the Desert Rose Band, the Flying Burrito Brothers
Tell me more: A beautiful and deeply affecting album, Chris Hillman's wonderful Bidin' My Time serves not only as a celebration of the legendary co-founder of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers but as a tribute to the illustrious lineup of guests who appear on the disc. Produced by Tom Petty — who the world lost on Oct. 2, 2017 — Bidin' My Time features singer/multi-instrumentalist Hillman performing songs he co-wrote with Steve Hill as well as songwriting contributions from Sonny Curtis, Nathan G. Barrow, Pete Seeger, Petty, and fellow Byrds members Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. The shimmering "Here She Comes Again" will thrill fans of Hillman's '60s tuneful folk rock with its layers of 12- and 6-string guitar provided by McGuinn and Petty alongside the organ handiwork of Benmont Tench (of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers fame). "She Don't Care About Time" taps into a similar sonic vein, with John Jorgenson's 12-string electric guitar dancing with Tench's stellar piano play. Assisting Hillman on his first studio album since 2005 are other greats including David Crosby (on harmony vocals on the lovely "Bells of Rhymney"), fiddler Gabs Witcher, drummer Steve Ferrone and bassist Mark Fain. And everywhere the masterful acoustic guitar, banjo and harmony vocals of Herb Pedersen shine. If there was any justice in the world, modern-day commercial country radio would have the album's infectious title track, introspective "Given All I Can See" and tender ballad "Different Rivers" in heavy rotation. Information: rounder.com.
Title: Brand New Day (Mono Mundo Recordings)
Tell me more: The Mavericks' latest album Brand New Day marks another chance to embrace and celebrate one of music's most joyful ensembles. Led by singer singer-guitarist Raul Malo, Brand New Day finds the Mavericks continuing to find new and wonderful ways to blend rock, country, Latin and Tex-Mex styles together . The spirited title track, bustling "Rolling Along," Western swing-flavored "Ride With Me" and Roy Orbison-minded "I Will Be Yours" are among the wonderful songs that lift this wonderful 10-song LP. Information: TheMavericksBand.com.
Title: Life Is Fine (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: A veritable treasure in his native Australia, singer-songwriter Paul Kelly released an aptly-titled album titled Life Is Fine that showcases the genuine strengths that make the artist so beloved at home. A gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist able to bring rock, folk, and Americana sounds together with ease, the new album is further elevated by the range of great singers and musicians who join Kelly on the mostly-upbeat project. The songs breathe and vibrate with life's power; the first track on the album "Rising Moon" mirrors the passion of a Springsteen track with its blend of rock dynamics, hopeful spirit and sense of the dramatic. "Finally Something Good" is a joyful exploration of love finally found. Beyond the instinctive and emotional pull of the songs is how Kelly has brought in guest vocalists Vika and Linda Bull to enhance select songs; indeed Vika Bull delivers lead vocals on the retro blues "My Man's Got a Cold." while Linda Bull sings the shimmering melodic folk rocker "Don't Explain." Kelly's own affecting baritone is more than up to the task everywhere else, including on the lively and expressive "Letter in the Rain," stirring country-flavored "Petrichor" and sparse title track. Information: paulkelly.com.au.
Title: Graveyard Whistling (ATO Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Rhett Miller, Wilco, Supersuckers
Tell me more: On Graveyard Whistling, the Old 97's unleash a batch of potent songs that mine well-traveled trails celebrating romance, life in small towns, the thrill of playing music and the joys of having a good drink. Since emerging in Dallas, Texas in 1993, the quartet has recorded a slew of great albums filled with memorable songs that stand the test of time; that formula is firmly intact on the 11-track Graveyard Whistling. There are rollicking alt-country rockers such as the confessional "Good With God" and the raucous "Drinkin' Song." The Old 97's can disarm with the most lovely of songs, as evidenced by the beautiful "Bad Luck Charm" with singer Rhett Miller's reflective delivery and the band's nuanced performance; on "All Who Wander" the band explores similar sonic territory with equal melodic prowess. The group also makes a joyful detour on the Celtic-flavored "Irish Whiskey Pretty Girls." Information: old97s.com.
Title: Silverlake (Lojinx)
Tell me more: I have heard hundreds of new studio albums this year and I can't think of any that are better than the brilliant Silverlake from Pugwash. A dozen marvelous originals fill this disc, all written by Dublin-based singer-guitarist Thomas Walsh. But the equally-winning part of the formula is the crucial work of Jason Falkner (a former member of Jellyfish and the Grays, and long-time lead guitarist of Beck's touring band), who produced, mixed and played a slew of instruments including guitars, bass, drums and keyboards on the tracks. To be sure the intoxicating "The Perfect Summer," "What Are You Like," "Without You" and other songs here will leave listeners with a delightfully-incurable case of earworm. Those looking for honest, melodic and inventive songwriting that is delivered with the artfulness of enduring classics from ELO, XTC, Crowded House and the Beatles should dispose of the weary adage "They don't make music like that anymore" and discover the magic of Pugwash. And the fact that the album was recorded in a mere 22 days makes this masterwork all the more remarkable. Information: lojinx.com.
Title: Villains (Matador Records)
Tell me more: Produced by Mark Ronson, the latest album from Queens Of The Stone Age (Villains) marked a remarkable step forward for the band even while retaining what has always made the Palm Desert-spawned rockers so powerful. From the intoxicating riff rocker "The Way You Used To Do" and dreamy "Fortress" to the rapid-fire "Head Like a Haunted House" and swirling groove rocker "Hideaway," this is an album that pushes the creative boundaries of Joshua Homme's outfit in their first full-length effort since 2013's ...Like Clockwork. Information: qotsa.com.
Artist: Ride
Title: Weather Diaries (Wichita Recordings)
Tell me more: Weather Diaries marked Ride's first new album in 21 years and the great news is the album is every bit as wonderful as the English quartet's remarkable return witnessed at Coachella in April 2015. The group's original lineup (guitarist-singer Andy Bell, lead singer-guitarist Mark Gardener, drummer Laurence "Los" Colbert and bassist Steve Queralt) came back together for Weather Diaries, which kicks off with the haunting and hypnotic rocker "Lannoy Point." That powerful musical statement is no fluke; every cut on the album thrives on the power of mood, clever song craft, and skilled musicianship. The electronica-styled "All I Want," lush "Home Is A Feeling," sweeping and swirling "Cali," and zestful "Lateral Alice" are among the terrific tracks on this welcome return. Information: ridemusic.net.
Title: Rule 62 (Six Shooter/Thirty Tigers)
Tell me more: With a sound and beautiful soprano that recalls some of the stellar country music singers of the '50s and '60s, Nashville-based songstress Whitney Rose shines on the decidedly contemporary Rule 62. Produced by Raul Malo (lead singer of the Mavericks), there is plenty of real world depth and captivating musical heft to lift each and every one of the 11 songs on the disc. The driving and defiant "Arizona" and Time to Cry," tender "You Never Cross My Mind" (which includes some sublime harmonies from Malo) and poetic "Wake Me in Wyoming" showcase Rose's superb talents as singer and songwriter. Recorded on Jan. 20, 2017 – the same day of the most recent Presidential Inaugural – "Can't Stop Shakin' " has a nervous and funky vibe suited to the uncertainty of the times; the Hammond B3 organ, electric guitar riffs and saxophone blasts immerse Rose's evocative vocals as part of the terrific and disquieting arrangement. An all-star group of musicians including bassist Jay Weaver (Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker), guitarist Kenny Vaughn (Marty Stuart, Lucinda Williams), drummer Paul Deakin (The Mavericks), pianist Jen Gunderman (Sheryl Crow), fiddler Aaron Till (Asleep at the Wheel) and steel guitar player Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart) enhance the album as well. Information: SixShooterRecords.com.
Title: Hippopotamus (BMG)
Tell me more: Forty-five years into their singularly adventuresome trajectory, art rockers Sparks (brothers Ron and Russell Mael) continue to break new ground with intoxicating, intelligent and inviting music via their 22nd studio album Hippopotamus. The sweeping baroque "Missionary Position," haunting "Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)," and synth pop number "Bummer" are among the riveting songs where Russell's falsetto vocals and Ron's accomplished keyboard talents lure in the listener. Sparks albums are always marked by original acerbic lyrics that provide more than enough intellectual food for thought and "Hippopotamus" is no exception; "Scandinavian Design," the cinematic "What The Hell Is It This Time?" and "So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside From That How Was the Play?" challenge with their skewed take on the world. Information: allsparks.com.
Title: Make It Be (Lost Colony Music & Bar/None Records)
You might like if you enjoy: XTC, Beck, Jellyfish
Tell me more: It is hard to think of a recent collaboration as interesting, eclectic and ambitious as Make It Be from indie hero R. Stevie Moore and singer-songwriter/guitarist Jason Falkner. The perfect mix of brilliant original songwriting, experimental spoken word pieces and several beautiful instrumental guitar interludes captivate across the fast-paced 18-track collection that is as accessible as it is groundbreaking. Those who love traditional power pop-styled songs featuring shimmering harmonies will find themselves immersed in the sonics of "Another Day Slips Away," "I Love Us, We Love Me" and "Sincero Amore," as well as the lush "Horror Show." Driving garage rock is given its glory on the art damage rocker "Stamps" while the psychedelic folk song "Play Myself Some Music" and experimental piano-meets-electronica foray "Passed Away Today" are late album highlights. There is also a just-for-fun take on Huey Smith & the Clowns' rollicking 1958 single "Don't You Just Know It." Across the disc, the wide-ranging talents of Moore and Falkner as vocalists and musicians dazzle bright. Information: bar-none.com.
Title: From a Room: Volume 2 (Mercury Nashville)
Tell me more: One of modern country music's most talented and authentic voices, Chris Stapleton released the wonderful From a Room: Volume 1 in May and followed that up with the even stronger From a Room: Volume 2 in early December. Highlights on the more recent album are everywhere, including the yearning country rockers "Millionaire" and "Midnight Train to Memphis," and the bluesy ballad "Tryin' to Untangle My Mind." My favorite song on the disc - "Scarecrow in the Garden" - is one of the most powerful and poignant songs released in 2017. Information: ChrisStapleton.com.
Title: The Mission (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Rush, Queen
Tell me more: To be sure, 2017 was marked by a number of long-awaited returns including Fastball, Little Steven, Chuck Berry and Ride. Add to that impressive list Styx; the classic rock troupe returned with a powerful new album that equals some of the band's best work. Recorded over the last three years, The Mission is the first new Styx studio album since 2003; the new LP is a compelling concept album centered around the technological challenges and human costs of an ambitious interplanetary journey. Several of the songs equal standouts on the band's best albums (Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight). The gorgeous "Locomotive" explores the complex relationship between father and son; the progressive rock-styled "The Greater Good" is an eloquently-detailed exchange between two astronauts as they hope their actions will advance their mission even if their lives are lost. The songs may be built around a trip into the cosmos, but the emotions and marvelous music making will connect firmly with listeners here on Terra Firma. Information: StyxWorld.com.
Title: Fantasizing About Being Black (Trance Blues Festival)
Tell me more: Groundbreaking singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Otis Taylor has long been able to musically articulate the African American experience in artful ways that tap into early blues as well as African world music and Americana styles. On his forceful and compelling 2017 album Fantasizing About Being Black, the Colorado-based musician goes even further in his search to bridge past and present in an 11-track exploration of the African American experience stretching from the slave era to specific periods in the 20th century and through the present day. This rich and real world journey includes the hypnotic "Walk On Water" (a tale of interracial love) adorned with Ron Miles' otherworldly play on the cornet, the fierce rocker "Hands On Your Stomach" (about a spirit who instructs an enslaved woman that her mind cannot be controlled) that includes some impressive fretwork from teenage guitar sensation Brandon "Taz" Niederauer, and the powerful blues gem "Tripping On This" (which chronicles a man's visit to see the son he gave up 48 years earlier). Taylor's Fantasizing About Being Black is an essential and brilliant album. Information: otistaylor.com.
Title: We're All In This Together (Provogue)
Tell me more: A slew of the world's greatest living blues rockers join singer-guitarist Walter Trout on the aptly-titled We're All In This Together, an amazing 14-track disc with a different guest artist paired with Trout on each track. What makes the album so extra special is how wonderful each of the performances capture the style of the guest joining Trout. Kenny Wayne Shepherd teams with Trout on the fiery shuffle "Gonna Hurt Like Hell," both guitar heroes shredding up a storm. Louisiana slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth enhances the beautiful Southern rocker "Ain't Going Back" with his vocals and guitar work; harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite blasts on the Chicago blues-flavored "The Other Side of the Pillow." And so it goes with artists including Warren Haynes, Eric Gales, Robben Ford, Edgar Winter, Joe Bonamassa and others. But at the end of the day it is Walter Trout who is the star here, having brought together this amazing cast of top-tier players into a cohesive project that shines with its perfect mix of song craft and virtuoso musicianship. Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.
Title: Songs of Experience (Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Coldplay
Tell me more: One of rock's greatest and most successful bands of all time, U2 has returned with the sequel to the quartet's 2014 album Songs of Innocence with the newly-released Songs of Experience. The lyrics touch on everything from enduring love and mortality to Syrian refugees and an examination of the "American Soul," but U2's success has always been about whether or not the band's songs have connected with their global audience. The good news here is that overall the material on Songs of Experience is stronger as a complete body of work than the track listing on their previous LP. Chief among this writer's favorites is the introspective "The Little Things That Give You Away" complete with The Edge's shimmering guitar textures, the anthemic "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" with Bono's soaring voice and the stirring "13 (There Is A Light)." U2 fuses its trademark sound with blues, gospel and soul on the determined "Lights on Home; "Red Flag Day" recalls the foursome's approach back in their early days with The Edge's rapid-fire guitar, Adam Clayton's thundering bass and Larry Mullen Jr.'s forceful drumming. A wonderful return. Information: U2.com.
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| The xx performing at Coachella in April 2017. Photo: Erik Voake courtesy of Goldenvoice |
Title: I See You (Young Turks)
Tell me more: Released back in January 2017, the third album from the xx continues to resonate. I picked up I See You after catching the xx perform at Coachella in April, and the album captured my attention with its mix of emotive vocals (featuring singer-guitarist Romy Madley Croft and singer-bassist Oliver Sim), textured arrangements and nuanced songs showcasing the English group's dreamy minimalist pop style. The electronic sounds and melancholy sounds enhance the songs across I See You, including joyful "Say Something Loving," disarming "A Violent Noise" and intoxicating "I Dare You." Information: thexx.info.
Title: The Visitor (Reprise)
Tell me more: At 72, Neil Young remains one of rock's most defiant, relevant and interesting artists; that is especially true listening to the aptly-titled The Visitor. Long after the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer might have settled into the nostalgia route he continues to write and record challenging songs. On his latest collaboration with Promise of the Real (the band featuring Willie Nelson's sons Lukas and Micah Nelson), the Canadian native addresses his love of America even as he questions America's future a year into President Trump's presidency. On "Already Great" he notes "Already great/You're already great/You're the promise land/You're the helping hand." Taken as a whole, Young's dedication to saving the world's natural beauty ("Fly By Night Deal," "Stand Tall" "Forever") and social protest (the lovely "Children of Destiny") are themes he has been exploring for most of his life. And as long as the songs are as powerful and memorable as those displayed on his 39th album, keep 'em coming. Information: NeilYoung.com.
Robert Kinsler
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