Catching up on 2025: Turnpike Troubadours, Cheap Trick, Edward Rogers, The Black Keys, The Iveys

Before the arrival of 2026, I wanted to highlight a handful of the year's best albums I hadn't yet celebrated in previous columns. The latest full-length discs from Cheap Trick, Turnpike Troubadours, The Black Keys and Edward Rogers as well as a new anthology featuring The Iveys are among my favorite audio releases of the year.

Artist: Turnpike Troubadours
Title: The Price of Admission (Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers)

You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Trampled by Turtles

Tell me more: I was recently able to catch up with the Turnpike Troubadours' sixth album, The Price of Admission, released in April 2025. An 11-track masterwork where the timeless sounds of neotraditional country, honky-tonk and Americana are fused with songs of incredible lyrical depth, the Shooter Jennings-produced album immerses the listener upon a single listen. Singer-songwriter/guitarist Evan Felker's top-tier voice delivers the wide range of material with real world emotion while the rest of the ensemble delivers nuanced and virtuoso musical accompaniment at every turn. Highlights on the stellar album include the deeply affecting opener "On The Red River" (a powerful song that looks at loss and love for a late father), the countrified "Searching For A Light" that looks at remaining hopeful despite life's bona fide challenges, the uptempo bluegrass-fueled "The Devil Plies His Trade," the exuberant "Ruby Ann" celebrating the magic of new love, and the rousing roots rocker "What Was Advertised." Information: turnpiketroubadours.com.

Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: All Washed Up (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, Green Day

Tell me more: Cheap Trick returned in a big way in 2025 through a number of high profile appearances (including at the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7 where the quartet performed in honor of their "lifelong brothers" KISS), as well as via the release of the beloved American rock band's 21st studio album All Washed Up. On the 11-track All Washed Up, singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Daxx X Nielsen deliver a bunch of killer originals with their signature zeal, blending power pop and alt rock with aplomb. They bust right out of the gate with the driving title track, and follow that up with the winning likes of the fiery "The Riff That Won't Quit," haunting "Bet It All" that looks at the dangers of gambling, the melodic romance-themed "The Best Thing," soaring "Twelve Gates," aptly-titled "Love Gone," bewitching "A Long Way to Worcester" and music hall-styled "Wham Boom Bang," the latter album closer really showcasing Zander's impressive tenor vocals. Information: cheaptrick.com. 

Artist: Edward Rogers
Title: Astor Place (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Bedsit Poets, Rogers and Butler, The Zombies

Tell me more: New York City-based singer-songwriter Edward Rogers is back with Astor Place, his first solo album in five years. Fans of '60s-era classic rock, modern power pop and literate singer-songwriter styles will all find something to love across the Don Fleming-produced 10-track disc. Among the winning parade of originals are the Baroque pop-styled "The Olde Church," melodic "Lies Cries and Alibis," enticing tuneful garage rocker "Romeo," acoustic foray "Diamonds Hidden in the Pearls," poetic "I Walk Behind Your Shadow," and evocative "On the Other Side of the Rainbow." Information: https://www.thinklikeakey.com/format/1758866-astor-place. 

Artist: The Black Keys
Title: No Rain, No Flowers (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Beck, The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr.

Tell me more: The Black Keys returned this year with No Rain, No Flowers, an album showcasing the myriad of strengths of the ambitious Akron, Ohio-spawned duo (singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney). The shimmering opener "No Rain, No Flowers," soulful "Make You Mine," melodic indie rocker "A Little Too High," playful romantic romp "Babygirl," melancholy-filled "Down to Nothing," edgy "Man On A Mission," dance floor-ready "Kiss It" and roots ballad "Neon Moon" are among the standouts on the Black Keys' 13th album. Information: theblackkeys.com. 

Artist: The Iveys
Title: Miniskirts And Rainbows (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, the Hollies

Tell me more: Miniskirts And Rainbows is an important new collection that features 19 tracks recorded between 1966 and 1969 by The Iveys, a pioneering power pop band that would later rise to fame as Badfinger courtesy of a series of memorable hit singles (including "No Matter What," "Come and Get It" and "Baby Blue"). Although many of the tracks on Miniskirts And Rainbows are demos and not originally intended for commercial release, the historical importance and palpable spirit of the essential recordings shine across the set. Among the wonderful cuts are "Cleopatra In A Miniskirt" (featuring lead vocals from Tom Evans), the buoyant "I Love You" (sung by Pete Ham), countrified delight "Blodwyn [demo]" (featuring outstanding vocal harmonies from Ham and Ron Griffiths), the Baroque ballad "Angelique [demo]," the psychedelic "Black & White Rainbows [version 2]," poignant Ham-penned "Yesterday Ain't Coming Back [demo]," Beach Boys flavored "Love Means Happiness," nostalgic "All The Fun Of The Fair" and Ham's sentimental "I Miss You [demo]."  Information: badfingerlibrary.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Bobbo Byrnes' 'October'; Shania Twain's 'Queen of Me'

Singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes and Canadian country-pop songstress Shania Twain both have essential new studio releases available now.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: October (Kiss My Squirrel Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Bruce Cockburn, Celtic folk, Americana

Tell me more: Bobbo Byrnes' new album October marks a welcome return for the talented singer-songwriter. Byrnes uses his gifts as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin) to deliver a strong set of nine acoustic gems. While on tour in Europe in the fall of 2022, Byrnes had the opportunity to record at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany and at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland. The results of those rich sessions have yielded selections that blend traditional folk with layered sound effects that provide enhanced soundscapes across the disc. "The Sea" benefits from an especially strong arrangement of more quiet verses that give way to driving instrumental sections; the dual use of driving guitar and mandolin further define this great cut. The lovely instrumental "October" fuses Byrnes' nuanced work on the acoustic guitar with the otherworldly layers of an e-bow. "Untitled" is a lovely and yearning nugget, with Byrnes' evocative vocals enhanced by sparse guitar accompaniment. Byrnes really immerses himself in a haunting Celtic-flavored cover of "Crooked Jack." His version of David Bowie's classic "Heroes" — the original version was recorded by Bowie at Hansa Studio in 1977 — is especially impressive, with Byrnes effectively building the power of the song with a combination of vocal firepower, well played rhythm guitar and soaring e-bow. Byrnes will celebrate the release of his new album October with a CD release show at The Harp Inn in Costa Mesa, playing 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. Information: BobboByrnes.com.

Artist: Shania Twain
Title: Queen of Me (Republic Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift

Tell me more: Veteran country-pop music favorite Shania Twain is back with her sixth studio album, Queen of Me. Twain's first new album since 2017's Now, Queen of Me is an effort that finds the beloved Canadian singer-songwriter taking aim at the charts with a disc full of catchy and accessible synth-anchored modern music. The material here is commercial to be sure, with the new single "Giddy Up!" an obvious shot at returning Twain to the attention of her millions of fans. The driving dance track "Waking Up Dreaming" is an especially strong song, with Twain's signature vocals used to perfect effect. Other strong entries on the album include the genre-bending electronica-meets-country nugget "Pretty Liar," shining pop tracks "Inhale/Exhale AIR" and "Number One," super bewitching dream pop sortie "Got It Good" and confessional "The Hardest Stone." Information: ShaniaTwain.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: The Killers, Willie Nile, Night Ranger, The Furious Seasons

In the wake of the arrival of COVID-19, it's not a surprise that a growing list of terrific studio albums written and recorded during the pandemic are being released. In my latest column, I feature four very different albums that collectively provide a lesson in how artists are able to capture adversity and cast it into song. 

Artist: The Killers

Title: Pressure Machine (Island Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Band of Horses, Dawes

Tell me more: In a year that has yielded a bumper crop of incredible albums created during the global pandemic, The Killers' 7th studio album Pressure Machine takes a especially introspective look at life today albeit through the prism of the small town of Nephi, Utah (where band singer Brandon Flowers spent most of his youth). While the modern rock heroes were spawned out of Las Vegas, the sound of this album draws favorable comparisons with Bruce Springsteen's Western Stars and Band of Horses' 2010 masterwork Infinite Arms. The songs were borne out of real life stores — they take aim at religious faith and discontent, death, cynicism, sacrificed dreams, the ravages of opioids and a myriad of observations about rural America. The musical tapestry is rich and beautiful; the lovely opener "West Hills," driving melodic harmonica- and piano-adorned "Quiet Town," tuneful "Sleepwalker," shimmering "In Another Life" and gorgeous "Runaway Horses" (the latter a duet between Flowers and Phoebe Bridgers) are among the masterful original tracks on the outstanding LP. Each of the tracks is introduced via spoken word segments that add to the power of the concept album. Information: TheKillersMusic.com.

Artist: Willie Nile

Title: The Day The Earth Stood Still (River House Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Willie Nile's outstanding 14th album The Day the Earth Stood Still may be named after the classic Robert Wise-directed 1951 sci-fi classic but is firmly rooted in the here and now. Listen close and the currents of the coronavirus' terrible toll on the world emerge via sharp songcraft; but there is an even larger canvas on display here as Nile's biting lyrics touch on social injustice, love, loss, hate and the mountain of troubles that divide and enrage the world — a sharp comedic wit further enhancing the collection. The piercing title track, searing "Blood On Your Hand" (featuring guest vocals from Steve Earle), lovely Baroque ballad "I Will Stand" and hope-filled anthem "Way of the Heart" reflect Nile's enduring prowess to bring diverse musical styles into his strong song-centered vision. "The Justice Bell" is a beautiful and affecting tribute to the late civil rights activist / U.S. Congressman John Lewis, who sadly passed away in July 2020. Information: WillieNile.com.

Artist: Night Ranger

Title: ATBPO (Frontiers Music Srl Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Night Ranger, Damn Yankees

Tell me more: Night Ranger is back with a winning album of melodic rock sure to please fans of the band's blend of melodic and hard rock. ATBPO (which stands for "And The Band Played On," a nod to soldiering on during the pandemic) delivers a mix of signature rockers and power ballads.  Anyone who has seen the quintet or knows their full discography will be thrilled that their 12th album continues to showcase breathtaking tandem lead guitar work (Brad Gillis and Keri Kelli), strong lead vocals (courtesy of bassist Jack Blades and drummer Kelly Keagy) and creative keyboards (Eric Levy). The prog rock-mining brisk rocker "Breakout," modern country-tinged "Hard To Make It Easy" and "Lucky Man," harmonies-rich power ballad "Can't Afford A Hero," hard-edged kiss-off "Cold As December," rowdy "Monkey" and inspired "Tomorrow" are among the standouts on the 11-track album. Released on Aug. 6, ATBPO is available on audio CD, color vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions) and digital; the CD and LP versions include the bonus track "Savior." Information: NightRanger.com.

Artist: The Furious Seasons

Title: Home All Day, Home All Night (Stonegarden Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Glen Phillips, Smart Brown Handbag, Pop Art

Tell me more: Set for release on Aug. 20, 2020, the title of The Furious Seasons' album says it all — Home All Day, Home All Night. As if the ravages of COVID-19 haven't been tough enough on their own, the coronavirus presented a huge hurdle for David Steinhart (guitar, vocals, drums), Jeff Steinhart (upright bass, keyboards, piano) and P.A. Nelson (guitar, vocals, dobro) because the trio is "...an acoustic band whose approach relies heavily on listening to each other in tight quarters," admitted Steinhart in press notes. " We went from sitting in a circle and recording live to sitting in three different studios miles apart." The good news is that the members of The Furious Seasons and five-time Grammy winning producer/engineer Alfonso Rodenas have a triumph with Home All Day, Home All Night, a testament that even a prolonged quarantine and working remotely couldn't get in the way of the creation of a dozen memorable tracks. With the exception of an artful reworking of David Bowie's "Changes," the material is truly original even while showcasing Americana sounds spanning classics from the '70s through this decade. The mournful "Is This Happening," intimate "We Go Down," melancholy-filled "Birthday Song" and desolate "The North Valley" are among my favorites on the stunning release. Information: TheFuriousSeasons.com.

Robert Kinsler