Hey ya’ll! When Nix asked us to share our top 10 albums from 2017, I knew it was going to be a slight challenge for me. I’ve been introduced to so much new music this year and it’s difficult for me to choose just 10 albums. At least she didn’t ask me to pick my top 10 favorite songs of the year….

When I hear a song that I like I tend to download the album that song is on and just see what else I can find from that artist or band that I enjoy. I put my iPod on shuffle when I am driving and just go from there.

That being said, after some long consideration, here is my list of 10 favorite albums from 2017. Please note: they are in no particular order and they may NOT be new albums! They may just be new to me albums that I really enjoy this year!

1. Darker than the light that never bleeds- Linkin Park
I will be honest with you, I haven’t really listened to Linkin Park since I was in high school due to life and the focus on local bands in the recent years. That being said, Ian recommended a few songs off this album to me after Chester passed away and I was intrigued. This is a totally different sound than the Linkin Park that I remember, and I can really dig the direction that they were going in!

2. Burn the Ships- Blacktop Mojo
I got to meet the gentleman of Blacktop Mojo a month or so ago thanks to helping Tiffany out with an interview before a show my husband was playing with them. I really enjoy them as a band and this new album is no exception. They have a good mix of southern rock n’ roll

3. Awake- Skillet
The “Up Next” feature on YouTube is an amazing thing in my opinion! It has helped introduce me to a ton of new music this year, which is how I found this particular album from Skillet. There isn’t a single song on this album that I don’t like. So, I know that this particular album was released back in 2009 and I am super late to the music train here…. but I LOVE this album.

4. Smokin’ Hearts & Broken Guns- Shaman’s Harvest
I found these guys by accident (again with thanks to the “Up next” feature of YouTube). I love their southern rock sound. I was first introduced to them with “In Chains” followed by “Dragonfly” (my favorite). My husband loves “Country as F**k” and that song just makes me giggle.

5. The Awakening- Worhol
I think you guys know my thoughts on this one. If not, check out this post. Not to mention that Ashley is an absolute doll!

6. Manifesto- Seasons After
This one came out in 2016, but still one of my favorite albums from these guys. I got to photograph them at a show in Louisiana and they are some awesome guys. I am not usually a fan of the screaming, but this album is fantastic. I love most of their music and it was hard to pick my favorite album.

7. Conclusions- Bridge to Grace
I feel like I need to preface this with yes, I know these guys. My husband has played with them numerous times and I consider their Bassist a friend. They also are taking an indefinite hiatus from making music and it breaks my heart. They released this album this year after announcing their hiatus and my lord…. this album is AWESOME! David has an impressive voice with a great range.

8. Into the Wild Life- Halestorm
Yes, I know this album came out like two years ago… but it is one of my favorites. I absolutely LOVE Lzzy’s voice. She’s the kind of singer I would love to be! This album is just chalk full of great songs like ‘Dear Daughter”, “Amen”, and my absolute favorite “I Am The Fire”.

9. Vices and Virtues- Art of Dying
I had the pleasure of meeting these guys last year when my husband played two shows with them and they are some fantastic people. I love all of their music and I find myself coming back to their entire discography time and time again. This is one of their older albums but I love the songs on this album and I listen to it often.

10. My Longest Way Home- Any Given Day
I was introduced to these guys when I was stationed in Germany by a friend of mine. He showed me their cover of Rhianna’s “Diamonds” and I was HOOKED. They are actually a German rock band and this album is a great display of their talent. Their lead singer Denis Diehl impresses me with his flawless transition between singing and screaming. They just released a new album in August that I haven’t had a chance to listen to yet, but that is next on my list.