60. Shy Hinges, Wild Sun
Westerly, RI’s Wild Sun has been around for a few years, and have been showcased on 95.5 WBRU’s Home BRU’d, and participated in their 2014 Rock Hunt contest. “Shy Hinges” is their single off their debut album, Little Truths. It is lively, upbeat, and refreshingly easy to sing along with. Their best work yet, and a sign that the guys of Wild Sun are more than capable of expanding their commercial success in the new year.
Do yourself a favor a check them out live. For a list of their upcoming gigs, check out their website.
59. Cool Kid, The Eeries
Not only do The Eeries look like they are straight out of the early 90’s Seattle grunge scene, they have the sound to fit right in. Tell me Kurt Cobain would not write these lyrics….
“Here comes the weekend/hanging out with my best friend/wish I was a cool kid/wish I was a cool kid…… aspartame/I like the buzzing in my brain.”
The Eeries have yet to release a full length album, but from the sound of their 5 track EP, they have potential to make some big waves on the rock charts in the coming years. This acoustic version of “Cool Kid” is fantastic (the music starts at :40), but the studio version is where it is at.
Who will love this track? 90’s rock fans, anyone that loves the weekend, cool kids, not cool kids, and of course, Kurt Cobain.
58. Hold Back the River, James Bay
In addition to his break out year in the States, James Bay found chart success in just about every country in Europe with “Hold Back the River.” Bay has also added to his best year ever by being nominated for three Grammy Award Nominations, including the dreaded “Best New Artist” category.
Bay’s gritty vocals and soulful musical style combine to create music that seems so mature that it is surprising that he is only 25 years old.
57. Waste Another Beer, Old Southern Moonshine Revival
https://youtu.be/NGSIXR36wgk
“Waste Another Beer” is a full-on break up song for the light hearted country boy. This concept is simple: the man has wasted so much time, money, emotion on his ex, and decided that he will not waste anything else on her, especially his beer.
Even country haters will likely find the track catchy and enjoy singing along. Old Southern Moonshine Revival is fun, and “Waste Another Beer” will get the party going, and keep the beers cracking all night long.
56. Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart, Chris Cornell
https://youtu.be/KhJ9IwYc5NU
At the age of 51, Chris Cornell has shown no signs of slowing down. This is most evident with “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart”, the lead track off his fourth studio solo album, Higher Truth.
Cornell’s voice, one of the most recognizable in rock music, is flawless. He packs so much emotion into each syllable as only he can do. Despite the fact that he has had a grimace on his face since the early 90’s, Cornell has made rock fans smile since the early 90’s. “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” is rock at its best, and Chris Cornell has proven why he is so great at what he does.
55. Don’t Wanna Fight, Alabama Shakes
Nobody mashes funk, soul and rock better than Alabama Shakes do. Lead singer, Brittany Howard is the queen front woman of modern rock. Her use of falsetto in “Don’t Wanna Fight” is downright epic. Nominated for a Grammy for “Best Rock Song”, the rest of the field should have a hell of a steep hill to climb if they want to take the award from Brittany and the boys of Alabama Shakes.
54. Listen to the Man, George Ezra
George Ezra, the 22 year-old (!), yes that voice is coming out of a guy that was born in 1993, has found massive success in the States for his smash hit “Budapest” and more recently, “Blame It On Me“, which itself is a must hear song if you are not familiar with the track.
Ezra shows his playful side in the video for “Listen To The Man”, that is reminiscent of Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al”, which insanely enough was released 4 years before Ezra was even born.
“Listen to the Man” comes across as a little “ditty”, but in true “ditty” form, is so pleasant and fun that if you don’t find Ezra to be a charming, young lad with the potential for a major music career ahead of him, you are a cold human being.
53. Angels Fall, Breaking Benjamin
“Angels Fall”, the second release off Breaking Benjamin’s fifth studio album, Dark Before Dawn, is about not giving up when all appears to be lost, says lead singer, Benjamin Burnley.
Breaking Benjamin have proven to be the kings of their genre and after 13 years and 5 albums, they are better than ever. “Angels Fall” will get your blood pumping, and your adrenaline flowing. It is pure Breaking Benjamin at the top of their brilliant game.
52. Hold On Tight, Greg Holden
Greg Holden, who co-wrote one of the best songs to come out of American Idol, Phillip Phillip’s “Home“, now has a hit of his own. “Hold on Tight” is an inspiring, uplifting track that send out the all-important message of not taking one’s life for granted.
“Why don’t you hold on tight, to what you’ve been handed. Because you just don’t know how long you will have it.”
Greg Holden is a triple threat with his vocals, instruments, and phenomenal song-writing abilities. Look for his continued success in 2016.
51. Mountain At My Gates, Foals
Formed back in 2005, Oxford, England band, Foals, have had success in the UK for years. But 2015’s “Mountain At My Gates” was the first time the band found a significant amount more success for a track in the States than in their home country.
“Mountain At My Gates” is produced with intricate perfection, combining a catchy guitar hook, stellar drum beat, and spot on vocals and blending them into a modern rock gem.
