Last time, I started my 4-part blog series called stranded on an island album collection countdown. I talked about 42 to 33 on the list in part 1. If you haven't read the first part of this series, check it out in the link below, before reading this post. Today, I will discuss 32 to 23 of my stranded on an island album collection. Let's jump into part 2.
32.Return To Forever- Scorpions
Scorpions - Return to Forever
Continuing the countdown with number 32, it is a newer album that came out in 2015 called "Return To Forever" by a great hair metal and rock band known as The Scorpions. When I saw The Scorpions live with Queensryche in September of 2015 at the Barclay Center, I went to listen to their biggest hits, and I had no idea that they had a new album out. I thought they were just celebrating their 50th anniversary with a world tour. They played some of their new songs on this tour and it interested me to check out the whole album. Especially, when they had an acoustic part of the show, and the guitarist came with a cool Flying V acoustic guitar to play, "Wind Of Change," "Send Me An Angel," and the new song at the time called, "Eye Of The Storm." After the show, it only took one listen to love this record. It's a great mix of fun hard rock songs like "Rock N' Roll Band", and beautiful power ballads like "House Of Cards". The opening track titled "Going Out With A Bang" is definitely the defining song that creates the sound of the whole album. What makes this song great is that it has nice build up to the release of the song. The verses start out with light riff playing, then the pre-chorus gets a little heavier, and when it gets to the chorus, it's turns into a headbanger. "Return To Forever" would have the same function as the Volbeat and Def Leppard albums on the list, because it gives the much-needed smile being on an island alone. Last, my favorite song on the album is "Eye Of The Storm," and I don't know, which version I like better, because the Flying V acoustic live version and studio version are both very good. Besides it being a pretty song, I think it relates with the situation, because the song is about finding your way home.
31.Lost Highway- Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi - Lost Highway
At 31, this may be an unpopular choice as Bon Jovi has so many great albums that someone would probably pick over this album, but this record is part of my childhood. When "Lost Highway" came out in 2007, it was perfect timing, because this is when I was starting to get into country music. I know what you might be thinking, what the hell is he talking about? Bon Jovi is hard rock, not country. Let me explain, Bon Jovi is hard rock, but they experimented and tried to do a country rock album around this time. After their big country crossover number 1 hit off "Have A Nice Day" titled "Who Said You Can't Go Home" featuring Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland, they were inspired to work on a country album. Every time I listen to this album, I am reminded why I listened to it over and over as a kid, because holds up after 16 years. It has upbeat snappy tunes like "Summertime," "Lost Highway," and "I Love This Town" that you can't help to jump and dance around. Then it has some great features with country stars Big & Rich and LeAnn Rimes on the album. I love the song that Big & Rich is on called "We Got It Going On," because it such a groovy heavy twang that it sounds like a country metal song. So many great parts in the song that it hard to pick a favorite. Big & Rich come in with an open word part, which is so entertaining, and it leads to other favorite part, before Jon Bon Jovi, John Rich, Big Kenny are harmonizing the final verse and chorus. After the open word part, the lead guitarist, Richie Sambora, does such a cool talk box guitar solo. Another thing that I love about this album are the great ballads like "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore," and "You Want To Make A Memory." Jon Bon Jovi in "You Want To Make A Memory" has such a powerful vocal performance. He has great control and he did a great job building up to the song's release. "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" featuring LeAnn Rimes is a fantastic duet with great harmonies from Jon Bon Jovi and LeAnn Rimes. Don't get me wrong, I love classic Bon Jovi, but "Lost Highway" has a special place in my heart that other Bon Jovi albums can't compete with.
30.Daughtry- Daughtry
Daughtry - Daughtry
Here's an American Idol contestant that I think had the best debut album and it is better than other winners and runner-up's debut albums maybe except for Carrie Underwood's "Some Hearts" album. Chris Daughtry as a runner-up on American Idol came out with a solid debut rock album. This album showcases how talented Daughtry really is and there are plenty of ballads on this record to show off his killer vocals like in "What About Now." This is last song on the album and it's a phenomenal vocal performance by Chris Daughtry singing a powerful message about doing something now not later. Although this is only half of what he can bring to the table, because he can always belt out some rocker type vocals as well like in "What I Want" featuring Slash. Slash as always has a well-crafted shred on the guitar, and he does great wailing on the guitar at the end of the song. Another example is "Over You," where it's an emotional headbanger about finally getting over someone and realizing your better off without them. It's definitely my favorite song on this album. Last, three songs on this record that help me get through waiting for help on this island are "Home," "It's Not Over," and "Breakdown." The song, "It's Not Over" will keep me going and to stay positive, because it reminds there is still a chance. "Breakdown" will remind me having negative thoughts during this is the worst thing that can do alone on an island. Finally, "Home" will remind me of my goal to get off this island and find my way back home. Daughtry's self-titled released in 2006 is such a work of art that it gets better and better as you listen to it from beginning to end.
29.Save Rock N' Roll- Fall Out Boy
Save Rock and Roll
The next album on this list, I think is the best work and peak of Fall Out Boy. "Save Rock N' Roll" is that mix of the old school Fall Out Boy, but little bit of a mainstream pop sound. This album by a long shot is my favorite Fall Out Boy album, because it has the perfect balance of punk and pop. I feel after this album, Fall Out Boy's albums besides "So Much For Stardust" were made for pop radio. I don't hate the albums after "Save Rock N' Roll," and I think they're good albums with great quality track on them, but "Save Rock N' Roll has more catchy memorable songs besides the singles. For example, I think "The Mighty Fall" featuring Big Sean, "Save Rock N' Roll" featuring Elton John, and "Rat A Tat" featuring Courtney Love are as great as the singles. "The Mighty Fall" is a track that grabs you in by the first chorus and you can't help grooving to it. Also, it still has the Fall Out Boy punk charm with the rock style guitar riff, but at same time, it integrates mainstreams elements of the time. It is very cool and different to hear a big sounding punk rock style backing Big Sean's rap part in the song, which makes it such an interesting song on the album. "Just One Yesterday" featuring Foxes has the same great mix of punk and mainstream elements of pop as well like "The Mighty Fall." "Rat A Tat" is another interesting track, because it reminds me of old school punk music with the vocals that Courtney Love brings to the song. Then, "Save Rock N' Roll" is a pure rock ballad and such a great finale to close out the album. Elton John brings his legendary presents, and he has amazing vocals as always on this great track. Another beautiful ballad on this album has to be "Young Volcanoes," because it has great harmonies, and it weirdly reminds me of something that the rock band Train would write. "The Phoenix" and "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" are catchy and fun songs to sing along with friends, while everyone is jumping up and down dancing. This album has the same need to bring on the island as the Volbeat record from the first part of the blog, because it is a pick me up type record. Last, it also has the same effect as the This Wildlife album from the first part of the blog, because it aged so well and after not listening to it for a while, I remember how great this Fall Out Boy album really is.
28.Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses- Slipknot
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
When talking about my favorite Slipknot album, I realized it is another one of my unpopular opinions. The fans of Slipknot will always love and think their best work is their second album, "Iowa," or their debut self-titled album, "Slipknot," but I disagree. I think the best work of Slipknot is "Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses," because I feel this Slipknot album opened the door to new elements to their sound. Corey Taylor, the lead singer of the band, was challenged by many haters on how he relied on profanity, when writing his lyrics on the first two albums. He proved the haters wrong and gave them the biggest middle finger, when "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses" was the first Slipknot record to not have a Parental Advisory on the cover. I think this was the best thing to happen to Slipknot, because the motivation of anger gave us incredible, emotional, and powerful lyrics and Corey Taylor was able to showcase the fantastic singing voice that he has. Corey Taylor added a new dynamic to his role to Slipknot that he didn't have to always scream on every second on the track and he could interestingly mix up or have a balance of vocal screams and vocal singing. Another reason I love this album the best out of all the Slipknot albums is because it has a variety of heavy metal thrashers and haunting ballads. It's that perfect blend for a shipwreck adventure, because the heavy songs get the frustrations out like the Three-Day Grace album from the first part of the blog, and the ballads can help stay focus to not break into insanity. Heavy song like "Before I Forget," "The Blister Exists," "Vermillion Pt. 1," and "Duality," are fun and wild anthems that you can't help becoming a singing madman in a mosh pit. This might get a lot of attention from the wildlife thinking you're crazy, because some of the lyrics you're singing. The wildlife would be saying, why on earth would he want to do that, when you're singing, "I want to put my fingers in my eyes," but at least you're having a good time. Then the ballads like "Vermillion Pt. 2," and "Circles" are deep meaningful songs that give positive messages to fight through tough times and not break.
27.Hail To The King- Avenged Sevenfold
Hail_to_the_King Next on the list is my favorite album by Avenged Sevenfold. What I love about Avenged Sevenfold is they are such a dynamic band. They always experiment with different sounds as each one of their albums are new and fresh. "Hail To The King" is their 1980's metal tribute record and I love every minute of it. As you saw in the first part and this second part of the blog post series, I love the 1980's music especially the hair metal bands of the era. Avenged Sevenfold captured what the metal music of the 80's was all about with powerful leading guitar riffs, fast crazy guitar solos, double pedal drumming and high vocals. Matt Shadows, the lead singer of Avenged Sevenfold, said in an interview with Metal Hammar, that "Hail To The King" was their Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin type album. I agree with M. Shadows on this, but this album also reminds me of something that Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Megadeth, or Ozzy Osbourne would release musically. For instance, songs like "Shepard Of Fire" and "This Means War" are their Metallica-like pieces. More examples would be "Hail To The King" having an Iron Maiden sound and "Doing Time" being something that Guns N' Roses would have written. Then, Finally, "Requiem" is a perfect example of Avenged Sevenfold honoring Megadeth. Another thing that I love about this album is the beautiful power ballads that Avenged Sevenfold put on this record. It was such a staple for bands in the 80's and 90's like Extreme, Warrant, Tesla, and many other hair metal bands to write their ballad. Avenged Sevenfold again nailed the 80's power ballad right on the head with "Acid Rain" and "Crimson Day." Both these songs make me reminisce about how great power ballads really were like Guns N' Roses' "Don't Cry" and "November Rain," or Ozzy Osbourne's "Mama, I'm Coming Home" and "Goodbye To Romance." These songs that I mentioned are my comfort food. I can have my escape to the 80's for a while with this Avenged Sevenfold album, which can help me take my mind off being on this stranded island.
26.Sound Of Madness- Shinedown
Number 26, I decided I need to bring a Shinedown album, if I am stuck on a stranded island. Shinedown has quickly moved up the ranking on my favorite bands list, because of two factors. First, I have seen them twice live and they put on such an incredible live concert. They are so amazing live that I am seeing them again for a third time in September. Second, Shinedown's last album, "Planet Zero" is tied with Avenged Sevenfold's last record, "Life Is But A Dream", for the coolest concept album that I have ever heard. However, I am bringing their album, "Sound Of Madness" with me, because I love that this record has so many great compelling ballads on it. Songs like "The Crow And The Butterfly," "Second Chance," "If You Only Knew," "Call Me," and "Breaking Inside" all start soft and build to powerful and meaningful choruses. Case in point, "Second Chance" is an anthem explaining to the youth don't let anyone discourage you from following your dreams. Another instance, Brent Smith, the lead singer of Shinedown, wrote "If You Only Knew" about missing his ex that is pregnant with their child and the song is so heart wrenching. Smith pours his heart out to her as he would do anything to take her back. This album does contain more ballads than usual a Shinedown album, but don't be fooled, because songs like "Sound Of Madness" and "Devour" can pack a punch. Another reason why I can't get enough of this piece of work, because it has a variety of headbanging songs and emotional tear-jerking songs. "Sound Of Madnees" has such strong songwriting all around as every song is authentic and real lyrically. Hopefully I am not on this stranded island for too long or I'll be hearing the sound of madness that the Shinedown boys have created.
25.Dizzy Up The Girl- The Goo Goo Dolls
At 25, I'm going back to 1998 with The Goo Goo Dolls' "Dizzy Up The Girl." The Goo Goo Dolls has always had a special place in my heart. They never disappoint with every new album that they release. If I had to pick one of their records, I think it would be "Dizzy Up The Girl," because it's The Goo Goo Dolls best work making it a must have for the island jams. This album contains fun alternative tracks that I can dance with myself to on the island, but also contains some uplifting ballads as well. What I like with this record is the catchy guitar riffs acoustically and electrically that drive the songs. Some of my acoustic guitar riffs favorites has to be "Slide," "Black Balloon," and "Acoustic 3." I especially love in the song, "Slide," is the riff used in the beginning of chorus in such a perfect lead-in to the hook line of the chorus. Some of my electric guitar riffs favorites has to be "Broadway," "Dizzy," "Hate This Place," and "Big Machine." I think "Dizzy" is the riff that I love the most out of those four songs, because it has a movie chase scene or spy movie feel to it. I have to mention also the great B-tracks on this album. The B-track that I belove the most is "January Friends," because the bass player, Robby Takac, showcases his unique voice making me reminisce about the Goo Goo Dolls' grunge days. Finally, I can't forget about this record's cherry on top, which is the stroke of genius called, "Iris." Where do I start with this song? The guitar and mandolin complementing each other throughout the track is perfect. The instrumental chord break that leads into the guitar solo is absolutely amazing. Then how after the guitar solo, the song builds into to this finale as John Rzeznik, the lead singer and guitarist, sings his heart out in the final chorus. "Iris" is definitely going to be my SOS island jam. I write out in the sand and every once in a while, scream to the heavens, "When everything is made be broken. I just want you to know who I am." Hopefully, one day the person flying the helicopter is a huge Goo Goo Dolls fan and he or she thinks it's a SOS from Rzeznik and Takac. Hope they are not disappointed when they fly down to save just another Goo Goo Dolls fan.
24.Yourself And Someone Like You- Matchbox Twenty
This next album is one of those records that I played over and over as a kid, and I don't know why, but I am so happy that I did. Thank you past me for being obsessed with Matchbox Twenty's "Yourself And Someone Like You." Matchbox Twenty came out with a top debut record with fun alternative and grunge tracks. "Yourself And Someone Like You" is like "Dizzy Up The Girl" as it has top notch catchy guitar riffs. The riffs in songs like "Real World," "Damn," "Girl Like That," and "Argue" have so much drive and force, but also strong melodies at the same time. Then, Rob Thomas, the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, belts out great vocals on this album. What I love about Rob Thomas's voice is that it is so versatile. Thomas can sing with so much anger and emotion in a song like "Push," but then he can sing softly in songs like "3AM" and "Shame." Also, I think Rob Thomas has such a cool and unique for the 1990's. Name me another rock star from 90's that has a country twang, when they sing. When I think of that era of rock music, I visualize Eddie Vedder in his plaid shirt leaning into the mic to sing in his native vocals called horse singing. The audience loves the song but is desperately looking for a translator, because they don't know what Eddie Vedder is saying. Anyway, the point is Matchbox Twenty has something different about them that makes them stand out as a band. Maybe while listening to this masterpiece on the island, I can play my favorite game called who should Rob Thomas do a country album with to pass the time. Imagine if Rob Thomas did a collaboration with Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, or Garth Brooks, that would be so awesome. If you're a fan of Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty, let me know in the comments below, who you like to see Rob Thomas do a country album with.
23.Divide- Ed Sheeran
Back to the list, the last album that I will discuss before I conclude part 2 of the top 42 stranded on an island album is Ed Sheeran's "Divide." I remember when this album first came out. I was on the bus to go the city to see the New York Rangers play at Madison Square Garden and I was blown away the first time I listened to this album. I love this album with all my heart as I think this is Ed Sheeran's "Tapestry." Ed Sheeran finds his inner Carole King creating singer-songwriter heaven with this magnum opus as every song could be on his greatest hits record. Not only are the A-side songs terrific, but the B-side songs are just as good. The storytelling and characters created in both A-side songs and B-side songs are just superb. Some A-side song examples are "Castle On The Hill" and "Galloway Girl." "Castle On The Hill" goes in depth on Sheeran's hometown and the people he grew up with as he drives back home, while reminiscing about his youth. "Galloway Girl" is very descripted as it goes into detail about who the Irish female character is in the song. The adventures that her and the English male character go on is so vivid that I imagine a clear picture in my head. Also, I love how he raps with great flow under an Irish-folk instrumentation on this track. Another Irish-folk sounding song called; "Nancy Mulligan" is a great example of a B-track with great storytelling. "Nancy Mulligan" is about following the love story of Nancy Mulligan and William Sheeran. Next, I want to talk about the wonderful ballads on this record. A-tracks like "Perfect" and "Happier" makes you cry for two different reasons. "Perfect" is so wonderful as it about finding that one special person in your life and loving everything about them. Every moment is everlasting with them, and this one person is the one that you want to spend the rest of your life with. "Happier" is the complete opposite as it is about realizing the person that you were once with is lot happier without you and you know the breakup was for the best, but you still struggle to accept it. A B-track that is as beautiful as "Perfect" and "Happier" is "Supermarket Flowers." This track is very soothing to listen to as the orchestral strings and piano complement each other perfectly. Not only does this album have the ballads and great storytelling, but it also has fun upbeat songs as well like "Shape Of You" and "What Do I Know." It just an album with so many different styles that everyone can enjoy something about this record. Definitely, an album that I am going have repeat while lying in the island sand.
I have showcased 10 more album that I will be bringing on my shipwrecked adventure, and I will reveal 10 more albums in part 3 of the top 42 stranded on an island music collection. I have added a song sample below of each album mentioned on this list for you to check out. All these albums are available on the streaming service of your choice, if you would like to hear more. Let me know in the comments below if you are familiar with some of these records and what are the albums that you would bring, if you were alone on a deserted island. Until next time, here's a fun fact. Kokomo is in the middle of the United States not in the Florida Keys. Thank you, Beach Boys! Your easy word to rhyme has caused some much traffic across the United States. People have gone on a wild goose chase for almost 40 years trying to find this place thanks to you.
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