Here is part two of my year end countdown. Tonight will be albums 40-31, which means we are sneaking closer to number 1. I can't wait to unveil that for you all. You can view 50-41 here. Hope you enjoy this part of the list.
40. Chris Young - Neon
This guy has an incredible voice. This is his third album and with it he is garnering more attention because of it. I first saw him open for Rascal Flatts but he came on before Kelly Pickler (Yuck). This year I saw him do his own show and open for Jason Aldean. That time he came on right before Jason, therefore I am predicting by his next album he will finally be headlining his own show and make his name known as a country star. Favorite Song: You
39. The Maine - Pioneer
The Maine is normally a band I wouldn't even bother listen to. That was then and this is now. They have changed their sound immensly and are now making more rock and roll music then their old pop punk sound. Fans are crying foul that they would go in this direction, but I say that it is for the better. And that would explain why they are at a decent spot on my list. Favorite Song: While Listening To Rock and Roll...
38. Jake Owen - Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Jake Owen is a guy that broke onto the scene with his song "Eight Second Ride." The song was so good apparently that it appears on both his debut and sophomore albums. His newest album has party anthems and heartbreak songs. It's a typical country album, but it is an outstanding effort in how he goes about doing that. There is a little dry spot in the middle, but overall it is one of my favorite country releases of the year. Favorite Song: Keepin' It Country
37. Rival Schools - Pedals
Rival Schools have done something right here. The sound isn't anything new, but it is definitely an incredible way of going about making a rock and roll album. I would compare this to bands like Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro. Bands that can make a big rock album and every song will punch you in the face with grace. This album is one of the best of the year that not many have listened to. Favorite Song: Eyes Wide Open
36. Blink 182 - Neighborhoods
Blink 182 is back! That is all you need to know. This album is a far cry from their older music, but a more mature sounding Blink is just what the doctor ordered. Their last album started heading in this direction right before they called a hiatus. They have come back and expanded on that maturity and have created a wonderful half hour listen. I saw them live recently and let's just say they are far from mature though. Favorite Song: Natives
35. Of Mice and Men - The Flood
Normally you can take any hardcore/screamo band and call them any name you want. Most of them all start to sound the same after a while and can be interchangeable. And yet I still buy them. There are a few that stand out to me like The Devil Wears Prada, Blessthefall, etc. Of Mice and Men can now be thrown into that category. Their debut album left a lot to be desired for, but The Flood left me wanting to come back to the start and take that journey again. It is incredible and one of my favorite screamo albums of all time. Favorite Song: Let Live
34. Cold War Kids - Mine Is Yours
Here is another album that has strayed from what older fans are used to. Again these "fans" couldn't handle change and were crying foul. And once again I was saying YES this is the right direction. This album came out just after I was going through a tough breakup and being that is most definitely a break up album it kind of helped. I was able to feel the emotions and will always hold a spot in my heart. Favorite Song: Skip The Charades
33. The Airborne Toxic Event - All At Once
These guys (and gal) are AMAZING live. They put on one of the most energetic shows that I went to this year and just tore the house down. Their political filled anthems as well as their heart wrenching love songs (and breakup songs) are what make this band so great. Their biggest hit "Sometime Around Midnight" from their debut album is a perfect example of this. This album took all the good from the debut and added to it. Favorite Song: Welcome To Your Wedding Day
32. Explosions In The Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Going from the most energetic concert, we are taking a trip to the most laid back concert I went to this year. From the moment the band hit the stage they said, "Hello, we are Explosions In The Sky from Texas." Those were the last words spoken all night. From then on it was almost 2 hours of nonstop instrumental rock. The music is what you can put on to just relax to and read a book. It's moody, it's atmospheric, it's serene and beautiful. An incredible journey. Favorite Song: Human Qualities
31. Young The Giant - Young The Giant
Much like Rival Schools, Young The Giant are your prototypical rock band. However, they mix their sound up very well. They have the stadium anthem "My Body" as well as the mellow coffee shop "Apartment." I have a great time listening to this album because of the diversity in it. Normally you have to listen to multiple bands to get the experience these guys give on one album. Favorite Song: Cough Syrup
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