BEST OF 2023 – HannahPanda (Photographer/Writer) 🇺🇲
You can find the Collective List as well as all our Best of 2023 content including contributors’ individual lists, podcasts and radio DJ shows here: CGCM’s Best of 2023 (Year in Review)
HannahPanda (aka: Hannah Douglas) one of CGCM Rock Radio‘s newest photographer/website contributors from the USA showcases her personal top ten favourite albums of 2023 here in this article. Check out her recommendations and all of our CGCM staff’s lists through the link above.
#10 🇺🇲
DOGMA – Dogma
I
’m including Dogma’s debut self-titled album here, simply because I have to; this heavy metal girl band of anonymous Satan-worshipping nuns checks just about every box that I have, and their kickoff album combines cult-like storytelling lyrics with thunderous musicality. What’s not to love?
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
#9 🇬🇧
ASKING ALEXANDRIA – Where Do We Go From Here?
British metalcore band Asking Alexandria’s eighth studio album WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE is just objectively awesome. This album is concrete proof that a set of tracks can be both ridiculously catchy and surprisingly artistic at the same time, while also proving that Asking Alexandria has not lost their touch as their discography has progressed. One of the catchiest albums of the year in my opinion!
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
#8 🇺🇲
ALICE COOPER – Road
I’ll be honest; I can’t make a top ten list and not include Alice Cooper. Alice has been a part of my life since infancy and his latest album ROAD once again hits all of the right notes for me. The track “I’m Alice” truly sets the tone of the album, and brings back all of the authentic gritty Alice Cooper tones that we’re still in love with. From beginning to end, this is another fun Alice Cooper album that you just have to enjoy.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
#7 🇺🇲
AYRON JONES – Chronicles of the Kid
Ayron Jones’ fourth album CHRONICLES OF THE KID has been one of my favorites of the year since it first released in June. Although intense at times, it’s a fantastic listen throughout and gets nothing but better the more familiar you get with it. Ayron Jones’ unique vocals and guitar skills are nothing short of legendary and this is arguably his best set of tracks yet.
#6 🇳🇱
BLACKBRIAR – A Dark Euphony
A DARK EUPHONY, Blackbriar’s sophomore album, was one of my favourite releases of the year. This album really showcases their talent and growth perfectly, including eleven tracks fully saturated with great songwriting and symphonic metal melodies. These musicians really showcase their raw talents in this latest album.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
#5 🇬🇧
THE ROLLING STONES – Hackney Diamonds
HACKNEY DIAMONDS by the Rolling Stones released on October 20th, so I’m still getting to know it; however, I rate every track so highly that it’s already in my top ten albums of 2023. There are a ton of things I love about this bluesy classic rock and roll album and it grows on me with every new listen.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
#4 🇬🇧
BLACK STAR RIDERS – Wrong Side of Paradise
WRONG SIDE OF PARADISE was released in January of 2023 as the fifth album by Black Star Riders. When I first listened to it in January, I had a feeling that it would be in my top ten shortlist, and here it is! Amazing rhythm from the guitars and epic sounds throughout the entire album; if you ever don’t know what to play this is a great one to put on.
#3 🇺🇲
WINERY DOGS – III
One of my favourite things about III by The Winery Dogs is how much variety it packs into 10 tracks. It truly shows that they’re technically great musicians with a wide range of talents, and has been one of my go-to albums since it came out in July of this year.
#2 🇺🇲
MAMMOTH WVH – Mammoth II
Another sophomore album on this list, this time by Wolfgang Van Halen, MAMMOTH II was released on August 4th, 2023 and is clearly a project born of passion. This latest album was recorded in father Eddie Van Halen’s own studio and produced by Wolfgang’s friend and collaborator, giving himself a great opportunity to push himself musically. Compared to MAMMOTH I, MAMMOTH II pushes itself to be harder, heavier, and more diversified, with some amazing guitar solos and vocals.
#1 🇺🇲
GREAT VAN FLEET – Starcatcher
Greta Van Fleet’s third album STARCATCHER was released July 21st, 2023, and makes for an easy selection for my number one slot of the year. In my opinion, this is the album that will make people quit comparing Greta Van Fleet to other bands and instead puts them in a league of their own. STARCATCHER takes what is already a great formula and puts a magical spin on it that’s very refreshing, and it makes me all the more excited for their future releases.
Check out my other articles here. Hannah.
