THE 2011 MELROCK AWARDS
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR |
1. Mr. Big What If... Mr. Big's album is quite raw and some didn't appreciate the Kevin Shirley production - but listen to the results on this album. Feel the energy of a band playing off each other in the studio setting where things can be notoriously sterile. 'What If...' is filled with songs that take the listener to the edge. It captures the guys at their very best and the individual performances within, are simply stunning. Everyone delivers. And to this day I'm still marvelling over the interplay between the guys on certain tracks. They just seem to know what each other is thinking before they get there and the winner is the fans that bought this album. Album Of The Year 2011. |
1. Night Ranger Somewhere In California Night Ranger have done what many bands can't seem to do. They have kept their classic sound intact, while still being fresh and moving their sound forward. It's ironic that they do this so well on this album after the more contemporary predecessor. But this album is no 80s throw back. It's just the band doing what they do best - delivering high energy melodic rock songs with a ton of harmonies and a mix of big choruses and duelling guitars. The new line-up seems to gel brilliantly together as showcased by their live shows, and this record sounds positive and fun and the songs are simply brilliant. Layers of harmonies, big hooks and guitars, guitars guitars! Night Ranger absolutely nailed this one and deserve to be joint winners of Album Of The Year 2011. |
Journey Eclipse Easily the band's most controversial album since Raised On Radio and perhaps the most controversial part of my 2011 list (at least for those that disagree!). I can hear the gasps now as fans that disliked this album wander around dazed and confused as to how it could be ranked 3rd best album of 2011? Well....go back to Raised On Radio or Arrival and seek solace. I loved the album right from the start and my enthusiasm hasn't dwindled any. Whether he likes the tag or not, this IS Neal Schon's record, as it is his amazing performance that drives the energy behind this record. The longer songs and the heavier, less chorus dominated direction of this album may have alienated some, but for those that like their music a little darker and more challenging sometimes, this is the album to have. I think the band need to be applauded for taking risks at this stage of their career and going against what most expected. If you pull the album apart, there were a few tracks that demand attention and stand out as the best on the album. But generally, it was a real "album" as such, in that the listener is best served listening to it from start to end and enjoying it as a body of work. |
Mecca Undeniable No one gave Mecca a chance of coming close to their masterpiece AOR debut. And I guess some might still state that. The slight change of direction didn't work for some, but at the heart of this album is an emotional journey and a story that few others could have told so well. This is simply one of the best Westcoast pop/AOR albums of the last decade, with a high-tech, yet honest feel that may have taken 6 years to complete, but feels to me like it was worth the wait. I know some others disagree, but this really is a wonderfully produced album that deserves the attention of AOR/Westcoast fans. I had this album for some 6 months before release and it really is a slow burner that never gets tired, so I hope some folks will revisit this album and re-discover it's greatness. |
Toby Hitchcock Mercury Down The Pride Of Lions vocalist matched with Eclipse's Erik Martensson - there could be only one result - a classic melodic rock album. And any other year this album might have made it to #1, but with the still competition of 2011, it still makes the Top 5. A monster album of monster anthems and a vocal performance that is turned to max from the first note. It's certainly heavier than expected, but really works well. |
Honorable Mentions: (in no particular order)
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THE BEST METAL / PROG ALBUM:
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BEST DEBUT ALBUM OF 2011:
.....(New Band/Artist/Solo Debut, Not Project)
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BEST COMPILATION OR LIVE ALBUM:
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BEST RE-ISSUE/ARCHIVE RELEASE:
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2011 SONG OF THE YEAR |
THE BEST MELODIC METAL SONG:
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THE BEST BALLAD:
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2011 Best Artwork |
2011 Best Promotional Videos |
2011 Artist Awards |
2011 Rest In Peace |
Worst Of 2011 |
2011 WTF? |
2011 Hall Of Fame & Shame Awards |
Predictions |
Possible 2012 Top 20 (in no order) |
Dickhead Of The Year Award |