Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #4 And #5!

So now I'm down to my Top 5 albums of the past year.  There was ALOT of good music that came out over the past 12 months, it's getting hard to keep up with it all...most of the albums are from bands that I follow, and then there are those that come from out of nowhere to hit me on the head.  Here's one of each!

5. W.E.T. - Rise Up 

Unusual name, fantastic album. Featuring members of melodic rock bands, Work Of Art, Eclipse and Talisman, Rise Up is one of the best melodic rock albums I have ever heard. This is an example of where every track could be a single.  Amazing vocals (as always) from the legendary Jeff Scott Soto, and stunning guitar work from Robert Sall. An album that harkens back to the classic AOR of Journey, Foreigner and Survivor, but with more bite. All the tracks are great, but faves would be Walk Away, What You Want and Learn To Live Again.  An album with clean production and direction that never falters. A must for fans of melodic hard rock.

4. Stryper - No More Hell To Pay

I've been a fan of Stryper from literally the beginning, with the release of their Yellow and Black Attack in 1984. There were a few ups and downs, and now they have released possibly the best record of their career.  No More Hell To Pay is classic Stryper from top to bottom, but heavier, with ALL the original members.  Not a ballad to be seen, just great song after song that show there's lots of gas left in the tank. Seriously, there are not many men in their 50's that deliver vocals like Michael Sweet. Amazing. His brother Robert, continues to be an influence on the kit. Tracks like Sympathy, Legacy and the title track I would recommend to all who like their metal guitar driven and classic.  Well done boys, and thanks for all the great music!

My top 3 of the year are to come, and then it's back to more posts about my fave albums and lost classics! Maybe some Top 5 lists this year too! See you all very soon! Crank it!