2022/23 Albums. Summa Cum Laude part II: Top 10

It was hard to rank these - but the upside was I had to keep listening to some of these over and over again. Some really, really, good stuff here. 10. Alice Mertons S.I.D.E.S

Born in Germany of Canadian and Irish descent. Based in the UK. Let's just call her awesome. How is she 30 already?













9. Birdy Portraits

A British Singer/Song-Writer who, while having been around for a long time, is still really young. I have been a fan for a long time.













8. Beyond The Black Beyond The Black

There are a lot of metal bands on my list. This album differentiated itself enough to make my list at #8 overall. Truly elite. From Germany.













7. Saint Agnes BLOODSUCKERS

A UK band. They are a bit edgy. Fine with me. I am so hooked on this band. Like, really hooked.













6. P!nk TRUSTFALL

This is not ranked here because I love P!NK (I do); It'e here because it is a very good album.













5. Olivia Rodrigo GUTS

From Southern California. I have nothing bad to say about his album - and lots of good things.













4. Holy Wars Eat It up Spit It Out

Another Los Angeles band. I never fail to rock out when listening to this album.













3. Xandria The Wonders Still Awaiting

A German based symphonic metal band. When their lead singer Dianne van Giersbergen left, I was not sure what we would get. But this album rates as the best symphonic metal band on my entire list. That says something.













2. Nina Nesbitt Älskar

I have been a fan of this Scottish Singer/Song-Writer for over a decade. I have to say, her song writing has matured into something more than pleasant - it's exquisite to me.













Bonus





1. Halestorm Back From the Dead

This is, in my opinion, the best live act going anywhere right now. And this is easily my favorite album for 2022-2023. From Pennsylvania.

2022/23 Albums -Summa Cum Laude Part I: 20-11

These are the best of the best. I really enjoyed putting this together.

20. Maggie Rogers Surrender

Singer/Song-Writer from Maryland.













19. Metric Formentera II

I can't even say how much I love this band. I have seen them live more than any other band - and there is a reason for that. They did two albums over the relevant span here. Did I mention that I love Toronto?













18. Metric Formentera I

Enough said.













17. Within Temptation Ritual

From the Netherlands. This symphonic metal band is one of the all time greats of the genre. This album demonstrates that they are as awesome as ever.













16. Icon For Hire The Reckoning

This band hits home with me emotionally. Chicago based.













15. Charlotte Wessels Tales from Six Feet Under Vol. II

Former lead singer from Dutch band Delain. Her solo career had been great. Love her.













14. Maisie Peters The Good Witch

A very recent find for me. I really enjoyed this album. Singer/Songer-Writer from the UK.













13. Tessa Violet My God!

Born in Chicago. New York based. A great singer/songer-writer.













12. Yonaka Welcome To My House

From Brighton, UK. This band has made me crazy about them. The only reason this is not top 10 is that it's not really an album (it's an EP). Don't care. So fucking good.













11. Edge of Paradise Hologram

This hard rocking band from LA is another recent discovery for me. Needless to say, I bought all their albums. Every time I listened to this album, I rated it higher. This is a really good band.

2022/23 Albums -Magna Cum Laude Part II: 30-21

30. Miley Cyrus Endless Summer Vacation

I think this is the first time a Miley Cyrus album has made my list. But this is a thoughourly enjoyable and well crafted album. It belongs here.













29. Miya Folick 2007

Saw her at Seventh Street Entry not long ago. She is a talent. From Los Angeles.













28. Pale Waves Unwanted

A truly great band from Manchester, UK.













27. Ruelle Somebody Else

Been a fan of this singer/song-writer for a while. Based in Nashville.













26. Dream Wife Social Lubrication

London based band. I really love their sound (and their lyrics)













25. Visions Of Atlantis Pirates

Austrian symphonic metal band. And a lot of fun live!













24. MONOWHALES Tunnel Vision

Toronoto is one of my favorite cities.













23. Grace Carter A Little Lost, A Little Found

Another singer/song-writer based in London. A fairly new discovery for me. Wow!













22. Halflives Inferno

Based in Paris. They are really good!













21. Ad Infinitum Chapter III - Downfall

Fronted by *super-talent* Melissa Bonny, the Swiss Symphonic Metal band is one of the very best.

2022/23 Albums -Magna Cum Laude Part I 40-31

Unlike the Cum Laude list, these are rank ordered.

40. DREAM NAILS Doom Loop

Imagine me liking an all girl punk band from London. Crazy stuff.













39. Regina Spektor Home, before and after

I so much love this artist. Born is Russia, raised in New York.













38. Eva Under Fire Love, Drugs & Misery

This is a good old fashioned bluesy rock band. From Detroit - which seems appropriate.













37. The Beaches Blame My Ex

Canadian bands and artists always seem to do well with me. This delightful band is no exception. From Toronto.













36. Therion Leviathon II

From Sweden. This band has seen some change over the years, but they continue to put out great albums.













35.DYLYN The Sixty90's

Singer/Songwriter from Canada (Toronto or Vancouver, depending on who you ask)













34. Florence + The Machine Dance Fever

Another great album from this artist. One of my all times.













33. Mother Mother Inside

A super band from Vancouver













32. Taylor Swift Midnights

Do I need to say anything here?













31. Grace Potter Mother Road

From Vermont, Grace Potter has been a favorite on mine for over a decade