Friday, April 21, 2017

The Rock Otaku’s Rockin’ Billboard Chart Watch: April 29, 2017

Hello degenerates, heathens, weirdos, and deviants.  I am the Rock Otaku, and I’m here to show you worlds such as hard rock, metal, punk, alternative rock, movies, TV, anime, video games, and anything that makes us scream, shout, and let it all out.

Welcome to my Rockin’ Billboard Chart Watch.  Here, I take a break from reviewing classic heavy metal albums, movies, TV, anime, games, and so on to review what is popular in the rock scene according to Billboard.  Back in the late 19th century, the magazine started as a news source for the entertainment industry back in the day (thus, circuses, fairs, and burlesque shows were covered), then, when music became a big business, it started covering music.  Then they started having an album chart, then a singles chart, in the mid-20th century, both of which are still going on to this very day, with changes to accommodate the changes in the landscape of music distribution.  But for the rock stuff, the first chart, which would be known today as the Mainstream Rock chart, debuted on March 21, 1981, with the Alternative Songs chart following suit in 1988, the Adult Alternative chart premiering some time in 2008, then the all-encompassing Hot Rock Songs chart came to fruition in 2009.  Here, I review them all, in order of either mainstream importance, date of creation, or which songs have the most material I can cover each week.

While I may not completely discuss all 4 of those, I will provide my thoughts on this week’s charts.  However, due to how I originally did things, and how this is a different ball game, I am going to be seriously late with this one.  But don’t you fret, I’ll provide some of my smooth commentary on the new tracks that came out for each chart.  For the older ones, I plan on doing catch-up specials, where I discuss earlier weeks in 2017 for these charts and determine what my thoughts were for each chart.  So for today, I’ll provide my two cents for the songs that came out for Billboard’s April 29, 2017 versions of the Hot Rock Songs, Alternative Songs, and Mainstream Rock songs in that order.  As for Adult Alternative, that would be more of a special moment if there’s a song everybody reading these things wants me to praise or tear into.  As a result, don’t get angry if this feels late.  I am learning from this process alongside you all.

For this entry, and for future ones, I’ll review the top 10 songs in order from highest charting to lowest with a short review that’ll provide my thoughts on it as of this week.  That and I’ll discuss songs that Billboard considers having merit, like best increases in position, sales, streaming, and airplay.  That and the new songs will be reviewed as well.  Unless I reviewed it in a previous entry, initially or updated due to it meeting my viewership goals.  Then I will have a new goal: it you want my current thoughts on it now, depending on your relative definition of now, then share this entry with others.  You’ll get my updated thoughts on each song. 

Though I’m sure that I’ll need to get rid of the first few lines in future installments of this.  Anyway, let’s begin.

Now for the Hot Rock Songs, in order of highest position to lowest, with reviews for new tracks:

1.         Believer – Imagine Dragons

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

2.         Heathens – twenty one pilots

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

3.         Heavy – Linkin Park Featuring Kiiara

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

4.         Ride – twenty one pilots

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

5.         Human – Rag'n'Bone Man

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

6.         The Night We Met – Lord Huron

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

7.         Let Me Out – Gorillaz Featuring Mavis Staples & Pusha T

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

8.         Sucker For Pain – Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons With Logic & Ty Dolla $ign Feat. X Ambassadors*

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

9.         Way Down We Go – Kaleo

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

10.       Saturn Barz – Gorillaz Featuring Popcaan

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

11.       Heavydirtysoul – twenty one pilots

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

12.       Wish I Knew You – The Revivalists

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

13.       Feel It Still – Portugal. The Man

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

14.       Andromeda – Gorillaz Featuring D.R.A.M. 

Did someone mention Gorillas?
GORILLAZ, CLAYTON!  AND AREN’T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD?!

So for this track, we definitely have a strong 80s vibe to it.  It could be the production, it could be the use of synthesizers, it could be the vocal delivery, it could be the beat, or it could be just me.  But thanks to that 80s vibe, I do have a very strong like to this song already.  I’m not sure if this will stay, but since this is Gorillaz, I do have the sense that this will stay in my memory and in the songs I’ll definitely listen to in full when it comes on the radio.

15.       Good News – Ocean Park Standoff
As far as indie pop goes, this is alright.  It’s a fun little song that’s definitely interesting while being driven by the singer.  Not to say that that’s a bad thing in rock or rock-related genres; some of the best bands are driven by the singer as much as the guitarist.  It’s still a nice-sounding song with some decent drive, and some surprisingly relatable lyrics.  I do relate to the sentiment of the song wanting good news.  For me, it’s to confirm that something bad that I could deal with ISN’T going to happen.  And the singer manages to bring out that sentiment surprisingly well, with some good production and drive adding to it.  Definitely a fun one.

 16.       Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
So if there’s a reason this song is charting on Billboard, it’s probably due to a certain trailer coming out with this song for a big blockbuster movie coming this November.  Apparently, it’s part of some high-grossing movie franchise that includes a trilogy that’s being capped off this Holiday Season that’s part of the over-arching narrative that involves superheroes, gods, sorcerors, and space warriors fighting a cosmic menace.  And this song was used in the trailer, which is similar in tone to another series within the same cinematic universe.  But how do I feel about seeing this here?
Seriously, this is a great song, one of those where it’s so simple, so straightforward, and so manly that it has to be about Vikings pillaging other lands, preparing for their travel to Valhalla.  The guitars by Jimmy Page are savage, the bass by John Paul Jones is thumping and catchy, the drums by John Bonham are legendary and adding to the badassery on display, and the wails of Robert Plant are outright majestic and blood-pumping.  This is probably one of the best rock songs ever composed, and it’s galloping riff will ensure its path to Valhalla being glorious.  Everything else in comparison other than bands I confirmed to outright adore?
Damn right!  Hopefully Thor Ragnarok is awesome.

17.       Testify – NEEDTOBREATHE 
Here’s the review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart_26.html

18.       Love – Lana Del Rey

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

19.       Love Is Mystical – Cold War Kids

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

20.       Middle Fingers – MISSIO

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

21.       Centerfold – The J. Geils Band
So let’s address the elephant in the room before he gets too grumpy.
Elephant: “Don’t act like you’re trying to ignore the recent death of…”
John J. Geils?  I know, I know.  It’s still a sad death to know how we lost him.  And of all the songs to pop up here post-mortem, it’s this one.  Not “Love Stinks” or “Freeze-Frame,” or any of his earlier stuff, but the one about learning his school crush is a centerfold in a men’s magazine.  That song.  And it’s easy to know why since it’s so damn catchy.  From the opening melody which somehow sounds like The Smurfs’ theme, or probably inspired it, to the chorus, this song is probably one of the catchiest songs about the combination of embarrassment and lust over what happened to your crush, and one of the dirtiest songs to get stuck in our heads, bonus points for being written by guys in their 30s at the time.  The production is vintage 80s, the guitar tone as well, and the vocals are great, with J. Geils playing a pretty good guitar part.  But let’s face it, you know this song, I know this song, we know this song, chicks dig giant robots, you get the idea.  Moving on.

22.       Help – Papa Roach

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html 

23.       Ascension – Gorillaz Featuring Vince Staples


24.       Hard Love – NEEDTOBREATHE
So it’s hard to determine which version of this song is the definitive version of this track.  So we have an electronic rock number that’s meant to have a sort of inspirational vibe to it, dealing with persevering your desires and dreams.  If there’s a praise I have to give this, this song does have some punch, and can be seen as a strong, uplifting track with slements that’ll probably inspire people to live on.  But if there’s an issue I have with it, it’s the fact that the drum production and sound, despite some great use of electronica sheen and guitar bite, has the same over-produced sound that’s heard in modern country music, really making this sound VERY cheap.  Sorry guys, but reminding me of Sam Hunt does require me to dock points AWAY from you.  Decent song, though.

25.       Angela – The Lumineers 
Here’s the review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart_26.html

26.       Cold Cold Cold – Cage The Elephant

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

27.       Don't Take The Money – Bleachers

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

28.       In Cold Blood – alt-J

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

29.       We Got The Power – Gorillaz Featuring Jehnny Beth

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

30.       Blame – Bastille

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

31.       Monster – Starset

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

32.       All The Pretty Girls – Kaleo 


33.       Sweet Disaster – DREAMERS

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

34.       How Did You Love – Shinedown

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

35.       Still Feel Like Your Man – John Mayer

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

36.       High – Sir Sly 
Here’s the review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart_26.html

37.       Let You Down – Seether

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

38.       Hot Thoughts – Spoon 


39.       Nimble Bastard – Incubus

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

40.       Reverend – Kings of Leon

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

41.       Feels Like Summer – Weezer 


42.       Shine – Mondo Cozmo 


43.       Never Again – Breaking Benjamin

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

44.       The Cure – Unspoken


45.       Show Yourself – Mastodon

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

46.       Take Me – Korn

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

47.       Black Rose – Volbeat

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

48.       Lifetimes – Oh Wonder
Uh, guys, I think I’m getting a little more interested and sentimental to this act.  Not to say that I love them, but I think that their melodies are fine, their production is fine, and the harmonies between the singers is fine.  Not great nor bad.  But it’s decent.  While I can feel that the modern pop rhythm section can be a little problem-generating in my eyes in the rock part, the fuzzy guitars and, of friggin’ course, the melodies are keeping me from hating this.  In reality, I don’t hate the idea and sentiment to this, and the idea of having electronica and rock mix can work in the right situations, this is definitely a decent track, but not one to blow people away.  I’ve already said this, but it’s decent.

49.       Ran – Future Islands
More indie electro rock?  And the members look like a bunch of dads?  I really hope that this project is by a bunch of musical veterans and dedicated musicians that didn’t have their big break yet, because this is, again like the last number, decent.  However, there’s a sense that this song is by a band with an older mentality than most of the younger bands despite the modern style.  And that does explain why I feel that the vocals don’t mesh with the sound of the instrumentation, even if both are decent.  But if I do have a praise toward this song, it’s that the band itself is the embodiment of “you’re never too old to follow your dreams and be successful.”  And that, considering where I’m at, is something I respect them for. 

50.       Cocoon – Milky Chance
With a band name like “Milky Chance,” I think that their chances for success are pretty sour.  However, with their time in the limelight, their new track, “Cocoon,” is a decent acoustic rock track with a vibe that is trying to go for a claustrophobic feel.  I’m not sure if that’s the case, but the title may allude to that.  That or it’s trying to be a song about a metaphorical cocooning of our emotions due to the stresses of life, with an emotive butterfly coming out later in life.  And escaping whatever keeps us confined before we do that.  It’s a weird concept, and I’m not sure if it’s an initially good idea.  But despite the starting acoustics, the song does go for a bluesy, garage-rock feel for the chorus and the bridge, with a lot more edge, despite being mostly edgeless.  The guitars are fine with a few decent electric guitar moments, the bass is alright, the drums are steady, and the vocalist is okay.  IN short, it’s decent, but it’s not something to consider a smash hit.  But that’s my thought, and I might be cocooned into my current musical interests in folk and power metal anyway.

Despite previous showcases of my taste in punk and metal, here’s the Alternative Songs:

1.         Believer – Imagine Dragons

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

2.         Wish I Knew You – The Revivalists

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

3.         Heavydirtysoul – twenty one pilots

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

4.         Love Is Mystical – Cold War Kids

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

5.         Human – Rag'n'Bone Man

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

6.         Blame – Bastille

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

7.         Fire Escape – Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

8.         Cold Cold Cold – Cage The Elephant

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

9.         Green Light – Lorde

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

10.       Sweet Disaster – DREAMERS

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

11.       Middle Fingers – MISSIO

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

12.       Feel It Still – Portugal. The Man

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

13.       Take It All Back – Judah & The Lion 
I’m sure that I’ve covered this song a few times already, and I’ve already stated that I am not a fan of this track.  May it be due to the production, the instrumentation, or more likely the lyrics, but one of those keeps throwing me off and causing me to outright dislike it.  Talk about the epitome of pretentious indie folk being this turd.  You know what, I’m glad this isn’t in the top 10 of this chart, but I feel that it should not be on the chart so I know that I don’t have to hear it again when it comes back.  Decent drive in the bridge though, but not enough to save it from my torture chambers.

14.       Still Breathing – Green Day 
Wow, this song still has some legs.  If I remember, on Channel Awesome’s blog platform, this might be one of the first 50 songs, and probably the first of that bunch I reviewed.  In short, this song is probably the unintended reason for the genesis of my blog adventures as the Rock Otaku.  And it’s somehow a little better than I give it credit for, being a very punchy song that just happens to be about still living on even when going through the worst life can put you through.  And that sentiment is one I feel relates to most likely a large chunk of you, with its focus on still being hammered by our problems but also still having the strength to continue on.  And I do feel that this fits Green Day well, being sort of autobiographical considering their origins as well as what they went through, such as having the guts to criticize Bush in the post-9/11 world.  It’s an interesting track, and one that I hope provides some guidance to your lives.

15.       Cleopatra – The Lumineers 

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

16.       Don't Take The Money – Bleachers

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

17.       High – Sir Sly 
Here’s the review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart_26.html

18.       Reverend – Kings of Leon

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

19.       Down – Marian Hill 
I’ve felt like I’ve talked about this before.  If not, then it’s probably that I didn’t, but something went on.  But in this case, it’s a rather interesting track from the beginning.  With its piano intro, we get an interesting, engaging, and bizarre tune.  That is until we get a hip hop beat, and that’s where the song starts to sound like the sludge that is pop music.  And this is coming from a guy who includes Mastodon’s Blood Mountain among his favorite albums, and that album gets really sludgy (since it’s progressive sludge metal).  The issue here is that the act here is interchangeable with the rest of modern pop music with it’s beat, sound, production valuse, and usage of pitch-shifting in the vocals.  As a result, it’s a few “millennial whoops” from being the kind of crap that I can’t stand and makes me feel like my generation is musically, well, challenged (this is what happens when you cut art music programs from public schools).  Does it make me feel down?  Sure, but not in the way they were intending.

20.       Shine – Mondo Cozmo 

 Here’s the review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart_26.html

21.       Feels Like Summer – Weezer 


22.       In Cold Blood – alt-J

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

23.       Nimble Bastard – Incubus

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

24.       Rhythm & Blues – The Head And The Heart (Need 40 views to review)
25.       Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay 


26.       Hot Thoughts – Spoon


27.       One Of Us – New Politics


28.       Good Morning – Grouplove (Need 50 views to review)
29.       Too Much To Think – 311


30.       Suit And Jacket – Judah & The Lion (Need 60 views to review)
31.       All The Pretty Girls – Kaleo


32.       High Enough – k.flay (Need 70 views to review)
33.       Heavy – Linkin Park Featuring Kiiara

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

34.       Kill For Candy – Dreamcar (Need 80 views to review)
35.       Name For You – The Shins (Need 90 views to review)
36.       Lost On You – LP (Need 100 views to review)
37.       She Said – Sundara Karma

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

38.       Pork Soda – Glass Animals (Need 110 views to review)
39.       Jungle – Tash Sultana
Wait a sec, we have a bluesy guitar-driven rock tune on the alternative chart coming in?  And it’s a melodic track to boot where I can probably forgive the synthesized drums because it gives off a one-woman band feel to this song?  And its approach is that of a genre-busting track that mixes rock, soul, blues, electronic, pop, r&b, and others into single song that is definitely in the Top 10 songs that embody the jungle, including works by Steve Miller Band and Guns N’ Roses.  This song is mostly perfect, with soulful vocals, a thumping bassline, a chill vibe, and one amazing guitar solo at the end, and it should be listened to more.  I feel that Tash Sultana has a long career ahead of her.

40.       We Got The Power – Gorillaz Featuring Jehnny Beth

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

And finally, my favorite one to look at due to a combination of my musical interests, nostalgia, and biases: the Mainstream Rock Chart:

 1.         Help – Papa Roach

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 2.         Take Me – Korn

 Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 3.         Let You Down – Seether

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 4.         Monster – Starset

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 5.         If Only For Now – Pop Evil

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 6.         Nimble Bastard – Incubus

 Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 7.         Show Yourself – Mastodon

 Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 8.         Black Rose – Volbeat

 Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 9.         Never Again – Breaking Benjamin

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 10.       Back From The Dead – Skillet

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 11.       How Did You Love – Shinedown

 Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 12.       Feed The Machine – Nickelback 
Don’t let the heavier sound fool you, this is still a Nickelback song.  It’s weird that my first Nickelback song to review (or riff) is one that’s a lot heavier than their infamous hit singles, and one that’s trying hard to be nu-metal revival.  Not to say that this is a bad thing, because I’m sure Nickelback started in the 90s post-grunge boom before becoming the butt-rock epitome we hate them for.  But if there’s an issue here, even with the catchy and heavy djent-inspired riff (or is it closer to metalcore?), Nickelback somehow has the ability to make things more generic-sounding when they incorporate more interesting elements into their sounds.  That includes the riff, as it feels like ANY other djent riff rather than something special, and the chorus is catchy enough but a little forgettable.  And the guitar solo isn’t the greatest thing ever.  It’s a decent solo for Nickelback, but I’m sure even hair metal had more jaw-dropping solos as well as grunge.  Overall, it’s not offensive or immature, but it’s surprisingly bland for a djent-mixed alternative metal song.  But for Nickelback, it's a decent track.

What, you expected something with vitrol?  Not today, but I’ll think of something for later when these Canucks come back on a chart or in another entry I make.

13.       My Name Is Human – Highly Suspect 
Wait, this song is still in the Top 15?  Sweet.  That’s all I have to say.  Like with a few other tracks here, such as “Still Breathing,” I remember reviewing this first before I set up my current platform.  And it’s still a spacy, airy, interesting song with a lyrical concept that both provokes the listener and makes them think while being well done in the production’s clarity and instrumental fuzz and fury.  And the fact that it’s about the blurring lines between humanity and technology (though that’s the point of the video, even if it’s more about the singer trying to make his own girlfriend with advanced robotics) makes it more a headbanger that will have you wonder just how human we are considering our obsession with technology.  Not to say that’s a bad thing, but it’s weird to think about.  And while the music could have drowned out those themes into powerfully amazing riffs and beats, I’m glad the band went for a dark, almost low-fi sound that really emphasizes the vocal delivery and the message here.  It’s definitely a favorite of mine here, and one that I stop to listen to, even when I’m using technology to convey my thoughts on technology.  Ironic, huh?

14.       Breathe – Through Fire  


15.       Madness – All That Remains 


16.       Highway – Bleeker

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

17.       God Damn – Avenged Sevenfold 


18.       Oh My God – The Pretty Reckless
Insert obvious joke here:
Beyond that, this is a rocking tune.  With a punk energy and beat, the song goes for a fast, furious, and angry song that channel’s Taylor Momsen’s rage into musical form.  And plus, you have to deal with the fact that she’s turned herself into a hard rocker.  Cindy Lou Who, she is no longer.  With said rage, we get a hard-hitting song that includes fast guitar work, thick basslines, and pounding drums.  As for the themes, you get a sense that this is about regret, wishing to be something else, identity crisis, frustration, and broken dreams.  As a result, we get a fast, angry, and frustrated hard rocker that embodies the best aspects of rock and keeps them alive in the mainstream.  Great tune overall.

19.       My Champion – Alter Bridge (Need 40 views to review)
20.       New Land – Avatar (Need 50 views to review)

21.       Middle Fingers – MISSIO

Here’s the original(ish) review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

22.       Heavydirtysoul – twenty one pilots

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

23.       Come Together – Godsmack (Need 60 views to review)
24.       Worth The Pain – Letters From The Fire (need 70 views to review)
25.       LOUD (F**k It) – Motionless In White (Need 80 views to review)
26.       Dark Black Makeup – Radkey (Need 90 views to review)
27.       Anti-Everything – DED


28.       Aftermath – As Lion


29.       Bullfight – A Day To Remember (Need 100 views to review)
30.       Howl – Biffy Clyro 


31.       Lure And Persuade – Citizen Zero (Need 110 views to review)

32.       Human – Rag'n'Bone Man

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

 33.       Cheaper To Drink Alone – Black Stone Cherry
Okay, so how many of you have heard of this band thanks to “White Trash Millionaire”?  Regardless, I view this kind of music as the new southern/country sleaze rock/metal.  With a very thick accent, bluesy distorted riffs, a pounding rhythm section, and a lot of dirt in the tires, which somehow includes a sleazy music video with the band members flirting with themselves in drag for some reason.  It’s as if the band is consisting of Ranma ½ and Kämpfer fans if they’re going to play their dates.  AS for the song, it’s a fun little song that does deal with the issues with having a relationship and finding that it’s easier to drink alone a.la George Thorogood rather than with either their friends or dates.  That and the guitar solo is pretty good, while the production doesn’t shy away from their status as hard rock.  Definitely a keeper when I hang out with rednecks, even with the video.  Seriously, if I started a Todd in the Shadows-esque video review series with modern, alternative, active, and hard rock, then this song is on the list of songs to review due to its video.

34.       Believer – Imagine Dragons

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

35.       I Want It All – Hell Or Highwater (Need 120 views to review)
36.       Pure Evil – Like A Storm

Here’s the original review here: http://rockotaku92.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-rock-otakus-rockin-billboard-chart.html

37.       The Put A Body In The Bayou – The Orwells
A fuzzy, sleazy, retro hard rock song from a band that’s definitely interested in the dark side of life?  Sweet.  And this song does have some great elements to it as well, with its groove from the bassline and drum work, the catchy vocals from the lead singer, and that hook.  If this is a continuation of what makes The White Stripes and other bands like them, then I salute these weirdos.  Their sound definitely has a mix of bite, accessibility, and fun to it that will allow for a steady career and strong fanbase, plus a desire to see them on the festival circuit.  Plus they also have a great but simple fuzzy guitar solo in the bridge that adds to the low-fi ton of this track.  In short, if this doesn’t confirm The Orwell’s place in the rock circuit, then the rock scene has gotten to cutesy, gimmick-driven, ironic, and politically correct for guys like these to thrive.  Looks like I might go for progressive power thrash metal then, maybe to give these guys room to breath?

38.       Run Rabbit Run – Black Map
If this title is indication of what kind of song this is, then it’s a sign that this song is a fast one.  And with its grungy hardcore punk sound, this song does serve as a proper example of how post-hardcore can still thrive in the era of Trump.  And with its revolutionary vocals and tone, it’s an indication that things may get a little more angry and frustrated on the rock charts.  And with its production and instrumentation, it does prove the band has an ear for clarity in its sound and serous chops and talent in making this interesting.  If there is a minor issue here, it could be that this song can easily fall off the charts next week in favor of more songs from the modern rock format in the soft and PC variety to undermine Black Map’s mission statement of rocking our socks off.  That and the lyrics don’t seem to make much sense on first listen.  Just a nitpick, but a notable concern.

39.       Animal – Badflower (Need 130 views to review)
40.       20 Below – September Mourning
With its mix of gothic imagery, comic book storytelling, and heavy metal instrumentation, it becomes clear that September Mourning are not just nerds, but the kind of artsy nerds that will apply their combined interests in the macabre, bizarre, and serialized.  And with its heavy instrumentation, taking cues from metal, gothic rock, industrial, and hardcore punk, it becomes clear that this is also not meant for the squeamish or the easily offended.  This is meant to challenge the mind and soul of the listener.  And the beauty of the singer in her vocals as well as the bizarre lyrics which have a sense that it’s part of a much larger story do add to the challenge of getting into this.  Is it easy to get into this band from this song?  I think so, as far as my limited exposure of this band and my positive impressions of this song prove.  However, while I do feel that this song is great and the band’s imagery is equally fantastic, I do get the same vibe from this band that I do from a Zack Snyder movie (which is why he’s better at gothic imagery and ideas with flash and flair than with Superman), but I can ignore that due to the impressive music.  Definitely a keeper, with its production, instrumentation, and chorus alongside the overarching concept it’s a part of.

So those were my thoughts on the charts and the new arrivals.  If you feel that I skipped out on certain songs, then feel free in the comments what songs you want me to elaborate on.  I have plans depending on how this is received for what I will review next week as well as what is new next week for the chart(s) I ultimately look at.  If you have different opinions on the songs I reviewed, feel free to tell me in the comments as well.

And yes, I hope to make the next one come up CLOSER to the Tuesday it comes after.

Plus, expect updates to the reviews (specifically songs I’ve missed) when this entry gets a certain amount of views each time.

Until Next Time, This is The Rock Otaku.  Live Loud and Play Hard.
All used references are done under the rules of fair use and are owned by their original creators. 
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