Puff’s Playlist: Best Albums of 2014

2014 was a GREAT year for rock. We got phenomenal albums from the likes of Judas Priest, Godsmack, Seether, and a whole lot more. Which made my year end wrap up this year damn near impossible. Every time I'd get my list set, I'd remember another album that came out this year and have to start from scratch. So, the best I can say is congrats to Charm City Devils, Mastodon, Royal Blood, Priest, Kyng, Chevelle, Crobot, Hellyeah, and everyone else for putting together some AMAZING works this year. Unfortunately, you just didn't make the cut for my Top 5.

5) Texas Hippie Coaltion - Ride On

THC has made my 'Best of' list a couple of times now and deservingly so. With every album they put out, the band just gets better. 'Ride On' is hands down the most complete and consistent album from the band. With every passing track, my radio gets louder and louder.

4) Black Label Society - Catacombs of the Black Vatican

For whatever reason, this album seemed to go nowhere. And I can't figure out why. Black Label is at their best here. Zakk Wylde does what he does best, bluesy riffs with hard hitting metal. This album could have easily been number 1 on my list if not for all the stiff competition this year.

3) Foo Fighters - Sonic Highways

Most people will probably call me nuts for having the Foo Fighters at Number 3 on this list. I mean, yeah, Sonic Highways is a great album. I've listened to it like a madman since it came out. But, it just feels like its lacking something. Don't ask me to explain that because I can't. I just feel like side by side, the Foos fall short of the next two albums on this list.

2)  Slipknot - The Gray Chapter

Slipknot's 2014 comeback album was everything it was billed to be. It was a throwback to the self-titled/Iowa days which is fantastic! I love this album in every way. If you are or ever were a fan of Slipknot, this album feels like classic Slipknot. It feels like this album should have came directly after Iowa, not Vol. 3. But with that being said, there is one album out there that is better.

1) Nothing More - Nothing More

This album didn't reach Number 1 on my list because they are friends of mine or friends of the station. These guys reached the top of my list because they created hands down THE BEST ALBUM of the year. Anyone in or around the rock universe will tell you that this was a ground breaking album. After years of dedication and hard work, the guys not only sold a ton of albums, but got hooked up on a huge tour with Volbeat/Five Finger, and got their first Number 1 single ever. So, yeah, if there is anyone out there who deserves an assload of credit and praise, it's Nothing More.