5 Best Rock Albums of 2011(thus Far)

I'm half certain that 2011 isn't the worst year for music. Didn't always think like that. In 2010, I had the opposite point of view on this subject. Six months into the year, and I'm Already singing a different tune.

Whitesnake - Forevermore.
Whitesnake made their comeback in 2008 with 'Good to be Bad'.While that album was laced with heavy guitar riffs, Forevermore is a lot more mellow by comparison. Wih love being the central theme of the album, I suppose that was the best way to go.

Journey - Eclipse.
Eclipse should have been called 'The Neal Schon Show'. This is his album. His guitar skills is one of the main reasons this album is a feast for the ears. While it's nothing at all like previous Journey material, It's still got a certain familiarity that long time fans will appreciate, and not be scared off from the new direction.

Brian Robertson - Diamonds and Dirt.
Diamonds is the debut album from former Thin Lizzy Guitarist, Brian Robertson. It's an amazing classic rock album, featuring vocals from Lief Sundin. While some might say this album sounds a bit dated, it's a fair comparison when you realize there are two Thin Lizzy cover songs present Robertson's melodic stylings are the main attraction in this old school sounding record.

Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.
What do you get when a punk rock band that's been at it for 33 years, decides to make a country album? You get Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. I can't tell if this is meant to be some sort of parody, of what. All I know is this melding of styles kinda works. for the most part. It's a fun listen overall.

Bad Company - Extended Versions.
Live performance albums are the next best thing to being at the concert. And until Bad Co. releases some new material, This is as good as it's gonna get. longer versions of good songs you've already heard are better than nothing, I guess.