The RockUnited.Com Readers' Poll proved to be a popular thing last year, so we decided to go for it again. What better way is there to check out what really appeals to you, our dear readers? At the same time, it's always nice to reward a few of those enthusiastic music fans who have chosen to spend their time on writing down their answers. This year, the three lucky winners, who got a dozen CD's each, were Tom from USA, Monica from Italy and Mika from Finland - the packages are already on their way!
Last year's album chart wasn't that surprising, and not that different to our own chart. This year a few suprise names appeared out of nowhere, and cleared the table...
THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2007 CHART as voted by our readers:
1. Sixx A.M. - The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack (Eleven Seven)
The new project of Mötley's Nikki Sixx, James Michael and DJ Asbha was a big success among our readers. We can not take much credit for that, as we haven't even reviewed the album. Now that the samples on the band's MySpace site have been checked out, at least I (Kimmo the Poll results editor) can say that our readers are onto something here... this album sounds like one to get!
2. Nightwish - Dark Passion Play (Spinefarm)
RockUnited.Com review: "I think that “Dark Passion Play” can only cement Nightwish's reputation as the band that all other operatic/theatrical gothy type bands want to be. In Anette they have found a singer that can also open up their music to those who were put off by the operatic strains of whatsername (like me), whilst retaining the theatricality and pompousness that somehow works within the excellent songwriting and arrangements. It's an album of great maturity and depth that deserves to be savored by anyone who likes rock or metal music." [read the full review]
3. The Poodles - Sweet Trade (AFM)
RockUnited.Com review: "In the biography is written that this is the best record of the last years from Scandinavia, which is absolute rubbish and they also say that this is pure sugar for every melodic rock and metal fan???? I can tell you that if you are a metal fan that you do not want to hear this album as "Sweet Trade" has nothing to do with metal whatsoever!! This album is probably only suitable for 16 to 18 year old girls, or have I gone completely insane and is this a brilliant album???" [read the full review]
4.Scorpions - Humanity Hour 1 (SonyBMG)
RockUnited.Com review: "Can you ever trust the hype? Well, yeah, it's probably their best release since "Crazy World"... Final verdict: it's difficult to find any real fillers, sure, a couple of stinkers, but overall a strong compilation of tunes. Recommended." [read the full review]
5. Loverboy - Just Getting Started (Rock Star Music)
Another reader favourite that wasn't reviewed by us, unofortunately. We didn't recieve a promo copy when the CD was released, and while some us have bought it afterwards, a review is yet to be written. In a nutshell, I can say that I rate this album as the band's most solid release, and it can be recommended to any AOR fan. Excellent stuff!"
6. Gotthard - Domino Effect (Nuclear Blast)
7. Symphony X - Paradise Lost (Inside Out)
8. Tesla - Real To Reel (Tesla Electric Co)
9. Rush - Snakes & Arrows (Atlantic)
10. Hanoi Rocks - Street Poetry (Wolfgang Records)
11. Atreyu - Lead Sails Paper Anchor (Hollywood Records)
12. Threshold - Dead Reckoning (Nuclear Blast)
12. Pride Of Lions - Roaring Of Dreams (Frontiers)
14. Bon Jovi - Lost Highway (Island)
15. Magnum - Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow (SPV)
16. Porcupine Tree - Fear Of A Blank Planet
17. Crazy Lixx - Loud Minority
18. Within Temptation - The Heart Of Everything
19. Pagan's Mind - God's Equation
20. Voices Of Rock - MMVII
TOP 9 SONGS OF 2007
1. Sixx A.M. - Life Is Beautiful
2. Primal Fear - Fighting The Darkness
3. Atreyu - Blow
4. Scorpions - Humanity
5. Redemption - Fall On You
6.
Crazy Lixx - Heroes Are Forever
7. Sixx AM - Accidents Can Happen
8.
Crazy Lixx - Make Ends Meet
9.
Allen/Lande - Master of Sorrow
The votes were a bit scattered all over the place, with bands like Nightwish, The Poodles and Gotthard getting votes for several of their songs from one person...
TOP NEWCOMER OF 2007: Eden's Curse
Oddly enough, Eden's Curse were the ONLY band to recieve multiple votes in this category. Despite the love thrown towards Sixx A.M., they only recieved one nomination as the newcomer?!
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF 2007
1. TNT
2. Bon Jovi
3. Crash Diët
4. Dream Theater
5. Sonata Arctica
LOOKING FORWARD IN 2008
1. Whitesnake
2. Metallica
3. Def Leppard
4. Work Of Art
5. House Of Lords
TOP 2 ROCKUNITED.COM ARTICLES OF 2007
1. Nightwish listening session in Helsinki
2. Sweden rock 2007