Heiney’s Picks: 10 New Releases to be over the moon for in January 2023
Welcome to the first post of the all-new Heiney Awards music blog! It’s been a long time coming, and things won’t really get rolling until the spring, when I have more surprises in store. But for now, enjoy my ten favorites from the first month of 2023!
1- Peter Gabriel - I/o
It’s been 22 years since the last proper new release, and if the first single is any indication, it will be well worth the wait. Panopticon harkens back simultaneously to Solsbury Hill and Digging In The Dirt. The combination of the Light Side and Dark Side mixes of each song, as well as the wide range of musical influences, make it an album that is sure to surprise and delight. Make sure to check out Peter Gabriel's i/o when it is released later this year.
2- White Reaper - Asking For A Ride
White Reaper is one of my favorite bands, and an up-and-coming band that won’t stay under the radar for long. With the release of their upcoming album, Asking For A Ride, they’re bringing a unique blend of funk and indie rock that is sure to get the party started.
White Reaper’s sound is heavily rooted in classic rock, with a powerful dual guitar attack that drives the music forward. But they don’t stay stuck in the past - they’ve taken a modern approach to music-making and combine it with their own energy and enthusiasm for creating something special. The result is an album that is both uplifting and exciting.
Whether you’re looking for something to get you in the mood for a new year or just a good time, White Reaper’s Asking For A Ride is the perfect fit. With its catchy melodies and upbeat vibe, it will be sure to get you and your friends dancing.
Pre-order Asking For a Ride from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3kRoqig
3. Fall Out Boy - So Much (For) Stardust
The new album from Fall Out Boy is a reminder of why this band has been a staple of the alternative rock scene for so many years. With a sound reminiscent of their earlier albums, fans will be able to reconnect with their beloved band. With Emo stalwarts like Paramore, Avril Lavigne and My Chemical Romance making glorious returns to the charts and airwaves, Fall Out Boy seems ready to retake their place at the pinnacle of the genre. Patrick Stump’s vocals are as strong as ever and the early tracks are full of energy and raw emotion.
Overall, “So Much (For) Stardust” is an exciting addition to the Fall Out Boy discography-- sure to be a favorite among fans and a great way to kick off 2023. With a catchy chorus and passionate lyrics, "Love From The Other Side.” is sure to be a hit. Get ready to sing along and fall in love with life all over again!
Pre-order "So Much (For) Stardust" from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3HPJtLd
4. Ghost w/ Def Leppard - Spillways
The combination of Ghost's theatrical style and Def Leppard's classic hard rock sound creates a unique blend of hard rock that will be sure to please fans of both bands.
The track features powerful vocals from both Tobias Forge and Joe Elliott (you may be hard pressed to tell them apart) and an updated guitar solo from guitarist Vivian Campbell, along with thundering drums from Rick Allen.
Interestingly, Forge purposely tried to write in the style of Def Leppard on the most recent Ghost album, Impera, so this revision of the song brings things full circle!
5. Dave Matthews Band - Madman’s Eyes
Instead of the usual summer tour and live album compendium, fans of Dave Matthews Band will be ecstatic to hear the band’s first new studio material in three years. “Madman’s Eyes” is a welcome return for the band, and a reminder of why they’ve been one of the most beloved bands for over 25 years.
The track shows off Dave Matthews Band’s signature sound, with its blend of soulful lyrics, driving rhythms, and captivating melodies. The song’s upbeat and uplifting message of hope and optimism, even in the face of adversity, is sure to be a hit with fans.
Pre-order “Walk Around The Moon" from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3HLM5tv
6. U2 - Songs Of Surrender
U2 gets an unfair amount of criticism these days, and lots of people appear to be ready to slag them off for revisiting their catalog instead of doing fresh material. But there is something to be said for the “Disney” approach, to reboot their material for a new generation. And after 40 years of wisdom, many of their songs have taken on additional gravity from when they were recorded, and I actually applaud their willingness to take so many of their classic songs (40 of them in total!) and make something new.
Pre-order “Songs Of Surrender” from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3XUIL4N
7. Ian Hunter - Defiance Part I
Ian Hunter has been putting out music for over 50 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He’s collected quite the array of rock legend collaborators over the years, and when he called on them during the pandemic to contribute to his new album, including recently passed Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins, it appears few could refuse. So much so, that another full release is expected later in the year.
Defiance Part I is sure to be a great addition to his impressive discography and will surely get music fans excited for what is to come later in the year.
Pre-order “Defiance Part I” from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3JAYAJM
8. MANESKIN - RUSH!
After single-handledly saving rock and roll by many accounts with their major label debut (and winning the 2022 Heiney Award for Best New Artist), many were wondering how they would follow it up. Would there be a sophomore slump? The Italian quartet doubled down on their outrageousness and went “full monty” as it were. Their new album and tour are bound to be the highlights of this year’s music scene. Catch them if you can!
Order “RUSH” from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3Rpg0Lb
9. All Time Low - Tell Me I’m Alive
Having already received praise from Kerrang!, Rock Sound, and Alternative Press, “Tell Me I’m Alive” from the pride of Towson MD is already shaping up to be one of the biggest tracks of the year, and a solid follow up to their monster hit, ironically titled “Monsters".
This track is a powerful anthem about resilience and overcoming self-loathing. Its catchy chorus and strong guitar riffs provide a platform for vocalist Alex Gaskarth to deliver one of his most emotional performances yet.
It’s no surprise that All Time Low are already being praised for their new single. With a new album on the horizon, there’s no telling what other amazing music they have in store for us.
Pre-order “Tell Me I’m Alive” from Amazon below:
https://amzn.to/3Dz8eZL
10. Jeff Griffith - Meet Me at Hammer's
Enter Jeff Griffith, a veteran of the hair metal scene, with a new single, “Meet Me at Hammer’s”. It harkens back to the days of shredding guitars, catchy hooks, and fist-pumping anthems. The track is a raucous and energetic mix of hard rock and classic metal, with Griffith’s signature gruff vocals leading the way. The song is an ode to the club’s past and the music that once defined it.
“Meet Me at Hammer’s” is the perfect way to kick off a new era of music in January 2023. The single is a reminder of the glory days of the 80s, but with a modern twist. It’s an anthem for all of us who remember the good old days, and a great way to get us excited for all the new music that lies ahead.
January 2023 is well on its way, and the music world is abuzz with anticipation. There are some exciting new acts coming out of the woodwork, offering up a wide variety of sounds and genres to explore. From the up-and-coming indie acts to the biggest names in the business, to the rebirth of Emo and Hair Metal, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a fresh take on an old favorite or something totally new and innovative, there's plenty of music to get excited about this month. So get ready for some great tunes and start exploring the new music available in January 2023. It's sure to be an unforgettable ride!