Soulful Americana is alive and well on the new release by Jarrod Dickenson.

Young artists and veteran hitmakers alike created an abundance of memorable tunes in 2019. Post Malone, Jay Som, Beck, and Sharon Van Etten are among them.

Just in time for the 2020 Grammys, here is my annual list of top releases of 2019 (including Baroness, Lana Del Rey, Neil Young, Lizzo, and Slipknot).

'Blue Record' was the peak of Baroness's metal prowess, but 'Gold & Grey' is their crowning achievement.

Rock music will always come first in my world, but you'll see an eclectic list of everything from jazz-hop (Anderson .Paak) to metal, country, electronica, R&B, and folk rock.

Rock and roll is alive and well - and didn't need a Zeppelin clone to prove it in 2018.

'Book of Bad Decisions' continues Clutch's always reliable and consistent output of hard-driving rock and roll - with elements of funk, the blues, and a surprise or two.

Is rock supergroup A Perfect Circle's long-awaited third album of originals worth the 15-year wait? I think you know the (obvious) answer.

Veterans such as Neil Young, Ryan Adams, blues great Joe Bonamassa, Bjork, The War On Drugs, St. Vincent, The National, Spoon, and Living Colour made stellar releases. Favorite new artist: Jay Som.

With iconic special guests including Steven Tyler, Buddy Guy, and ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons, Jeff Beck's 'Live at the Hollywood Bowl' is an essential collector's item for longtime fans. Period.