Last year (2005) was an amazing year in music, for a guy like me. System of a Down, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Seether, Fort Minor, and Smile Empty Soul all released albums. This year? Right now, the only albums set in stone are Godsmack, Linkin Park, and Metallica. It’s such a drastic change and kind of puts a damper on things. Last year, I always had an album just over the horizon to look forward to. It’s completely the opposite this year and, honestly, it sucks.

So, why is this hapening? I guess a lot of it lies in the fact that general rock has shifted from agression and anger and hard hitting music to the more pop sounds of bands like Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy. While these groups have their place, it’s just not for me. I want to hear Johnathan Davis screaming when I’m angry and Aaron Lewis singing a ballad when I’m sad. I don’t want to “Dance, Dance” or take in the “Lights and Sounds”. I prefer my music to be pure emotion.

Alas, I wait. This year, I’m most anxious about Godsmack’s album as they are always good. Linkin Park is cool and all, but I don’t get overly excited about them like other people do. Metallica is cool, too, but nothing amazing. So, Godsmack, I await. The single “Speak” is great so I’m hoping the rest of the album follows suit.