This is the first time that I'm writing a list for this, but this is a better time than never. I've been discussing this with my friends, but I've never done a blog post. Without further ado, here are my top 5 picks for music in 2011:

1. Radiosurgery - New Found Glory

In order to move forward, sometimes it's necessary to go back a few steps. To me, this is the case with Radiosurgery. New Found Glory went back to what worked for them back on Nothing Gold Can Stay and have returned with excellent results. This is easily one of the most catchiest and fun records that the band has produced. The subject matter is a little depressing (this is all about heartbreak and the stages one goes through), but this makes for some great music. Easily my top album of 2011 and will see repeated listens in 2012.

2. Wasting Light - Foo Fighter

This album was a real surprise for me. Their last outing Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace was alright, but nothing too exciting. I kept hearing that the new album was a great listen, so I figured I would give it a chance. I'm glad that I did because this has one of the best sounds to lay on my ears since Era Vulgaris by Queens of the Stone Age. Foo Fighters have found a sound that works and back it up with some good lyrics to produce what is perhaps the best album of their career.

3. In Waves - Trivium

Trivium is a band that has been on my radar for a while now. I listened to their last outing Shogun and was impressed with that and curious to see where the would go next. After listening to In Waves, I was a little shocked. This album still has the vibe of Shogun, but with a little bit of pop infused. That doesn't sound like a good mixture, but they make the best out of it and produce an entertaining record through and through. I would hope for something a little more heavier next time.

4. The Hunter - Mastodon

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Mastodon is awesome. Keep in mind that this is the first album that I've listened to and the bar has been set high for this team. This has to be one of the weirdest albums that I've listened to since Mezmerize and Hypnotize by System of a Down. I have no idea what these guys are thinking when they are making music, but this makes for one hell of a ride and enjoyable experience even if I don't know what a Stargazm is.

5. Neighborhoods - Blink-182

When word that Blink-182 was reuniting, the world went silent for a minute. This did take them a while to produce a new album since their self-titled, which is one of the best albums that I've heard. The final results were a little mixed, but was none the less a Blink-182 album. All the members took their experience from their side projects and incorporated that into the new record. While this may not be anything new, this was a great welcome back for the boys and I will be watching to see where they continue to go, just don't take too long for the next album.

Didn't make the cut, but deserves a honorable mention

Screaming Bloody Murder - Sum 41

These guys are on a slippery slope. After Dave Baksh left the band and the sub-par Underclass Hero, the future didn't look bright for Sum 41. They had the choice of either fade into oblivion or make something that'll improve themselves. They seemed to have taken the latter option and this was the right choice to make. This make a welcome change for the band and a sense of progression. I'm hoping that the band continues with this style and refine it down. Welcome back guys.

2011's 2010 Album of the Year

Diamond Eyes - Deftones

To me, Deftones have yet to disappoint me. When Chi Cheng went into a coma, the band shelved Eros indefinitely and started over. The band recruited Sergio Vega to take over duties for Chi and the result is Diamond Eyes. This is easily the band's best work since White Pony. Every song has a sense of urgency and boom to them that makes them stand out. The other surprise was the tone which is more optimistic compared to their last few outings. I welcome this change and seeing the band grow.