**The Good:**
_Wolf’s Law_ by The Joy Formidable
Genre: Alternative rock
Released: Jan. 18
Label: Atlantic Records
Ritzy Bryan can really play the guitar, you guys. When listening to “Cholla,” head-banging is honestly the only sensible option. Not to mention the band members are Welsh, which means that your playlist will appear eclectically superior to your friends’.
_Hummingbird_ by Local Natives
Genre: Indie/pop
Released: Jan. 29
Label: Frenchkiss Records
This quirky foursome deserves more credit than they get. Tracks like “Ceilings” and “Heavy Feet” pick up right where _Gorilla Manor_ left off. Also, their grooves are comparable to Vampire Weekend. Do you really need any more information?
**The Bad:**
_Reborn_ by Trapt
Genre: Hard rock
Released: Jan. 18
Label: EMI Music
Remember the good old days when you would rock out to “Headstrong” to get super jazzed before recreational sporting events? Shamefully, so do I. Can you name any other song by this unfortunate spelling mistake of a band? I really doubt it. You’re irrelevant, Trapt. Sorry.
_Two Lanes of Freedom_ by Tim McGraw
Genre: Country
Released: Feb. 5
Label: McGraw Music
I wanted to appreciate this, Tim, because you’ve had some quality jams before, but I couldn’t do it. While your lyrics have never exactly channeled Shakespeare, the hooks are usually catchy. Not this time! I can only hope that the “Two Lanes of Freedom” you speak of lead to never having to hear this album again.
**The Ugly:**
_Notes from the Underground_ by Hollywood Undead
Genre: Rap rock
Released: Jan. 8
Label: A&M/Octone Records
Now listen, I understand that they’re ‘undead,’ but “Kill Everyone”? That’s just bad taste. If zombies playing instruments is becoming a thing, I’m going to need “The Walking Dead” cast to step it up a notch, because even they would most likely sound better than this cacophony.
_Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones_ by Black Veil Brides
Genre: Metal
Released: Jan. 8
Label: Universal Republic Records
Unless you’re still in your atrocious middle school scene phase, I would recommend ignoring the fact that Black Veil Brides still exist. With album artwork that evokes visions of a bad “Donnie Darko” apocalypse and brilliantly titled songs like “Shadows Die,” this album is not only u-g-l-y, but it probably doesn’t have an alibi, either.
