+5
Round 2
1. The Highwomen - Highwomen
("Highwaymen" is one of the greatest country songs of all-time, and while this feminine remake obviously isn't on the same level, I think these ladies do a magnificent job honoring the original, keeping the same structure and making callbacks with the lyrics, while still providing a fresh, modern spin on a classic. Plus their voices complement each other really well.)
2. Revere - I Won't Blame You
(Cool song. I love how the music steadily builds intensity, teasing a full release at times only to recompose itself, yet madness wins out at the end as we're spiraling out of control.)
3. Lacuna Coil - Blood, Tears, Dust
(A welcome injection of heaviness. Especially dig the contrasting vocals.)
4. Eric Strickland - Standing in the Headlights
(Very solid country tune. Sounds like something that would've been a hit two decades ago.)
5. Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 2, Movement 2
(Classical music isn't at all my thing, but this piece took me on a nice little journey with its ups and down and dramatic flourishes and dainty little touches.)
6. Carole King - So Far Away
(A classic, but for me it's never struck an emotional chord … or a piano key, I should say.)
7. George Strait - If I Know Me
(A little too standard for me.)
8. Beastie Boys - So What Cha Want
(Outside of a few tracks, I find the Beastie Boys more annoying than enjoyable.)