Rich Bongorno's List
The Top 36 CDs Released in the Last 36 Months
Steely Dan - Everything Must Go (6/10/2003) - (A)
More "A" material from the best sounding band in the land. This material beats out Two Against Nature which won big at the Grammys. I'm sure (yeah I'm a skeptic) that this will not win anything, but it deserves to. Check out the title track, "The Last Mall" and "Godwhacker".
The Thorns - The Thorns (5/20/2003) - (B+)
Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins and Peter Droge have come together to prove that the whole is often greater than the sum of the parts. These three guys have done quality work over the years but nothing that has risen to this level. With comparisons to CSN&Y, check out "I Can't Remember" and "Long, Sweet Summer Night".
Bill Deasy - Good Day No Rain (3/25/2003) - (B+)
The lead singer and creative force from The Gathering Field out of Pittsburgh, PA goes solo for is second release and hits a home run. Full of solid acoustic rock/pop songs, this is yet another solid work from this talented singer/songwriter. Check out "Who We Are", "In My Head" and "I'll Rescue You". If you want to dig a little deeper, get a copy of The Gathering Field's CD - Lost in America (1996). It's truly a modern-day rock classic.
Zwan - Mary Star of the Sea (1/28/2003) - (B)
Billy Corgan's (Smashing Pumpkins) new group. This is not quite so hard/edgy as the Pumpkins and, as I result, I like it better than those works. Check out "Lyric" and "Honestly" (this first single).
Phil Collins -
Testify (11/12/2002) 
(B+)
OK, you can't believe how Phil Collins makes such a prestigious list of music -- this guy's lame. Guess again. Again Phil comes up with a solid work of pop music that scores from beginning to end.
The Wallflowers -
Red Letter Days (11/5/2002) (A+)
Another great effort from Jakob Dylan and his pals. These guys are consistently excellent. This CD features one excellent song after another. Especially good are "Empire of my Mind" (the hidden track), "Everybody Out of the Water" and "Here in Pleasantville". The best rock CD in 2002.
Bon Jovi - Bounce
(10/8/2002) (B)
Not as good as Crush, but a solid piece of classic rock. It's got some great rockers ("Undivided", "Everyday" and "Bounce") along with same catchy ballads ("Misunderstood" and "You Had Me From Hello"). When this hit my chart, these guys had a pair of the top 36.
Peter Gabriel - Up
(9/24/2002) (A)
This was take a few listens for you appreciate how good it is. Check out the first single, The Barry Williams Show, or a couple of the more upbeat numbers -- Growing Up and More Than This. This one was worth the wait.
Josh Joplin Group -
The Future That Was (9/24/2002) (B+)
This is one of the truly talented, up-and-coming bands in the alt-rock arena. Their second major-label release, this improves on the extremely good Useful Music (1999). Kind of a cross between R.E.M., Dave Matthews Band and The Wallflowers, Josh provides a unique vocal sound with some whacked-out lyrics to go with his great songwriting. Catch the classic "Siddhartha's of Suburbia" and "Wonderful Ones". Look for some big things from Josh and this talented band.
t.A.T.u - 200 KM/H in the Wrong Lane (9/17/2002) - (B+)
Here's a formula pop creation with a twist -- that works. A teen-age duo from Russia who are (purportedly) lesbians. Their first video/single, "All the Things She Said", will nothing to dispel this image. Anyway, this is solid pop music regardless of the other "stuff" going on with this duo. Check out "Not Gonna Get Us" and ""30 Minutes". In fact, check 'em all out. Everything on this disc works.
Deep Forest - Music
Detected (7/30/2002) (A)
Just out but this one hits the charts immediately. This is the fourth studio release from this odd duo of Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. An "evolution" from prior releases but every bit as good. Check out "India" and "Endangered Species".
Bruce Springsteen -
The Rising (7/30/2002) (B)
Definitely not ranking with best of his work, the Boss still scores with his second tier material. I caught him live at The Gund Arena (thanks Maura Corrigan) and he was great. Actually, his best release in the last 10 years was the boxed set Tracks. Four solid disks of classic Springsteen.
Counting Crows -
Hard Candy (7/9/2002) (B+)
Not as good as the previous release, This Desert Life (1999) - which is one of the best CDs of all time, this is still a worthy release. Sticking with much of the same formula, the Crows continue to stay on top of the heap of the alt-rock crowd. The title cut is the best of the bunch, but "American Girls", "Miami" and "Holiday in Spain" are all quality tracks on this quality CD.
Bruce Hornsby - Big
Swing Face (6/25/2002)
(B)
Not as good as Spirit Trail (1998) which is my best of the decade CD, but a winner nonetheless. If you can imagine, this CD has barely a hint of piano from one of the best piano players of our time. Different, in a good way, check out "The Chill", "Try Anything Once" and "Sticks & Stones".
Avril Lavigne - Let Go (6/4/2002) - (B+)
I'm joining the crowd on this one. A solid debut effort in the pop/rock genre. Many good tunes on this CD -- essentailly all of them are quite listenable. Try out the big hit "Complicated" or pick a lesser know "Losing Grip" or "Naked". She has been unconvincing live so I'll be very interested to see if she can repeat on her sophomore effort.
Warren Zevon - My Ride's Here (5/7/2002) - (A-)
This will likely be Warren's penultimate release as his cancer is predicted to take him away from us in 2003. While his final release "The Wind" will get all the attention, this release (just prior to his diagnosis) may have been his best ever. Great, off-beat classics are included here: "Lord Byron's Luggage", "Hit Somebody! (The Hockey Song)" and "Genius" are three. "Basket Case" is the title song from a book by Carl Hiaasen (who co-wrote it). Topping it off are prophetic, emotional classics: "I Have to Leave" and "My Ride's Here".
Darren Hayes - Spin
(3/19/2002) (B+)
One half of the pop duo Savage Garden, Darren has stepped out on his own to produce this gem of the pop genre. Funky beats, catchy hooks and great melodies jump out all over this CD. Check out "Creepin' Up On You", "Strange Relationship" and "Crush (1980 Me)" as three great examples of his work.
Great Big Sea - Sea
of No Cares (2/26/2002) (B+)
These guys are perfecting the art of the Celtic pop song. All the tune here hit the mark. Especially good are the title track and "A Boat Like Gideon Brown".
Dream Theater - Six
Degrees of Inner Turbulence (1/29/2002) (B+)
I thankfully discovered these guys with a listen to Metropolis, Part 1 -- a great tune. This fits the genre of Progressive Metal, melodic but raw and powerful. This is a 2 CD set. Great tunes include Glass Prison, The Great Debate and the title track (a 7-part song that covers the entire second disc).
No Doubt - Rocky
Steady (12/11/2001) (B+)
After a very disappointing release (Return of Saturn) this one's a winner. Plenty of very original, catchy, straight-ahead songs here. An assist to Rick Ocasek (The Cars) for production on 2 songs.
Mick Jagger -
Goddess in the Doorway (11/20/2001) (B+)
This CD got little attention beyond Mick's duo with Lenny Kravitz on "God Gave Me Everything", but there's lots more here. Check out "Visions of Paradise" (also a video release) and "Don't Call Me Up".
Eagle-Eye Cherry -
Present / Future (10/30/2001) (A-)
A solid collection of upbeat, pop-rock tunes from the man who gave you "Save Tonight". Check out "Been Here Once Before", "Feels So Right" and "Burning Up".
Enrique Iglesias -
Escape (10/30/2001) (B+)
Don't' laugh until you've listened to this one. It's extremely well-done pop music.
Elton John - Songs
From the West Coast (10/2/2001) (A-)
Yeah, he still has some good pop songs in him. From catchy ballads ("I Want Love" and "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore") to upbeat numbers reminiscent of his past ("The Emperor's New Clothes" and "Look Ma, No Hands"), this CD shows Elton still can bring it.
Michelle Branch -
The Spirit Room (8/14/2001) (B+)
Her first release and a very good collection of pop/rock. All songs are solid. "Everyone" is a winner that put her on the top of the charts. Check out "Sweet Misery" as well.
Cake - Comfort
Eagle (7/24/2001) (B)
Here's a truly unique sound. Very alternative, but very melody oriented. "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" is a catchy winner.
E.S. Posthumus -
Unearthed (6/30/2001) (A-)
Runrig - The
Stamping Ground (5/14/2001) (A+)
This has only been released in Europe. Currently my absolute favorite CD. An exciting mix of rock with a Celtic feel. Passion and power combined in one of the greatest CDs of all time.
Stevie Nicks -
Trouble in Shangri-La (5/1/2001) (B+)
Peter Cetera - Another Perfect World (3/27/2001) - (A-)
A well-crafted, upbeat pop masterpiece from the former front-man of Chicago. This guy has produced top-notch work over his entire career. This one scores big on all cuts. Sample "Perfect World" and "Have a Little Faith" and "Whatever Gets You Through" and you'll be healed!
Dave Matthews Band
- Everyday (2/27/2001) (A+)
Another solid work from the best rock band of our time. The best rock CD of 2001.
Michael W. Smith -
Freedom (11/21/2000) (B+)
This CD proves this man's ability and versatility. An instrumental CD that holds your attention, gets you up and has you banging on the dashboard. This guys got a great voice but this CD proves that he doesn't need it to put out a great disc.
U2 - All That You
Can't Leave Behind (10/31/2000) (A-)
Nelly Furtado -
Whoa, Nelly (10/24/2000) (A-)
A very unique voice coupled with some solid songwriting. Pretty simple formula actually.
The Wallflowers -
Breach (10/10/2000) (A-)
This CD certainly was on par with the hugely acclaimed Bring Down the Horse (1996) but did not get the same critical response. Plenty of well-written and well-performed stuff here. Check out "Some Flowers Bloom Dead" and "Murder 101".
Paul Simon - You're
the One (10/3/2000) (B)
Includes the unrecognized song of the year for 2000 -- "Pigs, Sheep and Wolves". Check out the most unique song in years.
Mark Knopfler -
Sailing to Philadelphia (9/26/2000) (B+)
Also in the Last 36 Months:
( ) = Not Yet Rated
Sara Evans - Restless (8/19/2003) - ( )
Marshall Crenshaw - What's In the Bag? (7/22/2003) - ( )
Eve 6 - It's All In Your Head (7/22/2003) - ( )
Acoustic Alchemy - Radio Contact (6/24/2003) - ( )
Michelle Branch - Hotel Paper (6/24/2003) - ( )
Delerium - Chimera (6/24/2003) - ( )
Scott Miller and the Commonwealth - Upside Downside (6/10/2003) - ( )
Jewel - 0304 (6/3/2003) - ( )
Kenna - New Sacred Cow (5/27/2003) - ( )
Rooney - Rooney (5/27/2003) - ( )
Third Eye Blind - Out of the Vein (5/13/2003) - ( )
John Hiatt & the Goners - Beneath This Gruff Exterior (5/6/2003) - ( )
The Rippingtons - Let It Ripp (5/6/2003) - ( )
The Blue Man Group - The Complex (4/22/2003) - (B)
Madonna - American Life (4/22/2003) - (B)
Jessica Andrews - Now (4/15/2003) - ( )
Fleetwood Mac - Say You Will (4/15/2003) - (B)
James Taylor - The Best of James Taylor (4/8/2003) - ( )
Lucinda Williams - World Without Tears (4/8/2003) - ( )
Afro Celts - Seed (3/25/2003) - ( )
Celine Dion - One Heart (3/25/2003) - (B)
Twila Paris - House of Worship (3/11/2003) - ( )
Evanescence - Fallen (3/4/2003) - (B)
Hootie & the Blowfish - Hootie & the Blowfish (3/4/2003) - (B-)
The Saw Doctors - Play It Again Sham! (3/4/2003) - ( )
Mindi Abair - It Just Happens That Way (2/25/2003) - ( )
Styx - Cyclorama (2/18/2002) - (C-)
Chris Rice - Run the Earth, Watch the Sky (2/11/2003) - ( )
Yanni - Ethnicity (2/11/2003) - ( )
Nick Curran and the Nitelifes - Doctor Velvet (2/4/2003) - ( )
Chantal Kreviazuk - What if it All Means Something (12/24/2002) - (B-)
Alanis Morissette - Feast On Scraps (12/10/2002) - (C)
Sparks - Lil' Beethoven (11/26/2002) - (B-)
Shania Twain - Up! (11/19/2002) - (B)
Matchbox Twenty - More Than You Think You Are (11/19/2002) - (B)
George Harrison - Brainwashed (11/19/2002) - (B-)
Christina Aguilera - Stripped (10/29/2002) - (B-)
Sixpence None the Richer - Divine Discontent (10/29/2002) - (C+)
Michael W. Smith - Worship Again (10/22/2002) - (B-)
Santana - Shaman (10/22/2002) - (C+)
Faith Hill - Cry (10/15/2002) - (B)
Tom Petty - The Last DJ (10/8/2002) - (C+)
Mark Knopfler - The Ragpicker's Dream (10/1/2002) - (C+)
Fish - Fellini Days (9/3/2002) - (C+)
Boston - Corporate America (8/27/2002) - (B)
Dixie Chicks - Home (8/27/2002) - (D+)
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (8/27/2002) - (B-)
Russ Freeman - Drive (8/13/2002) - ( )
James Taylor - October Road (8/13/2002) - (D+)
Jim Brickman - Love Songs and Lullabies (8/6/2002) - (D+)
Phil Vassar - American Child (8/6/2002) - (B-)
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (7/16/2002) - (D)
Dave Matthews Band - Busted Stuff (7/16/2002) - (B)
Cyndi Lauper - Shine [EP] (7/16/2002) - (C-)
Chumbawamba - Readymades (6/18/2002) - (C+)
David Bowie - Heathen (6/11/2002) - (C)
Bad Company - In Concert: Merchants of Cool (5/21/2002) - ( )
Amy Grant - Legacy ... Hymns and Faith (5/21/2002) - (D+)
David Knopfler - Wishbones (5/21/2002) - ( )
Tom Waits - Blood Money (5/7/2002) - (C+)
Tom Waits - Alice (5/7/2002) - (C-)
Eminem - The Eminem Show (5/26/2002) - (B)
Vanessa Carlton - Be Not Nobody (4/30/2002) - (C+)
Mark Knopfler - A Shot at Glory (4/28/2002) - (B-)
Sheryl Crow - C'mon C'mon (4/16/2002) - (C)
Goo Goo Dolls - Gutterflower (4/9/2002) - (B)
Avalon - O2/Avalon Remixed (3/26/2002) - ( )
Celine Dion - A New Day Has Come (3/26/2002) - (B-)
Ginny Owens - Something More (3/19/2002) - ( )
Patti Smith - Land (1975-2002) - (3/19/2002) - ( )
Natalie Imbruglia - White Lilies Island (3/5/2002) - (B)
Lisa Loeb - Cake & Pie (2/26/2002) - (B-)
Alanis Morissette - Under Rug Swept (2/26/2002) - (B-)
Rebecca St. James - Worship God (2/26/2002) - ( )
Nine Inch Nails - And All That Could Have Been (1/22/2002) - (B-)
Hoobastank - Hoobastank (11/20/2001) - (C-)
Pink - M!ssundaztood (11/20/2001) - (B)
Michael Jackson - Invincible (10/31/2001) - (C)
Boney James - Ride (10/23/2001) - ( )
Mark Schultz - Song Cinema (10/16/2001) - ( )
B-Tribe - Spiritual, Spiritual! (10/9/2001) - (F)
Jim Brickman - Simple Things (9/25/2001) - (B-)
Caedmon's Call - In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship (9/25/2001) - ( )
John Mayer - Room For Squares (9/18/2001) - (B)
Boz Skaggs - Dig (9/11/2001) - (B)
Michael W. Smith - Worship (9/11/2001) - (B-)
Yes - Magnification (9/11/2001) - (B-)
John Hiatt - The Tiki Bar is Open (9/11/2001) - (B-)
Industrial Monk - Prophecies (9/4/2001) - (B-)
Kevin Max - Stereotype Be (8/28/2001) - ( )
Delerium - Poem (7/31/2001) - (B-)
Neal Schon - Voice (7/31/2001) - (D+)
Willa Ford - Willa Was Here (7/17/2001) - (D-)
Marshall Crenshaw - I've Suffered for My Art, Now It's Your Turn (7/14/2001) - (C-)
Svala - The Real Me (7/3/2001) - (C+)
Afro Celt Sound System - Volume 3: Further In Time (6/19/2001) - (C+)
Electric Light Orchestra - Zoom (6/12/2001) - (C+)
Natalie Grant - Stronger (6/12/2001) - (F)
Scott Miller and the Commonwealth - Thus Always to Tyrants (6/12/2001) - (B-)
Shea Seger - The May Street Project (6/5/2001) - (D+)
Styx - Styx World: Live 2001 (6/5/2001) - (F)
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Time * Sex * Love (5/29/2001) - (B-)
Bruce Springsteen - Live in New York City (5/27/2001) - (B-)
Train - Drops of Jupiter (5/27/2001) - (C)
Spyro Gyra - In Modern Times (5/22/2001) - (C+)
Marillion - Anoraknophobia (5/15/2001) - (C-)
The Go Go's - God Bless the Go Go's (5/15/2001) - (C)
R.E.M. - Reveal (5/15/2001) - (B)
Bee Gees - This Is Where I Came In (4/24/2001) - (B)
Aerosmith - Just Push Play (3/6/2001) - (C-)
Jessica Andrews - Who I Am (2/27/2001) - ( )
Doug Cameron - Celtic Crossroads: The Uncharted Path (2/27/2001) - (B-)
Deep Forest - Pacifique (2/24/2001) - (B)