It’s time for a look back at what rocked 2010 for Guitar Noize and it’s been a belter of a year so I had a hard time choosing my favourite 10 but I got there in the end:

1. Slash – Slash
This album totally surprised me, I hoped it would be good but didn’t expect it to be this good! Brilliant collaborations, great guitar playing and songs, this album made me stop questioning the hype surrounding Slash. Check out my review here.

2. Paul Gilbert – Fuzz Universe
This one I did expect to be good and Paul certainly delivered, amazing guitar tones and production coupled with rocking riffs make this my favourite of Paul Gilbert’s solo albums and probably the last we will see for a while now that he has reunited with Mr Big. Check out my review here.

3. Alter Bridge – AB III
WOW! Seriously this came out of nowhere for me, I’ve never been a big Alter Bridge fan but this is a monster album, Mark Tremonti is on fire and Myles Kennedy can do no wrong both with Alter Bridge and Slash.

4. Ozzy Osbourne – Scream
Ozzy decided to shake up his band again and considering his past lineup changes this was long overdue, the introduction of Gus G on guitar seemed to breathe new life into the 62 year old Prince of Darkness. I can’t wait to hear the next album I hear Gus is already working on some ideas. Check out my review here.

5. Jeff Beck – Emotion & Commotion
While it may not be the best Jeff Beck album ever it certainly deserves a top 10 placement, his amazing touch along with some great vocal collaborations make this a superb release. Check out my review here.

6. Joe Satriani – Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards
This is one of my favourite Satch albums for a long time, the live band sound obviously inspired by his touring and recording sessions with Chickenfoot made Joe rethink the writing and recording process and the result was something much more inspiring. Check out my review here.

7. Joe Bonamassa – Black Rock
Another great album from Joe Bonamassa who not only released this solo album in 2010 but also the Black Country Communion album too! The man just doesn’t stop recording. Check out my review here.

8. Jimi Hendrix – Valleys Of Neptune
I don’t think anyone really expected this release to be anything special with so many cash-ins from the Hendrix Estate year in, year out, so it was a really great surprise to find that Eddie Kramer had worked his magic on the tracks to do Jimi justice.

9. Lee Ritenour – 6 String Theory
Without Steve Lukather I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed this album half as much, his contribution is massive but there are also great performances by Keb’ Mo’, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray and B.B. King among others. Check out my review here.

10. Michael Dolce – Everything Til Now
It was a toss up for 10th place but I have listened to this album a lot over the past few weeks and decided it definitely deserves to be in the top 10, amazing playing, phrasing and tone. Check out my review here.
http://www.michaeldolcemusic.com

An honourable mention goes to Dave Weiner – On Revolute which is a really musical guitar instrumental record for those who are tired of the same old shred. Check out my review here.