Rock 'n' Roll Telephone

After 45 years and now 23 albums, Nazareth may not be the most famous hard rock band of all time, but they’re one of the hardest working—and 2014's Rock ’n’ Roll Telephone should rank among the band’s very best. Speculation says this will be original singer Dan McCafferty’s final album with the group, since he’s retired from touring due to health issues. This 11-track album features all the angles that made Nazareth a compelling draw and proves they haven’t stopped experimenting. “Long Long Time” features a touch of hip-hop in its step, while “Boom Bang Bang,” the title track, “Speakeasy,” and “Punch a Hole in the Sky” are classic hard rock anthems in the tradition of Nazareth's best work. “Back 2B4” uses acoustic guitars to alter their attack. “Winter Sunlight” features thick harmonies on a ballad also as fine as those in their back catalog. Judging by the title track and the mock applause at the start of the full-throttle closer “God of the Mountain,” the group haven’t lost their edge or their sense of humor.