Nick DeRiso also recognizes Steve Hackett, Bob Dylan, Neal Schon, Ringo Starr and others in this Best of 2015 list focusing on pop and rock.

Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 list for blues, jazz and R&B also included Marc Cary, Robben Ford, Dave Douglas, Papa Mali, Matthew Shipp and others.

This Best of 2015 list focuses on those revelatory moments, those times when a shard of pristine insight cuts through the clutter of expectation and then memory.

Issued on Dec. 11, 1970, ‘Plastic Ono Band’ found John Lennon confronting demons, talismans and heroes – but he never rocked harder than he does here.

‘Band on the Run,’ released on Dec. 5, 1973, pushes Paul McCartney to new places, as he incorporates every part of his pop genius.

Released 35 years ago, Queen’s theme song is the best thing about a justly forgotten 1980 film called ‘Flash Gordon.’

Frank Sinatra would enter a studio again only a handful of times after ‘Trilogy’ arrived 35 years ago. None produced more timeless results than this.

As brilliant as N’Dea Davenport is, I’m drawn more these days to feel-good instrumentals on the Brand New Heavies’ self-titled album from 25 years ago.

Released in December 1967, ‘Sorcerer’ is the clearest sign yet that Miles Davis was letting go of the wheel.

Eddie Van Halen must have been paying close attention to Steve Hackett’s unique approach to the song, released in November 1971 on Genesis’ ‘Nursery Cryme.’