Let There Be Rock's Best Single of 2023

🏆 Best Single of 2023

The Dust Coda - 'Road To Hell'

This years selection for best single has come down to a simple bit of maths, which song throughout the year had received the most plays. This category was very difficult to make a selection from, with tracks from an eclectic mix of genres, rock to metal to blues, all making a worthy claim for the title. The stand out track and most played by myself overall throughout the year was by London based rockers The Dust Coda, with their punchy rocker ‘Road To Hell’. Released as a single on the 26th May, the track was a first taster of their well received new album ‘Loco Paradise’, which was unleashed via Earache Records on the 7th July.

The Dust Coda - Loco Paradise (2023)

As far as album teasers go, this was one track to certainly make you sit up and listen. An instantly loveable hit, and a real statement of intent from a band who’s previous album, ‘Mojo Skyline’, had set the bar extremely high. Described by The Dust Coda front man, John Drake, as “a gift from the rock n’ roll gods” this monster of a rock number was, like all great hits composed with inspiration from a great riff. “I sat down with a beer and my Strat at my mate’s place one afternoon and the riff appeared, then the whole song came together in a few hours.” Stated John Drake after the songs release.

Like a lot of popular themes amongst new music releases, certainly in the past few years, ‘Road To Hell’ explores the likes of societal corruption, manipulation, and the consequences of blindly following false celebrity idols. The chorus bellows out “The road to hell is wide open, the road to hell is long and wide.” Like AC/DC before them it speaks volumes about the expected traffic headed in that direction, and how society has a wicked side we are all exposed to. It’s catchy lyrics with a hint of Guns N’ Roses inspiration will certainly stick in your head on the very first play. Some songs just have that effect, and this is one certified rock radio banger!

Throughout the year it has been my go to track, both for personal listening and on the radio. I know I’m not the only DJ to have given it some serious air time in the past few months. With the album ‘Loco Paradise’ also one of the firm favourites from the past year, it’s no wonder the best single has come from this exceptional band. The future of rock and roll is in safe hands.

Album: Loco Paradise

Released: 7th July 2023

Label: Earache Records

Website: https://thedustcoda.com