Earlier this semester, I ripped five genres to shreds in a column based on my own personal preference in music. I have felt the need to make a few positive comments in retort to my previous hateful statements.

I tried to narrow this list down to five - the number of crappy genres I wrote about in January. But while consulting with my rockstar colleagues, I found it necessary to include one extra listing.

Here, from my cerebral vault of rock 'n' roll wisdom, is the ultimate list of the most phenomenal types of music ever to have existed, or at least that I have ever heard. Please, read on and take note; if you're not familiar with these bands, you'll be a better person if you check them out:

6. Arena rock

Artists that rock(ed): AC/DC, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses
Why it rocks: It's vulgar, perverted and has created some of the most amazing guitar gods who have ever lived, i.e. Slash and Eddie Van Halen.

5. Honky-tonk/Outlaw country (these are tied)

4. Country-rock (the term "Southern Rock" simply implies the region, and hardly says much for the sound)

Artists that rock(ed):Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, The Band, the list goes on and on.
Why it rocks: This music is created by some of the best and most innovative rock musicians ever, but it has the timeless lyrics and ambiance influenced significantly by the sounds of classic country.

3. Metal

Artists that rock: Pantera, Clutch, System of a Down
Why it rocks: The influence of such popular '70s rock acts as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin can't be denied when listening to metal. It sounds cool, it's aggressive and it's not responsible for kids killing kids - MTV is.

2. Grunge

Artists that rock(ed): Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden
Why it rocks: It's loud, dirty, passionate, painful and honest. Plus, it's the music of our generation; our kids will know it as "classic rock."

And now, for the best genre of music ever, of all time, in the history of man:

1. Blues-rock

Artists that rock(ed): Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, The Black Crowes, North Mississippi Allstars
Why it rocks: The solos, the lyrics, the energy - everything. Its roots are in music created by such first-rate bluesmen as Muddy Waters and Albert King, plus the addition of electric guitar, heavy bass and effects, make it all the better. Besides, slide guitar is the most beautiful sound in the world.

Megan Frye is the State News music reporter. Compliment her taste at fryemega@msu.edu.