Top Ten Albums of 2016

10. Everything Feels Better Now by From Indian Lakes

Release date: October 14th, 2016

FIL will forever be one of my favorite bands so it was no surprise when this album came out and I completely fell in love with it. It's definitely different from their past releases, has a little more upbeat pop tempos infused into the songs, but the writing is still so FIL and is the reason I love this band so much. Each song is so incredibly written and it is clear that a lot of thought and effort went into this record, making it one of their best yet. Joey Vannucchi has more talent in his pinky than I do in my whole body, writing and tracking most (if not all) of these songs in the studio himself with the help of a producer.

Listen to: "American Dream" and "Hello"

9. Yellowcard by Yellowcard

Release date: September 30th, 2016

This is a very sentimental record for me as it will be the last album that Yellowcard ever releases. They have been a band that has been in my music collection since I was 10 and it's going to be incredibly hard to say goodbye. As their last album, they had a lot of pressure to create something that fans will love forever and I think they accomplished that with this release. Each song sounds like classic Yellowcard with their mature sound spin on it. There aren't many other bands in this music scene that can write like Yellowcard, their songs being written so well and stuffed with such relatable content that I almost feel like I am going to explode whenever I hear a few of the songs on this record. It's perfectly produced and composed with a balance of both fast and slow tempoed tracks, making for one of the best records they have put out in their career.

Listen to: "Rest In Peace" and "Fields & Fences"

8. Holy Ghost by Modern Baseball

Release date: May 13th, 2016

Modern Baseball write their songs in such a unique way that you can put on a track of their's and instantly know what band it is. While the album is short in time, less than 45 minutes from what I recall, it manages to tell two different stories of some personal things two of the members when through while writing Holy Ghost. It's another classic Modern Baseball album that's full of content people can relate to their own lives. Whether you are sitting in your room with your headphones on or driving in your car when it's pouring down rain, this album manages to soothe your worries and remind you that things in life may not go the way you want them to, but things will turn out alright in the end. 

Listen to: "Just Another Face" and "Breathing In Stereo"

7. Luna and the Wild Blue Everything by Mat Kerekes

Release date: August 26th, 2016
This is an album that I listen to whenever I am in a coffee shop or studying. It's a truly beautifully written record and each song has it's own vibes and messages, but manages to create a very cohesive album. I have probably listened to "Direction" a million times since this album was released and Mat's voice is truly something else. It's so unique and soothing and this is honestly the perfect record for anyone that is into stripped down, acoustic music.

Listen to: "Direction" and "My Lucky #3"

6. Blush by Moose Blood

Release date: August 5th, 2016
I LOVE MOOSE BLOOD. I fell in love with this band when I saw them earlier this year and there truly isn't another band like them in the scene right now. From their unique sound that communicates honest and relatable lyrics to all those that listen, each track is so perfectly composed that it's hard to just pick a few songs I enjoy on this album because I love each and every second of this record.

Listen to: "Cheek", "Knuckles", and "Shimmer"

5. Be Nothing by Boston Manor

Release date: September 30th, 2016
This is probably one of the best debut albums I have ever heard. I fell in love with Boston Manor's music last year and this was one album I was looking forward to all year. They manage to bridge the gap between emo and pop punk, creating a unique sound that I can't help but love. The writing quality of each track is amazing and each member brings something so special to the table. For those that haven't heard of the band before definitely check them out.

Listen to: "Laika", "Lead Feet", and "Fossa"

4. Pixie Queen by Anthony Green

Release date: September 9th, 2016
Anthony Green never disappoints me and this album is one of his best yet. It is deeply personal and filled with songs about his wife, overcoming drug addiction, and his family of four beautiful sons. There truly isn't another musician like Anthony Green and if you are looking for a stripped down, acoustic album that offers an endless number of things, this is the album for you.

Listen to: "You'll Be Fine" and "Pixie Queen"

3. I Like It When You Sleep for You're So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It by The 1975

Release date: February 26th, 2016
I go back and forth with this band, but there is no doubt that this is an incredible album. From the instrumentals to the infusion of pop influence in the track, is was one of the best alternative albums to be released this year. There isn't a single track on this album I don't like and is an album I kept going back to time and time again throughout the year. I don't think I will ever get sick of this record and can't wait to see what The 1975 do next.

Listen to: "She's American", "Loving Someone", "Somebody Else", and "This Must Be a Dream"

2. Made To Disappear by Daughter

Release date: January 15th, 2016
This is probably the best album Daughter has released to date. It is one of my most played albums of the year and includes a collection of songs that remind me of my time in London. While sometimes listening to this album makes me incredibly sad, the artistry of each of the members in Daughter brings to the table allows for an incredibly unique sound to be created which is shown greatly in this album. Elena's vocals are out of this world and I truly believe everyone can get something out of this album. 

Listen to: "To Belong", "New Ways", and "Doing The Right Things"

1. The Ride - Catfish and the Bottlemen

Release date: May 27th, 2016
I could go on and on about this band. They are probably one of my favorites and I was so excited when this album was released. I think I got it early from press and it seriously reminds me so much of my last weeks in London. Each song holds a different member which is why I love this record so much. CATB just make good, quality music that I can't seem to get enough of. They have their own sound and own way of doing things and it's working for them. It's been amazing seeing them grow over the past few years and this is one album I will be listening to for a long time.

Listen to: "Heathrow", "7", and "Outside"