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2017 Year-End Roundup

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Alright, so the big album-related lists from 2017 are out of the way (Best Albums & “Worst” Albums), so let’s jump into some more year-end lists! Let’s start with best songs. We’re gonna blow through the majority of these and then talk about the list-toppers a bit more in detail. Keep in mind this is all my personal opinion and you’re free to disagree! Let me know your favorite songs of 2017 down in the comments below.

Best Songs of 2017

  1. “All the Land Glimmered” by Julie Byrne
  2. “No Halo” by Sorority Noise
  3. “Main Attraction” by Sincerely, Me
  4. “Hiccups” by WATERS
  5. “Get By” by Real Friends
  6. “All” by Joseph
  7. “Better Off” by 7 Minutes in Heaven
  8. “Cannot Do This Alone” by Colony House
  9. “New York” by LEDGES
  10. “Take What You Want (feat. 5 Seconds of Summer)” by ONE OK ROCK
  11. “Feel Good” by Neon Trees
  12. “Apartment” by Seaway
  13. “The Last of the Real Ones” by Fall Out Boy
  14. “Paradise” by Broadside
  15. “Okay” by As It Is
  16. “Certainty” by Seasonal
  17. “What’s Wrong” by PVRIS
  18. “Sold” by Heavy Things
  19. “Caroline” by A Will Away
  20. “Everything You Want Me to Be” by Coldfront
  21. “Young for the Summer” by DALES
  22. “Celebrate the Reckless” by Magic Giant
  23. “The Fog” by LAYNE
  24. “Kids” by The Gospel Youth
  25. “Feelings” by Hayley Kiyoko
  26. “Don’t Take the Money” by Bleachers
  27. “Last Young Renegade” by All Time Low
  28. “The Breakup” by LANY
  29. “Slow Burn” by State Champs
  30. “Lookers” by The Menzingers
  31. “Fire” by The Dangerous Summer
  32. “In the Middle of It All” by Citizen
  33. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
  34. “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon
  35. “Daylily” by Movements
  36. “Hiding With Boys” by Creeper
  37. “Liability” by Lorde
  38. “Beautiful Things” by Grayscale
  39. “Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu” by The Maine
  40. “Fake Happy” by Paramore

That’s it! My top choice is “Fake Happy” by Paramore because I found myself constantly coming back to this song and loving it more and more every time. The lyrics are amazingly well-written and give such an awesome commentary, and the melodies in this song are absolutely stellar. “Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu” is my second pick because this song is so emotionally-charged and “gives me all the feels,” if you will. The instrumental is fantastic and the guitar melody is always stuck in my head on repeat. “Beautiful Things” by Grayscale is next on the list due to its heartfelt lyrics and spectacular vocal performance, along with that catchy hook! “Liability” by Lorde is a song that I can personally relate to and is such a moving piano ballad, which is quite out-of-the-ordinary for Lorde. “Hiding With Boys” is an epic rock tune outlined by smoky nostalgia and heart-rending lyrics that makes me feel some type of way. “Daylily” by Movements also makes me … feel something … and is such a poignant song between its raspy, impassioned vocals and raw instrumentals. I’ve been waiting for a studio version of “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon for AGES and we finally got it! It definitely lives up to and even surpasses the live recordings of this atmospheric, emotional tune. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles isn’t what most fans expected from him, but my God, this monumental power ballad the best thing we could’ve ever dreamed of getting from this former boy band member. All of my top picks have something in common: they all made me feel. I don’t mean to get sappy, but that’s why I love music, it makes me feel things.

Best EPs of 2017

  1. Fade by Cold Climb It
  2. Likes Me Like That by Over Atlantic
  3. Aesthetically Pleasing by Sincerely, Me
  4. Do You Feel the Same Way Now? by Forbidden Envy
  5. Best When In Motion by Life Lessons
  6. Bloom by Seasonal
  7. Symmetry by 7 Minutes in Heaven
  8. Hard by The Neighbourhood
  9. Without You by pineview
  10. Wednesday by LAYNE

Click the links to read what we have to say about these EPs!

Best Debut Albums of 2017

  1. Totem by Welman
  2. AM/PM by The White Noise
  3. Lovely Domestic Bliss by Guide Dog
  4. Prosper by Gold Route
  5. Love Jail by Julia Louise
  6. Tasha Sits Close to the Piano by Jaws of Love.
  7. Homecoming by LEDGES
  8. Busybody Lazybones by Woolbright
  9. Landmark by Hippo Campus
  10. Red, Green, or Inbetween by WSTR
  11. Fail You Again by Can’t Swim
  12. Float Around by Coldfront
  13. Overexposed by Sleep On It
  14. Coast Modern by Coast Modern
  15. Always Lose by The Gospel Youth
  16. The Heights by Knox Hamilton
  17. Dreamcar by Dreamcar
  18. Cigarettes After Sex by Cigarettes After Sex
  19. Greatest Hits by Remo Drive
  20. Here Again by A Will Away
  21. In the Wind by Magic Giant
  22. Eternity, In Your Arms by Creeper
  23. LANY by LANY
  24. Feel Something by Movements
  25. Harry Styles by Harry Styles

Click the links to read what we have to say about each of these albums!

Most Underrated/Overlooked Albums of 2017

  1. Apprise. Assemble. Arise. by Concealed in Clouds
  2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors by Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else
  3. Odyssey by The Accidentals
  4. Swear I’m Good At This by Diet Cig
  5. Fever Dream by Everything Everything
  6. Sincerely by Dude York
  7. Telephone by Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas
  8. Waiting on the Sun by Jule Vera
  9. Bear Your Mind by Free Throw
  10. come out, you’re hiding by flor
  11. Connect the Dots by MisterWives
  12. Make the Best of It by Have Mercy
  13. For Posterity by Dryjacket
  14. Overexposed by Sleep On It (ironic title)
  15. Vultures by Dead Leaves
  16. Orc by Oh Sees
  17. Chew by Muskets
  18. Hurts So Good by The Polarity
  19. The Same View With a New Light by WATERMEDOWN
  20. Easy by The Weeks
  21. Homecoming by LEDGES
  22. The Love You Let Too Close by Thousand Below
  23. The Good Life by Makeout
  24. Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
  25. Tasha Sits Close to the Piano by Jaws of Love.
  26. Waiting for Morning to Come by Being As An Ocean
  27. Totem by Welman
  28. Not Even Happiness by Julie Byrne
  29. Always Hope by Forever Starts Today
  30. Float Around by Coldfront
  31. Camp Cope by Camp Cope
  32. Busybody Lazybones by Woolbright
  33. Metaphysical by The Technicolors
  34. Landmark by Hippo Campus
  35. Content by Joywave
  36. The Heights by Knox Hamilton
  37. Goner by Heavy Things
  38. Dreamcar by Dreamcar
  39. Volcano by Temples
  40. In the Wind by Magic Giant
  41. Awkward Phase by Eternal Boy
  42. Coast Modern by Coast Modern
  43. Here Again by A Will Away
  44. Back to Beautiful by Picturesque
  45. Diverge by Hawking
  46. Something More! by WATERS
  47. All These Countless Nights by Deaf Havana
  48. Synesthesia by Courage My Love
  49. Origami by Vinyl Theatre
  50. After the Party by The Menzingers

Click the links to read what we have to say about each of these albums!

Those are all the lists we have for 2017! Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

August 2017 Alt Col Picks

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A lot of great albums appeared in August, so here are our favorite records of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here! Also stick around for our featured singles at the end of this post!

  • Brand New – Science Fiction

Eight years since their most recent full-length release, alt-rock veteran group Brand New returns with their final effort, Science Fiction. Science Fiction is transcendental and otherworldly at times with psychedelic guitar melodies, biblical allusions, and therapeutic dream analysis tapes. The band still unleashes their ferocity through fiery breakdowns and also showcases their softer side with gentle balladry. Standout tracks include “Can’t Get It Out,” “Same Logic/Teeth,” and “451.” Science Fiction is sure to interest fans of The Early November, La Dispute, and Slow Bullet. (It’s Brand freakin’ New, do you really need a recommendation?)

  • PVRIS – All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell

PVRIS is recognized for their mesmerizing blend of piercing rock and colorful electronic music, as well as frontwoman Lynn Gunn’s soaring vocal performances. That trend is continued and expanded upon on their new album, All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell, in which the band utilizes the synthetic production even more candidly throughout the latest LP. Standout tracks include “What’s Wrong,” “Heaven,” and “Anyone Else.” All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell will appeal to fans of She Is We, Colours, and Against the Current.

  • Neck Deep – The Peace and the Panic

Energetic percussion and gritty guitar riffs characterize Neck Deep’s newest album titled The Peace and the Panic, and it’s nothing short of a triumph. The band explores some new timbres, like early 2000s emo on “In Bloom,” and improves upon their solid pop punk proficiency with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics. Standout tracks include “Motion Sickness,” “In Bloom,” and “Where Do We Go When We Go.” The Peace and the Panic is sure to attract followers of With Confidence, WSTR, and Seaway.

  • Turnover – Good Nature

Turnover recrudesces with their trademark daydreamy tonality and spellbinding assonance on their new record Good Nature. The band comfortably dominates the floaty, gossamer sonic style they have established, and the lighter lyrical content is a step in a more buoyant direction from their previous long-player. Standout tracks include “Pure Devotion,” “Sunshine Type,” and “Butterfly Dream.” Good Nature will capture listeners of Dryjacket, Foxing, and Glass Towers.

  • Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins

The intimate intricacy and roisterous abandon exhibited on Grizzly Bear’s latest release proves what this band is capable of crafting. Painted Ruins is a familiar yet fresh approach in the outfit’s catalog between its indie attitude, warm guitars, and thumping percussion. Standout tracks include “Mourning Sound,” “Three Rings,” “Aquarian,” and “Sky Took Hold.” Painted Ruins will appeal to listeners of Atlas Sound, Deerhunter, and Local Natives.

  • Wage War – Deadweight

Metalcore band Wage War unleashes their sophomore full-length detailed by thunderous guitar refrains and melodic vocal performances. Through impassioned screams, hard-hitting breakdowns, and electrifying lyrics, Deadweight is gripping and a must-listen for any metal fan. Standout tracks include “Don’t Let Me Fade Away,” “Witness,” “Gravity,” and “Indestructible.” Deadweight will capture followers of Fit for a King, Beartooth, and Oh, Sleeper.

  • The Accidentals – Odyssey

Delectable melodies and lively musicality outline The Accidentals’ latest long-player, Odyssey. This jaunty album is construed by thoughtful libretto, distinct vocal delivery, and palatable guitar playing, making for a timeless indie rock listen. Standout tracks include “Odyssey,” “Memorial Day,“ and “In the Morning.” Odyssey is sure to satisfy fans of Nickel Creek, Elephant Revival, and The Ragbirds.

  • Woolbright – Busybody Lazybones

Pensive and refined, (but with a granular edge), this indie alt-rock project delivers fervor and competence. Busybody Lazybones is intense and rousing through its boisterous, spirited anthems and hearty choruses, but the more relaxed moments provide this album its effectiveness and diversity. Standout tracks include “What’s It Gonna Be,” “Symbiotic Harmony,” and “19th Street.” Busybody Lazybones will appeal to listeners of Glass Towers, People Like You, and Dryjacket.

  • The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding

The War on Drugs lets the music speak for itself on A Deeper Understanding. Lengthy guitar solos are strewn throughout the track listing, which is balanced with the heartfelt lyricism to create a perfect blend of instrumentation and vocals. From downtrodden ballads to rollicking, vivace tunes, A Deeper Understanding never grows monotonous. Standout tracks include “Pain,” “Up All Night,” “Knocked Down,” and “In Chains.” A Deeper Understanding is bound to attract followers of Future Islands, The National, and Spoon.

  • Forever Starts Today – Always Hope

Forever Starts Today releases an enthusiastic debut characterized by gutsy rock anthems and poignant acoustic ballads. Always Hope is an unforgettable display of musical aptitude, reverberate singalong chants, forthright guitar refrains, and upbeat percussion beats that give the album a driving sense of conation and eagerness. Standout tracks include “Optimist,” “Miracle,” “Growing Pains,” and “Alannah.” Always Hope will satisfy listeners of Deaf Havana, Tonight Alive, and The Getaway Plan.

  • Everything Everything – A Fever Dream

The pungent, charismatic intonation of Everything Everything’s latest indie rock LP is undeniably enchanting and nearly hypnotizing. The introspective and politically-minded lyrical content is veraciously coupled with the savory instrumentation and musicianship on A Fever Dream. Standout tracks include “Night of the Long Knives,” “Ivory Tower,” and “Run the Numbers.” A Fever Dream is sure to interest fans of Modest Mouse, alt-J, and Young the Giant.

  • Queens of the Stone Age – Villains

With biting distortion and raucous percussion, Villains finds a comfortable home in the Queens of the Stone Age discography. Four years since their last album, the rock band returns with energy, excitement, and a pop sensibility, evident from the production work of Mark Ronson. (“Uptown Funk.”) Standout tracks include “The Evil Has Landed,” “Head Like a Haunted House,” and “Un-Reborn Again.” Villains will appeal to followers of Grouplove, Geographer, and Foster the People.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS & EXTENDED PLAYS

  • The Districts – Popular Manipulations

Mellow indie alternative bliss. Standout tracks include “If Before I Wake,” “Ordinary Day,” and “Salt.” For fans of The Apache Relay, Dr. Dog, and Deerhunter.

  • Lilly Hiatt – Trinity Lane

Ecstatic, heartfelt Americana rock. Standout tracks include “The Night David Bowie Died,” “Trinity Lane,” and “Records.” For fans of Courtney Barnett, First Aid Kit, and Trampled By Turtles.

  • Iron & Wine – Beast Epic

Contemplative singer/songwriter goodness. Standout tracks include “Call It Dreaming,” “Thomas County Law,” and “Summer Clouds.” For fans of The Milk Carton Kids, Damien Rice, and Sufjan Stevens.

  • Rainer Maria – Rainer Maria

Vociferous rock with firm vocals. Standout tracks include “Lower Worlds,” “Suicides and Lazy Eyes,“ and “Blackbird.” For fans of Sleater-Kinney, Wolf Alice, and Royal Blood.

  • Like Ghosts – To Feel Like You’re Drowning  (EP)

Animated rock with impressive musicianship. Standout tracks include “Iris” and “To Feel Like You’re Drowning,” but the whole EP is stellar! For fans of Too Close to Touch, Crown the Empire, and I Prevail.

  • Offended By Everything – Never Too Late to Start Again  (EP)

Energetic, punky rock. Standout tracks include “22” and “What’s So Great About Hollywood?,” but the whole EP is great! For fans of Knuckle Puck, Cold Climb It, and Woes.

  • Sincerely, Me – Aesthetically Pleasing  (EP)

Vivacious pop punk littered with catchy hooks. Standout tracks include “Main Attraction” and “Hella,” but the whole EP is awesome! For fans of State Champs, 7 Minutes in Heaven, and With Confidence.

  • Lakeshore – 41

Vibrant rock with robust musicality. Standout tracks include “Future,” “History,” and “Pure Imagination.” For fans of Issues, I Prevail, and Starset.

  • Smallpools – The Science of Letting Go  (EP)

Effervescent indie excellence. Standout tracks include “Million Bucks” and “Passenger Side,” but the entire EP is fantastic! For fans of WATERS, Walk the Moon, and COIN.

  • Picture This – Picture This

Enlivening pop rock with ardent lyrics. Standout tracks include “Take My Hand,” “Addicted to You,” and “Never Change.” For fans of Amber Run, Kodaline, and Samestate.

  • First Time in Color – Strangers  (EP)

We published our July post before this EP was released, so we’ve included it here! Standout tracks include “Strangers” and “Spirit,” but the whole EP is outstanding! For fans of The Dangerous Summer, Finish Ticket, and The Gaslight Anthem.

  • Able Baker Fox – Visions

Unique and expressive indie rock. Standout tracks include “Purple Mountains,” “Free Flowers,” and “Drift.” For fans of The Bravery, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Shins.

  • Oh Sees – Orc

Experimental, mesmerizing indie rock. Standout tracks include “The Static God,” “Jettisoned,” and “Animated Violence.” For fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tame Impala, and Broken Bells.

  • Dead Leaves – Vultures

Earnest rock with a fervent bite. Standout tracks include “Sunrise,” “Death and Taxes,” and “Die Young.” For fans of Modern Baseball, Slow Bullet, and The Front Bottoms.

  • Queen Moo – Mean Well

Profound, unfeigned indie rock with interesting styles and instrumentation. Standout tracks include “What It Comes To,” “Funeral,” and “It’s Become Clear.” For fans of VARSITY, People Like You, and Into It. Over It.

  • Concealed in Clouds – Aspire. Apprise. Assemble. Arise.

Thunderous rock with impassioned songwriting. Standout tracks include “Aspire,” “Dearly Beloved (feat. Naderge),” and “Phenomena.” For fans of Too Close to Touch, Starset, and Crown the Empire.

 

Featured Singles

Let us know what you think of August’s releases down in the comments below!

16 Overlooked Songs from 2016 You Need to Hear

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2016 wasn’t an amazingly fabulous year for alternative music, but we did get some pretty great records. (Check out our year-end lists here!) Out of those fantastic records, here’s 16 great songs from the year you might have overlooked. Please keep in mind these are not necessarily the best songs of 2016, just some you may have missed out on hearing about.

16. “Never Know” by Set It Off

While our review of Set It Off’s newest album Upside Down wasn’t so positive, we did point out a few decent deep cuts, one of those being “Never Know.” “Never Know” is decisively the least poppy piece on the album, and is painfully overlooked despite this. The pop aspects of Upside Down aren’t why it scored so low; it’s because Set It Off did nothing interesting with it, but “Never Know” proves that SIO still has some rock in them.

15. “All Downhill From Here” by The Summer Set

Stories For Monday, the latest record from pop rockers The Summer Set, earned some attention for its upbeat singles, but most songs went unnoticed. “All Downhill From Here” is a fun-loving, rosy tune that is sure to get you singing along. While the chorus is a bit repetitive, the lyrics detail growth, feeling caught between being a kid and an adult, and even touches upon the American Dream standards. “All Downhill From Here” is definitely an underrated track.

14. “Troubled Times” by Green Day

Green Day made a significant comeback with Revolution Radio and even did a fantastic performance of “Bang Bang” at the AMAs. However, the song “Troubled Times” flew under the radar. Like the majority of Revolution Radio, “Troubled Times” is a politically charged piece, rightfully calling out how exclusive love and peace is in the world and warning others of repeating history.

13. “Stairs” by Joyce Manor

Cody is arguably Joyce Manor’s best record to date. It is more well-rounded and mature compared to past releases, and the song “Stairs” is somewhat evidence of that progression and development. Well, maybe not so much, considering the writer can’t even do basic tasks without the person they are addressing, and slightly selfishly desires to keep them all for themselves… “Stairs” is still a jam! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

12. “Through the Night” by Anarbor

This entire self-titled album is achingly neglected! “Though the Night” is an excellent deep cut from this record. It’s a step away from Anarbor’s earlier rock sound but certainly in the right direction. “Through the Night” blends pop and alternative into one savory amalgam; it’s smooth, suave, and polished, undoubtedly catchy and sadly overlooked. Give the whole album a spin!

11. “Home Movies” by Beach Weather

The creamy alt-pop of Beach Weather’s Chit Chat EP shines on the song “Home Movies.” A covert dash of ’80s synth pop and glimmering guitar melodies coupled with the nostalgic lyrical content creates a spectacular listen. This sentimental piece was apparently overshadowed by the other wonderful, more upbeat song “Chit Chat.” Honestly, this entire EP is marvelous!

10. “President Heartbeat” by Everything Everything

Everything Everything’s album Get to Heaven (which apparently released back in 2015 but didn’t hit the United States ’til February 2016) truly deserved a spot somewhere on our year-end list, but we unfortunately didn’t get around to hearing it until last week! I know, I know, late to the party… One of the great underrated songs on Get to Heaven is “President Heartbeat,” a critically written, sparkly guitar-driven tune sure to get stuck in your head.

9. “Sway” by Moose Blood

Blush is Moose Blood’s most popular album to date, and yet some tracks still went overlooked. “Sway” begins with a twinkly guitar melody (that kinda reminds me of this song) and swells into steady movement with emotional songwriting and vocal performance. “Sway”‘s vague lyrics and uncluttered instrumentation adds to the theme of simplicity spelled out all throughout the record.

8. “Empty Picture Frames” by Real Friends

Talk about a pop punk anthem! Next to “Mess,” “Empty Picture Frames” is one of the most spirited chants on this full-length. It’s catchy and animated and bound to get stuck in your head, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the ardent songwriting to accomplish this. This track goes hand in hand with “Basement Stairs,” another underrated track from The Home Inside My Head, when discussing honesty and concession of selfishness, buoying those ideas as themes throughout the record.

7. “Don’t Stop Making It Happen” by Grouplove

Grouplove withdraws to a sound more similar to their debut full-length and expands upon the indie rock style even more in their masterpiece Big Mess, which is far from a mess. “Don’t Stop Making It Happen” is an entertaining deep cut from the record, and attests to that indie rock affection with a catchy chorus and clanging guitars.

6. “Wondrous Heart” by Fatherson

Open Book by Fatherson is a monumental album. It’s emotional, raw, poignant, and passionate alt-rock that begs to be not only heard but also felt. “Wondrous Heart” is an astounding piece from this record and yet failed to garner the attention it deserves. The velvety instrumentation and ardent lyricism is nothing less than stellar and beautiful. “Wondrous Heart” is simply wondrous indeed.

5. “Gold Medal Ribbon” by Pierce the Veil

Misadventures by Pierce the Veil is characterized by utilizing computerized components to couple with the fierce trademark pop rock, and “Gold Medal Ribbon” embodies all those aspects. “Gold Medal Ribbon,” titled after, well, an ice cream flavor, is heartfelt and earnest but does not receive its due recognition.

4. “Knew Your Name” by Thief Club

Thief Club is the side project of Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson and released an album in 2014 with “Knew Your Name” present on it. Yet another album, Just Give Up, was released this year in 2016 with the same track making an appearance. Sooo we thought we’d give it a shoutout because “Knew Your Name” is so good! It’s pop rock bliss with clever songwriting, just go listen to it.

3. “Repeat” by Young the Giant

Home of the Strange is no doubt the best Young the Giant album yet. It’s cohesive, flowing, mature, cultivated. It’s absolutely stunning and just a pleasure to listen to! Read our full review here! However, some tracks were still neglected, like “Repeat.” “Repeat” showcases the musicianship of this band and the intellectual lyricism, not to mention Sameer Gadhia’s stellar vocals.

2. “Boys Do” by LAYNE

LAYNE offered up some of their best material to date on the The Black Hills debut EP! But honestly, everything LAYNE has put out is absolutely exquisite, seriously give them a listen. “Boys Do” is a fabulous tune from the extended play, and represents everything this band is masterful at: glossy guitar melodies, catchy choruses, haunting atmosphere, and enthusiastic songwriting.

1. “Everything All At Once” by Local Natives

Sunlit Youth displays Local Natives evolving and becoming more and more dynamic with every release by incorporating electronic inflections and consolidating politically charged lyricism. “Everything All At Once” is a more personal deep cut from this golden record. It’s daydreamy and passionate, rhapsodic and exuberant.

Well, there you have it, the most overlooked songs of 2016! Keep in mind that these aren’t exactly the best songs of 2016 (even though a couple of them are) but rather just songs that flew a bit too far under the radar. Give them a spin and let us know what you think! What songs do you think are underrated?