Make Out Monday

Best Songs of 2018 – 5 Seconds of Summer, The 1975, twenty one pilots, & More

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Well, it’s that time of year again. We get to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the past year. Right now we’ll run through our top songs of 2018… While this is Alt Columnist, we can’t deny there were some true bops in every genre this year. There’s a bit of everything on this list, from rock to indie to pop punk to singer/songwriter to R&B to electropop. So strap in and enjoy!

Best Songs of 2018

  1. “Bulletproof” by DALES
  2. “Bad Girls Don’t Cry” by The Night Game
  3. “Enough” by Speak Low If You Speak Love
  4. “Surveillance” by George Ogilvie
  5. “Growing” by Blue Heaven
  6. “Drive” by Pale Waves
  7. “If You’re Over Me” by Years & Years
  8. “Magnetic” by Phillip Phillips
  9. “Topanga Lawrence” by Charmer
  10. “Cool Out” by Imagine Dragons
  11. “Good Kisser” by Lake Street Dive
  12. “Pacific Kiss” by MILKK
  13. “Again” by Kehlani
  14. “Bullet For Your Sweetheart” by Make Out Monday
  15. “Bad Machine” by Boston Manor
  16. “take you home” by slenderbodies
  17. “Sister Cities” by The Wonder Years
  18. “Daydream” by The XCERTS
  19. “My Life” by The Vamps & New Hope Club
  20. “Haircut” by Ryan Beatty
  21. “Lash Out” by Alice Merton
  22. “Swim” by Fickle Friends
  23. “Why” by Shawn Mendes
  24. “Babe, Can I Call?” by The Hunna
  25. “all the kids are depressed” by Jeremy Zucker
  26. “Blonde” by Waterparks
  27. “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” by The 1975
  28. “Sky Full of Song” by Florence + the Machine
  29. “Just Like That” by The Aces
  30. “James Dean” by The Wrecks
  31. “Taking Me Back” by LANY
  32. “Voices” by Against the Current
  33. “Hair Too Long” by The Vamps
  34. “My My My!” by Troye Sivan
  35. “Villains” by Mainland
  36. “Moving Along” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  37. “Misty Mae” by Georgia Fearn
  38. “Malibu Nights” by LANY
  39. “Before the Sun Goes Down” by The New Respects
  40. “Mariners Apartment Complex” by Lana Del Rey
  41. “Heaven’s Gate” by Fall Out Boy
  42. “You Can Count On Me” by Trophy Eyes
  43. “The Overpass” by Panic! at the Disco
  44. “stop and stare” by joan
  45. “Mad Love” by Honest Men
  46. “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  47. “That Something” by With Confidence
  48. “Daphne Blue” by The Band Camino
  49. “Heat Wave” by Snail Mail
  50. “Jumpsuit” by twenty one pilots
  51. “Not Warriors” by Waterparks
  52. “Powerslide” by Ryan Beatty
  53. “Best Friend” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  54. “Brooklyn” by Fickle Friends
  55. “Lovely” by Pinkish Blu
  56. “Revolution” by The Wrecks
  57. “Hunger” by Florence + the Machine
  58. “Lake Effect Kid” by Fall Out Boy
  59. “Midnight” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  60. “Empty Cups” by Charlie Puth
  61. “Thick and Thin” by LANY
  62. “Lovin’ Is Bible” by The Aces
  63. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes
  64. “Love It If We Made It” by The 1975
  65. “Babylon” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Yeah, I’m surprised too. I’m not going to explain every song on this list, but let’s go through a handful of my favorites.

“I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” is basically if The 1975 made a late ’90s Third Eye Blind song… and it somehow works.

“Bullet For Your Sweetheart” by Make Out Monday is reminiscent of Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree, lyrically and musically, which is a welcomed sound.

Speaking of Fall Out Boy, while I consider MANIA to be their most unsatisfactory project to date, “Heaven’s Gate” surprised me with its soulful melodies and organic instrumentation, seemingly harking back to the Folie á Deux era of their career.

Similarly, Panic! at the Disco’s Pray For the Wicked was a disappointing release, but “The Overpass” provided some punch, rhythm, and excitement with gutsy horns, racing percussion, and soaring choruses.

“stop and stare” by joan is an ’80s-inspired indie pop rock jam with warm synths, ethereal atmosphere, and a stellar guitar solo.

“Daphne Blue” by The Band Camino is an undeniable summertime anthem, perfect for a windows-down, volume-up drive.

“Powerslide” by Ryan Beatty is another tune for the summertime, but much more chill and smooth and, uh, suggestive, bound to get stuck in your head with its bouncy melodies and vocal harmonies.

“Lovely” by Pinkish Blu delivers a hazy indie rock vibe through nicely reverb-laden guitar timbres and poignant lyricism.

Fall Out Boy originally released a demo of “Lake Effect Kid” on their 2008 Welcome to the New Administration mixtape, but the song finally got its rightful studio version released this year, a decade later, as a love letter to the band’s hometown of Chicago. This is the Fall Out Boy we’ve been missing.

“Midnight” by 5 Seconds of Summer was released as a Japanese bonus track on their latest effort Youngblood, but it’s easily one of the best songs from the record. (Although, as you can tell from their numbers of entries on our list, it’s fairly difficult to say there were many inferior songs on the album to begin with.) “Midnight” is a sultry plea for a deeper relationship with a paramour who only gives their love after midnight, but the tune is so anthemic and gargantuan that the tremendous choruses and celestial atmosphere nearly eclipse the subject matter.

“Empty Cups” by Charlie Puth is a rather similar song, begging a lover to stay, but with more groove and allure… and more scandalous in regards to cheating.

LANY’s “Thick and Thin” employs tasteful simplicity and heartfelt lyrics to craft a refined, exquisitely minimalistic tune deserving of repeated listens and shouted singalongs.

“Lovin’ Is Bible” by The Aces is a fabulous ’80s-influenced tune with some real character. The chorus is undeniably catchy, and the guitar riffs are absolute earcandy.

“Love It If We Made It” by The 1975 is a desperate yet hopeful survey of our world’s current sociopolitical state, and while it is quite anxiety-inducing, it is one of the band’s strongest works to date.

Speaking of anxiety, “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes is an empowering cry for help, a portrait of persevering through mental health struggles and general challenges of life. Shawn Mendes surprised us with this Kings of Leon-inspired pop rock song, and it’s brought me to tears on multiple occasions.

“Babylon” by 5 Seconds of Summer is a ripping pop rock anthem, characterized by colossal guitar melodies and sky-high choruses. Calum Hood’s moment to shine is an ultimately defining moment for the Aussie band.

That’s our list! Let us know your favorite tunes of the year in the comments down below or tweet at us on Twitter. @AltColumnist

February 2018 Alt Col Picks

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Plenty of great records were released in February, so here are our favorite albums of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!

  • Senses Fail – If There Is Light, It Will Find You

Senses Fail returns to release their seventh studio album If There Is Light, It Will Find You. If There Is Light straddles the lines between screamo, pop punk, post-hardcore, and traces of emo. The heartfelt lyricism concerning growth, American society, and nostalgia is bound to punch you right in the gut. Standout tracks include “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes,” “Gold Jacket, Green Jacket…,” and “If There Is Light, It Will Find You.” If There Is Light, It Will Find You is sure to satisfy followers of A Day to Remember, The Story So Far, and The Dangerous Summer. Click here to listen.

  • Don Broco – Technology

Don Broco’s slick brand of alternative pop rock has been dialed up to deliver some of their heaviest material to date. Raucous distortion and buoyant rhythms fill Technology to the brim with undeniable energy, bite, and charisma. While the track listing is admittedly a bit bloated, there is plenty to admire on this hard-hitting release. Standout tracks include “Everybody,” “Come Out to LA,” and “Stay Ignorant.” Technology will appeal to fans of Sylar, Issues, and Canterbury. Click here to listen.

  • Franz Ferdinand – Always Ascending

Franz Ferdinand recrudesces on their recent record Always Ascending, offering up some smooth, fresh disco-rock. With funky grooves and danceable melodies, Always Ascending takes the band to tasteful new heights despite the departure of founding member Nick McCarthy. Standout tracks include “Always Ascending,” “Feel the Love Go,” “Lazy Boy,” and “Finally.” Always Ascending is sure to attract followers of Arcade Fire, The Voidz, and Spoon. Click here to listen.

  • MGMT – Little Dark Age

The experimental mixture of pop, funk, psychedelia, synth-pop, and jangle rock defines MGMT’s latest outing titled Little Dark Age. Little Dark Age pulls you in with its kaleidoscopic allure on the opener and holds you in a colorful trance to the last second of the closer. It’s hypnotic and increasingly interesting with every listen. Standout tracks include “Me and Michael,” “She Works Out Too Much,” and “Little Dark Age.” Little Dark Age will capture listeners of Saint Motel, The Aces, and Portugal. The Man. Click here to listen.

  • Story Untold – Waves

After changing their name and signing with Hopeless Records, Story Untold made it clear they meant business. Waves displays the band refining their pop rock sound and proving they’re here to stay between catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and outstanding guitar work. Standout tracks include “Delete,” “California,” and “All the Same (Once a Liar, Always a Liar).” Waves is sure to interest fans of All Time Low, With Confidence, and Makeout. Click here to listen.

  • Hockey Dad – Blend Inn

The cut-loose indie garage rock of Hockey Dad’s Blend Inn is characterized by crunchy guitars, punchy percussion, and soaring melodies that are insanely delectable and undoubtedly impressive. The tracklist is packed with countless gems – every tune is rapturous. Standout tracks include “Join the Club,“ “I Wanna Be Everybody,” “Disappoint Me,” and “Stalker.” Blend Inn is bound to attract listeners of Surf Curse, Bad//Dreems, and Dumb Punts. Click here to listen.

  • Make Out Monday – Visions of Hollywood

Make Out Monday’s fun-loving style of pop rock is animated and enticing on their debut full-length Visions of Hollywood. Released on Valentine’s Day, Visions is outlined by songs of heartbreak and love but also lively party tunes bound to keep you dancing. Standout tracks include “Bullet For Your Sweetheart,” “Desirae,” and “Shake It Like a Polaroid.” Visions of Hollywood will capture fans of All Time Low, Mayday Parade (ALIR era), and 5 Seconds of Summer. Click here to listen.

  • Brian Fallon – Sleepwalkers

Sleepwalkers is the sophomore solo record of The Gaslight Anthem’s frontman Brian Fallon. Fallon’s signature gravelly vocal timbre always adds an underlying sense of soul and earnestness to his already emotional songwriting, and that statement surely extends to his latest material on Sleepwalkers, a hearty and profound listen that is sure to hit you in “the feels.” Standout tracks include “If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven,” “Forget Me Not,” and “See You On the Other Side.” Sleepwalkers will appeal to followers of The Gaslight Anthem, Dave Hause, and The Menzingers. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Superchunk – What a Time to Be Alive

Standout tracks include “What a Time to Be Alive,” “Break the Glass,” and “Reagan Youth.” What a Time to Be Alive is for fans of Archers of Loaf, Guided By Voices, and Dismemberment Plan. Click here to listen.

  • Neon Insect – Glitches

Standout tracks include “Thoughtcrimes,” “IDC,” and “To the Moon and Back (feat. Twill Distilled).” Glitches is for fans of Hemmingway, DNPQ, and Newenx. Click here to listen.

  • Dashboard Confessional – Crooked Shadows

Standout tracks include “We Fight,” “Heart Beat Here,” “Open My Eyes (feat. Lindsey Stirling),” and “Catch You.” Crooked Shadows is for fans of The Spill Canvas, Taking Back Sunday, and Straylight Run. Click here to listen.

  • Car Seat Headrest – Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)

Standout tracks include “My Boy (Twin Fantasy),” “Nervous Young Inhumans,” and “Cute Thing.” Twin Fantasy (Face to Face) is for fans of Chastity Belt, Parquet Courts, and Waxahatchee. Click here to listen.

  • AWOLNATION – Here Come the Runts

Standout tracks include “Seven Sticks of Dynamite,” “Handyman,” and “Passion.” Here Come the Runts is for fans of New Politics, Atlas Genius, and Grouplove. Click here to listen.

  • Anna Burch – Quit the Curse

Standout tracks include “2 Cool 2 Care,” “Tea-Soaked Letter,” and “In Your Dreams.” Quit the Curse is for fans of Dream Wife, Alvvays, and Phoebe Bridgers. Click here to listen.

  • The Plot In You – Dispose

Standout tracks include “Feel Nothing,” “Not Just Breathing,” and “Disposable Fix.” Dispose is for fans of Like Moths to Flames, The Color Morale, and Secrets. Click here to listen.

  • The Wombats – Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life

Standout tracks include “Turn,” “I Don’t Know Why I Like You But I Do,“ and “Lemon to a Knife Fight.” Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life is for fans of The Vaccines, The Pigeon Detectives, and The Kooks. Click here to listen.

  • Ought – Room Inside the World

Standout tracks include “Disgraced in America,” “Desire,” and “These 3 Things.” Room Inside the World is for fans of Parquet Courts, Preoccupations, and Iceage. Click here to listen.

  • Pop Evil – Pop Evil

Standout tracks include “Waking Lions,” “A Crime to Remember,” and “Be Legendary.” Pop Evil is for fans of Saving Abel, Royal Bliss, and Art of Dying. Click here to listen.

  • I’m With Her – See You Around

Standout tracks include “Game to Lose,” “See You Around,” and “Ain’t That Fine.” See You Around is for fans of The Stray Birds, Sara Jarosz, and Nickel Creek. Click here to listen.

  • Slaves – Beautiful Death

Standout tracks include “True Colors,” “The Pact,” and “Deadly Conversations.” Beautiful Death is for fans of Issues, Picturesque, and Too Close to Touch. Click here to listen.

  • We Were Sharks – Lost Touch

Standout tracks include “Beyond Repair,” “Ashley,” and “Stay.” Lost Touch is for fans of Forever Came Calling, Carousel Kings, and Seaway. Click here to listen.

  • Caroline Rose – Loner

Standout tracks include “Money,” “More of the Same,” and “Soul No. 5.” Loner is for fans of TORRES, Anna Burch, and Big Thief. Click here to listen.

  • Screaming Females – All At Once

Standout tracks include “Glass House,” “Black Moon,” and “I’ll Make You Sorry.”  All At Once is for fans of Sleater-Kinney, Superchunk, and Jeff Rosenstock. Click here to listen.

  • American Pleasure Club – A Whole F**king Lifetime of This

Standout tracks include “this is heaven & id die for it,” “new years eve,” and “all the lonely nights in your life.” A Whole F**king Lifetime of This is for fans of Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else, salvia palth, and Elvis Depressedly. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Off Road Minivan – Spiral Gaze

Standout tracks include “Spiral Gaze“ and “Glow.” Spiral Gaze is for fans of Household, Hearts Like Lions, and LOYALS. Click here to listen.

  • The Oh Hellos – Eurus

Standout tracks include “Eurus” and “O Sleeper.” Eurus is for fans of Twin Forks, Drew Holcomb, and Great Lake Swimmers. Click here to listen.

  • Familiar Things – Fade Into the Scenery

Standout tracks include “October“ and “Meant A Lot.” Fade Into the Scenery is for fans of Chase This City, All Year Round, and Seasonal. Click here to listen.

  • Ride – Tomorrow’s Shore

Standout tracks include “Catch You Dreaming“ and “Pulsar.” Tomorrow’s Shore is for fans of Slowdive, Chapterhouse, and Teenage Fanclub. Click here to listen.

  • Facing Fire – Facing Fire

Standout tracks include “Dying Inside” and “Overcome.” Facing Fire is for fans of Stone Broken, DED, and Sons of Texas. Click here to listen.

  • The Anchor – Make It Last

Standout tracks include “September” and “Make It Last.” Make It Last is for fans of Light the Fire, If I Were You, and Monument of A Memory. Click here to listen.

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