Over the years I have come across many songs that I’ve fallen in deep love with, but only a few good solid whole albums that I can say have had a huge impact on me. So here’s that list:
1) “The Spirit Room” Michelle Branch, 2001
This is the album I heard that inspired me to start playing the guitar. The first song I ever learned was “Everywhere” off of this album. Michelle Branch is a truly talented artist, and every album she has put out has had good, solid acoustic/pop tracks from beginning to end.
2) “Details” Frou Frou, 2002
This is one of those albums you listen to that just makes you relax and feel better about life. I don’t know what it is exactly, but the soft melodies just put me in a good mood. I remember listening to “Maddening Shroud” on repeat every time I was having a bad day. Highly recommended.
3) “Everything In Transit” Jack’s Mannequin, 2005
I stumbled upon this album by accident. I had heard their single “Dark Blue” a couple times, but didn’t really feel like investigating further. I got a hold of a copy at the beginning of sophomore year, and once I started listening to it, I could not stop. Andrew Mcmahon is brilliant. The sound is a different kind of pop/indie/rock that I’d never heard before. It is piano-based, which makes for a more heart-moving and hum-a-long song. Not only that, but the lyrics are just…wow. Wow. I can’t even describe this album in the way that I want to. Just go listen to it if you haven’t already.
4) “All We Know Is Falling” Paramore, 2005
You’re all probably very familiar with Paramore, but you haven’t heard Paramore until you’ve heard their first album. I love it so much more than their new stuff. Hayley Williams can SING IT. Seriously, she makes me want to front a band. Anyways, I found this album during a rough patch in my life and I found that I could really relate to it. Bottom line: listen to it.
5) “Like Vines” The Hush Sound, 2006
This is one of those albums where you listen to it and then go “WOOOHAOHAOHAOAO THIS IS CRAZY PEOPLE MUSIC!” Because the sound is so different. The first song, “We Intertwined” immediately bursts out in poppy piano chords and beats and just makes you want to dance. And then you listen closely and the lyrics prove that the song actually has a sort of bitter sweet meaning, which is ironic compared to the happy beat it has. The entire album is bitter sweet, but it mirrored my life at the time when I discovered it. I’d have to say that out of all of The Hush Sound’s albums, this one is the best. But that shouldn’t discourage you from buying their new one “Goodbye Blues,” because that is also pretty good. The sound is a little different than their earlier stuff, but you should still get it anyway.
6) “Declare A New State!” The Submarines, 2006
“Peace & Hate” is one of my absolute all time favorite songs ever. I can’t even describe my love for this album. The Submarines have FINALLY just released a new album called “Honeysuckle Weeks” which is equally as amazing. Pick up a copy if you can. They’re also coming to Seattle June 6th, so if anyone wants to go see them with me, hit me up!
7) “So Wrong, It’s Right” All Time Low, 2007
Last, but certainly not least, All Time Low. Wow. Before this album, these guys had out an EP. I had heard a couple songs from it in 2006, deemed it catchy and love-a-ble, and didn’t research any further. Until one day (coincidentally the first day this album was released) I was at Target. I saw that the album was only $9 and I was like, pshh why the hell not? So I bought it. Best investment I have ever made. This album has everything you could ever want in a pop/punk band. Creative drum, guitar, AND bass parts, catchy choruses AND verses, and an amazing vocalist. And their lyrics are amazing. I always love it when you listen to a song and you think you know what it means, but then you find out that it actually means something else. Then you listen to the song again and you’re like WOW it DOES really mean that! Alex Gaskarth is an incredible lyricist. He knows how to hook you. And his use of puns and irony are just enough to make you giggle, but not too much where you want to puke with how “forced” or “cliche” it is.
My favorite song off of this record is continually changing, but it is currently “Stay Awake.” It is meant to be a conversation between Peter Pan and Wendy, or a conversation between your older mature self, with your younger foolish self. The way Alex goes deep into Peter and Wendy’s minds and what they are possibly thinking, is incredible. I could go on and on about his use of symbolism and irony in all of his songs, but you probably don’t want to hear about it. (But if you’re up for an extensive and analytical conversation about All Time Low’s music, hit me up because I’m definitely the person you want to go for that)
Bottom line: This album is the shit and you should go buy it right now.
There are PLENTY of other good albums that I’ve loved over the years, but these ones probably had the most impact on me. :]
