The Wrecks

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

AdminLeave a comment

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

March 2018 Alt Col Picks – Fickle Friends, Jack White, Camp Cope, & More

AdminLeave a comment

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

  • Fickle Friends – You Are Someone Else

The colorful, glistening indie pop rock of Fickle Friends’ You Are Someone Else is entrancing and undeniably fun. This debut full-length is characterized by ’80s-influenced guitar timbre and catchy songwriting, blending the ever-present throwback elements with fresh, modern-day production. Standout tracks include “Glue,” “Brooklyn,” “Say No More,” and “Paris.” You Are Someone Else will appeal to fans of The Aces, Paramore’s After Laughter, and Scavenger Hunt. Click here to listen.

  • Moose Blood – I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore

The emo-tinged pop punk/pop rock outfit Moose Blood has unleashed their third studio album titled I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore. I Don’t Think offers the four-piece’s trademark brand of poignant lyricism and upbeat musicality, continuing to efficiently blur the lines of emo and pop punk. Standout tracks include “Have I Told You Enough,” “It’s Too Much,” and “Pull Me From the Floor.” I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore is sure to satisfy followers of A Will Away, Knuckle Puck, and The Wonder Years. Click here to listen.

  • Jack White – Boarding House Reach

Jack White, formerly one half of The White Stripes, branches out on his third solo record Boarding House Reach. Boarding House Reach is experimental and vivid between its psychedelic atmosphere and artificial instrumentation. Standout tracks include “Over and Over and Over,” “Connected By Love,” “Get In the Mind Shaft,” and “Corporation.” Boarding House Reach is sure to attract listeners of The White Stripes, The Kills, and The Dead Weather. Click here to listen.

  • The Vaccines – Combat Sports

The Vaccines recrudesce on Combat Sports with their signature rock ‘n’ roll mixed with electronic elements to craft a record that is catchy, fun, and endlessly replayable. From the plucky guitar melodies of the opener to the roaring distortion of the closer, this album is sure to get stuck in your head and is well-deserving of repeated listens. Standout tracks include “Put It On a T-Shirt,” “Your Love Is My Favorite Band,” and “Nightclub.” Combat Sports will appeal to followers of The Libertines, Phoenix, and Ra Ra Riot. Click here to listen.

  • Camp Cope – How to Socialise & Make Friends

Hailing from Australia, Camp Cope melds lo-fi indie rock with heartfelt libretto and enthusiastic vocal performances on their sophomore full-length titled How to Socialise & Make Friends. The honest singing and sparse instrumentation are simultaneously personal and intimate and yet still enough to rattle concert halls and stadiums. Standout tracks include “The Opener,” “The Face of God,” and “How to Socialise & Make Friends.” How to Socialise & Make Friends will capture fans of Varsity, Waxahatchee, and Quarterbacks. Click here to listen.

  • Naked Giants – Sluff

New West Records signees Naked Giants deliver energy and excitement on their debut long-player Sluff. Sluff is defined by raucous guitar intonation and chanted choruses, animated percussion and stellar solos. It’s angsty and fiery and undoubtedly entertaining. Standout tracks include “Everybody Thinks They Know (But No One Really Knows),” “We’re Alone,” and “TV.” Sluff is sure to satisfy followers of Remo Drive, Daddy Issues, and Lady Legs. Click here to listen.

  • McCafferty – Yarn

After releasing a handful of EPs and singles, McCafferty finally provides their freshman full-length album titled Yarn. Intertwining hauntingly dark lyricism with granular guitar tones, Yarn spins a spellbinding listen, weaving between more buoyant occasions and slower, grimmer sentiments. Standout tracks include “Paper, Pencil, Copyright,” “Sauerkraut,” and “Westboro Sadness.” Yarn will interest listeners of Modern Baseball, The Front Bottoms, and Joyce Manor. Click here to listen.

  • Hot Mulligan – Pilot

There’s a particular rawness and vivacity captured on Hot Mulligan’s latest record Pilot that sounds original and refreshing. With aspects of pop punk, Pilot offers up shredded guitar solos and plenty of memorable hooks but also stripped-down, more experimental moments, like the oddly-named tenth track “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” Standout tracks include “The Soundtrack To Missing A Slam Dunk,” “All You Wanted By Michelle Branch,“ and “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” Pilot will appeal to fans of Seaway, Coldfront, and Neck Deep. Click here to listen.

  • blessthefall – Hard Feelings

blessthefall’s sixth studio LP Hard Feelings is impactful and ebullient metalcore that truly stands out from the pack. Through face-melting guitar melodies and rousing screaming, Hard Feelings discharges intensity and emotional fervor while also expanding upon electronic factors. Standout tracks include “Wishful Sinking,” “Cutthroat,” and “I’m Over Being Under(rated).” Hard Feelings is bound to attract followers of Memphis May Fire, I See Stars, and Saosin. Click here to listen.

  • Oceans of Slumber – The Banished Heart

The Banished Heart, the third full-length release from Oceans of Slumber, superbly advances the band’s delectable mixture of metal, progressive rock, and psychedelia. Frontwoman Cammie Gilbert displays her soulful vocal talent and emotion all throughout the record, supported by brooding, viscous instrumentals. Standout tracks include “The Decay of Disregard,” “The Banished Heart,” and the chilling cover of “Wayfaring Stranger.” The Banished Heart will attract fans of In This Moment, Epica, and Gemini Syndrome. Click here to listen.

  • Martha Ffion – Sunday Best

The rosy indie folk rock of Martha Ffion’s Sunday Best is characterized by earnest lyricism and velvety instrumentation; the hazy vocals are complemented by buttery guitar tones and effervescent percussion, making for an enticing listen perfect for an easygoing Sunday afternoon. Standout tracks include “Record Sleeves,” “We Make Do,” and “Take Your Name.” Sunday Best will interest listeners of Spinning Coin, Anna Burch, and Olden Yolk. Click here to listen.

  • Teenage Wrist – Chrome Neon Jesus

Teenage Wrist smoothly amalgamates elements of alt-rock, emo, and shoegaze on their debut long-player via Epitaph Records interestingly titled Chrome Neon Jesus. Chrome Neon Jesus calls back to the ’90s grunge era while also staying fresh and contemporary through its reverb-laden distorted guitars, synthetic drum components, and captivating vocal performances. Standout tracks include “Dweeb,” “Rollerblades,” and “Supermachine.” Chrome Neon Jesus is sure to intrigue fans of Superheaven, Secret Space, and Nirvana. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Hayley Kiyoko – Expectations

I would’ve placed this higher up but it’s not exactly alternative. (I suppose one could consider it alt-pop?) Still, amazing music! Standout tracks include “Feelings,” “Curious,” “What I Need (feat. Kehlani),” and “Sleepover.” Expectations is for fans of Betty Who, Troye Sivan, and Matilda. Click here to listen.

  • The Neighbourhood – The Neighbourhood

Standout tracks include “Flowers,” “Scary Love,” and “Too Serious.” The Neighbourhood is for fans of Jaymes Young, BØRNS, and Arctic Monkeys. Click here to listen.

  • Mt. Joy – Mt. Joy

Standout tracks include “Silver Lining,” “Dirty Love,” and “Astrovan.” Mt. Joy is for fans of Mating Ritual, Yoke Lore, and Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. Click here to listen.

  • Queen of Jeans – Dig Yourself

Standout tracks include “More to Love,” “U R My Guy,” and “Clever Hands.” Dig Yourself is for fans of Varsity, Diet Cig, and Ratboys. Click here to listen.

  • Preoccupations – New Material

Standout tracks include “Disarray,” “Espionage,” and “Solace.”  New Material is for fans of Iceage, The Smiths, and Alvvays. Click here to listen.

  • Casey – Where I Go When I Am Sleeping

Standout tracks include “The Funeral,” “Needlework,” and “Bruise.” Where I Go When I Am Sleeping is for fans of Movements, Being As An Ocean, and To the Wind. Click here to listen.

  • Gulfer – Dog Bless

Standout tracks include “Florida,” “Doglife,“ and “Baseball.” Dog Bless is for fans of Prawn, Pet Symmetry, and American Pleasure Club. Click here to listen.

  • The Voidz – Virtue

Standout tracks include “Leave It In My Dreams,” “Pyramid of Bones,” and “ALieNNatioN.” Virtue is for fans of Temples, Oh Sees, and MGMT. Click here to listen.

  • The Black Delta Movement – Preservation

Standout tracks include “Let the Rain Come,” “Hunting Ground,” and “King Mosquito.” Preservation is for fans of LIFE, New Candys, and Desert Mountain Tribe. Click here to listen.

  • Titus Andronicus – A Productive Cough

Standout tracks include “Above the Bodega (Local Business),” “Number One (In New York),” and “(I’m) Like a Rolling Stone.” A Productive Cough is for fans of The Hold Steady, The Thermals, and Screaming Females. Click here to listen.

  • Sorority Noise – YNAAYT

A rearranged, redone, and reimagined version of Sorority Noise’s stellar 2017 record You’re Not As ____ As You Think. (I always read YNAAYT in my head as “Y’AIN’T” for some reason.) Standout tracks include “No Halo,” “Chelsea Hotel No. 2,” and “Windowwww.” YNAAYT is for fans of Modern Baseball, Moose Blood, and Pinegrove. Click here to listen.

  • Punchline – LION

Standout tracks include “Friend From the Future,” “Sensory Overload,” and “Another Tale of Remember When.” LION is for fans of Bayside, The Starting Line, and The Movielife. Click here to listen.

  • Three Days Grace – Outsider

Standout tracks include “The Mountain,” “I Am an Outsider,” and “Strange Days.” Outsider is for fans of Shinedown, 3 Doors Down, and Breaking Benjamin. Click here to listen.

  • The Decemberists – I’ll Be Your Girl

Standout tracks include “Severed,” “Everything Is Awful,” and “Once In My Life.” I’ll Be Your Girl is for fans of The Shins, The Veils, and The Mountain Goats. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • The Wrecks – Panic Vertigo

(Sorry we didn’t include this in our February picks!) I’m not kidding when I say Panic Vertigo is one of my absolute favorite EPs of the past year or so. The Wrecks gained a lot of attention from alternative music media outlets and garnered a devoted fanbase last year after dropping only 3 tracks. This new EP is bound to leave your mouth watering for more… and have you shouting along at the top of your lungs. Standout tracks include “Revolution“ and “Way With Words.” Panic Vertigo is for fans of Driver Friendly, The American Scene, and Finish Ticket. Click here to listen.

  • Wavelight – Confidence Drive

Standout tracks include “Ghost Town” and “Dawn Chorus.” Confidence Drive is for fans of Varsity, Sun Culture, and Yellow Ostrich. Click here to listen.

  • Tiny Kingdoms – Realms

Standout tracks include “Cloverdale” and “Dawn.” Realms is for fans of The Starting Line, The Blonde Tongues, and Relient K. Click here to listen.

  • MILKK – Sad Girls

Standout tracks include “Less Than 3“ and “Sad Girls.” Sad Girls is for fans of LANY, pineview, and The Japanese House. Click here to listen.

  • Remo Drive – Pop Music

Standout tracks include “Blue Ribbon” and “Song of the Summer.” Pop Music is for fans of Car Seat Headrest, Guide Dog, and Cheem. Click here to listen.

  • Until We Get Caught – Lost Years

Standout tracks include “The Ride“ and “Stranger Tides.” Lost Years is for fans of Bad Case, Send Request, and Highlives. Click here to listen.

  • Afterparty – On My Way to Hell

Standout tracks include “Luxuria” and “Hold On.” On My Way to Hell is for fans of The Story So Far, Every Avenue, and Sleep On It. Click here to listen.

  • Forever Came Calling – Retro Future

Standout tracks include “Borrowed Cars” and “Mine to Mold.” Retro Future is for fans of Like Pacific, Handguns, and Knuckle Puck. Click here to listen.

  • Tapestry – Ghost of Me

Standout tracks include “Ghost” and “Dark Shade.” Ghost of Me is for fans of Counterparts, Belle Haven, and Holding Absence. Click here to listen.

  • of Montreal – White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood

I guess this is technically an album? Standout tracks include “Paranoiac Intervals/Body Dysmorphia” and “Soft Music/Juno Portraits of the Jovian Sky.” White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood is for fans of Passion Pit, MGMT, and Perfume Genius. Click here to listen.

  • My Epic – Ultraviolet

Standout tracks include “Of Wilderness” and “Voices.” Ultraviolet is for fans of Come Wind, So Long Forgotten, and From Indian Lakes. Click here to listen.

  • Hold Fast Hope – Traitors

Standout tracks include “Fade” and “Ripple.” Traitors is for fans of Thrice, Thursday, and Glassjaw. Click here to listen.

 

 

Featured Singles

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

Our Alt Col Picks are curated lists of the best albums and EPs for each month! We keep a schedule of upcoming releases and pick our favorite ones at the end of the month, giving them a spotlight here and on Twitter. To be featured in one of our lists, hit us up on our contact page or Twitter, though nothing is guaranteed. (We rarely make exceptions to include past releases, so if your album came out in June, we might be hesitant to include it in July or August, for instance.)