Twenty One Pilots

Best Albums of 2018 – 5 Seconds of Summer, LANY, The Aces, & More

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While 2018 offered up a multitude of mediocre and disappointing albums, a few gems shone through the rough. Here are our best albums of 2018!

Honorable Mentions

  • twenty one pilots – Trench
  • Snail Mail – Lush
  • The Dangerous Summer – The Dangerous Summer
  • Boston Manor – Welcome to the Neighbourhood
  • With Confidence – Love & Loathing
  • Now, Now – Saved
  • The Story So Far – Proper Dose
  • As It Is – The Great Depression
  • Mayday Parade – Sunnyland
  • Trophy Eyes – The American Dream

Let’s get into it…

8. Ryan Beatty – Boy in Jeans

Imagine if Lorde’s Pure Heroine was written instead by a gay boy who is slightly horny and possibly high. Yeah, that would be Ryan Beatty’s debut record Boy in Jeans. Mixing carefree pop with soulful R&B, Ryan Beatty crafts an album that speaks volumes of youth, heartbreak, love, and just having some fun. Standout tracks include “Powerslide,” “Haircut,” “Speed,” and “Flash.” Boy in Jeans will capture listeners of Lorde, Daniel Caesar, and Conan Gray. Click here to listen.

7. Waterparks – Entertainment

Waterparks’ unique blend of pop punk and electronic power pop is expanded upon and further refined on their sophomore effort Entertainment. Entertainment is undoubtedly entertaining between its anthemic choruses, syrupy synth melodies, and crunchy guitar riffs. Standout tracks include “Blonde,” “Not Warriors,” “We Need to Talk,” and “Rare.” Entertainment is bound to please followers of As It Is, Against the Current, and PVRIS. Click here to listen.

6. Florence + the Machine – High As Hope

Florence Welch provides her most personal and vulnerable material to date on Florence + the Machine’s fourth studio album High As Hope. High As Hope is outlined by organic instrumentation, luscious background vocals, and the powerhouse delivery of Welch, but the most compelling aspect of this release is her raw, emotional exposition. Standout tracks include “Hunger,” “Sky Full of Song,” “Patricia,” and “Big God.” High As Hope is sure to attract listeners of Alice Merton, London Grammar, and Lily Allen. Click here to listen.

5. Fickle Friends – You Are Someone Else

The colorful, glistening indie pop rock of Fickle Friends’ You Are Someone Else is entrancing and consistently replayable. The band’s debut record is defined by smooth electropop and scintillating guitar melodies, melding contemporary sounds with a throwback attitude. And gosh, the bass grooves will get stuck in your head for days! 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 The 1975’s I like it when you sleep. Click here to listen.

4. Charlie Puth – Voicenotes

Charlie Puth has always displayed an element of retrospective influences in his sound, but Voicenotes is a drastic change from his previous outing. Trading doo-wop harmonies and antiquated piano ballads for uptempo ’80s pop rock jams and dark R&B moments, Voicenotes is a multidimensional pop record with plenty to offer to diverse audiences. Standout tracks include “Empty Cups,” “Somebody Told Me,” “BOY,” and “The Way I Am.” Voicenotes will capture listeners of New Edition, Breakbot, and ZAYN. Click here to listen.

3. The Aces – When My Heart Felt Volcanic

The vibrant, shimmery indie pop rock of The Aces’ When My Heart Felt Volcanic is captivating 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 “Just Like That,” “Strong Enough,” “Last One,” and “Lovin’ Is Bible.” When My Heart Felt Volcanic will appeal to fans of Paramore’s After Laughter, Fickle Friends, and Scavenger Hunt. Click here to listen.

2. LANY – Malibu Nights

LANY’s sophomore record Malibu Nights arrives just one year after their self-titled debut but is decisively more improved. Trimming down the album to just 9 tracks, the album feels more cohesive and refined compared to its 16-track predecessor. Malibu Nights shares a tale of heartbreak and confusion, and while not a single song on this record is totally cheerful, you will be shouting along to the upbeat choruses and crying your eyes out to the gut-wrenching piano ballads after just a couple spins. Standout tracks include “Thick and Thin,” “Taking Me Back,” “Let Me Know,” and “Malibu Nights.” Malibu Nights is bound to interest followers of joan, MILKK, and COIN. Click here to listen.

1. 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood

After nearly three years, 5SOS recrudesces to deliver their most experimental and mature record yet. Youngblood is expertly characterized by moody guitar melodies, pensive atmosphere, and stellar vocal performances contributed by all members of the band. Catchy, instantly replayable, and downright interesting, Youngblood is our album of the year. Standout tracks include “Babylon,” “Better Man,” “Midnight,” “Talk Fast,” and “Moving Along,” but every song is amazing! Youngblood will appeal to listeners of All Time Low, The Vamps, Fall Out Boy, and Imagine Dragons. Click here to listen. I mean, was this a surprise to anyone? I literally got a custom necklace made over this album.

 

Let us know your favorite albums of the year in the comments below!

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

July 2018 Alt Col Picks – Like Pacific, Amy Shark, Real Friends, & More

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

  • Like Pacific – In Spite of Me

Raucous distortion and granular vocal performances characterize the sophomore record from Like Pacific titled In Spite of Me. In Spite of Me spans beyond the typical pop punk timbre, branching out into alt-rock and emo-tinged territories while maintaining charisma and catchiness. Standout tracks include “Had It Coming,” “Sedatives,” “Something Missing,” and “Self Defeated.” In Spite of Me will appeal to fans of The Story So Far, Knuckle Puck, and Between You & Me. Click here to listen.

  • Real Friends – Composure

Composure displays Real Friends at their most refined state yet, as if they’ve gained more … composure. The Chicago pop punk band still delivers their emotional subject matters and hint of youthfulness but in a much more mature, cultivated sense. Standout tracks include “From the Outside,” “Unconditional Love,” “Me First,” and “Get By.” Composure is bound to satisfy followers of WSTR, Transit, and Seaway. Click here to listen.

  • Oh, Weatherly – Lips Like Oxygen

Oh, Weatherly’s debut full-length Lips Like Oxygen will take your breath away with its hard-hitting instrumentals and singalong choruses. Lips Like Oxygen makes it feel like 2005 pop punk never really ended… in the best way possible. Standout tracks include “Love and Poetry,” “Here Tonight,” “I Think I Want You,” and “Dark of the Night.” Lips Like Oxygen is sure to attract listeners of Mayday Parade, You vs. Yesterday, and Sincerely, Me. Click here to listen.

  • The Hunna – Dare

Dare, the second studio album from The Hunna, dares to step outside the lines through moody atmosphere, fervent energy, and impassioned vocals. Coarse guitar melodies and poignant lyricism make Dare an emotional roller coaster, demanding for repeated listens. Standout tracks include “Summer,” “Flickin’ Your Hair,” “NY to LA,” and “Babe, Can I Call?” Dare is for fans of High Tyde, The Night Café, and JAWS. Click here to listen.

  • Lydia – Liquor

Lydia’s latest long-player Liquor amalgamates everything from indie pop to singer/songwriter to indie rock to every experimental mixture in between. With vertiginous guitar refrains and ethereal vocal layering, Liquor will intoxicate you with every spin. Standout tracks include “Sunlight,” “Goodside,” “Way Out,” and “Red Lights (feat. Lauren Ruth Ward).” Liquor will attract followers of From Indian Lakes, Half Moon Run, and Holy Holy. Click here to listen.

  • Amy Shark – Love Monster

Joining forces with the likes of Jack Antonoff, Joel Little, and Mark Hoppus, Australian singer/songwriter Amy Shark provides an alternative pop record defined by soul-rattling ballads and upbeat summer anthems. Standout tracks include “All Loved Up,” “I Said Hi,” “Psycho (feat. Mark Hoppus),” and “You Think I Think I Sound Like God.” Love Monster will capture listeners of Methyl Ethel, Cub Sport, and Jack River. Click here to listen.

  • Trash Boat – Crown Shyness

Hopeless Records signees Trash Boat deliver their sophomore effort titled Crown Shyness. Crown Shyness is filled to the brim with heart-rending lyricism and somber attitude through hard-hitting guitars and harrowing vocal performances. Standout tracks include “Shade,” “Inside Out,” “Old Soul,” and “Don’t Open Your Eyes.” Crown Shyness is sure to satisfy fans of Like Pacific, The Story So Far, and Boston Manor. Click here to listen.

  • Buzzhowl Records – Buzzhowl Volume 1

Available August 17, Buzzhowl Records’ first compilation Buzzhowl Volume 1 is a delectable collection of exploratory noise rock and alt-rock. With mind-bending melodies and boisterous walls of sound, Buzzhowl Volume 1 is a must-listen for any fan of noise rock. Standout tracks include “Reset” by Dead Tenants, “Power Bomb Baby” by Gravves, and “Mother” by Bo Gritz,but the whole release is phenomenal! This compilation will appeal to followers of IDLES, Hot Snakes, and Hey Colossus. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Wet – Still Run

Standout tracks include “You’re Not Wrong,” “Lately,” and “Out of Tune.” Still Run is for fans of TT, The Japanese House, and Broods. Click here to listen.

  • Halestorm – Vicious

Hard-hitting rock with powerhouse vocals. Standout tracks include “Skulls,” “Painkiller,” and “Uncomfortable.” Vicious will interest fans of Shinedown, In This Moment, and Pop Evil. Click here to listen.

  • Save Face – Merci

Standout tracks include “Bad,” “Nothin’,” and “Jonesin’.” Merci is for fans of Hot Mulligan, Super Whatevr, and Elder Brother. Click here to listen.

  • Mom Jeans. – Puppy Love

Standout tracks include “glamorous,” “you can’t eat cats, Kevin,” and “PT. 2.” Puppy Love is for fans of Remo Drive, Hot Mulligan, and Joyce Manor. Click here to listen.

  • Hopesfall – Arbiter

Standout tracks include “H.A. Wallace Space Academy,” “Tunguska,” and “Faint Object Camera.” Arbiter is for fans of Every Time I Die, Glassjaw, and Thursday. Click here to listen.

  • We the Kings – Six

Standout tracks include “Even If It Kills Me,” “On My Love,” and “Alive.” Six is for fans of All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, and Every Avenue. Click here to listen.

  • The Nude Party – The Nude Party

Standout tracks include “Records,” “Chevrolet Van,” and “Water On Mars.” The Nude Party is for fans of Twin Peaks, Ron Gallo, and Naked Giants. Click here to listen.

 

  • The Spitfires – Year Zero

Standout tracks include “The New Age,” “Remains the Same,” and “Over and Over Again.” Year Zero is for fans of The Sherlocks, The Theme, and Blossoms. Click here to listen.

  • Between You & Me – Everything Is Temporary

Standout tracks include “Dakota,” “Twice Shy,” and “Everything Is Temporary.” Everything Is Temporary is for fans of Neck Deep, Coldfront, and Mayday Parade. Click here to listen.

  • Pool Kids – Music to Practice Safe Sex to

Standout tracks include “They Only Care About My Fills and Not My Feels,” “Patterns,” and “Borderline.” Music to Practice Safe Sex to is for fans of Charmer, Dryjacket, and Woolbright. Click here to listen.

  • Covet – effloresce

Standout tracks include “glimmer,” “howl,” and “falkor.” Effloresce is for fans of Yvette Young, Enemies, and Floral. Click here to listen.

  • Chelsea Grin – Eternal Nightmare

Standout tracks include “See You Soon,” “Dead Rose,” and “Hostage.” Eternal Nightmare is for fans of Thy Art Is Murder, The Acacia Strain, and Born of Osiris. Click here to listen.

  • YUNGBLUD – 21st Century Liability

Standout tracks include “California,” “Medication,” and “Psychotic Kids.” 21st Century Liability is for fans of grandson, Two Feet, and twenty one pilots. Click here to listen.

  • Bury Tomorrow – Black Flame

Standout tracks include “Black Flame,” “Knife of Gold,” and “The Age.” Black Flame is for fans of Miss May I, Parkway Drive, and The Color Morale. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Knox Hamilton – Beach Boy

Standout tracks include “Trade My Trips” and “Video Sunshine.” Beach Boy is for fans of COIN, LANY, and courtship. Click here to listen.

  • Dog Mom – Ripe

Standout tracks include “Dropout” and “House of Salt.” Ripe is for fans of boy pablo, No Vacation, and Temporex. Click here to listen.

  • Emmalee – Take Me As I Am

Standout tracks include “Beach Weather” and “Get On, Dear.” Take Me As I Am is for fans of Penny and Sparrow, Drew Holcomb, and early Bon Iver. Click here to listen.

  • joan – portra

Standout tracks include “stop and stare” and “take me on.” portra is for fans of LANY, MILKK, and COIN. Click here to listen.

  • The Friends of Batman – Pain

Standout tracks include “Pain” and “Perfume.” Pain is for fans of The Get Up Kids, Save the Day, and Minor Threat. Click here to listen.

 

 

  • George Ogilvie – Nowhere

Standout tracks include “Surveillance” and “Second Nature.” Nowhere is for fans of Chris Dupont, City and Colour, and Trent Dabbs. Click here to listen.

  • Pink Skies – Does It Really Matter?

Colorful, kaleidoscopic production. Standout tracks include “I Don’t Wanna See You Cry” and “Passing Me By.” Does It Really Matter? is for fans of Smallpools, MILKK, and The Japanese House. Click here to listen.

  • Chaser – Life I Used to Love

Standout tracks include “Your Everything” and “Penniless.” Life I Used to Love is for fans of Homesafe, Like Pacific, and Can’t Swim. Click here to listen.

  • Thunder Club – Summer Vice

Standout tracks include “Hot Words” and “Pocketbook Lover.” Summer Vice is for fans of Glass Towers, Pacific Radio, and LEDGES. Click here to listen.

  • Norphlet – Norphlet

Standout tracks include “Brand New” and “Omador.” Norphlet is for fans of Hockey Dad, Boston Manor, and Have Mercy. Click here to listen.

  • Orchards – Losers/Lovers

Standout tracks include “Drama King” and “Double Vision.” Losers/Lovers is for fans of Delta Sleep, Bad Suns, and Invalids. Click here to listen.

  • Yoke Lore – Absolutes

Standout tracks include “Fake You” and “Ride.” Absolutes is for fans of flor, joan, and Day Wave. Click here to listen.

 

 

Featured SingleS

Let us know what you think of July’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.)