2017 was an incredible year for music. Not only did we get some of the best tour lineups this year – some of the highlights being the Motionless in White Graveyard Shift tour, All Time Low’s Young Renegades tour, Waterparks Made in America and so many others. We were also blessed with some phenomenal albums this year. These artists did not come to play games, they delivered albums that slapped and they quickly became the most played songs in our music library. Whether these albums were guilty pleasures or they were played on repeat because you were just that obsessed – you loved them either way.

These were some of the albums that were released this year that I fell in love with. I cannot even begin to explain the love I have for some of the albums. The albums on my list feature genres from all across the board, which I feel accurately represents my music taste. I don’t want to get too wordy so I’m going to list the artist, the album and a standout track. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

As It Is- Okay

Top Track: "Okay"

Grayscale – Adornment

Top Track: "Atlantic"

Wage War- Deadweight

Top Track: "Stitch"

Lana Del Rey –Lust for Life

Top Track: "Cherry"

All Time Low- Last Young Renegade

Top Track: "Life of the Party"

Volumes – Different Animals

Top Track: "On My Mind (Ft. Pouya)"

Taylor Swift- Reputation

Top Track: "End Game (Ft. Future and Ed Sheeran)" (I KNOW but y’all, this was a guilty pleasure I’m SORRY).

Code Orange – Forever

Top Track: "No One is Untouchable"

The White Noise- AM/PM

Top Track: "Bite Marks"

Paramore- After Laughter

Top Track: "Fake Happy"

Sworn In - All Smiles

Top Track: "Make it Hurt"

The Used- The Canyon

Top Track: "Pretty Picture"

The Maine- Lovely Little Lonely

Top Track: "Bad Behavior"

PVRIS- All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell

Top Track: "Same Soul"

Motionless In White - Graveyard Shift

Top Track: "Not My Type: Dead As Fuck 2"

Movements - Feel Something
Top Track: "Colorblind"

The Birthday Massacre - Under Your Spell

Top Track: "Hex"

What were your top albums for 2017?

My favorite month has come to an end. While many are officially breaking out the peppermint mocha and decorating Christmas trees, it’s still Halloween in my soul.

I’ve gathered quite a few favorites over the past few weeks so grab a pumpkin spice latte, cause we’re about to get started.

Hair Care:

Maple Holistic “Tea Tree Oil Shampoo”: I recently collaborated with Maple Holistic and they sent me their Tea Tree Oil shampoo to try out and I’ve been using it frequently ever since.  The brand has all-natural products and they’re cruelty free so know I was all over that. The shampoo contains natural tea tree oil to help improve the health of your hair and scalp, promote growth and help with itchiness and dandruff. Now, I don’t really suffer from dandruff but because we wear hats at work, my scalp sometimes itches like crazy. I use this shampoo whenever I do my mid-week wash to help relieve the itchiness and it's been a lifesaver.  At first, I was hesitant because many products tend to dry my hair out so I was concerned about the tea tree oil but thankfully it worked out! They also have other special formulas to target specific hair needs so definitely check them out. If you’re curious about which product is right for you, they also have a free product program where they’ll send you a free full-size product for you to try.

Bella Curls “Coconut Whipped Crème Leave-in Conditioner”: I had been searching for a good leave-in conditioner and I randomly picked this up while I was at Target and I’m obsessed. First off, it smells amazing so that’s always a plus. Second, it helps keep my hair hydrated and smooth. After I’m done washing my hair, I apply a generous amount while my hair is still slightly damp and then I tie it up. My hair is so soft the next day and it’ll still smell like heaven so if you enjoy the smell of coconut, you’ll love this. It’s helped keep my hair moisturized and has definitely improve the overall texture so I highly recommend it.

Skincare:

The Ordinary “Niacinamide”: So, I was hesitant to try this brand for long because of how potent their ingredients are and how sensitive my skin is. Naturally, I’m kicking myself now for depriving myself for so long because now I can’t live without this serum. I was on the hunt for a serum that would help improve my skin texture and complexion and this has dramatically improved my skin.  The Niacinamide is essentially Vitamin B3 and helps improve skin blemishes and congestion. It also contains 10% zinc, which helps control sebum so if you have oily or combination skin (like I do) then you’ll love this. I use this twice a day, after I apply toner and before I apply moisturizer. My skin has been glowing ever since.

VTMN Organics “Facial Glaze”: Speaking of “glowing”, my skin has been loving this moisturizer! I’ve been dying to try VTMN Organics for a while now because I’ve heard so many good things about their products. I ran out of my other moisturizer so I ordered the Facial Glaze and I’m so shook. I have combination skin so I was a bit worried about using an oil based moisturizer because I didn’t want to make my skin any oiler but y’all, this stuff is amazing. It’s formulated for oily, combo, and sensitive skin types so basically it was made for me. It doesn’t clog pores, helps soothe redness and irritation, it’s gentle and its vegan and cruelty free. I feel like a glowing goddess when I wear this. It’s currently out of stock so make sure to stalk their social media to find out when it will be restocked because everything is handmade.

Beauty:

Violet Voss x Nicol Concilio EyeshadowPalette: I’m obsessed with warm eye looks, this is nothing new. I first saw this palette when Jackie Aina used it in a tutorial and I pretty much had to have it. I’ve used this palette almost every day since I got it, I can’t put it down. I take it everywhere with me. The shadows are infused with jojoba oil so the blend like a dream and the pigmentation… Let us just take a moment to appreciate how blessed we truly are for the pigmentation in the palette.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “NahzFur Atoo”: I finally found the perfect blood red liquid lipstick. I’ve used this all month and I can’t get enough. I love the formula of the KVD Everlasting Lipsticks so I’m not surprised that this ended up being a favorite of mine. My signature shade is “Hawkwind” and now I have this baby to obsess over.

Clothing:

Wicked Clothes “Pryokinesis for Beginners”Tee: I’ve been lusting after this tee for a while now because it’s constantly on my Instagram feed. I caved a finally bought it and It’s so nice. It’s soft and it fits perfectly. Plus, as someone who loves the film Firestarter, I just couldn’t pass this up.

Vera Eye Candy “Chucky and Tiffany” Top: For those that know me, they know I love Bride of Chucky so naturally, I had to have this shirt. Vera Eye Candy is one of my favorite brands, they have so many items for those that love horror and music, like myself. I was Chucky for Halloween so obviously, I had to throw this top on to complete my look.

Boots (Target): I spotted these boots at Target and almost passed them up but then my mother looked me in the eye and said “treat yo self.” So, I did and I’ve been wearing them ever since. They’re the most comfortable pair of boots I have. The heel is chunky so they’re easy to walk in and they complement so many looks. I wore this all weekend at Homecoming and if I can survive dancing to “Gasolina” walking all over campus in these, that’s a win in my book.

Entertainment:

All Time Low “Good Times”: I already loved this song, but then All Time Low released the music video and I feel deeper in love. The music video touches on a lot of the issues that we face in society that some don’t want to talk about. It’s so important and I think everyone needs to see it.

Waterparks “Dizzy”: Since their debut album Double Dare just turned one, it felt appropriate to include this in my favorites. I’ve been listening to this song on repeat since I saw them during All Time Low’s Young Renegade tour. I felt this song in my soul, I can’t wait to hear it live when I see them again in December.

Grayscale “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber cover): I’ve been bopping to Punk Goes Pop 7 since it’s release and this song has been at the top of my list of favorite tracks. If you’ve been sleeping on Grayscale, wake yourself up and check them out. Their album Adornment is absolute fire and deserves to be appreciated.

Stranger Things: So…I’ve watched the new season of Stranger Things twice since its release so clearly – it was a favorite in October. The gang is back and facing new evils from The Upside Down including a shadow monster and “demodogs”? We were also introduced to a few new characters including Max and Billy Hargrove (Billy is a human garbage disposal. Max, you’re doing amazing sweetie), and Bob Newby – the superhero we truly deserved. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll fall in love with Hawkin’s #1 babysitter, Steve Harrington. Watch it.

Okay, I’m going to stop there because we’ll be here all day. Tell me what you’ve been loving in the comments below!