Like others, I’m still bopping to the amazing albums we were blessed with in 2017. While I may still be listening to Paramore's “Rose-Colored Boy” on repeat, I’m still beyond excited for the MANY new albums set to be released this year. We have so many new, exciting releases to look forward to from a wide variety of talented artists and I cannot wait to see what all they have in store for us. I’m going to give you the run-down on what releases I’m the most excited for, so let’s get started.

Waterparks Entertainment: Their debut album Double Dare was, and still is, one of my most listened to albums. Waterparks have been hard at work touring alongside All Time Low, Mayday Parade, and then blessing us with their headlining “Made in America” tour at the end of 2017 and then they decided to keep the excitement going by announcing their sophomore album Entertainment. In typical Waterparks fashion, their first single “Blonde”, is incredibly upbeat and addictive – it’s been stuck in my head for the past few weeks now. The album is set to be released on January 26^th, you can pre-order it here.

Ice Nine Kills “TBA”: If you know me, I’ve probably forced you to listen to Ice Nine Kills at some point in our friendship. Their last album Every Trick in the Book became an instant favorite of mine. It was innovative, haunting, and absolutely brilliant. It left such a mark on me that I had to get a tattoo inspired by my favorite track “Hell in the Hallways”. This band never ceases to amaze me so I’m more than thrilled to see what they’re going to hit us with on their new album.

Tonight Alive Underworld: Their last release Limitless, introduced us to a side of the band we had never experienced before. With new albums come new risks, which can be scary for both the band and their fans. Tonight Alive gave us a new sound that unlike their previous albums, which were more traditionally pop punk. It was a mix of electronic and synth-pop influences but it still had that same charm that fans were familiar with. In a recent podcast with Rock Sound, frontwoman Jenna McDougall revealed that they’re working with Dave Petrovic, who previously produced The Other Side and that the recording process has been a much more enjoyable experience for the band. They released their new single “Crack My Heart” and it’s incredible. It still has a similar vibe to Limitless, but with more elements of their earlier material. They also released a video of their track “Disappear” featuring vocals from Lynn Gunn from PVRIS and I’m still recovering. The album is currently available today! You can order it here.

Real Friends “TBA”: For those that follow Real Friends on Twitter, you know all too well that they’re recording the follow up to their 2016 release The Home Inside My Head. Our favorite Illinois sad boys have been in the studio have some big things in store for us saying that this upcoming album has “some of their strongest and most creative lyrical content yet”. I for one, am always down to get hit with a wave of emotional trauma in the name of pop punk.

After this new record comes out there will be no more moshing, just straight GROOVING AND DANCING. Unless I tell you to circle pit.

— Real Friends (@realfriendsband) January 10, 2018

Cane Hill Too Far Gone:  Their second full-length album is said to be a more raw, honest portrayal of the personal experiences of the band and how they view themselves. The title track and first single of the upcoming album, “Too Far Gone” was a candid look into their experience dealing with LSD. It was a glimpse into the heavier, more intense, and unapologetically in your face attitude that they plan to hit you in the face with on this album. The band recently told Alt Press that the new album will showcase the “real” Cane Hill. “No makeup or gimmicks – just musicians playing aggressive ass music that’s meant to stick in your head and you won’t want to get it out.” I’m ready. You can pre-order the album here. Release date is set for January 19^th.

Fall Out Boy MANIA: Speaking of bands that change their sound with each album. After pushing back the release for four months, the official release date for Fall Out Boy’s seventh full-length album M A N I A is January 19th. This album is the follow up to 2015’s American Beauty/ American Psycho. Despite how people feel about the band’s ever-changing sound, I actually enjoy their later albums. I like how they manage to completely reinvent themselves with each new release, showcasing how versatile and inventive they can be. But I’m also one of the only people still bumpin’ Folie a Deux so, there’s that. The first single from the album, “Young and Menace” definitely threw people through a loop with its heavy EDM elements, however, Pete Wentz explained that it was one of the “wildest” songs on the album. Then came “Champion” which was still a change in pace, but still the same FOB we’ve come accustomed to. The concept behind the album features a combination of an “aggressive sound” and a lyrical nostalgia that fans will appreciate. They pushed the release back four months in order to revisit the songs and give us something they were truly proud of. Pre-Order the album here.

Panic! At The Disco “TBA”: The follow up to the Grammy nominated Death of a Bachelor has been on our minds since Brendon Urie gave a quick little overview in an Instagram live stream. According to Urie, the material he’s been working on is very “party” and that he has some very fun songs in store for us. As someone that added “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time” to every party pre-gam playlist – I am BEYOND ready. Brendon is nothing short of a perfectionist when it comes to producing the best work for Panic! Fans to enjoy so I can’t wait to see what he’s been working on. I’m ready to hit more high notes.

What albums are you looking forward to? Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!

Ahh 2007, the year of questionable fashion and amazing music. When scene kids were running through Hot Topic, rocking their stripped arm bands and brightly colored extensions, and there were scream covers of literally every song. What a time to be alive.

So let’s take a trip down memory lane, here are 10 songs that turn 10 this year.

1.      Paramore “Misery Business” – Sing it with me, “WHOA, I never meant to brag! But I got him where I want him now.”

2.      We The Kings “Check Yes, Juliet” – Be honest, this was everyone’s profile song on Myspace at one point. I had the pleasure of seeing this live during Warped 2016, but you can catch it during their 10 year anniversary tour.

3.      Fall Out Boy “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” – Infinity on High was such a defining point for FOB. They took a huge risk and revamped their sound and it definitely worked out in their favor. It kicked off a trend for the band of reinventing themselves each album and we can all thank Infinity on High for that.

4.       Mayday Parade “Black Cat” – One of my favorite songs to see performed live. Which you can get a chance to do during their A Lesson in Romantics anniversary tour.

5.      Cobra Starship “The City Is at War” – Iconic. Personally, one of the band’s best songs and music video. An undercover pie business, Pete Wentz in a handlebar mustache? Classic Cobra.

6.      All Time Low “Dear Maria, Count Me In” - *clears throat* I GOT YOUR PICTURE, I’M COMING WITH YOU. DEAR MARIA, COUNT ME IN! Another one of those songs that everyone just knows the words to, it immediately puts you in a good mood and it most definitely was your profile song on Myspace.

7.      Pierce The Veil “Yeah Boy and Doll Face” – My absolute favorite track from A Flair For The Dramatic. Personally, I feel it’s one of the songs that really pushed PTV onto the scene and into our hearts.

8.      Arctic Monkeys “Florescent Adolensccent” – AM is good but Favorite Worst Nightmare is their best album.

9.      Avenged Sevenfold “Afterlife” – It’s okay, we cry during this too.

10.  The Academy Is… “We’ve Got a Big Mess On Our Hands” – Here’s to hoping our boys will make another comeback for the 10^th anniversary of Santi. Beckett, I’m begging you.

Now go on and break out your old rainbow studded belt and fingerless gloves.

For me, February was all about treatin’ yo self. So, because of this I got to try a few new products this month and I treated myself to some much needed online retail therapy. Out of all the things I picked up in the month of February, I narrowed it down to my most used and beloved things. So here are my monthly favorites! Enjoy!

Beauty:

Revlon Brow Fantasy, Maybelline Gel Liner, Rimmel Provocalips, Rimmel Show-Off, Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipstick.

Night-Time Soothing Makeup Wipes- These makeup wipes from Equate are affordable and work really well. I have sensitive skin so many makeup wipes tend to irritate my eyes and the skin around them but these are gentle and get the job done. Plus, they smell amazing.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Rockin’ Curves Mascara- The cool thing about this mascara is the “broken heart” design of the brush. It makes it really easy to catch every lash and it provides great volume and length without clumps.

Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Fatal- I’m so obsessed with this thing it’s insane. The two-step lip product makes sure your lip color does not budge until you want it to come off. This stayed all though class, lunch, dinner and cheerleading practice. The color is beautiful and comes off lighter than it does in the tube but it’s buildable. It’s comparable to the Kat Von D liquid lipstick in Lolita, another fave of mine.

Rimmel Show-Offs Matte Lip Color in Meteoric Matte- Yet another Rimmel product. I loved the original glossy formula of the Show-Offs but I was so glad when they came out with the matte version because I LOVE matte lips. The color goes on smooth and has great staying power.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Cherry Picking- I’ve talked about these lipsticks on here before so it’s no surprise that yet another is featured in a favorites post. The color is a bright magenta and it’s a nice creamy formula.

Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown- The pencil side goes on light to fill in brows so if you go in heavy handed it won’t look too overdone. The tinted gel holds the brows shape all day.

Nyx Cake Powder in Dark Brown- I reach for this over my Elf brow powder kit now. The darker powder fills in my brows perfectly without making them look too intense.

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner- This is the best gel liner from the drugstore that I’ve ever tried. I’ve used it almost every day since I purchased it. It makes winged liner a breeze which is perfect for when I’m getting ready for class in a hurry.

Hair:

Garnier Fructis Leave-in Conditioner- Y’all, this stuff smells amazing and it makes your hair smooth and soft. You can apply it on damp or dry hair and it makes detangling a breeze. It’s a life saver.

Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum- I can’t enough good things about this product. It leaves my hair so soft and shiny; it’s my pride and joy. Go get you some.

Fashion:

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Pullover Sweatshirt- This keeps me warm and cozy when I have to brave the cold to go to class. It’s the perfect thing to throw on when you want to look cute and put together for class.

Kiss My Southern Sass tank- The original KMSS design. I’m so in love with these tanks I can’t wait to buy like five more. These things will become my life when the weather finally gets warmer. If you want to get your hands on one (which you totally should) you can use my code for a discount “MikaylaAnderson”

Phi Mu Spirit Jersey from Carnation Collection- This jersey is so soft and comfy if I could wear it every day I would. It’s another great piece to have when you want something comfy to wear to class and still look cute as hell.

Books:

Dirty Rush by Taylor Bell- Y’all, if you haven’t already picked this up then you need to run out to Target or wherever and get it. Now. This book is a hilarious truth bomb of Greek Life and you need it in your life .

TV:

Parks and Recreations- Still crying.

Movies:

Snowpiercer- 1. Chris Evans. 2. Kick ass storyline. 3. It’s on Netflix.

All Cheerleaders Die- This horror/comedy is absolutely ridiculous in the best way.

Barefoot- This movie gave me so many feels, it’s also on Netflix. Go watch it if you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy with meaning.

Music:

Uma Thurman by Fall Out Boy- I’ve listened to this song on repeat. It makes me want to dance like Uma Thurman and its Fall Out Boy so it’s perfect.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars- If this song doesn’t make you want to get funky then don’t even talk to me.

So there you have it, those were all the things that warmed my heart in the month of February. Let me know what some of your faves were for this month.

Let’s take a trip back to 2005, when the fringes were long and the guyliner was oh-so strong.

2005 was a big year for music, with albums like Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree, Panic! At The Disco’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, Avenged Sevenfold’s City of Evil, The All-American Rejects’ Move Along and The Academy Is… Almost Here and a lot more, hitting the scene and dominating the radio waves.

In honor of some of my most cherished albums turning 10 this year, here are my top ten songs of 2005 list!

1.      Panic! At The Disco- I Write Sins Not Tragedies

This was the song that started my love affair with boys with tighter pants than me, and with guys that wore too much eyeliner. Seriously, Ryan Ross- eyeliner goals.

2.      Fall Out Boy- Sugar We’re Goin’ Down

The song that people love to belt out the wrong lyrics too, but they belt it out with passion. “What’s he saying?” “A loaded God complex, cock it and pull it.” “What does that even mean?”
Whether you know what that means or not, this song holds a special place in the hearts of many. If I’m in public and this song comes on, you bet your sweet ass I’m going to break into song.

3.      The Academy Is… The Phrase That Pays

Almost Here has many favorites of mine, but this song in particular held so much meaning with me. “Hold your head high, heavy heart,” that’s some deep stuff- and 12 year old me clung to every word.

4.      Avenged Sevenfold- Beast and the Harlot

I met two of my best friends through our love of Avenged Sevenfold. Singing our hearts out to this song in the back of the chorus room was some of my favorite memories. Plus, this music video is totally kick ass.

5.      The All-American Rejects- Dirty Little Secret

Everywhere I went Dirty Little Secret was playing. This song was one of the band’s shining moments and continues to be one of their biggest hits. Almost everyone has had this as their Myspace profile song at one point in their lives.

6.      Jack’s Mannequin- Dark Blue

Andrew McMahon was going through chemotherapy when Everything in Transit was released. During one of the most difficult times in his life, he released some of the best music of his career. Dark Blue was on every emo kid’s playlist. “Have you ever been alone in a crowded room?” Oh man, have I.

7.      Paramore- Pressure

All We Know is Falling was one of my favorite albums of 2005. Hayley Williams was this tiny girl with fiery hair that started a riot in my soul and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Pressure was the first song I heard from Paramore so it holds a special place in my heart and in my playlists.

8.      American Hi-Fi- The Geeks Get The Girl

While my favorite song by the band will always be “The Flavor of the Weak,” this song is in my top five. It’s absolutely ridiculous in the best way.

9.      Motion City Soundtrack- L.G. FUAD

Let’s Get Fucked Up and Die remains one of my favorite songs from the band and one of their most recognized. This song is filled with clever lyrics and a catchy beat; it’s hard not to sing along to it. 

10.  30 Seconds to Mars- The Kill

Okay, so this song was a part of my morning routine in 8^th grade. Hands down, my favorite out of everything they’ve ever done. Jared Leto was always the guy from Urban Legend to me and then I saw the music video for this song and he became so much more. The video has influences from The Shining so if you haven’t already seen it; you should definitely give it a try.

So, there you have it, my top ten songs that are now ten years old. What were some of your favorites from the year 2005?