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!

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?