Post by lyssaloveless on Jan 3, 2011 16:54:11 GMT -5
I figured this would be the most logical place to post this.
Every year-because I have nothing better to do and like to pretend people care about my opinions-I compile a list of my top ten favorite albums, EPs, songs, music videos, et cetera and tell everyone to share theirs with me. Since, I really do like to read what other people thought about the year in music.
Instead of stretching the forum out more than I already am and sharing all the categories, I'll just include my top ten albums since that's the biggest one. (But if you're curious about the other lists, you can look on my Tumblr.) Share yours, I want to know what you all were big on during 2010 so I can check out things I may not have heard about.
Top Ten Albums of Twenty-Ten:
(This year, this list was a billion times more difficult to compile. There’s a three in a row British invasion and as always, the order could be switched, but they'd still be my top ten.)
10. Sleeping With Sirens - With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear
This is not the first time you’ll hear me say something like this, but I’m a total fangirl for Kellin Quinn’s voice. I’ve been following him and his various projects for a few years now and I feel like he’s one of those people who just keeps getting better. I’m looking forward to hearing more from these guys and hopefully seeing them, especially since I know Kellin wants to tour with D.R.U.G.S. (I’d probably pee myself from the vocal heaven I’d be hearing). It’s a shame that Brandon McMaster is no longer a part of the band though, because he’s really wonderful.
Favorite lyric(s): “Just take a look inside, I hope you know what it’s like for you to be alright.” and “And if there’s nothing left at least I’ll know whats left of me.”
Must hear tracks: “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” and “The Bomb Dot Com V2.0”
9. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
First things first, some of you know this album was released in 2009. But guess what? It’s United States release was in 2010. Loophole! I never thought I would end up liking a band like this, but I think they’re great. Rather different from the music that I normally listen to, but that’s something that happens, musical tastes expand and evolve, so long as you keep an open mind. I highly suggest that each of you check out this album.
Favorite lyric(s): “So tell me know where was my fault in loving you with my whole heart.” and “And my head told my heart, ‘Let love grow.’ But my heart told my head, ‘This time no.’”
Must hear tracks: “Sigh No More” and “White Blank Page”
8. Joe Brooks - Constellation Me
This guy has such a beautiful and soothing voice. He’s been added to my “lullaby playlist” for a while now. You may have seen his video for his song “Superman” on Teen Nick. If you have, I hope you’ve checked out the entire album because it really is wonderful. As I stated previously, he has a beautiful voice and everything about the songs on this album are equally as lovely.
Favorite lyric(s): “Now, I don’t know much, but the one thing I do. Is that love, love hurts all who’ve touched her jealous roots. And you’re the flower in a bed where I’m born to lose.”
Must hear tracks: “Rules of Attraction, “Five Days of Summer” and “Superman”
7. Charlie McDonnell - This Is Me
Bloody hell, can Charlie just marry me please?
In all seriousness though, this album is so precious. I guess that’s a good word. Charlie has such a great sense of humor and he’s witty which shows clearly in a lot of his music. This album isn’t something that was messed with and extremely altered in a studio, and that’s what I love most. It’s simplicity is what makes it so appealing to me because it’s very Charlie. Perhaps that sounds strange, but I think it makes sense to anyone-such as myself-who has been “following” Charlie for a long time now.
Favorite lyric(s): “All I want is to be honest with you and say that just because I’m not involved, doesn’t mean I’m not affected.”
Must hear tracks: “Chemical Love”, “A Song About Love” and “Rhymezone.com”
6. Confide - Recover
Just let me start off by saying how unfortunate it is that Confide broke up:
It is very, extremely, incredibly unfortunate that Confide broke up. However, I feel like they ended on a high note after releasing this album. I only wish I had been able to see them live before they decided to part ways. (Damn you, Warped Tour schedule.) I started listening to Confide more after Joel Piper joined because I immediately loved the vocal combination of him and Ross Kenyon. Both of them are excellent and I’m a bit of a fan girl for Joel’s voice. I just felt like everything came together so well on this album and I was really looking forward to even better things to come. It’s super sad that it’s likely not going to happen. But who knows, right?
Favorite lyric(s): “And if you know me all so well, you know I haven’t been so well.” and “I wish I could look you in the eye and tell you how perfect I am. But the truth spills out, I am who I am.”
Must hear tracks: “My Choice of Words” and “Now or Never”
5. Of Mice & Men - Of Mice & Men
Disregarding anything that has happened this year and any personal opinions on the situation, Austin Carlile is good at what he does and I am so glad he and Jaxin Hall came together to form this band. I’ve been following from the moment (or close enough to it) that the two of them announced they’d be working on a project. Although I wasn’t a big listener to Valentino Arteaga and Phil Manansala’s previous acts (Tino was in Lower Definition and Phil was a touring guitarist for A Static Lullaby) I knew they were both great and was really excited to hear what they’d do together. Some of you may remember that Jon Kintz of Odd Project was also originally part of the band, but he was replaced rather quickly with Shayley Bourget. And holy shit, as bad as it may sound, I am so happy that they made that switch. All the guys from the starting lineup are spectacular musicians and they all contributed so much to this album, but I think Shayley’s voice is part of what makes this album so great. He may not be featured as much as I’d like, but when he does come in, you’d better believe it’s nearly perfect. I know it sounds very exaggerated, but I am such a fangirl of that guy’s voice. I can’t help it, there’s just something about it.
I’m extremely bummed that Jaxin is no longer in the band, but Jerry Roush is an amazing frontman. He may have gotten off to a rough start, but he is so energetic live and it adds so much to the quality of the set. I can’t wait to hear what he brings to the next record, because I know it’ll be sheer excellence.
Favorite lyric(s): “I said I’d fight back, I didn’t say that I’d fight fair.” and “I’ll show you grace like you never have seen.”
Must hear tracks: “Farewell To Shady Glade” and “The Ballad Of Tommy Clayton & The Rawdawg Millionaire” [Side note: Definite bummer that “No Really, It’s Fine” didn’t make it on the album.]
4. Attack Attack! - Attack Attack!
Hate if you please. I’m aware that most people I talk to dislike this band, which is perfectly fine with me. In my Top Ten of 2008 I didn’t have the best things to say about this band because I was busy being “Team Carlile”. I take back anything bad I ever said. It’s funny how these guys somehow weaseled into becoming one of my favorite bands. This album is quite different from Someday Come Suddenly and I think that’s one of the things I like most about it; I think it’s fun. Bands experiment with their sound, especially after lineup changes and it’s always pretty exciting to see how they grow as a band after. Having Caleb Shomo take over as frontman was one of the best decisions they could have made. Sure, perhaps he’s still a little bit rough around the edges, but he keeps getting better with every show they play and every song they record. He has come a very long way and he’s accomplished a lot more than any eighteen year old I’ve ever met. Plus, he has a killer voice and now that Johnny Franck left the band and Caleb’s going to step up and cover clean vocals as well, they’re just going to get better.
Favorite lyric(s): “And all these dreams wanna take me away, but this feeling just makes me stay.” and “There is only one thing that can still my fear. As I look for the meaning, you are still here.”
Must hear tracks: “AC-130”, “Smokahontas” and “Lonely”
3. In Fear And Faith - Imperial
I have to say that Imperial was one of the first albums from this year that I was just really stoked about. Aside from album number one, I do believe this is the only album from this year that I made a post dedicated to gushing about how great I thought it was. As with everything else on my list, I high suggest checking this album out and catching this band live when they come through your city. You will not be disappointed.
Favorite lyric(s): “Just remember that nothing is ever so bad that it could not be worse.”
Must hear tracks: “The High Life” and “Afterthought”
2. Taylor Swift - Speak Now
Believe it or not, there was a time about two years ago when Taylor Swift bothered me something fierce. But then she grew on me. Not “grew on me” as in she became tolerable, but as in she has become one of my favorite artists. I’m not usually a big fan of female artists, but I love Taylor. Her music is so much fun, but it’s always really relatable and a lot of the times, I just want to sob when I listen to her. She’s one of the few artists that very easily brings me to tears. That doesn’t sound like a fabulous quality, but it’s part of what makes me like her as much as I do. A lot of people have a problem with her songs being about love, finding a “prince charming” or having some sort of fairytale-esque moment (or whatever people want to say about the lyrical content). But what on Earth is wrong with that? Honestly, what’s wrong with having those sort of fantasies? What girl doesn’t dream of finding the perfect significant other? Any girl that tries to tell you she hasn’t dreamed up her perfect guy and had some happy/fantasy-like dream about it is full of shit. I won’t even get into anything else because I’ll trail off topic completely. Bottom line, I personally love this album and I think ever track is fabulous. Problem? Don’t care.
Favorite lyric(s): “I’d go back in time and change it but I can’t. So if the chain is on your door I understand.” and “But I took your matches before fire could catch me. So don’t look now. I’m shining like fireworks over your sad empty town.”
Must hear tracks: “Better Than Revenge” (such a big fuck you to Camilla Belle and Joe Jonas; beautiful and fierce), “Back to December and “Haunted”
1. Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines
Although I say each year that the order isn’t exact, this one is placed exactly where it should be (as is Taylor). I’ve played this album in it’s entirety more than I have any other album from this year. I’ve always been smitten with Vic Fuentes as a lyricist, and the songs on this album are fantastic in that department. Some albums have the tendency to get old very quickly, especially when you listen so often, but I can honestly say that this album has not. I love each song just as much as I did when I first heard the album. In addition, I’d like to say that this band dominates live. If the album doesn’t win you over, go see them live, then get back to me. There’s no way you won’t enjoy it.
In short: 100% A+ for the Mexicans.
Favorite lyric(s): “I’ve broken bones for you and for you only.” and “As I brace my knees you hold me down with your eyes.” and “If I ever catch the ones who hurt you, I’m hoping that God looks away this time.”
Must hear tracks: “The New National Anthem” and “I Don’t Care If You’re Contagious”…and the rest of the album.
Every year-because I have nothing better to do and like to pretend people care about my opinions-I compile a list of my top ten favorite albums, EPs, songs, music videos, et cetera and tell everyone to share theirs with me. Since, I really do like to read what other people thought about the year in music.
Instead of stretching the forum out more than I already am and sharing all the categories, I'll just include my top ten albums since that's the biggest one. (But if you're curious about the other lists, you can look on my Tumblr.) Share yours, I want to know what you all were big on during 2010 so I can check out things I may not have heard about.
Top Ten Albums of Twenty-Ten:
(This year, this list was a billion times more difficult to compile. There’s a three in a row British invasion and as always, the order could be switched, but they'd still be my top ten.)
10. Sleeping With Sirens - With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear
This is not the first time you’ll hear me say something like this, but I’m a total fangirl for Kellin Quinn’s voice. I’ve been following him and his various projects for a few years now and I feel like he’s one of those people who just keeps getting better. I’m looking forward to hearing more from these guys and hopefully seeing them, especially since I know Kellin wants to tour with D.R.U.G.S. (I’d probably pee myself from the vocal heaven I’d be hearing). It’s a shame that Brandon McMaster is no longer a part of the band though, because he’s really wonderful.
Favorite lyric(s): “Just take a look inside, I hope you know what it’s like for you to be alright.” and “And if there’s nothing left at least I’ll know whats left of me.”
Must hear tracks: “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” and “The Bomb Dot Com V2.0”
9. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
First things first, some of you know this album was released in 2009. But guess what? It’s United States release was in 2010. Loophole! I never thought I would end up liking a band like this, but I think they’re great. Rather different from the music that I normally listen to, but that’s something that happens, musical tastes expand and evolve, so long as you keep an open mind. I highly suggest that each of you check out this album.
Favorite lyric(s): “So tell me know where was my fault in loving you with my whole heart.” and “And my head told my heart, ‘Let love grow.’ But my heart told my head, ‘This time no.’”
Must hear tracks: “Sigh No More” and “White Blank Page”
8. Joe Brooks - Constellation Me
This guy has such a beautiful and soothing voice. He’s been added to my “lullaby playlist” for a while now. You may have seen his video for his song “Superman” on Teen Nick. If you have, I hope you’ve checked out the entire album because it really is wonderful. As I stated previously, he has a beautiful voice and everything about the songs on this album are equally as lovely.
Favorite lyric(s): “Now, I don’t know much, but the one thing I do. Is that love, love hurts all who’ve touched her jealous roots. And you’re the flower in a bed where I’m born to lose.”
Must hear tracks: “Rules of Attraction, “Five Days of Summer” and “Superman”
7. Charlie McDonnell - This Is Me
Bloody hell, can Charlie just marry me please?
In all seriousness though, this album is so precious. I guess that’s a good word. Charlie has such a great sense of humor and he’s witty which shows clearly in a lot of his music. This album isn’t something that was messed with and extremely altered in a studio, and that’s what I love most. It’s simplicity is what makes it so appealing to me because it’s very Charlie. Perhaps that sounds strange, but I think it makes sense to anyone-such as myself-who has been “following” Charlie for a long time now.
Favorite lyric(s): “All I want is to be honest with you and say that just because I’m not involved, doesn’t mean I’m not affected.”
Must hear tracks: “Chemical Love”, “A Song About Love” and “Rhymezone.com”
6. Confide - Recover
Just let me start off by saying how unfortunate it is that Confide broke up:
It is very, extremely, incredibly unfortunate that Confide broke up. However, I feel like they ended on a high note after releasing this album. I only wish I had been able to see them live before they decided to part ways. (Damn you, Warped Tour schedule.) I started listening to Confide more after Joel Piper joined because I immediately loved the vocal combination of him and Ross Kenyon. Both of them are excellent and I’m a bit of a fan girl for Joel’s voice. I just felt like everything came together so well on this album and I was really looking forward to even better things to come. It’s super sad that it’s likely not going to happen. But who knows, right?
Favorite lyric(s): “And if you know me all so well, you know I haven’t been so well.” and “I wish I could look you in the eye and tell you how perfect I am. But the truth spills out, I am who I am.”
Must hear tracks: “My Choice of Words” and “Now or Never”
5. Of Mice & Men - Of Mice & Men
Disregarding anything that has happened this year and any personal opinions on the situation, Austin Carlile is good at what he does and I am so glad he and Jaxin Hall came together to form this band. I’ve been following from the moment (or close enough to it) that the two of them announced they’d be working on a project. Although I wasn’t a big listener to Valentino Arteaga and Phil Manansala’s previous acts (Tino was in Lower Definition and Phil was a touring guitarist for A Static Lullaby) I knew they were both great and was really excited to hear what they’d do together. Some of you may remember that Jon Kintz of Odd Project was also originally part of the band, but he was replaced rather quickly with Shayley Bourget. And holy shit, as bad as it may sound, I am so happy that they made that switch. All the guys from the starting lineup are spectacular musicians and they all contributed so much to this album, but I think Shayley’s voice is part of what makes this album so great. He may not be featured as much as I’d like, but when he does come in, you’d better believe it’s nearly perfect. I know it sounds very exaggerated, but I am such a fangirl of that guy’s voice. I can’t help it, there’s just something about it.
I’m extremely bummed that Jaxin is no longer in the band, but Jerry Roush is an amazing frontman. He may have gotten off to a rough start, but he is so energetic live and it adds so much to the quality of the set. I can’t wait to hear what he brings to the next record, because I know it’ll be sheer excellence.
Favorite lyric(s): “I said I’d fight back, I didn’t say that I’d fight fair.” and “I’ll show you grace like you never have seen.”
Must hear tracks: “Farewell To Shady Glade” and “The Ballad Of Tommy Clayton & The Rawdawg Millionaire” [Side note: Definite bummer that “No Really, It’s Fine” didn’t make it on the album.]
4. Attack Attack! - Attack Attack!
Hate if you please. I’m aware that most people I talk to dislike this band, which is perfectly fine with me. In my Top Ten of 2008 I didn’t have the best things to say about this band because I was busy being “Team Carlile”. I take back anything bad I ever said. It’s funny how these guys somehow weaseled into becoming one of my favorite bands. This album is quite different from Someday Come Suddenly and I think that’s one of the things I like most about it; I think it’s fun. Bands experiment with their sound, especially after lineup changes and it’s always pretty exciting to see how they grow as a band after. Having Caleb Shomo take over as frontman was one of the best decisions they could have made. Sure, perhaps he’s still a little bit rough around the edges, but he keeps getting better with every show they play and every song they record. He has come a very long way and he’s accomplished a lot more than any eighteen year old I’ve ever met. Plus, he has a killer voice and now that Johnny Franck left the band and Caleb’s going to step up and cover clean vocals as well, they’re just going to get better.
Favorite lyric(s): “And all these dreams wanna take me away, but this feeling just makes me stay.” and “There is only one thing that can still my fear. As I look for the meaning, you are still here.”
Must hear tracks: “AC-130”, “Smokahontas” and “Lonely”
3. In Fear And Faith - Imperial
I have to say that Imperial was one of the first albums from this year that I was just really stoked about. Aside from album number one, I do believe this is the only album from this year that I made a post dedicated to gushing about how great I thought it was. As with everything else on my list, I high suggest checking this album out and catching this band live when they come through your city. You will not be disappointed.
Favorite lyric(s): “Just remember that nothing is ever so bad that it could not be worse.”
Must hear tracks: “The High Life” and “Afterthought”
2. Taylor Swift - Speak Now
Believe it or not, there was a time about two years ago when Taylor Swift bothered me something fierce. But then she grew on me. Not “grew on me” as in she became tolerable, but as in she has become one of my favorite artists. I’m not usually a big fan of female artists, but I love Taylor. Her music is so much fun, but it’s always really relatable and a lot of the times, I just want to sob when I listen to her. She’s one of the few artists that very easily brings me to tears. That doesn’t sound like a fabulous quality, but it’s part of what makes me like her as much as I do. A lot of people have a problem with her songs being about love, finding a “prince charming” or having some sort of fairytale-esque moment (or whatever people want to say about the lyrical content). But what on Earth is wrong with that? Honestly, what’s wrong with having those sort of fantasies? What girl doesn’t dream of finding the perfect significant other? Any girl that tries to tell you she hasn’t dreamed up her perfect guy and had some happy/fantasy-like dream about it is full of shit. I won’t even get into anything else because I’ll trail off topic completely. Bottom line, I personally love this album and I think ever track is fabulous. Problem? Don’t care.
Favorite lyric(s): “I’d go back in time and change it but I can’t. So if the chain is on your door I understand.” and “But I took your matches before fire could catch me. So don’t look now. I’m shining like fireworks over your sad empty town.”
Must hear tracks: “Better Than Revenge” (such a big fuck you to Camilla Belle and Joe Jonas; beautiful and fierce), “Back to December and “Haunted”
1. Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines
Although I say each year that the order isn’t exact, this one is placed exactly where it should be (as is Taylor). I’ve played this album in it’s entirety more than I have any other album from this year. I’ve always been smitten with Vic Fuentes as a lyricist, and the songs on this album are fantastic in that department. Some albums have the tendency to get old very quickly, especially when you listen so often, but I can honestly say that this album has not. I love each song just as much as I did when I first heard the album. In addition, I’d like to say that this band dominates live. If the album doesn’t win you over, go see them live, then get back to me. There’s no way you won’t enjoy it.
In short: 100% A+ for the Mexicans.
Favorite lyric(s): “I’ve broken bones for you and for you only.” and “As I brace my knees you hold me down with your eyes.” and “If I ever catch the ones who hurt you, I’m hoping that God looks away this time.”
Must hear tracks: “The New National Anthem” and “I Don’t Care If You’re Contagious”…and the rest of the album.
