2014 was full of great albums that were hard to out due. Pvris released White Noise and Issues released their self-titled album. Both were hard to get out of my head, since I listened to them on repeat for hours, alongside other artist's releases including Hozier, Modern Baseball, Walk the Moon, and Vance Joy. Luckily, this past year had some great releases in the alternative/punk scene that are a "must-listen." 10 is overrated, so here's 9 of my favorite albums of the year, in no particular order.

1) The Front Bottoms- Back on Top Release date: September 18, 2015

The Front Bottoms were already well known for hits "Twin Size Mattress," "Lipstick Covered Magnet," "Funny You Should Ask," "Au Revoir," and "Swimming Pool" over the past few years. Their new 11 track album still held a similar vibe with undeniably catchy lyrics. "West Virginia," "HELP," "Laugh Til I Cry," and "Cough It Out" collectively added to the album, definitely putting them Back On Top.

2) Misterwives- Our Own House

Release Date: February 24, 2015

"We built our own house with our hands over our hearts and we swore on that day that it'll never fall apart." Our Own House is the type of album you want to listen to in the car with the windows down, screaming the lyrics out the window as your hair whips through the wind. With just one listen, it's easy to tell that Lead singer Mandy Lee puts her heart into her songs. Each song is fun and perky with just the right amount of emotion. Our Own House includes Misterwives hit single, "Reflections," off of their previous EP. ​

3) Twenty One Pilots- Blurryface Release Date: May 19, 2015

After Vessel, we were patiently awaiting more music from this duo, and two years later, Blurryface emerged. Not only does this album have a completely new sound, but it's definitely the furthest from boring. Each song has it's own beat, making each stand out from the rest. "Tear In My Heart," "We Don't Believe What's On TV," and "Stressed Out" are radio-worthy jams that you can sing along with your friends while "Doubt" and "Lane Boy" are more rap orientated with a catchy rhythm. The boys have outdone themselves, and I can imagine their 2016 tour will bring nothing but success.

4) Sorority Noise- Joy, Departed Release Date: June 16, 2015

If you have never heard of Sorority Noise before, now is the time to start. This alternative/punk band from Connecticut has a sound that is incredibly unique and simply indescribable. Vocals are hippie sounding but also include some hints of metal in between songs. Joy, Departed is their second album to date with emotionally hitting songs like "Using," "Your Soft Blood," and "Nolsey." Each song's lyrics are relatable and lovely.

5) Papa Roach- F.E.A.R. Release Date: January 27, 2015

Papa Roach seemed to drop off of the planet after their 2012 album, Connection. They are most well-known for songs off of previous albums Infest, Lovehatetragedy, The Paramour Sessions, and Metamorphosis, including their most popular singles, "Last Resort," "Scars," and "Getting Away With Murder." Three years later, the punk-rock band has returned with F.E.A.R. I was very pleased to know that this album kept their same tone from years ago, but just with a little twist. They're the same Papa Roach that I remember, but with a new, edgy beat. Recommended songs: "Fear Hate Love," "Skeletons," "War Over Me," and "Love Me 'Til it Hurts."

6) Guster- Evermotion Release Date: January 6, 2015

Guster has always had an interesting sound, but it has been five years since the band released anything. Evermotion brings the band back into the scene, with a groovy, chill sound. Although the vocals are soft, each song is brought to life from guitar solos. Especially including songs "Kid Dreams" and "Lazy Love." They've come a long way since "One Man Wrecking Machine."

7) Fall Out Boy- American Beauty/American Psycho Release Date: January 16, 2015

Fall Out Boy has been consistent with releasing new music since returning from their hiatus. Save Rock and Roll was not only a flawless album to return with, but also kept listeners on their toes, wanting something even more. American Beauty/American Psycho definitely brought this "something extra." Of course, singles Irresistible and Uma Thurman stole spots on the top charts, but some songs, in my opinion, are even better than their singles. "Fourth of July" is an incredible piece, with lyrics pulling at your heart strings like: "You and I were fireworks that went off too soon." As a whole, the album both surprised me and I'm patiently awaiting more tunes that I'm positive they will deliver. ​

8) All Time Low- Future Hearts Release Date: April 3, 2015

All Time Low fans were left with Don't Panic for three years, but it was certainly worth the wait. Future Hearts has a brand new sound, differing from all of their previous six albums. There are songs like "Bottle and a Beat" and "Dancing with the Wolf" which are upbeat and exciting, but also emotional ballads like "Cinderblock Garden," "Satellite," and "Missing You." "Something's Gotta Give" and "Kids in the Dark" were perfectly selected singles, presenting themselves as jam-worthy and catchy hooks like "Something's Gotta Give" lines: "Wake me up/Say enough is enough/ I'm dying to live/something's gotta give." Other underrated songs like "Your Bed," "Old Scars," and "Runaways" push boundaries, with lyrics pertaining to sex, love, and everything in between. This album is worth the listen. If you "used to be a fan back in 2006," it's time to give them another listen.

9) Halsey- Badlands Release Date: August 28, 2015 Halsey is new and exciting with her unique voice and pressing lyrics. Her "Hurricane" is spreading, and everyone needs to get on the bandwagon before it's too late and her fame surpasses most. This album is incredible, with contemporary beats and modern images. She paints a scene with each of her songs, captivating the listener into an entirely new world. Hurricane, although not as known as "Hold Me Down" and "Ghost," has an incredibly edgy tone as she describes: "I went down to a place in Brooklyn, where you tripped on LSD/and I found myself reminded to keep you far away from me/there's a storm you're starting now/I'm a wanderess/I'm a one night stand/don't belong to no city, don't belong to no man." She's cutting edge and intense, bringing followers in. Listen to "Colors," as it surpasses expectations with the wondrous lyrics: "you were red and you liked me because I was blue/cause you touched me and suddenly I was a lilac sky/and you decided purple just wasn't for you." Might be my favorite album of the year and of the moment.