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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Wyoming chapter.

Oh my goodness, 2016 has come to an end and I, being the music nerd I am, reflected on the past year in terms of releases. It was a great year in the music world and though I wish I could go on for ages about all the good songs, albums and EPs that 2016 brought us all, I narrowed it down to 10 releases that I really listened to like crazy all year long in a countdown. I’m counting down to the best work of 2016, so read through it all if you want to see what I found to be the best release 2016 gave to us.

10) Sleeping with Sirens: Live and Unplugged

This album may not have new songs on it, but it’s live, acoustic and raw, which is why I included this as one of my favorite releases of the year. I am not an intense SWS fan either, but I love how soft and toned down their songs are on this album. I like the difference they have to the studio versions and full instrumental versions you hear live. Not to mention, Kellin Quinn’s voice is perfection, so how could I not love this album?

9) Real Friends: The Home Inside my Head

I just recently got into Real Friends, so of course, having a whole new album to listen to was an awesome addition to 2016. Their lyrics are so amazing, not to mention they’re a classic pop-punk band which is a genre I always enjoy. Their songs are helpful in times of struggle and never fail to remind you that you aren’t alone. I love “Mess”, “Door Without a Key” and of course, “Colder Quicker”.

8) Bruno Mars: 24K Magic

I am a sucker for Bruno Mars, it’s that simple. His music is so groovy and fun. Every time he releases a song you know it’s going to be good. I heard “24K Magic” and instantly fell in love, thus leading me to the album. All the tracks take you back in time and get you dancing. I especially love his song “Finesse”.

7) Good Charlotte: Youth Authority

Ahhh, yes the rise of Good Charlotte! This year went through a lot of revivals of classics like Blink 182, Green Day and Good Charlotte. I like Blink and Green Day, but not as much as I like Good Charlotte. I was so excited when I saw this album drop. Their song “Life Changes” is one of the best ones on the album, for it reminded me that growing up means that things are going to change a lot, but it’s not always a bad thing. The songs on this album are all worth the listen and remind me of why I missed them so much.

6) Hey Violet: Brand New Moves EP

    

I added this EP to the list because it was just too good not to. Hey Violet started out rough, I didn’t like them so much when I first heard them open for 5 Seconds of Summer last year. This EP is a whole new sound that I wouldn’t have known to be Hey Violet unless I looked it up because it’s so different and good. I love their song “Brand New Moves” off of it the most because it’s so damn addicting. This release doesn’t have enough tracks on it, so I look forward to their debut album if it’s going to be anything like this EP.

5) Panic! at the Disco: Death of a Bachelor

When Brendon Urie is involved, how can a song possibly be bad? This album is nothing like the Panic! you may know, I just want to warn you, but it’s perfect anyways. Urie made this album entirely on his own and if that’s not impressive enough, I don’t know what to tell you. All the tracks have something amazing about them. I feel like his vocals have only gotten better and I didn’t think that was possible. I love “LA Devotee,” “Crazy=Genius” and “Death of a Bachelor” off of this album the most. I can’t wait to see what future releases he creates. This man is a genius.

4) Waterparks: Double Dare

I had such a hard time with these last few releases as far as the order I wanted to rank them. But, I did my best, starting with Waterparks. Waterparks have quickly become one of my favorite bands since their release of their Cluster EP earlier this year. I was so stoked for this debut album to drop because I had worn out Cluster’s tracks so easily. This debut album was the perfect release for Waterparks. Double Dare provides a combination of so many genres which I love and it has some amazing lyrics that have only made my love for Awsten Knight stronger. This album has been on repeat since it dropped earlier this month and I still cannot get enough. My favorites are “Dizzy”, “I’ll Always Be Around” and “Stupid for You”. Don’t pass this band up or write them off because they will be huge in their music scene, I don’t doubt it.

3) With Confidence: Better Weather

Wow. With Confidence. These boys from Sydney came out of nowhere and stole my heart. I fell in love with their EP’s and then their album dropped in June. I went to Warped tour to see them shortly after the album came out and it was their first time in the US. Seeing them live made me more passionate about this band and this debut album really shows their talent. They’re such a fun and amazing set of guys and this album is definitely worth listening to over and over. My favorites are “Gravity” and “Waterfall”.

2) LANY: Kinda EP

If you saw my piece on this band a few months ago, you know my love for them is so immense. LANY are so amazing and they have a perfect sound. They’re dreamy and happy and I love every song on this EP. I literally do not have a favorite to share with you because they’re all that good. I cannot wait for them to release a full length album because every song they release is a banger. Go check these guys out before they take over the world.

  1. The 1975: I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful, yet so unaware of it

I feel like anyone that has read my articles or knows me as a person had to predict this album would be my number one. This album is pure art from start to finish. This band means too much to me to put into words but just know this album will not disappoint you. This album changed my life if I’m being honest, so I have to make this one the top release of 2016. I hope you take a chance on this band if you haven’t already because they are truly amazing. My all-time favorite song on this album is “Somebody Else”, but the others are super close behind it.

 

 

 

 

 

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Abbey Williams

U Wyoming '19

Abbey is a senior at the University of Wyoming and is currently majoring in Journalism. She couldn't imagine a world without Jesus, coffee, The 1975, Twitter or her family. You'll usually find her at a concert or cafe somewhere, which is where she spends majority of her free-time. Talking to band members after their shows is a hobby, along with thrifting & indulging in all aspects of pop culture. After college, she plans to spend more time at concerts, getting paid to write about music and bands.
Kaitlyn is a recent grad the University of Wyoming, where she got her degree in Marketing. She has been the Campus Correspondent for a Pink level chapter, a Chapter Advisor to some amazing chapters, and now has the pleasure of being a Region Leader. Born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado, her love for nature and the outdoors comes naturally. Kaitlyn lives for football season, but finds way to stay preoccupied during the off-season. She enjoys long walks in the mountains, beer as cold as her heart, and bacon on her burgers. You can follow Kaitlyn’s adventures on Instagram, @kaysoup.