No joke- I worked on this all day (six hours) and just when I was finished, I lost my entire progress and had to start over! I don’t know if I can ever explain myself as well as I did the first time around (which unfortunately you will never read!). But I will make an honest attempt.

Ahem…

Okay, here are my top five albums that I cannot live without. I don’t say “favorite” because that can be misconstrued as “best.” I am not in any way, shape, or form trying to force my views or opinions of what is “the best music ever” on to anyone. I would not consider myself credible enough to do that. Maybe Roger Waters could, but not me. I will just tell you what I love to listen to from start to finish. These are the albums that will never get old. They are epic, timeless, and cohesive in every sense of the word. May they live on forever in my iTunes library and my heart.

P.S. I found it much too difficult to put these in order. So, without further adieu…

1)

Blink-182 - Enema Of The State

This is an obvious and easy choice for me. Ever since its release date on June 1, 1999, the tracks on this CD have been ringing in my ears and beating in my heart (cheesy? yep). This album was released at the peak of my pop-punk obsession. I was 13. I still to this day cannot fathom the drum beats, catchy vocals, and guitar riffs that made Mark, Tom and Travis the kings of my musical world. Listening to this album brings back memories of a simpler time in life. I was obsessed with Tom and his lip ring, and wearing long sleeve shirts under short sleeve shirts! Ok, those are a few things I wouldn’t mind forgetting, but this album is definitely memorable. Tracks like “Aliens Exist” and “Mutt” will never go out of style, in my opinion. “Wendy Clear” will always be one of my favorite songs of all time. Words cannot explain the monster this album created in the music industry! It is perfection from start to finish. Pioneers. That is all.

2)

New Found Glory - New Found Glory

Here’s a little piece of trivia for you newbies: did you know that NFG used to be called “A New Found Glory”? They dropped off the “A” before the release of this album (their second full-length). Anyway, I chose this album because from the moment I first listened to it, that glorious day on September 26, 2000, I realized three things: This is my favorite band, album, and music genre. EVER. Well, that is what I told myself at the age of 14. I can honestly admit to this very day that the tracks on this CD are by far some of the catchiest and lyrically amazing songs I have ever heard. I have purchased this album FOUR times. I kid you not. At one point I had two copies- one for my bedroom and one for my car (this was prior to mp3 players). I wore my other copies down to the bone. I still have the very first one I purchased. I can’t bring myself to toss it. “Hit Or Miss” is my anthem in life. “Dressed To Kill” has some of my favorite lyrics of all time. “All About Her” is close to the top on my list of favorite songs, and the bass line at the beginning of “Sincerely Me” still gives me chills. Epic.

3)

Saves The Day - Stay What You Are

Have you ever been to a Saves the Day show? Recently? They play all of the songs on this album from start to finish. I suppose I am not the only person who realizes its phenomenal tunes with catchy beats, envious guitar riffs and lyrics that make your head spin. Each track could be a hit single. This is like a Greatest Hits album! It’s insane how singable, danceable and just plain marketable each of these tracks are. My personal favorites are “Cars and Calories” and “Firefly.” But to be completely honest, I love them all equally. Since its release date on July 10, 2001, I have been taking advantage of all this album has to offer. Chris Conley’s lyrics have inspired many of my poems, especially those that I used to write when I was 15 and 16 years old. It is in this album that I feel he really digs deep into his creative side. I also enjoy the slightly greusome references in songs like “Freakish” and “As Your Ghost Takes Flight.” Phenomenal. That’s really all I can say.

4)

Armor For Sleep - What To Do When You Are Dead

I firmly believe that this band does not receive enough credit for this release. I can think of no better display of creativity plus talent in our generation than what is displayed in the 43 minutes that is this epic album. Each song tells part of a larger story that spans the entire CD from track to track until the end. Whether you take it literally or metaphorically, the lyrics are beyond insightful and inspirational. The guitar and bass lines flow like butter, and the drum beats give me slight chills. Shit, even the album art is fantastic. The CD came with an actual list of ways to deal with your own unexpected death. Creativity beyond just musical talent is not something that musicians are experimenting with nowadays. Especially not mainstream bands. Songs like “The Truth About Heaven” and “The More You Talk The Less I Hear” contain lyrics that are still blowing my mind. I’d give this a Grammy, for sure. But what is most important: it will never get old.

5)

Underoath - They’re Only Chasing Safety

I should have no reason to explain this decision to anyone. The pioneers of post-hardcore. This is the album that made this genre of music popular in the ears and on the lips of every boy, girl, and aspiring musician alike. From the second the first track kicks in, until the very end of “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” you are whisked away into a world where Aaron Gillespie is your God, and his fantastical drum beats, melodies and lyrics are the bible. Watch them perform these songs live, too. Just as phenomenal. I seriously cannot think of a better album to play from start to finish and loop it numerous times while cooking, cleaning, surfing the web, or just listening to its cohesive tracks and taking in every note. You can’t say you don’t know the words to “Reinventing Your Exit.” My little sister does. Also, people who don’t even enjoy this genre of music are OBSESSED with this album. Imagine the craze from someone whos life is fueled by metalcore/screamo. I know I said my point in this is not to pick my favorite album of all time, but I do have to admit that this is one of them.

Okay, I could not end this blog without some Honorable Mentions. I will list them here. You didn’t quite make the cut, but I still can’t live without you, honestly:

*Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying (I give this a star because it is my current favorite album… dammit. Now I wish I would have included it)

Minus The Bear - Menos El Oso

Saves The Day - Through Being Cool

Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American

Fairweather - If They Move… Kill Them

My Hotel Year - The Composition Of Ending And Phrasing

Thursday - Full Collapse

…I could go on all night. Care to discuss this? Contact me :)