Co written by Emma Buss and Shelby Pfau

[1.] Infinity on High (Fall Out Boy, 2007)– The third studio album by Fall Out Boy is one for the books. I am thankful for this album because of its lyrical genius like “A penny for your thoughts but a dollar for your insides/Or a fortune for your disaster” that hits me hard in the emotions. Without this album, I would have never fallen in love with the genre pop-punk or Fall Out Boy.– Emma

[2.] I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time (Moose Blood, 2014)– Moose Blood are a relatively new band, but they came out swinging with their debut full-length I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time. Moose Blood wear their heart on their sleeve and their passion is very prevalent in their music. There’s a comforting warmth that comes from their songs and heartfelt lyrics that I appreciate greatly. –Shelby

[3.] Nothing Personal (All Time Low, 2009)– When I was in my middle school years, this album meant the world to me. I remember clutching my physical copy like my life depended on it. This record was just fun for me to listen to and it was one of the first albums that shaped my music taste. Down the the fast tempo and rocking guitar, this album is the definition of pop-punk.– Emma

[4.] The 1975 (The 1975, 2013) — The 1975 are essentially the reason that Emma and I are friends, so I am forever in debt to them for bringing me together with one of my favorite humans ever. The 1975 is The 1975’s first full album and it’s nothing short of incredible. I listen to it all the way through at least once a week, and I’m still in love with the unique ambiance that fills the room when they’re pouring from my speakers. –Shelby

[5.] Tell All Your Friends (Taking Back Sunday, 2002)– I may have only been four years old when this album came out but I still hold the music near and dear to my heart. A feud between bands Brand New and Taking Back Sunday brought immense angst and grit to songs like “You’re So Last Summer” and “There’s No I In Team” over a girlfriend-oh so typical of a pop-punk band. The lyrics were meant for Brand New’s Jesse Lacey but anyone who listens will be impacted. –Emma

[6.] Hot Fuss (The Killers, 2004) — I love this album so much that I got a shirt with the album artwork on it. The Killers were the first band I truly fell in love with, and I hold them so close to my heart. I’ve never met any of them, not yet anyway, and I still feel like they’re family to me. I fell asleep to Hot Fuss’ closing track, “Everything Will Be Alright.” every night for two years, and I clung to this album for anything and everything. Brandon Flowers’ distinct vocals have always been able to calm me down when I needed it. –Shelby

[7.] Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (My Chemical Romance, 2004)– This album is nothing short from disappointment. I have always appreciated this album but recently I have re-listened over 100 times and it slowly became on of my favorite albums to ever be purchased. Every single song grabs your attention and brings you through a ride of hard-hitting vocals and theatricality. –Emma

[8.] Wishful Thinking (Neck Deep, 2014) — Wishful Thinking is one of the most angsty albums I have ever owned and I love it. Neck Deep have a real knack for writing awesome lyrics about cliche pop-punk topics without actually making it sound cliche. The album closer, Candour, is also extremely well written, and pulls at my heartstrings every time I hear it. –Shelby

[9.] Riot! (Paramore, 2007)– Even though the lineup has changed, Paramore has always been a band for the record books. With Hayley Williams has a female lead, she was always my role model as a young, middle school girl to have a little spunk. “Misery Buisness” was an anthem everybody jammed to and will always be remembered as one of my all-time favorite single to come from any band. –Emma

[10.] Deja Entendu (Brand New, 2003) — Deja Entendu, loosely translated from French, means “I’ve heard this all before,” but you haven’t heard anything like this album before. Deja Entendu is not the cliche “I just broke up with my girlfriend.” Brand New’s Jesse Lacey wrote this album with an acoustic guitar in his bedroom and took the downs of a breakup into an iconic album that’s filled with angst and emotion, and stretched to create a brand new side of Brand New. Bass is flawlessly highlighted throughout the album, especially in songs like Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades, while electric and acoustic guitar alike are creatively and beautifully crafted into the 11 songs of Deja Entendu. –Shelby

[11.] The Resistance: Rise Of The Runaways (Crown The Empire, 2014)– Before I listened to Crown The Empire, I have never come close to listening to this type of the metalcore music genre. The whole ‘unclean and unclean vocalist’ was a blurry understanding. This album follows a storyline broken into three acts and deserves a listen from start to finish. — Emma

[12.] Bones (Young Guns, 2012) — Young Guns are such an underrated band. Lead vocalist, Gustav Wood, writes some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard. With Wood’s killer lyrics, Bones brings a different sound to alternative music, it’s deeper and almost gloomy, yet remains uplifting somehow. Their songs have brilliant chord progression that feel like a punch in the chest, but in a great way. Everything about this album is so impactful, its almost certain that at least one song will hit home, no matter who the listener. –Shelby

[13.] Homesick (A Day To Remember, 2009) — A Day To Remember was the first band I have ever listened to that is a little outside the pop-punk genre. I honestly started listening to A Day To Remember because of their colorful and intriguing album artwork. I learned to love the overpowering guitar and drum beat accompaning Jeremy McKinnon’s voice. I have and always will feel a sense of self power when I listen to their music. –Emma

[14.] Vessel (twenty one pilots, 2013) — Vessel is an album filled with emotion. With genius lyrics and upbeat rhythms, anyone can listen and enjoy, but in the words of Tyler Joseph himself, only few will understand. I agree with him entirely, I firmly believe that there is a major difference between listening to twenty one pilots and understanding twenty one pilots, and for those who understand, this album is a best friend. It can truly help me through anything, and has brought me closer to who I am and who I want to be. Not to mention, it’s gotten me new friends in places as near as Greeley and as far as Saudi Arabia. –Shelby