Released in January, The Wonder Years took their mid-20s angst and turned it into what's probably the year's most positive record. The message is simple - look for the upsides in life. Drop that in with solid New Found Glory-esque pop-punk, crunchy guitars and gang vocals, and you've got yourself one of the best and most honest records of 2010.
If there was one record in 2010 that could encapsulate the catchiness of pop-punk choruses with the brutality of hardcore verses it would be ADTR's What Separates Me From You. The record has such a key balance between the two that whether you love the Florida-based rockers for their screaming or their melodies, you're bound to find what you want on this record.
If you're looking for the most mosh-ready, beardcore, Bay State album of the year, look no further than FYS' Enemy. This 11-track record holds some of the best FYS tunage out there. With hits like "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)", "Find My Way Back" and the record's title track, it's no surprise this album carried the band through countless tours this year. Massachusetts for life, suckas.
It was all up in the air for Chiodos' first post-Craig Owens release, but the band, featuring new vocalist Brandon Bolmer, put together one of the year's most cohesive and hard-hitting records. Bolmer's vocal range, including his screams, fit perfectly with the band's mix of heavy and melodic. It's true what they say, you know. Those who slay together, stay together.
The pressure was on for Senses Fail to put together a record that wouldn't have their fans crying "sellouts!" Their answer was The Fire, and it certainly proved that the New Jersey natives mean business when it comes to the rock game. The album holds some of the heaviest work Senses Fail have ever put together. One listen and it's clear that they didn't compromise on their sound - a hard attribute to find in a band with a discography as large as theirs.
The supergroup, comprised from members of Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria and Hot Rod Circuit, put together what's probably the most straight forward rock 'n' roll record of the year. The self-titled album is a concept record of sorts, with many songs relating to a series of fires that destroyed lead singer Fred Mascherino's hometown. This debut record from Terrible Things lends itself nicely for live performances as well. A must have for anyone looking to outgrow the "scene." Check out our interview with Terrible Things here.
The album that would eventually force EOTC to disband this past summer, Lowcountry was probably the most honest shot at forcing rock 'n' roll to progress in 2010. Loaded with vicious tracks including "The Devil's Tongue" and "The Great American T-Shirt Racket", it would seem that Lowcountry should have taken off. But, with EOTC's record label claiming the album lacked a single, little money was sunk into promotions and eventually cost the band and fans alike a chance to see any progression. Regardless, Lowcountry owned in 2010. Check out our interview with EOTC here.
After a lackluster showing from their last album, 2007's Even If It Kills Me, MCS came back full-force on My Dinosaur Life. With blink-182's own Mark Hoppus taking over producing duties, the band put together one of the year's best pop-rock albums. Tracks like "A Lifeless Ordinary" and "Stand Too Close" have an amazing ability to stay stuck in your head for days, as do most other songs on the record. Take a look at the interview we did with MCS here.
Having developed a cult-like following, Circa Survive came out swinging in 2010 with their spring release of Blue Sky Noise. Their first single, "Get Out", was a pre-release sensation, and only added to the hype surrounding the album. And Circa didn't disappoint. The album flowed seamlessly through other tracks including "Imaginary Enemy" and "I Felt Free". Blue Sky's success led to a non-stop touring schedule, a number of magazine cover spots and countless feature stories done on the band. Easily one of the most influential albums of the year.
Challenging Cities for the best album in their discography, Anberlin's Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place
marked a step back toward the sound that Anberlin fans loved. A fluid mixture of fast and slow songs coupled with the band's signature melodies made for the most complete record of 2010. The quintet also tried some new tricks in their instrumentation including a computerized intro on "Art of War" and a Latin-esque guitar riff on "Down". The album transitions neatly between 80s, punk and modern rock influences thus making it one of the most eclectic records of the year. Check out our interview with Anberlin here.
2010 albums of honorable mention:
My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys
Underoath - Disambiguation
Happy Body Slow Brain - Dreams Of Water
Alkaline Trio - This Addiction
Underoath - Disambiguation
Happy Body Slow Brain - Dreams Of Water
Alkaline Trio - This Addiction
Bring Me The Horizon - There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret
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