Don’t lie: we all had THAT phase. Some grew out of it, some never did, or it faded and then came back with a fury. Whichever category you fall under, there’s always room to relive those fun (and maybe half-regrettable) days. With the revival that has happened in the past couple years, it goes to show that pop-punk and the alternative scene never dies. Here’s a playlist of the new, the older, and the best in the alternative world to bring back that fire.
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“All You Are is History” by State Champs
The New York pop-punkers released this as a single off their newest release, “Around the World and Back”, and it’s opening will have you screaming those lyrics by the chorus. It may remind you of everyone you ever wanted to knock off their high horse, but what’s pop-punk without the angst?
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“Makeshift Love” by Good Charlotte
If “The Anthem” hasn’t been stuck in your head since you heard it years ago, you’re doing it wrong. The old-school rockers announced their epic comeback in November with this song following closely after and if this is indicative of what their new album is going to sound like, it’s going to be a banger. They just got signed to a new record label and are set to release the album around May, so keep your ears open.
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“London Lights” by With Confidence
One of Hopeless Records’ newest signings in With Confidence, an Aussie pop-punk band. In this song, your hear their unique sound with their transcendence of pop-rock, pop-punk, and a touch of light screaming, making them one of the most exciting new bands in the scene today. While it may take them a while to break into the States, it’ll be meteoric when they do.
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“P.S., I Hate You” by Simple Plan
New. Simple. Plan. Enough said. But for real, this is one of the most fun ones off “Taking One for the Team”. Sophia may not be a real person as the band has said that she’s really just a representation of all their horrible exes, but either way, you’ll hate her.
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“Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time” by Panic! At The Disco
Everyone needs a good song about the aftermath of a rager and this one has it all. From the disorienting wake up call to not-so-vaguely recalling everything you may have put into your system the night before, this will be your go-to song to play until your ears stop ringing and the possible hangover subsides.
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“Irresistible” by Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy has always been a staple in the alternative scene and this opener to their 2015 release, “American Beauty/American Psycho”, proves they’re not going anywhere. They recently made it over with Demi Lovato and a video reminiscent of NSYNC, which has proven to be excellent in all its forms.
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“Polarize” by Twenty One Pilots
The dynamic duo with the best possible perplexing sound will always be one of the most interesting groups to listen to and this song is a definite highlight of “Blurryface”. In an analysis of their shortcomings and hidden problems, this song speaks volumes to all who come across it. We all just want to be better than we are, but we all need a little help sometimes.
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“Can’t Kick Up The Roots” by Neck Deep
Their one of the biggest new pop-punk group as of right now and when you listen to them, you’ll understand why. They may jokingly label themselves as “generic pop punk”, but that doesn’t make them any less talented. With lyrics about getting out of your town and standing your ground, it checks all the boxes for what will be a classic in years to come.
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“Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard
You didn’t really think you could make a playlist like this without this song, did you? This song just became twelve years old, but it’s still one of the greatest ever. The band joined Hopeless Records again recently and are currently working on an eighth album. Just go back and listen to this song 800 more times.
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“Rejects” by 5 Seconds of Summer
I’m going to get some flack for this, but this is the most rock-based song in the Aussie pop-rock group’s repertoire and it should not be downplayed. We were all those reject kids once and so was everyone on this list and look where they are now.
Bonus: “We Don’t Have to Dance” by Andy Black
This is a bonus because the song may or may not be out by the time this article is published. Whether or not you are a fan of Black Veil Brides, their lead singer, Andy Biersack, is hyping up his “Andy Black” album more and more and I got the pleasure to hear the song at a conversation at the Musicians Institute. It’s incredible. The song was co-written with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and while it is quite dancy, it’s a song about everything the two writers can’t stand. Watch out for this song, it’ll grip you and won’t let you go.
I hope this list brings back some great memories for some of you and helps you discover (or rediscover) some old favorites.