Every single one of these bands has changed my life or my perspective on life in some way, shape or form. The artists have put an exceptional amount of work into each of the albums. These are by far my favorite albums each of these artists have ever put out. The albums are not listed in any particular order, but I do recommend that you give a listen to them because they are most definitely worth your time. They will affect you in some way, and being affected by something is important; it means you’re alive.

1. American Football - "American Football"

This album is one of my all-time favorite albums. American Football is an emo-indie-rock band based out of Champaign, Illinois. There is not a single song on this album that is not absolutely fantastic, and I recommend listening to this album when you have nothing to do. Just play it on Spotify or whatever and lay in your bed with your eyes closed. Let it take you places because I promise you that it will take you so many places.

2. Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"

First off, this band's name is pronounced "bone e-vair." I am an a--hole for correcting people, but I don't care. All of this band's music is magnificent, but I especially recommend this album because it is another album that will take you so many places. It will make you sad, though, so be careful. I thoroughly enjoy this album, and I think that you will, too.

3. Jeff Rosenstock - "We Cool?"

Jeff Rosenstock, oh wow. OK. So, this album will mess you up. I love it so much. I am that type of person who prefers the kind of music that will make me feel something and this album makes me feel a lot. This album is full of catchy songs, but the lyrics are so disgustingly puncturing that you won't feel it hit you until you're surrounded and distracted by your friends. It is a real pain, though.

4. Their/They're/There - "Their/They're/There"

Their/They're/There is one of the greatest bands I have ever had the privilege to listen to. This band won't mess you up like Jeff Rosenstock will, but each member of the group is insanely talented. Kinsella, Evan Weiss and Matthew Frank create the ultimate indie-punk super group. They don't tour — they just really enjoy making music together, and you will enjoy listening to this band and this album. Pay close attention to the guitar and drum parts within the songs. Check out their other EP, "Analog Weekend." It's also real good.

5. Owen - "At Home With Owen"

Owen is a side project led by Mike Kinsella. There is a common theme here - I hope you're catching on. Kinsella is by far one of my favorite artists ever. He is insanely talented; this is one of his greatest pieces of work. "At Home With Owen" is another album that is good to listen to when you have nothing going on. Sit and write in a journal or just lie in your bed checking out the ceiling while this gem flows through the room. It will give you a happy sadness.

6. Brand New - "Deja Entendu"

This album is the best Brand New album I have ever listened to. I cannot stress that enough. If you have never heard of this band or listened to a song from this album, then you are missing out on life. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. Your mind, your heart and your ears will appreciate it very much.

7. The Chariot - "Unsung EP"

The Chariot is such a good hardcore band. They have great song titles on this EP, and the lyrics are top notch as well. I enjoy this album thoroughly. Even if you aren't into this kind of stuff you should still listen to the song "Phil Cosby (Before There Was Atlanta, There Was Douglasville)." It's a super good song, and very easy to slam dance to. (Slam dancing is very fun, but be safe and respectful to others.)

8. Sleater-Kinney - "No Cities To Love"

Sleater-Kinney is an all-female punk rock band that is absolute perfection. I would recommend this group to anybody that likes punk music or likes female vocalists. Also, Carrie Brownstein is the guitarist for this band. For those who don't know, she is on Portlandia. This band rocks and this album is definitely worth your time, so give it.

9. Dead Kennedys - "Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death"

"Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death" is an incredible compilation album from Dead Kennedys. Even if hardcore isn't your thing, giving this album a little taste test will not hurt. It is fast, loud and powerful. This band was at the pinnacle of social issues, as were many U.S. punk/hardcore bands in the late 20th century. Corruption is the central theme in many of Dead Kennedys' songs and it is all amazing. Give it a listen.

10. Modern Baseball - "You're Gonna Miss It All"

Modern Baseball is another one of those bands that are kind of depressing. I think that may be why I enjoy it so damn much. Modern Baseball is a good band to listen to when you are not feeling good about yourself, because it will make you feel better. This album is especially really nice sounding. Both of Modern Baseball's albums are lyrically focused and each song tells a story about something sad or self-deprecating. It is a goodie.

11. Joyce Manor - "Never Hungover Again"

"Never Hungover Again" is such a good album. I can never listen to this album or this band enough. I cannot recommend this album enough. This band is absolutely phenomenal and I love this particular album so very much. This is a band that you listen to on full blast in your car when you're driving down a country road with your best friend, just screaming the lyrics or feeling the wind slide over you like thin layers of water. This band is my aesthetic.

12. Pedro The Lion - "Control"

"Control" is a powerfully charged album. It is full of that raw human emotion that we all feel but are too afraid to admit is real. David Bazan only plays living room shows, and I think that says a lot about his music and the feeling it gives. This is an album you have to experience, not just listen to.

13. Alkaline Trio - "Goddamnit"

"Goddamnit" is in my top three favorite albums off all time. This album just makes me feel so powerful. "Goddamnit," along with a majority of Alkaline Trio's earlier music, is really an ode to the heartbroken punks that have nothing else to live for. This album is some good emo-punk and it is the best Alkaline Trio album that has ever been released. It is raw and full of pure punk emotion. Enjoy it.

14. Feist - "Metals"

"Metals" is Feist's newest album. There are some really amazing songs on this album, but I really think that all of her albums are incredible. They're all very indie-folk-ish. I'm not sure how else I could describe her sound. I love it all. If you're in love with someone, then listen to Feist because it will make you fall in love with them so much more.

15. Andrew Jackson Jihad - "Knifeman"

In 2011, Andrew Jackson Jihad (now known as AJJ) released the ultimate folk punk album. Every song introduces an introspective look into lead singer Sean Bonette's existence. Even though some lyrics are over-the-top cynical and humorously depressing, there are as many relatable moments and intelligent lyrics as there are stars in the skies.

16. Comeback Kid - "Wake The Dead"

"Wake The Dead" was the first song I ever learned to play completely on the drums. This album has a particularly special place in my heart and it will never be replaced. This is another hardcore album and I would recommend it to anyone. Enjoy the loud and angry lyrics that will fill your eardrums.

17. The Bronx - "The Bronx II"

This second self-titled album by The Bronx is incredible and is terrifying. The lyrics are honestly very scary, but it fuels my limbs with fire when I step up to the drumset. The songs on this album are fast, hard and dark. It is so good. Listen to this now.

18. The Front Bottoms - "Talon of the Hawk"

This is the second album on this list that is perfect to listen to on those chilly spring nights when you're driving with your windows down, breathing in the world with your friend or your love. These songs will make you feel the world flow; these songs will make you fly. It is an incredible feeling to hear an album that is pure angst, but a good angst.

19. Weatherbox - "American Art"

This album is one of the most influential albums of my entire life. It changed my perspective on life, religion, love, friendship and dreaming. I don't know that I can say much more besides that this album has changed my life and I think and hope that it will change you, too.

20. alliswell - "Winter Waiting Land"

"Winter Waiting Land" is the single greatest album I've ever listened to. I remember hearing this band rehearse upstairs in my house for hours when I was younger. My brother and his friends created this band in 2007, and I have loved their music ever since they started making it. This music has struck me in my heart more times than anything. I would recommend this band to anyone who enjoys music. These songs are fueled by love, strength, anger and sorrow. If any artist has ever captured the essence of life in a song, it is this band. Enjoy this band; enjoy all of it.