The end of the year/beginning of the new year is always a fun time for me because it means year end lists! Just like I did last year, here are my top 15 albums and EPs of the year. These are just my personal favorites and are in order of release date because I can't rank them.

1. You Me At Six - "Night People"

January 6, Infectious Music

2017 started off quick for new music with UK rock band You Me At Six’s 5th studio album “Night People.” I personally think this is one of YMAS’s best releases, only 2011’s “Sinners Never Sleep” is better. “Night People” is a big rock album, with songs meant to be played in stadiums and arenas. The opening title track I can immediately see being played at Wembley Arena in London. There’s a whole range of hard rock songs like “Night People,” “Swear,” and “Make Your Move,” as well as softer ones like “Take on the World,” and “Give.” Lyrically, it can get a bit repetitive, but for the most part it’s still enjoyable. Josh Franceschi’s voice only improves with time and the rest of the band are amazing on their instruments as always.

Top 3 songs: "Give," "Take on the World," "Spell It Out"

2. Courage My Love - "Synesthesia"

February 3, In Vogue Records

Courage My Love are a Canadian pop-rock band I discovered earlier this year with the release of their sophomore album “Synesthesia.” It’s a departure from their initial pop-punk sound from previous releases and focuses more on a pop-rock, and pop-alternative side. I can see this album taking influences from bands like PVRIS. Most of the songs on this record are fun and super catchy, mostly about a breakup, which can get old, but hey, if that’s what’s going on in your life, write about it. I’m excited to see where this record leads CML in their future creations.

Top 3 songs: "Love Hurts," "Dirt," "Tough Love"

3. HalfNoise - "The Velvet Face EP"

March 24, Congrats Records

Earlier this year, Zac Farro returned to Paramore after a seven year absence. In those seven years, he started his own band/solo project called HalfNoise. He’s released music since 2012 but I only got around to his stuff when he dropped “The Velvet Face EP” this year. HalfNoise is definitely more indie focused than Paramore and Zac is really trying out lots of new creative sounds in his music. It’s much more groovy and fun than his earlier album and EPs. The lyrics aren’t the greatest, but Zac’s strongest suit really is in the musicality and production, which is what makes this EP shine. Paramore let Zac play “Scooby’s in the Back” on tour this year and it was such a fun time. Can’t wait to hear what else he has up his sleeve.

Top 3 songs: "Scooby's in the Back," "Velvet Face," "Someday"

4. Paramore - "After Laughter"

May 12, Fueled By Ramen

I know I said these albums were in order of release date because I can’t rank them, but “After Laughter” is BY FAR my top album of the year. Paramore is my favorite band of all time, and has been since 2009. I was beyond excited when Paramore announced this album and dropped the lead single “Hard Times” in April. The album came out soon after in May and was such a departure from Paramore’s old sound but in the best way possible, reminding lots of people of the '80s. With Zac Farro back in the band, Taylor York working much more on production, and Hayley Williams writing the best lyrics of her career, this is a near-perfect album. Paramore have been through a lot the past few years, personally and as a band, and it shows in the depressing and sad lyrics that everyone has been relating to. It’s fun music with sad lyrics which seems to be a theme a lot of artists are going for lately and it really works. Cry hard. Dance harder.

Top 3 songs: "Rose-Colored Boy," "Idle Worship," "26"

5. All Time Low - "Last Young Renegade"

June 2, Fueled By Ramen

This is definitely not my favorite All Time Low record, but it was still an enjoyable listen this year. ATL signed to Fueled by Ramen earlier in the year and it shows in their change of sound to a more pop/radio friendly sound rather than pop-punk. ATL have dominated the pop-punk scene for years and I think they’re ready to move on. This record took a while to grow on me but with more and more listens, overall it’s a pretty solid and fun record.

Top 3 songs: "Nice2KnoU," "Dark Side of Your Room," "Life of the Party"

6. Halsey - "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom"

June 2, Astralwerks

Following up on the huge success of 2015’s “Badlands,” Halsey is back with a record sure to push her more into the mainstream, as is already seen with hit single “Bad at Love.” While I like “Badlands” better than “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom,” this is an excellent follow up and allows Halsey to show off more sides to her than just that mysterious alternative tumblr girl with blue hair. She makes her bisexuality more public in her lyrics, especially in “Strangers,” which is always great to see bi representation in mainstream music. She also continues to discuss her mental health like she did on “Badlands,” in songs like “Angel on Fire” and “Devil in Me.”

Top 3 songs: "Angel on Fire," "Alone," "Walls Could Talk"

7. Doll Skin - "Manic Pixie Dream Girl"

June 16, EMP Label Group

Earlier this year I discovered Doll Skin, an all-female rock band from Arizona. Doll Skin are going to be absolutely huge one day. In June they released “Manic Pixie Dream Girl,” a super fun, and hard-hitting rock record. There’s so many incredible guitar riffs by Alex Snowden and singer Sydney Dolezal’s voice is incredible. This record has really good lyrics for such a young band, especially on songs like “Boy Band,” which discusses the fabricated aspect of the mainstream music industry. There’s some slower moments like the ballad “Sweet Pea” and a cover of Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited” but this record really shines on the fast paced, rock tunes like “Daughter,” “Persephone,” and “Road Killa.” Can’t wait to see what these ladies do next.

Top 3 songs: "Boy Band," "Baby's Breath," "Persephone"

8. Jule Vera - "Waiting on the Sun"

June 16, Weekday Records

Up and coming pop-rock band Jule Vera finally released their debut full-length this summer and I cannot get enough of it. This is another band that’s gonna do big things one day. The lyrics are excellent with topics ranging from relationships, to living life to the fullest, to family. There’s also a nice range of sounds from the piano balled "Waiting", to the ukulele jam “Porch Swing,” and the most rock-sounding song “Running.” This shows a good range for a band still coming into their own and exploring their sound. It shows that they don’t have to stick to one sound even at such an early stage in their career, which means sound changes will come naturally for them for future records. Another band I can’t wait to hear more from.

Top 3 songs: "Running," "Something Good," "Bad Company"

9. Lorde - "Melodrama"

June 16, Universal Music New Zealand

Lorde came back this year and left everyone SHOOK with “Melodrama.” Produced by Jack Antonoff, and a few years in the making, Lorde absolutely deserves that Grammy for album of the year. With lyrics mostly focused on a breakup, this album is absolutely heartbreaking, especially on ballads like “Liability” and “Writer in the Dark.” There are also incredible radio worthy singles like “Green Light,” “Perfect Places,” and “Homemade Dynamite” that make you wanna dance. Lorde has definitely grown up over the years and this masterpiece was worth the wait.

Top 3 songs: "Sober," "Hard Feelings/Loveless," "Liability"

10. Sainte - "Smile and Wave"

June 30, self-released

In 2016, pop-punk band We Are the In Crowd announced their indefinite hiatus, but singer Tay Jardine has started sort of a solo project/sort of a new band with other WATIC members Mike Ferri and Cameron Hurley, to create Sainte. Sainte is a more pop influenced project but still some rock elements that don’t stem too far from WATIC. Sainte released a 7-song EP in June and it’s incredible. The lyrics are some of Tay’s best, discussing mental health and relationships. The music is fun and upbeat and extremely catchy. Although I’m sad that WATIC might not come back, I couldn’t be more excited for what else Tay has up her sleeve for Sainte.

Top 3 songs: "White Lies," "Feels So Wrong," "If You Ever Feel Alone"

11. Kesha - "Rainbow"

August 11, Kemosabe Records

After five long years of lawsuits and hardships, Kesha came back this year stronger than ever with “Rainbow.” The lead single “Praying” blew me away and proved that Kesha can actually sing despite what people thought in 2010. “Rainbow” is a great mix of songs about everything Kesha has been through, like “Rainbow,” “Praying,” “Let ‘Em Talk,” and “Learn to Let Go.” But there’s also fun songs to dance to like “Boots” “Boogie Feet,” and “Woman.” The Eagles of Death Metal provide a rock influence on “Boogie Feet” and “Let ‘Em Talk,” while Kesha also looks into her country roots with “Hunt You Down,” and a duet with Dolly Parton of her song “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle To You).” It covers a whole range of emotions, distancing Kesha from her old drunk-girl image of 2010, but still staying true to her fun-loving self.

Top 3 songs: "Hunt You Down," "Woman," "Praying"

12. PVRIS - "All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell"

August 25, Rise Records

Following the success of 2014’s “White Noise,” PVRIS are back and stronger than ever. “All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell” is darker, both lyrically and musically and I can’t get enough of PVRIS. When I first heard this new record it was initially hard to get into because I loved “White Noise” so much but with repeated listens, it’s definitely a huge step in maturity for PVRIS. With songs about mental health and a recent breakup, this is a sad record, but I think sad and angry songs bring out the best of songwriters. I still can’t get enough of the lyrics in songs like “What’s Wrong,” “Nola 1,” and “Half.” "I don't need a metaphor for you to know I'm miserable" in "What's Wrong" is one of my favorite lyrics of the year. Lynn Gunn’s voice is absolutely incredible on strong moments like the chorus “Same Soul” and softer moments like “Separate.” This album is only going to help PVRIS get bigger and bigger.

Top 3 songs: "What's Wrong," "Winter," "Same Soul"

13. Stand Atlantic - "Sidewinder"

September 15, Rude Records

Stand Atlantic are a very new pop punk band from Australia and they put out their first EP “Sidewinder” in September. If 5 songs on a debut EP was good for my favorite albums list, then I cannot wait for what this band can do in the future. A really classic, raw, pop-punk sound with female vocals, catchy hooks, and great lyrics. This band is so young and is already getting tons of attention with just these five songs. I especially love the song “Push” which starts out acoustic but about 30 seconds in turns into one of the most head-bang worthy songs of the EP.

Top 3 songs: "Push," "Chemicals," "Mess I Made"

14. Demi Lovato - "Tell Me You Love Me"

September 29, Island/Hollywood Records

Demi Lovato is back with her 6th album, and arguably her best vocal performance to date. While I’m a sucker for Demi’s older pop-rock stuff for nostalgia’s sake, “Tell Me You Love Me” is Demi’s best album since leaving Disney in 2010. I’ve always known Demi can sing, but DAMN she has pipes. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous on the slower songs like “Tell Me You Love Me,” “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore,” and “Only Forever.” Songs like “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Sexy Dirty Love” are super fun dance jams, and overall this is a fun and sensual record. I’m all about Demi exploring more areas of R&B.

Top 3 songs: "Cry Baby," "Tell Me You Love Me," "Games"

15. Echosmith - "Inside a Dream"

September 29, Warner Brothers

It’s been four years since Echosmith’s smash debut “Talking Dreams” with the big hit “Cool Kids.” We finally got new music this year, but not a full length album; that’s hopefully coming in 2018. Instead we got a 7-song EP that’s supposed to be a taste of what Echosmith has been working on. It’s definitely a more mature sound for Echosmith as they are such a young band, so 4 years between albums is a long time (singer Sydney Sierota was 16 for “Talking Dreams” and is 20 now). There’s also a lot more usage of synthesizers because of the departure of guitarist Jamie Sierota a few years ago, who left the band to take care of his newborn son. The synthesizers don’t take away Echosmith’s sound, but rather they enhance it. The lyrics have also matured, especially on songs like “Lessons” and “18.” “18” might be one of the most relatable songs I’ve heard in awhile. Even though I’ve been 19 for awhile, the song is all about how being 18 is really weird and you don’t know who you are. I think it applies to anyone ages 18-21. The acoustic song “Dear World” is a beautiful song about wishing for better days among all the chaos going on in current events. Songs like that make this release a bit more serious than “Talking Dreams” which was a mostly positive album. It’s nice to hear Echosmith delving into new topics.

Top 3 songs: "18," "Lessons," "Future Me"

So those are my top 15 albums of 2017! What were yours? I'm looking forward to new music in 2018 from Tonight Alive, Don Broco, Against the Current, and Set It Off.