Music is an essential part to everybody's life, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or religious background. Often times, music affects everything we do, including our moods, our actions and even our relationships. Music has the power to bring someone to laugh, cry, or release their emotions that very few other outlets give us the opportunity to do. With all of that being said, music is an extremely important aspect in my life as well, so here are the top five bands that have changed my life from the moment I first heard their lyrics.

1. Nickelback

Unpopular opinion time: Nickelback is one of my favorite bands. I have various albums of theirs, and I loved them so much in my formative years, that they were even my first concert. I used to jam out to them before every weekend baseball game, practice, and on the bus to help me get through my early morning trig class in high school. Nickelback guided me through my eighth grade year (which was horrible for everyone) and even helped push me through my freshman year of high school. A large part of my music taste today is devoted to Nickelback.

2. Nirvana

A band that was gone before my time, Nirvana"opened me up to the grunge scene. Songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Heart Shaped Box" inspired me to pick up a guitar for the first time, and to teach myself how to jam out the way Nirvana did in their music videos. I owe most of my music career to Nirvana and their great music style. I strongly encourage anyone who has, for some reason, never heard of their music to check them out. Don't even finish this article. Open Spotify right now and listen to the first Nirvana song that comes up.

3. Blink-182

Blink-182 was introduced to me at a track meet when I was in eighth grade, the age I seem to have gained most of my music taste. "Blink-182" has songs that everyone knows such as "All the Small Things," "First Date," and "Stay Together for the Kids," but for me, this band went much deeper than their "Greatest Hits" album. Songs like "Natives" and "After Midnight" touched me on a personal level, and who doesn't love to get a laugh by listening to "Family Reunion" every once in awhile? Blink-182 is a band that will be with me for the rest of my life. Plus, they are touring again, which makes it all the better.

4. twenty one pilots

The band twenty one pilots have been on my radar since they first released their self titled album. Now with the launch of their two newest albums "Vessel" and "Blurryface" they have made their way onto my top five. Like many others, twenty one pilots touched me during a tough time in my life, and many of their songs touched me in ways that can't be put into words. The band twenty one pilots made it clear that those going through tough times were not alone, and sometimes that's all a person needs to hear for reassurance. I recently got to see them live at the Sprint Center and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I can't begin to express my gratitude for the two in that band who continue to change and touch lives everywhere.

5. Green Day

Green Day was introduced to me by my mother at the age of 6 years old, in 2004 with the release of what many believe to be their best album, "American Idiot." Since this day, I have listened and loved every single Green Day song that I have come across. I am a certifiable fangirl over Green Day, and it seems that the next release is still too far away. Green Day taught me so many important life lessons, like to be myself no matter who tries to bring me down, to keep my head up no matter what, and to not let those in power abuse it. Green Day taught me how to comunicate through music, and led me to pursue music on my own time, going as far to even form a band. Green Day is by far my favorite band. I listen to them when I'm happy, when I'm sad, or when I've had a long day and need a break. The one thing Green Day never fails to do is let me down. I can always count on them to help me when I need it, and their music comes through every time.

So there it is, my top five favorite bands and bands that have influenced my life. If in the off chance you have been unfortunate enough to miss any of the bands listed above, I strongly encourage you to take a look at some of their songs. They changed my life-- and they can do the same for you.