My Top 5 Favorite Albums

Proper Dose – The Story So Far

2018

This album changed me when it came out. Absolutely no skips. Favorite song? Tie between Take Me As You Please and Upside Down. I was deep in my pop-punk phase, and this album is one of TSSF’s most vulnerable, with lyrics about addiction and mental illness. Still a favorite today.

Favorite lyric: “Don’t write a sad song. You’ll burn out your love. And then you’re gonna have to find another. I’m gonna shine on for my little brother.”

After the Party – The Menzingers

2017

This album rocked my world too. Picking a favorite song is hard—probably After the Party or Livin’ Ain’t Easy. Livin’ Ain’t Easy hit me, because this was when I realized adult life isn’t as easy as it seems.

Favorite lyric: “Only a fool would think living could be easy.”

Self-Titled – Third Eye Blind

1997

One of the best albums ever made. Absolutely no skips. Favorite song? The Background. 58 minutes of inspiration and vulnerability, touching on loss, addiction, and suicide prevention. Its reception proves how solid this debut is.

Favorite lyric: “The plans I make still have you in them, ’Cause you come swimming into view.”

Made in the AM – One Direction

2015

As a former One Direction fanatic, this is their best work. Missing Zayn, sadly, but it feels like a growing-up album. Songs like History make it feel like a goodbye album. Musically and lyrically, it’s their most adult work.

Favorite song: Love You Goodbye – I can feel this song in my chest every time I listen.

Favorite lyric: “Oh, baby, let me love you goodbye.”

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology – Taylor Swift

2020

Controversial, but I disagree with anyone who calls this her worst album. I haven’t connected to a Taylor Swift album like this since Red. Vulnerable, honest, and full of clever lyrics. Songs like LOML and So Long, London are highlights.

Favorite track: Guilt as Sin

Favorite lyric: “You sacrificed us to the gods of your bluest days.”