The debut single from Nate Ruess, “Nothing Without Love,” proved that this guy has the ability to shine as a solo artist while his band, Fun, is on hiatus. With one of the most distinctive voices in the business, it is obvious from the first few notes that it is Ruess passionately perfecting the vocals on this memorable track.
“I Am” is about being an individual, and standing out from the crowd. Fittingly, the song was used in a Red Bull commercial about athletes excelling in their sport. “I Am” will pump you up and get you motivated to face your fears and take on the world.
18. Ditmas, Mumford and Sons
Mumford & Sons finally released Ditmas as a single right at the end of the year, making it the third Mumford release in 2015, and the third to make the top 40 in this countdown. Named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn where the track was recorded, Ditmas is a stand out track on an album that is filled with gems.
If someone has been hibernating for a year and not heard any of the new tracks on Wilder Mind, “Ditmas” would be the first track I would play for them, as it fully embodies the new direction that the band is taking. Gone are the days of banjo heavy tracks. Say hello to the new electric, rock and roll Mumford & Sons. A very, very warm welcome indeed.
17. Jackie & Wilson, Hozier
This is for all the naysayers who doubted that Hozier would be anything other than a one hit wonder after the smashing success of last year’s “Take Me to Church”. Not only has Hozier followed up “…Church” with “From Eden”, “Work Song”, and the recently released “Someone New”, this gem of a song has not even officially been released as a single, but it is still getting radio play.
“Jackie and Wilson” is Hozier’s homage to the late R&B singer, Jackie Wilson, whom he idolizes.
“We’ll name our children Jackie and Wilson, raise them on rhythm and blues”, is as much of a compliment as an artist can give to their inspirations. In fact, if Hozier can record another album as phenomenal as Hozier, I may feel the need to have a child and name him Hozier, and raise him on, well, Hozier.
16. Can’t Deny My Love, Brandon Flowers
“Can’t Deny My Love,” the debut single off Brandon Flowers’ sophomore solo album, The Desired Effect, is synth-pop rock at its very best. Not many people can
pull off epic, the way Flowers can, and “Can’t Deny My Love” is a perfect example.
Brandon Flowers, arguably the most talented front man in music today, has proven that he can do it all, from writing killer (pardon the pun) songs, and flawlessly nailing vocals, to playing the keyboard, and even being the lead actor in his music videos.
All you Killers fans can take a deep breath, because they are expecting to begin work on their fifth studio album in 2016, and Brandon Flowers is sure to lead the guys to continued success.
Mumford & Sons third studio album, Wilder Mind is a bit of a departure from their typical folk rock style that they have become to be known for. Instead, it is more rock heavy, with an electric feel that we have not heard from them before.
Their first single off the album, “Believe,” is just what Mumford & Sons needed to prove to some of their nay-sayers who considered the band to be one-trick ponies. “Believe” proves that Mumford and Sons have perfected the folk rock sound, and are well on their way towards alternative rock dominance.
39. Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah), Andy Grammer
If any pop rock song is going to make you get up and dance, it has to be “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).” Along with “Honey, I’m Good” and his stint on Dancing With the Stars, the track has led Andy Grammer to the most successful year of his life.
“Good To Be Alive” is about reaching success after years of struggles and let downs. Andy Grammer is known to be one of the hardest working men in the business, and an all around great guy. He always has a smile on his face, and his positive attitude is contagious. Here is to hoping he has not even begun to reach his full potential yet, and will continue to create music that fans of all ages and musical preferences can enjoy.
38. Long Way Down, Robert DeLong
Released in late 2014, “Long Way Down” blew up in 2015 and helped Robert DeLong become a significant name in the world of electronic music and alternative rock. In an interview with All Access Music, DeLong said the inspiration behind the song was “the sentiment that everyone will die, so don’t be a dick about stuff that doesn’t matter, if you don’t have to.”
If everyone lived by the wise words of DeLong, the world would be a much better place. DeLong for President 2016?
37. Wolves (You Got Me), Dreamers
“Wolves” is basically a three and a half minute lecture from your mother about choosing the people you hang around with carefully. The ridiculously catchy track centers around the refrain…
“You got me brainwashed
You got me so lost
You got me f*#@* up
Like you
And if you lie down with wolves, you’ll learn to howl….”
People are going to influence you in good ways and in bad ways, it is human nature, but if you hang around wolves, you will begin to learn how to howl, and eventually become one yourself.
Regardless of its message, it is fun as hell to sing along to and a great introduction to the band.
36. Great Big Storm, Nate Ruess
It seems that everything Nate Ruess touches turns to gold. The sophmore album for his band, Fun., “Some Nights“, has been certified Gold or Platinum in eight countries, and spawned four massive hits. He has found tremendous success in collaborating with some of the biggest names in music (i.e. P!nk and Eminem), and has now branched out on a solo career, which led to his first single, “Nothing Without Love” racing up the charts.
After just a few listens of his second track, “Great Big Storm” you will likely find it impossible to not sing along with Ruess during the refrain, which almost sounds like he started an impromptu rock concert with a native African tribe in a remote region of Kenya. As Ruess assures us, he is “holding his own, in a great big storm.” Looking forward to what Ruess has in store for 2016. Whether he does more solo work, or makes new music with Fun., it is sure to be fantastic.
35. Work This Body, Walk the Moon
https://youtu.be/cadeA-_QV1o
Last year “Walk the Moon” had the number 2 spot on the countdown with their hit “Shut Up and Dance.” Once again, this year they released a new song just in time for the end of the year countdown with “Work This Body.” A calypso style track with enough energy to wake the dead, “Work This Body” will likely be played on radio stations across the country in 2016 until you are completely sick of it, just like its big brother, “Shut Up and Dance.” For the first six months, however, you are going to love it.
34. Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight, R5
With easy to sing vocals, and a ridiculously catchy beat, “Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight” is easily R5’s best effort to date. More rock than pop, it could be signifying the bands maturity and transition from pop to alternative rock. Hopefully the older they get, the more they will begin to focus more on the alternative and less on the pop, as this song is a complete gem.
33. Congregation, Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters have such a distinct sound that they have begun to be the basis of what modern rock should sound like. Not many bands can rock out as hard as Foo Fighters, and “Congregation” is proof of that. While the song is clearly an anthem, it is difficult to imagine it being anywhere near as powerful if it were performed by any other band.
Foo Fighters have the ability to make anything amazing, and their performance of “Congregation” is THE definition of Rock and Roll.
32. Ex’s and Oh’s, Elle King
Clearly the breakthrough female artist of the year, Elle King became 2015’s answer to 1995’s Alanis Morissette. “Ex’s and Oh’s” was everywhere, and Elle King basically became an overnight sensation. Growing up as the daughter of funny man Rob Schneider, Elle King must have learned from a very early age that it is not important what others think about you. She is brave, bold, and not scared to release a song about using and abusing men.
She is nominated for 2 Grammy’s at this year’s awards, including Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song, both for “Ex’s and Oh’s.” It will certainly be a challenge for her to beat out Alabama Shakes, Foo Fighters, and Florence and the machine, but if she does, expect a close up from Daddy Schneider, and a lot more of Ms. King in 2016.
31. The One, Kodaline
Wedding bells in your near future? Searching for that perfect first dance song? Well, search no further. “The One” by Irish rock band, Kodaline, could be the most perfect wedding song of all time. In fact, it is so perfect that it is almost nauseating.
For the third straight year Kodaline makes the end of the year countdown with a tender, yet poignant rock song that could both lull a child to sleep, as well as pump you up for a night out on the town.
Rightfully so, Kodaline is massively successful in Ireland, but in my opinion is still one of the most underrated bands in music today in the United States.
From seasoned vets back from hiatus, to front men going solo, and everything in between, the world of Alternative Rock is littered with hidden gems that may never make it to mainstream radio.
If you have not yet heard any of the following tracks, it is highly recommended that you do so immediately.
6. “Great Big Storm” – Nate Ruess
It seems that everything Nate Ruess touches turns to gold. The sophmore album for his band, Fun., “Some Nights“, has been certified Gold or Platinum in eight countries, and spawned four massive hits. He has found tremendous success in collaborating with some of the biggest names in music (i.e. P!nk and Enimen), and has now branched out on a solo career, which has already led to his first single, “Nothing Without Love” racing up the charts.
It is “Great Big Storm,”however, that has the potential to be one of Ruess’ biggest success stories to date. After just a few listens, you will likely find it impossible to not sing along with Ruess during the refrain, which almost sounds like he started an impromptu rock concert with a native African tribe in a remote region of Kenya. As Ruess assures us, he is “holding his own, in a great big storm”, and you can expect to hear “Storm” on just about every rock/pop radio station by the end of the summer, as his debut album, Grand Romantic, is set to drop on June 16th.
5. “Sedona” – Houndmouth
Houndmouth – Sedona (courtesy of HoundmouthVEVO) January 20, 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wifV5RYr8
Even though “Sedona” was released earlier this year, and Houndmouth has been around since 2011, it seems to have not received much radio play for some reason. It would be a crying shame if this beauty of a song fades into obscurity without getting the recognition it deserves. A true tale sign of a reamrkable song is when it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The first half of “Sedona” is so easy going, and lead singer, Matt Myers’ voice is so soothing, that you could listen to it while falling asleep at night, and you would likely drift into a blissful slumber.
At the 3:00 mark, however, “Sedona” transitions from a happy-go-lucky ditty, to an all out rock anthem. The contrast between the first three minutes to the last 45 seconds, is what makes this a true Alternative Rock masterpiece, and makes Myers and Houndmouth, a force to be reckoned with.
4. “Songs I Can’t Listen To” – Neon Trees
There are few lead men in Alternative Rock today that is more genuine and relatable than Tyler Glenn, lead singer of Neon Trees. While you should never wallow in someone else’s relationship mishaps, any true rock fan secretly thanks the Lord that Glenn has had less than amicable breakups. “Songs I Can’t Listen To” is the latest end-of-relationship rock gem from Neon Trees, and who does not have at least one song makes you sweat because it reminds you of someone from your past that you no longer are on speaking terms with?
“And it’s all because of you. I got a list of songs, I can’t listen to. And it’s all because we’re through, I got a list of songs I can’t listen to.”
While Neon Trees may never again attain the success they had with “Everybody Talks”, they continue to produce fun, energetic music, and have solidified their place in the world of alt. rock.
3. “Everything is Easy” – Third Eye Blind
It has been a long, grueling six years for die hard Third Eye Blind fans, and if “Everything is Easy” is any indication, the wait may have been worth it. In a press release for their upcoming album Dopamine, the band says the following…
“Employing signature guitar riffs and rock arrangements, Dopamine is vintage Third Eye Blind – a body of work whose songwriting details the personal relationships that have come and gone and the rapidly changing world we live in. A lot can change in six years, and while the sound has progressed, the recordings retain the endearing sentiment Third Eye Blind fans new and old have come to love.”
Despite “Non-Dairy Creamer” being a mild radio success, it has been 12 years since the band has had a bonafide radio hit. “Blinded” reached #35 on the Alternative Rock chart back in 2003, and you would have to go all the way back to 2000 to see Third Eye Blind’s name on the Billboard Top 100, with their hit “Deep Inside of You.” “Everything is Easy” is fun, catchy, and radio friendly, and could be exactly what Stephen Jenkins, Brad Hargreaves, and their seemingly endless changing line-up need to kick start their band.
When Mumford & Sons announced that on their new album, Wilder Mind they were going to stray from their folk rock sound, the alternative rock world was all abuzz. If they were going to trade in their banjo for an acoustic guitar, would they still stand out from the crowd, or would they blend in which the rest of the alt rock bands currently on the scene?
“Only Love,” in addition to the bands first two releases from the album, “Believe” and “The Wolf” has assured fans that Mumford & Sons are still the unique one-of-a-kind band that they have come to know and love.
As with many Mumford songs, every ounce of Marcus Mumford’s emotions are bleeding through the track. And with a hook of only 17 words, Mumford & Sons proves that sometimes less can be more.
“And you saw me low
Alone again
Didn’t they say that only love will win in the end”
It is abundantly clear that fans, and critics alike, still have nothing but love for Mumford & Sons, and banjo or not, the band is capable of producing an album full of hits.
1. “I Still Want You” – Brandon Flowers
Brandon Flowers sophomore album, The Desired Effect, was widely regarded as one of the most anticipated albums of 2015, and he did not disappoint. Flowers, the mastermind behind the rock band The Killers, has garnered more positive reviews than just about any other album so far this year.
“The best straight-up pop album made by a rock star in recent memory.” – Rolling Stone
Every track on the album could be considered a “must listen to song,” but the song, and accompanying video for “Still Want You” is so much fun that it gets the spot over the other songs on the ten track album. “Still Want You” uses the most negative societal issues as a contrast to how much he still loves his subject. Despite all of these awful, terrible things that the world is going through, I still want you, says Flowers.
“Time is passing by
I still want you
Crime is on the rise
I still want you
Climate change is dead
I still want you
Nuclear distress
I still want you
The Earth is heating up
I still want you
Hurricanes and floods
I still want you
Even more than I did before”
As critics and fans agree, Brandon is still very much wanted, even more than he ever was before.