I’ll be the first to admit that as I get older, I listen to less music, go to fewer shows, and write fewer reviews. My taste is probably as wide as it’s ever been, but I guess I’ve gotten picky as life has moved faster, I’ve taken on bigger creative projects, and I’ve juggled longer hours at my job. My concession is this list of songs – while I’ll always be a fan of the album format and storytelling in general, I have to admit that even within the best albums, some songs simply stand out just a bit more. Here are some highlights from this past year in no particular order.

1. The Howl & The Hum – Everything is Not On Fire

I’m not sure how I stumbled onto this UK-based act, but they were easily my favorite new discovery of the year. Each release thus far is different stylistically, but the discography is rife with quotable lyrics and a certain sense of modern angst regarding growing up and watching social dynamics shift with people you love. This particular track sees lyrical remarks about how getting hit by a car and living off the insurance might be less painful than hunting for a job, and the string arrangements are simply stunning. I’d suggest doing a deeper dive on this act, but this song is a perfect starting point.

2. Only Twin – Love of a Lifetime

Only Twin’s new album feels a bit tamer than its predecessor, but “Love of a Lifetime” bears the same ethos to tracks like “Orange Grove” and “St. Mark’s Place.” The track showcases a bit of Only Twin’s staple mixture of folk and electronic elements, all while serving as a standout track when put against its compatriots.

3. Ayo River – Culdesac

I’m not even sure how to describe Ayo River’s sound. Surfy, nostalgic indie rock might come close. Whatever the case, “Culdesac” exemplifies it: a nice bass groove and washed-out guitar lines dance around lyrics about childhood homes, baseball games, and exploring in the woods. It also happens to be incredibly catchy, and I can’t help but reflect on my own upbringing on a culdesac.

4. Badlands. – You Can Put It On Me

It’s Badlands, baby. Everyone’s favorite indie pop poster child TREY has finally released his first EP under the Badlands. moniker and it’s a great debut. If my memory serves me correct, I actually got to hear a few of these songs about a year before they officially dropped and they are just as strong as when I first listened through. “You Can Put It On Me” is actually a bit of an outlier in the mix, but I think it’s important to highlight the range of artists’ sounds. Lyrically, it’s a song about bearing burdens for each other and definitely feels like a deeper take on the love song format.

5. Gatto Black – Fatal Flaw

Gatto Black managed to top themselves effortlessly on their new EP, and “Fatal Flaw” is one of my favorite songs in the post-hardcore genre in years. The gang vocals are infectious, the riffs make my good brain juices flow, and the end result is just fun. Its surrounding tracks are great, too, but the band just nails the recipe here.

6. Professor Caffeine & The Insecurities – Wolf Fang Fist!

I’m honestly in disbelief that I reviewed this album this year; I guess it’s been a long year and its early-year release is hard to wrestle with. Professor Caffeine certainly held nothing back on their debut album, and while most of the songs highlight different elements of the group’s dynamics, “Wolf Fang Fist!” has Latin jazz, thrash metal, and Protest the Hero breakdowns all mixed together in a way that could only be pulled off with true synegistic effort. You’ll find that all members get time in the spotlight across the album as well.

7. NIGHT TRAVELER – Don’t Go Dark

I’ve bought both NIGHT TRAVELER albums on vinyl as a gift for one of my friends. That alone should speak to how much we enjoy them. Following in the footsteps of other artists on the list, NIGHT TRAVELER’s sophomore release manages to top their debut album easily – and that’s not a small task. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Don’t Go Dark” has definitely been one of my primary sing-a-longs while driving and definitely captures the sentiment of watching a relationship fade while not wanting to give up on the other person.

8. Charles Walker – Stay for a While

Maybe the reason their are so many singer-songwriter artists on this list is because I’m getting old. Or maybe it’s that Charles Walker truly is a breakout act and deserves whatever little exposure I can send his way. His latest single is a more subdued effort, but it’s full of that sultry pedal steel that has haunted his past few releases. All I can do is beg for a full album and larger tour.

9. Dalton Wright – Surrendered

Dalton Wright’s blend of musical craftsmanship defies the standard notions of what a solo act should be. TTNG collides with Radiohead on his songs and he manages to replicate his recordings pretty faithfully in a live setting – all without a second guitarist. “Surrendered” is a great place to start if you’re looking for an energetic track that’ll keep your brain working.

10. MYFEVER – The Glow

I’m not sure how this song didn’t make the cut for the album drop, but the band managed to sneak it onto the surprise deluxe addition and all I can say is I’m grateful. Since listeners have time to digest the other tracks, I specifically wanted to highlight this late-year release; it’s a dynamic song which sees vocalist Weston Hine belting the chorus lyrics and tops things off with an incredible instrumental break.

11. Cool Hand Luke – If You Keep

I think all I need to say here is I’m absolutely shocked to see anything new from Cool Hand Luke.

12. Sower – REDEMPTION

Sower has been one of my favorite discoveries in the Christian scene this year. Each song shimmers with clear biblical truth, and “REDEMPTION” is a genre-hopping walk through the crucifixion of Christ and His atonement for sin. There’s a nice blend of pop punk, old school pop emo, and a bit of post-hardcore. Sower delivers on the sounds of classic Tooth & Nail, all without compromising the clarity of the Gospel.

13. Ben William – I Miss Everyone

Ben William reflects on moving, taking risks, and watching life pass by on his latest collection of tracks. “I Miss Everyone” is the fullest and catchiest of the bunch and captures the difficult feelings surrounding displacement and upheaval of relationships.

14. Logan Pilcher – NYE

There are plenty of Christmas and winter songs, but there aren’t quite as many songs about the end of the year and start of a new one. “NYE” is a bit of a change of pace for Pensacola-based Logan Pilcher, seeing him sing this time about snow, Christmas lights, and feeling alone instead of infinite sunshine, boundless love, and youthful hope. The track features Tuned Up favorite Gabrielle Grace on backing vocals, and the end result is a track that has Pilcher’s trademark production paired with a wintery twist.

15. Mercy Club – Too Late

This Colorado band’s discography is mysteriously short given the specific power their songs wield. “Too Late” is a song about what-ifs and wondering if you’ve missed your chance. There’s nods to a broken childhood where you never get a chance to express your own needs and the consequent feelings of growing up wondering where purpose can be found. Even so, it’s not all bleak: lyrics also speak to how it’s too soon to throw in the towel and give up on your friends.

16. Happy Powers – Garden Song

When I heard that Chase Tremaine’s wife Paige was about to release her first song, I anticipated coffee shop folk for some reason. I was surprised to find that her music is, while not exactly in the same vein as her husband’s, very much of the rock variety. Her voice soars over brooding instrumentation as she laments the fall of mankind and the longing for restoration. Word on the street is more songs are in the works.

17. Seth Davey – Paradise in a Paradox

Attalus’ former frontman has been quiet for a few years, but his return with an album of hymn-like songs was certainly refreshing. While the songs aren’t quite rock-oriented, they do feature full-band instrumentation. Add in a strong lyrical concept around the parables of Christ and you’ve got a polished effort that puts much of contemporary worship music to shame. Seth Davey is currently working on his next release.

18. Bilmuri – BOUTTA CASHEW

Somehow I’ve slept on Bilmuri over the years. Maybe earlier releases skewed my perception, maybe I’ve written them off too early. Either way, I’ve finally jumped on the hype train. The new record marries elements of Dance Gavin Dance-esque post-hardcore, pop country, and even standard Top 40s flavors. It’s a very commercial release in one aspect, but that doesn’t undermine that it’s also just GOOD.

19. Safety Training – Inside My Mind

Safety Training is the full-band version of Nick Rhodes’ newest batch of songs, and two songs in, it’s clear these guys are all seasoned songwriters. There’s something nostalgic at play, hearkening back to the emo and alternative sounds of the early 2000s. “Inside My Mind” is a great showcase of the band’s melodic aptitude, both vocally and guitarwise. I’m definitely excited for more.

20. Empty Atlas – Little Voices

“Little Voices” is the first new Empty Atlas song in some time to not be accompanied by animal artwork. I’m not entirely sure on the significance of this, but I know the song itself definitely holds up against other recent releases from the group. Empty Atlas have a knack for crafting catchy and thoughtful songs, and this latest single ruminates fighting off voices, both external and internal, that will to break our spirits.

21. Benjamin Daniel – Lights Out

While Ben Kunz’s previous album was devastating, his newest effort is a return to more upbeat, full-production tracks. “Lights Out” is quite possibly the BEST track Kunz has released thus far. It’s not the most personal as far as lyrics go, but the overall combination of a tight chorus, powerful production, and strong energy throughout the track cement it as a clear favorite off the new record.

22. Pagu – Star to Wish

I’ve already written at length how much I was surprised by the depth of Pagu’s debut album. “Star to Wish” is a perfect example of the vulnerability of his songwriting, and it’s definitely one of the more rock-flavored songs on the record.

23. Wheelwright – Frogtown (Tell Me I’m Cool)

I’ve been following Wheelwright for a few years, albeit not as closely as he deserves. This latest song (and accompanying EP) happen to be a great re-entry point to the sentimental, western-tinged folk offerings that Wheelwright is most known for. This particular song tackles the topic of deriving self-worth from gratification, something that I think most of us can relate to.

24. Frontier Ruckus – Bloomfield Marriott

Frontier Ruckus’ lyrics have always fascinated me. There’s a sense of time and place, with songs often feeling like odes to the cities and towns of the midwest and beyond. On “Bloomfield Marriott,” the band paints specific images: voting booths in the midst of a cold break, the formality of an all-boys Catholic school, the wonder of staring out a hotel window in the suburbs. This is the band that first really sold me on banjo, and there’s no shortage of it here.