Music has always been a huge coping mechanism for me. I doubt I would have been able to get through middle or high school without blasting my emo jams through the headphones of my iPod Touch. Now, at the age of 21, I still find solace in music. Songs are able to capture my emotions better in three minutes than I ever could in pages of simple text. I'm that person who will listen to the same song over and over until I get sick of it after a few weeks. When I'm in a depressive mood, I still find comfort in listening to pop punk and heavier tracks. These songs help remind me that I'm not the only person going through this. People from all walks of life have been in my exact same position, and if they can get through it then so can I. If you're reading this as a pick-me-up, I hope this music is as helpful to you as it is for me. We all deserve to feel happy. Some of these tracks are old, some are new. Regardless, please enjoy!
1. "Heavy" - Our Last Night ft. Living in Fiction (Linkin Park cover)
Some may argue that you can't improve on the Linkin Park original but screw it. I love this cover so much. Our Last Night puts their pop-punk twist on many pop songs. Maybe you just discovered a new band to love?
2. "Wasted" - Cartel
If I had to pick a song that I predict I've listened to the most in my life, it would be this one. It's been a go-to jam since 2009 for me. It's a sad song but the rhythm is upbeat. It's overall a solid song.
3. "12 Through 15" - Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade has been one of my favorite bands since I got into pop-punk. This song popped up on my Spotify a few months ago and has been on my main playlist ever since.
4. "Forever Yours" - Grayscale
This song is definitely on my future wedding playlist. Their album, Adornment, just came out in 2017. It is very pop-punk, and you should give it a listen.
5. "In Florida" - A Day To Remember
This song is perfect for your summer vacation to Florida. I couldn't write an article about pop-punk without including my favorite band, A Day To Remember. This is one of my favorite songs off of their latest album, Bad Vibrations. If you're into pop-punk, you're probably familiar with ADTR. They're responsible for getting me through most of my years in school.
6. "Sorry" - Halsey
Halsey isn't pop-punk, but I never specified that I was limited to one genre. Say what you want about her, but Halsey's music is beautiful. This song hits me right in the soul.
7. "Are You Ready For Me" - Pretty Vicious
If you've played Life is Strange: Before the Storm, then you've heard this song. It's that angsty teen ballad we all wish we had. I love listening to it when I'm getting ready in the morning.
8. "My Heart I Surrender" - I Prevail
This is another solid, love-sick jam. Most of us can relate to falling victim to loving someone enough that you put your own emotions on the line.
9. "Better With You" - This Wild Life
This Wild Life started out as being famous for their covers but then their original songs started becoming popularized and rightfully so. Kevin, their lead vocalist, has a higher-pitched tone that seems to encompass these pop-punk love songs and give them a different life (no pun intended).
10. "Saturday" - Fall Out Boy
Yes, I did include an O.G. Fall Out Boy song. Sometimes the oldies really are the goodies. This classic pop-punk anthem is such a fun song to listen to and sing along with (if you can figure out the words).
