2015 was a phenomenal year for commercial music. There were viral hits from newcomers such as Fetty Wap and Silentó, and smash hits from pop veterans such as Taylor Swift and Maroon 5. However, there are a number of songs every year that, for better or for worse, record labels do not pick to be released as singles. Here are 11 overlooked songs that should have had more exposure in 2015.

1. "Avalanche" by Walk the Moon

2015 was a huge breakout year for the Cincinnati-based band, Walk the Moon. Their hit single "Shut Up and Dance" set the Billboard charts on fire with its catchy dance-rock sound. The 1980s influence is heard throughout the group's album "Talking Is Hard," and is perhaps most apparent on their song "Avalanche." The band indulges in fast drums and effervescent keyboard synths. With its overall exciting sound, "Avalanche" would have been a worthwhile follow-up single for the band.

2. "Illusion" by Zedd feat. Echosmith

Electronic producer Zedd, born Anton Zaslavski, has collaborated with Hayley Williams, Ariana Grande, Lady GaGa, and Selena Gomez, just to name a few. His most recent album "True Colors" offers a slew of collaborations with up-and-coming acts such as Bahari and Troye Sivan. One of my favorite songs on this album is "Illusion," his collaboration with the band Echosmith. Sydney Sierota, the lead singer for the band, showcases here a voice quite mature for her 18 years. Zedd's dreamy soundscape of this song, coupled with a piano riff in the beginning, is a characteristic that is unlike most other hits on Top 40 radio.

3. "King" by Tamar Braxton

R&B star Tamar Braxton has been making a name for herself as a singer, talk-show host, and reality TV personality. Her latest album "Calling All Lovers" contains the tear-jerking ballad "King," written about her husband's health troubles. Braxton's emotional depth and vocal performance are unsurpassed anywhere else on the album, and the song is a refreshing change from the club-ready tracks of most urban music. With the rise of piano ballads in recent years, such as Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man," "King" could have had serious crossover potential on the Top 40 format.

4. "Playing Dead" by CHVRCHES

The British synthpop band CHVRCHES' sophomore album, "Every Open Eye," was an impressive sequel to their 2013 debut, albeit much darker. "Playing Dead" is a riveting song with arpeggiating synths and loud percussion to emphasize the lyrics about an abuse of power.

5. "How Much a Dollar Cost" by Kendrick Lamar feat. James Fauntleroy

Kendrick Lamar's album "To Pimp a Butterfly" was one of the most highly-acclaimed albums of 2015, providing commentary on police brutality and institutionalized racism. The song "How Much A Dollar Cost" is a fascinating parable about an encounter with God, and how society is so obsessed with wealth and greed. The song's incredible story leave me curious as to what a music video for this song would have looked like.

6. "Like Mariah" by Fifth Harmony feat. Tyga

Fifth Harmony had a massive hit this year with "Worth It," but the group's individual talent is better displayed in their Mariah Carey-sampling track, "Like Mariah." With help from veteran producer J.R. Rotem and a verse by Tyga, the ladies of Fifth Harmony demand and command the music industry's respect for their voices.

7. "Five Foot Ten (I)" by Passion Pit

Passion Pit's most recent album "Kindred" is their most pop-sounding album yet. The sudden blast of flamboyance in "Five Foot Ten (I)" is not only a new sound for the band, but also chock-full of fast-paced quirkiness that is usually missing from pop radio.

8. "Making the Most of the Night" by Carly Rae Jepsen

I have to give Jepsen props for recording what was quite possibly the best pop album I've heard in years. There is such consistency of catchiness throughout the album, and I could sing along with every track. My favorite non-single from this album is "Making the Most of the Night," a song that rivals Demi Lovato's "Cool for the Summer" in care-free attitude. Jepsen's youthful voice shines throughout the song, and the production during the chorus is sheer genius.

9. "The Feeling" by Justin Bieber feat. Halsey

I love that Bieber has recruited producers such as Skrillex and Diplo to reinvent his sound. One of my favorite songs from his album "Purpose" is "The Feeling," his collaboration with up-and-coming singer-songwriter Halsey. This track is unlike anything that Bieber or Halsey have individually released, and their duet works like magic. While the "Purpose" promotional campaign is still going strong, it is my hope that this track might finally get some airplay and be released as a single in 2016.

10. "Seal It With a Kiss" by Prince Royce

I was excited to hear that the Latino pop star Prince Royce, who I've loved since twelfth grade, was finally releasing an English album titled "Double Vision." I loved his collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Lopez, but one song that I particularly remember from this album was "Seal It With A Kiss." The track is produced by RedOne, who is known for producing many of Lady GaGa's hit singles. "Seal It With a Kiss" is Latin pop perfection that would not be out of place on anyone's summer playlist.

11. "Bad Dream" by The Mowgli's

I first heard The Mowgli's on the radio in 2013 and saw them in concert a few months ago. I could not get their song "Bad Dream" out of my head after the concert had ended. The high level of energy in this song makes it impossible for any listener to stand still. With the rise of alternative rock bands (Imagine Dragons, Twenty-One Pilots, etc.) crossing into the Top 40 format, I hope that The Mowgli's have all the success in the world with their music.

Of course, one doesn't need to look just at the charts to find great songs. Albums are often full of hidden gems that become fan favorites. Here's to finding more of them in 2016!