I think that in this day and age, the music that has shaped and developed each individual life has become so vast and so unique, it is hard to summarize just what music has done to the modern individual. Millennials have access to music in so many ways that our previous generations could have never dreamed of, and the pool of sounds emerging from our headphones is ever expanding and changing.

My story with music is just that, a story, but it does not go without the peaks and valleys that have made up my life. That being said, here are my favorite albums of all time, as it stands for now. Like I stated, I have no idea what kind of direction life will throw at me to make my tastes change, but these titles have all solidly stayed close to my heart.

Annie Lennox - Bare (2003)

Ms. Annie Lennox is one of those artists who doesn't need to be consistently in the public spotlight or needing a monstrous hit to stay relevant- she has maintained herself as a gift to mankind with her soothing vocals, poetic lyrics, and calming productions. The story of this album is a bit fuzzy in my memory - I would have been only five or six years old when my mother bought this album, but it has been ingrained into my psyche since those ages. I share countless memories of driving in her car around the lush greenery of the city of Buffalo going who knows where, or even me listening to it by myself, driving to the mall in the rain with the gray skies overcast. It is definitely an album for murky spring days- bringing light amidst the dark colors. Annie is a living piece of art.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (2010)

Admittedly, I feel slightly ashamed of myself for how I discovered this album— by watching the 2011 Grammys when it won Album of the Year. But it was such an oddity— so rarely would the alternative album in the AotY category win, much less be nominated. The Grammys rarely seem to give the award to the most critically acclaimed albums, but rather the most commercially successful, so the shock that ripped through America when this masterpiece won could be heard throughout the world. And yet, it so incredibly deserved it. Nowhere else has the subspecies of "art rock" been taken by a modern band, twisting it around and developing images of suburban, desert life in Texas— as told by Montrealers. Montrealians? I'm not Canadian, I can't really give a proper pronunciation.

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup (2007)

Shout out to my cousin, Dave, for introducing me to this one. The overall astonishment that I feel whenever I listen to it is overwhelming. It's so cinematic, so utterly creative, and the group's mastermind Zach Condon would have only been 21 years old at the time of making this gem. Of course, the Balkan folk mixed with world-beat and indie rock is not for everyone, but the quality and beauty is one to be desired. The strings in the beginning of "Forks and Knives" forever will capture my attention. It almost saddens me listening to this album now, seeing the complete opposite direction Beirut went in with their new album. The Balkan folk may be diminishing in their sound today, but I'll never forget this. "Uptown, the street's in a calming way..."

Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)

Unapologetically, I'll always love Coldplay. Sure, they may be constantly changing their sound and receive ridicule from alternative music fans everywhere, but they remain GOOD each time they come up with something new. All of their albums are hits to me, yet VLVODAAHF sticks out the most to me for its major incorporation of my beloved art rock. Each song on the album sounds so different, but it's a good different— one that leaves you begging for more and eager to hear the next track. And I will never forget the summer where I walked around my hometown every day with this album blaring in my ears— it had become the soundtrack to my life. "People moving all the time, inside a perfectly straight line. Don't you want to curve away? And it's such a perfect day."

Foster the People - Torches (2011)

Psychedelic indie-tronica has always been an obsession of mine. Colors, eclectic sounds, messages of peace and violence wrapped into one. Mark Foster's career as a jingle writer clearly plays off in this album — each song is incredibly catchy and masks poppy, bright noise with dark lyrics. It's a play on pretty much every stereotype there is on pop music. Each fall, when the leaves change and the ground is covered with mud, I bring this album back out and take a walk around my neighborhood. Countless memories of my high school days will come flooding back to me, and just how much of an indie kid I tried to be. I failed, miserably. But at least, I still have the music.

George Ezra - Wanted on Voyage (2014)

My beloved Geoff, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Mr. Geoff Barnett, aka George Ezra, has forever implanted a place in my heart. With his boyish smile, melodic laugh, beautiful voice, and musical voice, it was bound that I would eventually fall in love with him. But it was the album that did me in. It is so rare for me to hear an album and completely fall in love with it nowadays, but Wanted on Voyage did just that. Each song enraptures me, each word he sings brings me to a new horizon, Love is a wondrous thing, and for the first time in my life, I feel as though I have experienced it, truly. But alas, my Geoff and I have not met. Until that day happens, I shall sit and listen to him serenade me, dreaming of when he waltzes into my life.

Gotye- Making Mirrors (2011)

During my continuous journey in trying to be "cool" and "indie," 2012 America was overtaken by a crossover hit by two unknowns to the mainstream. With "Somebody That I Used to Know" blaring across the country, I picked up the album that the mysterious Gotye had created, figuring no one else would be listening to it. I was right in that fact; Nobody else I had known of was bothering to listen to him. It was my little treasure; even though I had bought the album in an effort to be cool, I ended up loving it just the same. The sad songs made me down, and the happy songs picked me up in ways I didn't think imaginable. Yet, ironically, in my fruitless attempt of being different, I had overlooked a major error; everyone around me was listening to Gotye, every day, by simply turning on their radio stations. I guess that's what I got for my attitude.

Kimbra - Vows (2011)

The other newbie from "Somebody That I Used to Know" had also grabbed my attention. Never in my life had I heard the sounds of Kimbra— her powerful range and jazzy inflections. She was so fresh and new— a combination of jazz, soul, pop, and dance. What impresses me most, however, is the fact that she was only 21 when the album came out, and been recording it since the age of 18— she seemed wise beyond her musical years. Her colorful style, bright smile, eclectic production and catchy melodies were clearly the product of pop with alt and soul singers from the 70's, and the infectiousness of it all was something to be desired. With the voice, jet black hair, pale skin, and bright eyes, she is the Snow White of the modern era.

The Neighbourhood- I Love You. (2013)

I first head "Sweater Weather" driving home from my grandmother's, my dad driving and my brother in the back, during a sweltering summer day. I found it unusual that a song talking about the cold weather would be played during the summer, but I was intrigued. Yet, I don't think it was until their next single "Afraid" came out that I became completely hooked. For the longest time, I considered The Neighbourhood to be my favorite band, and though I don't really think they stand there anymore, I will never forget the memories I made as my angsty 16-year-old self constantly played this album on repeat, dreaming about true love against the gray sky. Though their new album did not impress me nearly as much as this one did, I still feel grateful.

Neon Indian - Mind Ctrl: Psychic Chasms Possessed (2010)

This is a special deluxe edition of Neon Indian's 2009 record "Psychic Chasms" with remixes made by other electronic artists and DJs, putting a spin on the acidified psychedelia that is Neon Indian. With futuristic sound effects, subtle vocals by Alan Palomo, and euphoric melodies, the music is almost entirely like taking a trip or feeling a high, without the need to use a substance whatsoever. Each remix on the album is unique, and creates an entirely different sound from the original. One is even a full cover of the title "Psychic Chasms", with all new instrumentation and vocals. The vibes are very strong with this one, especially thanks to my lovely friend Christina, who introduced me to them.

Passion Pit - Manners (2009)

My love for Passion Pit also spawns from Christina. With power, Passion Pit manages to break the stereotypes of pop music by pairing happy, infectious melodies with dark, moody lyrics that would still make an impact if they were simply written as poetry. Michael Angelakos allows you to take a trip into his psyche and gaze at his lonely feelings, while simultaneously trying to make you dance and sing along. This album was my soundtrack for a long time, as I constantly played it while I would walk around my village and take pictures of the beautiful homes in nearby neighborhoods, never faltering from trying to find the beauty in it. Though Angelakos may have had horrible feelings about his world, the music gave me wonderful feelings about mine.

The Script - The Script (2008)

Gather round, children, as I tell you of when the Script's music wasn't that bad! Though their latest two albums have not been nearly up to par with their first two, their debut will always stand out as their most solid release. I can still remember my 11-year-old self hearing "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" on Casey Kasem's radio show, crying over the music video, downloading it on iTunes, and it quickly becoming the most played song on my iPod. The album was a flawless mix of indie and pop rock, and I listened to it incredibly often, even to the extent that my father grew to like them as well. Though the Script has gone down the ladder for me, they will always remain in my soul with the greatness of this album.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

You might be surprised to see this one on the list. But, as a pianist, I feel it's completely necessary. The skills and magic that Guaraldi and his band bring to Christmas music has never been met by any holiday special, and the smooth jazz brings wonder to the masses each year when December rolls around. I don't think my Christmas would be complete without this album being played while decorations go around my house and on my Christmas tree, or during long car rides spent to look at the lights put out by people all over my area. I thoroughly enjoy being able to play these songs on my piano when it's Christmastime, and I think every pianist looks up to Guaraldi for his musical genius and talent. He defined a generation.

The Waltons - Lik My Trakter (1992)

The story of how I know about the Waltons is an odd one. Essentially, my parents, in their ongoing obsession with Canadian alternative bands, saw them live, was able to hold a conversation with them, and they became lifelong friends. It was a true love story. The Waltons mix of prairie rock with catchy guitar tunes is fun and fantastic, but does not go without obscurity. Being a Saskatchewan-based band in the 1990s likely made it difficult to break out into the States, as it is nearly impossible to find their music online, and my parents hold some of the last copies of the "Lik My Trakter" record. Oh well. A loss for the rest of the world. Even if they did win the 1994 Juno for Best New Group.

The Waltons - Empire Hotel (1998)

The last album created before their split, the Waltons combined the simplistic rock of their first album and the heavy production of their second to make a solid record that is simplistic and complex at the same time. The imagery of the Canadian prairie and the loneliness of the farmland is strong in this one, with each song conveying a very different message - ones of love, loss, and anger. It's an ageless record, and would likely still make an impact today. But maybe I'm biased. I'm thanked on it.

Weezer - The Blue Album (1994)

Though just titled "Weezer", the name "The Blue Album" came about when Weezer began releasing more records just called "Weezer", albeit in different colors. Catchy and fun, the garage-rock style that Weezer has been acclaimed for is brought to life with their debut, proving that the formula worked, and will stay. My best friend Kassidy and I play this album constantly while driving around, serving as a testament to our bond and providing as a soundtrack to the world around us. Though further Weezer albums had hits, none spawned quite as much as this one did, the fruits of their youth having ripened. But nonetheless, they still stand strong.

Where has music gone these days? The answer is unknown. Everyone around me has tastes that are so different from my pallet, but we do occasionally cross the lines of each other. Even if someone thinks all the albums put on here are crap, at least, I don't. Thank goodness music is personal.