The older I have gotten the less I have enjoyed the typical Top 40. Don't get me wrong, I do love me some Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and the occasional The Chainsmokers song, but I have found true musical love in pop punk. I want you to love it as much as I do so I made a playlist (along with the help of my super cool boyfriend) with a variety of bands to give you a taste of the best music genre ever.

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1. Secrets -- State Champs

Hailing from Albany, New York, State Champs is an upbeat band with a guitar heavy sound. Secrets is a good place to start to get yourself into pop punk. If you enjoy this song, you will most likely enjoy more pop punk.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3wZZzzTEdLRYLVTp0UnaFH

2. Hopeless Case -- ROAM

I recently found this band and they are incredible. British pop punk is some of the best out there and ROAM is no disappointment. This song is upbeat and you can really hear their British accents. Who doesn't love British accents?

https://open.spotify.com/track/4G7fM4denv63D9SLal1DTY

3. Bukowski -- Moose Blood

Commonly known as Moosie B, this British band has a lot of slower, smoother songs. Spotify describes them as emo punk rather than pop punk, but I think this is a band you really should check out. They are one of my favorites and are coming back to Colorado on March 24th!

https://open.spotify.com/track/5RGmCyG2TWMsRkBfk1LIiK

4. Laika -- Boston Manor

Boston Manor was recently introduced to me and I LOVE them. The vocals are a little heavier than the previous bands I have mentioned, but it does not distract from the music. Boston Manor will be in Denver on March 24th with Moose Blood.

https://open.spotify.com/track/78BbIbE1ZaFTk1gmYJEhiD

5. Best Mistake -- Seaway

Seaway is the typical pop punk band. Their songs are so much fun and their shows are a blast. I was lucky enough to see them this past October and have gotten into them since the show.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6VahWzldSU1me9x3N11EL6

6. December -- Neck Deep

Another British band, Neck Deep has a wide variety of songs. Whether that is this version of December which is much softer and kinder to the ears, or the Mark Hoppus from Blink-182's version which is much heavier, you will not be disappointed. Neck Deep is easily one of my favorite bands and I hear they put on a great show.

https://open.spotify.com/track/38hoUe0bZq5OYdixN0Ozki

7. Lighterless -- Microwave

Microwave is so underappreciated. Despite their hilarious album cover, their vocals are so smooth and I can't imagine anyone not liking their voices. The music is very unique and is different than most pop punk, but still enjoyable.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1HZsIsx0eNztnMwZ2M2NHH

8. Nerve -- The Story So Far

The Story So Far has such fun music. The vocals are pretty heavy and they are an acquired taste, but if you have enjoyed the rest of the playlist, you'll probably like The Story So Far. They were not in Denver too long ago, but look forward to a new tour date soon!

https://open.spotify.com/track/1DlT3Udf11689ezYr6R8aA

9. Summer -- Real Friends

Chicago based Real Friends is definitely one of my favorite bands. Their music is often pretty depressing, but it is so real and the lyrics are brilliant. They put on an amazing show and this song is one of my favorites of theirs. This band is a little heavier, but if you continue to give them a chance, I promise you will fall in love with them.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6IJPRTfpS3CkUy67

10. Passing Through A Screen Door -- The Wonder Years

No, not the TV show. This is by far my favorite pop punk band. The music is a little heavy, but if you really listen to the lyrics, you will hear the brilliance of Dan Campbell (aka Soupy or Spicey). "The Greatest Generation" album is my favorite, but the new "No Closer to Heaven" album has some gems on it. They are incredible live so if you ever have the chance, I highly recommend it.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0i4nHa7wLCX11M7yIp7iTJ

I recently found an up and coming band called Chronicles from Fort Collins (it still sucks to be a CSU Ram, but these guys are cool). They haven't recorded any music yet, but make sure you keep your eye out for "Wow That Italian Family Over There Sure is Quiet" in 2017.

I hope you give pop punk a chance and make sure you support local artists as well.