Since last week, I wrote about the top 10 songs of the summer I thought it was only fitting to write about the top 10 albums of the summer. The credentials are: the album has had to have been released in 2016 and must have had at least two singles released from that album and it must have made an impact on the summer. Let's get started!

10. "Hope" - The Strumbellas: "Spirits" stole the first part of the summer and showcased a different sound for The Strumbellas. If you listen to The Strumbellas, you'll hear an Americana and folk-type sound and "Spirits" was a little more alternative pop sounding, but it was a very great song and sound. The Strumbellas also released "Shovels & Dirt" which definitely went back to their roots. I was very impressed with this album as this was the first time I had ever heard of The Strumbellas. From songs such as "The Night Will Save Us" to "

Dog, " this album had every aspect of a great Americana album. Favorite song off the album: "Dog"

9. "On My One" - Jake Bugg: "Gimme The Love" stole the show for most of May as it competed with "Spirits" as the top song in the early part of summer. Jake Bugg did it again with a very impressive third album. "On My One" featured an incredible sound and incredible abilities by Jake Bugg such as "Gimme The Love" where showcases a very upbeat sound while singing/rapping with his Bob Dylan-esque vocals. Then, he transitions into songs like "Love, Hop, and Misery" and "Never Wanna Dance" that both have a very mellow, but charming sound to them that just helps makes the album really come together. I was very impressed by this album and glad to call it one of my favorites in 2016.

8. "Egomaniac" - KONGOS: The KONGOS returned this summer and released a pretty darn good album. "Take It From Me" was the first single off the album and it exhibited a loud, funky sound. Tunes such as "The World Would Run Better", "2 In the Morning", and "Birds Do It" helped create a fantastic sophomore album by the KONGOS. "Egomaniac" really seemed to help make the summer for me as it was a great, fun album that never seemed to stop with that classic KONGOS sound. I loved the fact that each song had the classic KONGOS sound, but how they were able to take it from this loud, upbeat song to something a little more quiet and mellow.

7. "Dreamland" - Wild Belle: I recently discovered Wild Belle this summer at a local concert venue I attended. They were the opening act for City & Colour and for Frightened Rabbit. As soon as they started to play I was really into their sound. From the upbeat and catchy rhythms and melodies to slower and deeper rhythms and vocals. Wild Belle really seemed to know what they were doing and they knew how to do it really well. Later that night, I went home and looked up Wild Belle on Spotify and found their album, "Dreamland" and that is when I was surprised by finding two other albums by Wild Belle. "Dreamland" instantly became a classic summer album for me as I never wanted to stop listening to it. "Giving Up On You" is my favorite song on the album as it shows off the vocals and the upbeat rhythms that you just have to dance to. "Throw Down Your Guns" is a little more mellow, but really shows off the band's ability to switch from different types of tempo. I could talk so much more about Wild Belle because that's how surprised I was by them. I suggest everyone listens to "Dreamland" by Wild Belle.

6. "Painting Of A Panic Attack" - Frightened Rabbit: These Scottish fellows have been around for an impressive 10 years and are just now making their U.S. debuts. "Get Out" helped lead Frightened Rabbit to success in the U.S. as it was played on the radio all over the country. "I Wish I Was Sober" and "Lump Street" really showed the ability the band had with different styles. Frightened Rabbit was a great summer album to listen to.

5. "Weezer" (White Album) - Weezer: The kings of alternative rock are back at it again! I was very pleased to hear that Weezer was coming out with another album and very excited when I heard it would go back to their old roots. "Thank God For Girls" and "California Kids" really stole the show to me. Weezer made the summer even better thanks to their new album.

4. "True Sadness" - The Avett Brothers: "Ain't No Man" helped charge the early part of summer as it topped the playlists on alternative and rock radio stations. "You Are Mine" and "Smithsonian" are just two of my favorite songs off the album that showcase two very different styles of The Avett Brothers' very unique sound. "True Sadness" has been one of my favorite records of the year. I am very fortunate to have seen The Avett Brothers live and they put on a great show.

3. "A/B" - Kaleo: The day A/B was released was the day that my summer instantly became better. After seeing Kaleo live and waiting 3-6 months for their debut album. I was definitely a happy man when it was released. The album was fueled by "Way Down We Go", "All The Pretty Girls" and "No Good". As well as newcomers such as "Glass House" and "Save Yourself". Each song has a different taste and style and it really shows the talent that's Kaleo has to offer. That is why I believe you will see Kaleo's name a lot in the future and we all need I hop on the bandwagon because these guys are legit.

2. "The Getaway" - Red Hot Chili Peppers: RHCP did it again with a fantastic album. The old guys are back at it again and they might just be better than ever as they returned back to their original sound. RHCP has influenced the alternative rock genre so much since the 80's and we cannot thank them enough. "The Getaway" provided the summer with great songs such as "Go Robot" and "Sick Love". Each song provides a funky, rock rhythm with catchy lyrics and a great guitar riff to go with it. My summer exceeded expectations thanks to "The Getaway".

Honorable Mentions: "Fitz and The Tantrums" - Fitz and The Tantrums, "Person A" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, "Give It Back To You" - The Record Company, and "Cleopatra" - The Lumineers.

1. "The Way Down Wanderers" - The Way Down Wanderers: The Illinois natives have certainly been taking the world by storm. Earlier in the summer, they released their debut album, "The Way Down Wanderers" and it is a huge hit for folk and Americana fans. "Dead Birds" led the early success of the album while "Wildfire" is the latest single off the album to help ignite the success that The Way Down Wanderers have had so far. I expect to hear much more of The Way Down Wanderers in the future and hope to see them live again soon. I was so impressed by The Way Down Wanderers that they earned my top spot on this list!

Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions on future topics or lists of music to write please let me know,