As the year starts to come to a close, Marquette Radio’s music department decided to reflect on this year’s releases and pick their favorites of the bunch. Here are Music Director Ian Schrank’s picks, in no particular order:

Electric Love – BØRNS

Garrett Borns, better known as BØRNS, is an indie-pop singer who just released his first album Dopamine late this year, but he has already made quite a name for himself. “Electric Love,” the biggest single from the album, is catchy and fun, and it will have you singing along for days, even if you can’t quite hit the wonderful high notes that BØRNS can.

Cough it Out – The Front Bottoms

The Front Bottoms have always been known for their homemade garage band sound, until earlier this year when they signed to the label Fueled By Ramen. “Cough It Out” was the first single from their new album Back on Top. The instruments and vocals sound much more produced, but the personality and charm of the band is still there. The song is great and it is proof that change can be good.

Someone New – Hozier

I will admit adding this song is like cheating. Hozier’s self-titled album came out in 2014, but “Someone New” was released as a single in 2015, so I will say it counts. The song has a classic soul/R&B feel to it, which is perfect for a deep voice like Hozier’s. The chorus was stuck in my head for weeks, and I did not get sick of it.

Could Have Been Me – The Struts

There are a lot of artists today using elements of 1980’s pop in their music, but if you want a throwback hair metal and hard rock bands of the 80’s, you should check out “Could Have Been Me.” Lead singer Luke Spiller’s commanding voice brings energy to the song that could rival that of Twisted Sister and Quiet Riot. On top of that they have the look of a Glam Rock band too, but with a modern feel as well.

Make You Better – The Decemberists

The Decemeberists were probably my favorite band five years ago when their last album The King is Dead came out. I have not listened to them a lot since, but when “Make You Better” came out as the first single from their new album What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, I became immediately sucked back into their music. It also helped that Nick Offerman starred in the music video right at the height of my Parks and Recreation phase.

Best I Can Do – MisterWives

MisterWives might be my favorite new band of 2015. I saw them perform at Summerfest, and their music, talent and extreme enthusiasm got me hooked from the beginning. Although I’m a fan of their big singles like “Reflections,” and “Our Own House,” the catchy chorus and powerful horns of “Best I Can Do” make it the standout song to me.

My Type – Saint Motel

I mentioned that I appreciate a good horn section for the last song, and I especially like in “My Type” by Saint Motel. The saxophone intro and funky beat of the song will make anyone want to get up and dance. It’s so catchy and memorable, it was apparently featured in the soundtrack for FIFA 15.

Girl Crush – New Politics

Since New Politics started in 2009, their style has gradually shifted from gritty rock to energetic pop music. Usually when bands do that I strongly favor their early work, but with New Politics I think their pop songs are more interesting and memorable. I didn’t know what to think when I first heard “Girl Crush,” but the fun and excitement in the song stuck and me and it eventually became a favorite.

https://youtu.be/hts6PzULHSY

HeavyDirtySoul – Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots turned a lot of heads this year with their record “Blurryface.” It reached no. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and has gotten great reception from critics and fans. The opening track “HeavyDirtySoul” shows right away why the album is such a hit. The track showcases singer Tyler Joseph’s rapping and singing talents beautifully.

Death of a Bachelor – Panic! At the Disco

I’ve been a fan of Panic! At the Disco since middle school, and although I have not been into their new songs, I love “Death of a Bachelor.” Lead singer Brendon Urie wrote it as a tribute to Frank Sinatra, one of his biggest musical influences. He has got Sinatra’s style down, but he adds his own flair to it, making it unique. It makes me think that if Urie wanted to try touring as a jazz performer, he could probably give Michael Bublé a run for his money.

Be sure to also check out Lily and Dan’s top tracks of 2015!