Due to modern technology and the vast resources that are available for us to hear new music, now, more than ever, we are likely to miss out on some songs that deserve our attention. Because of your local radio stations, you may be unaware that artists besides Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Adele have released music this year. Here are 5 songs you missed, and need to be a part of your playlist. Better late than never.

5. “The Money”, Charlie Mars (released September 2014)

Everyone has dreamed about winning the Powerball and never having to worry about financial woes ever again. And we have all heard the phrase “money doesn’t make you happy” or variations of it. I don’t know about you, but I am certainly the happiest on pay days (well, pay day nights, after about 2pm.)

Charlie Mars, a singer-songwriter from Mississippi, is here to tell us once and for all, that money can not buy happiness in this folk-rock, laid-back jam.

“I thought when we got the money we could buy the pain away. But then we got it, and when we got it, the money, it wanted to stay…”

Mars crushes the vocals with his smooth, flawless voice that makes you want to lounge by the pool, sip on a cocktail and never get up.

Who will like this track? Fans of Dispatch, Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams etc.

4. “Kiss This”, The Struts (released April of 2014)

The Struts are a rock band from Derby, England, and have had a massive year expanding their fandom to the States with their hit “Could’ve Been Me” which was released way back in 2013 in the UK, and not until the summer of 2015 in the States.

The band has dubbed their style as “glamorous indie rock and roll” in reference to The Killers song by the same name (which is itself a must hear track.)

“Kiss This” is the definition of a rock track. It is so full on rock that it almost comes across as scary, which is what rock and roll is meant to be. If Freddie Mercury was still alive, he would be lead singer, Luke Spiller, which is meant as a massive compliment to both men. “Kiss This” will get your fists pumping and ready to take on the world.

Who will love this track? Fans of The Darkness, Stone Temple Pilots, Against Me! and classic rock lovers.

 

3. “I Was Me”, Imagine Dragons (Released October 12, 2015)

https://youtu.be/UcYzxv0KFk8

I know what you’re thinking. The last modern rock band in the world that needs promoting is Imagine Dragons. The last three years their hits have littered the airwaves and were being sung by both old and young.

But “I Am Me” is no ordinary Imagine Dragons mega-hit. It is a charity single that the band wrote for the One4 Project with all proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency to support fleeing refugees in the Middle East.

The guys in Imagine Dragons continue to use their fame to make positive changes in the world. First they created the Tyler Robinson Foundation to raise money for young people battling cancer, then they release this beautiful track to help fleeing refugees, and just a few weeks ago they helped Miss Piggy by appearing on her talk show on ABC’s “The Muppets.” These guys are full-on, modern day Mother Teresa’s.

 

You can hear a solid thirty second clip in the attached video, which also shares more details on the exact cause the charity single is supporting. Go buy it on iTunes. It will be the best $1.29 you spend all day, and it goes to a great cause. Don’t be a cheap bastard.

Who will like this track? Fans of Imagine Dragons and modern rock in general.

 

2. “Cool Kids”, The Eeries (released as an EP on December 9, 2014)

Not only do The Eeries look like they are straight out of the early 90’s Seattle grunge scene, they have the sound to fit right in. Tell me Kurt Cobain would not write these lyrics….

“Here comes the weekend/hanging out with my best friend/wish I was a cool kid/wish I was a cool kid…… aspartame/I like the buzzing in my brain.”

The Eeries have yet to release a full length album, but from the sound of their 5 track EP, they have potential to make some big waves on the rock charts in the coming years. There are not many better songs to play when you get out of work on a Friday. In fact, I am sure I get some strange looks from co-workers (and students) when I am screaming along with HERE COMES THE WEEKENDDDDDDD, YEAH!, and still in the parking lot.

This acoustic version of “Cool Kid” is fantastic (the music starts at :40), but the studio version is where it is at.

Who will love this track? 90’s rock fans, anyone that loves the weekend, cool kids, not cool kids, and Kurt Cobain

1. “Sing It All Away”, Walk Off the Earth (released June 12, 2015)

I don’t just listen to “Sing It All Away”, I actually feel “Sing It All Away.” The repeat button is always on when this track gets played. Walk Off the Earth have got to be the coolest, laid back band in music today. Who knew that Canadian’s could be so cool?

“Sing It All Away” seems to be about going to a bar with your buddies to forget about all your troubles. Is it even humanly possible to sing it all away at karaoke while throwing back some beers with your friends and still be weighed down by daily burdens? I certainly don’t think so.

“Oh oh oh
Sing it all away, sing it all away my darlings

I know a place that will take you away
Your troubles no longer remain from the day
I found a love there it’s hard to escape
It cures me at night, but it hurts when I wake

There’s no judge and the jury’s at bay
‘Cause this is our house where melodies play
If worries still linger my friends and I say
Top up your cup and let’s sing it all away”

Walk Off the Earth, if you are ever in New England and feel the need to sing it all away, I know a guy that will c

lose the bar down with you.

Who will love this track? Everyone.

Follow the Spotify Playlist of all of “Songs You Need to Know”