Kayla Culver, a student at Concordia College, is one of the college contributors to our Local Current blog.

Best albums of 2014

1. Modern Baseball: You're Gonna Miss It All

They've managed to capture what exactly it's like being in your early 20s and in college. Their album is full of clever wordplay and it's evident they are much better at making music than they were two years ago.

2. Young The Giant: Mind Over Matter

This album is the sweet spot between power-pop and indie rock. It grabs your attention from beginning to end.

3. Jukebox The Ghost: Jukebox The Ghost

A feel-good, uplifting pop album you bring with you on a long car ride.

4. Antartigo Vespucci: Soulmate Stuff

Because Chris Farren and Jeff Rosenstock know how to make a rock album.

5. Real Friends: Maybe This Place Is The Same And We're Just Changing

The newest generation of pop punk that makes you excited for the direction this genre is going in.

6. The Menzingers: Rented World

Even though it's a bit more polished than usual, they still bring the punk chaos but with a bit more maturity.

7. John Butler Trio: Flesh & Blood

They did it again! The Australian trio perfectly blends upbeat optimism with genuine realism. It's a bold fun album guaranteed to get you moving.

8. Circa Survive: Descensus

This album has that high-pitched, sonic, 90s alt-rock feel that characterize their past four albums. It's a Circa Survive fan's dream album.

9. The Gaslight Anthem: Get Hurt

It makes you forget everything you thought you knew about Gaslight. They delivered an electronic rock album you have to listen to more than once.

10. Manchester Orchestra: Cope

They outdid themselves with this album. They're stronger, louder and edgier.

Best songs of 2014

Neon Trees: "Sleeping With A Friend"
Bleachers: "I Wanna Get Better"
Passenger: "27"
Kimbra: "90's Music"
Meghan Trainor: "Lips are Moving"
The Kooks: "Are We Electric"
New Politics: "Everywhere I Go (Kings and Queens)
Taking Back Sunday: "Stood A Chance"
Travie McCoy featuring Brendon Urie: "Keep On Keeping On"
The Cab: "Lock Me Up"