With confidence, we can say that we kinda miss 2015. Life was simpler when “Uptwon Funk” by Bruno Mars ruled the charts, selfie sticks were a common accessory to carry around music festivals (for better or for worse), and Tumblr was thriving. And we can’t forget that Fall Out Boy had returned back from hiatus at this time, too.
Whether you care to admit it or not, that year precedes us by an entire decade. Time flies when FOB is an active band, ya know? Uniquely, 2015 was the release year of some of the most iconic records in the alternative scene—from indie to pop-punk. These 2015 albums are turning 10 this March 2025, and we still can’t believe it.
Jeff Rosenstock — We Cool?
Released: March 3, 2015 via SideOneDummy Records
Jeff Rosenstock‘s big debut We Cool? dropped a whopping 10 years ago, which features fan faves such as “Nausea” and “You, In Weird Cities.” The artist, who was previously the frontman and songwriter of Bomb The Music Industry!, has carved out a passionate fanbase that has followed Rosenstock for more than a decade. He has mastered multiple genres, including punk, ska, surf-rock, and more, and it all started with this solo debut.
The Maine — American Candy
Released: March 31, 2015 via 8123 Records
Following the release of The Maine‘s haunting, melancholy, and introspective Forever Halloween (2013), they went full speed into bright indie-rock sonics on 2015’s American Candy. Though, this LP’s lyrical content remained ever thought-provoking, such as in the case of “Diet Soda Society” and “24 Floors.” Plus, it optimistically explores the human condition via “Am I Pretty?” and “My Hair.”
Additionally, one of the fanbase’s favorite lyrics comes from the album’s “(Un)Lost” with the phrase, “Control what you can and confront what you can’t.” And we certainly can’t ignore their closing opus, “Another Night On Mars”— a celebration of weirdness, friendship, and rock ‘n’ roll. Throughout the band’s storied discography, this record remains close to their listeners’ hearts.
Cancer Bats – Searching For Zero
Released: March 10, 2015 via Metal Blade Records
Canadian hardcore act Cancer Bats dropped their fifth record Searching For Zero a decade ago, believe it or not. Boasting singles “Satellites,” “True Zero,” and “Beelzebub,” the record was produced by the iconic Ross Robinson, whose work includes Slipknot, Korn, The Used, and beyond.
Metal Hammer gave the LP a glowing review ahead of its official release, saying, “This is nasty, old-school hardcore like they used to make before punk’s assimilation into the mainstream. It’s not for everyone, but the equally intrepid fans will adore it.”
Sleeping With Sirens — Madness
Released: March 17, 2015 via Epitaph
Madness is 10…so, yes, we feel old, too. This 2015 Sleeping With Sirens record, produced by John Feldmann, followed up 2013’s Feel and ushered in one of their most iconic songs to date: “Better Off Dead.” TBH, this music video is a true time capsule of scene aesthetics from the era—from the ripped black skinny jeans to the abandoned house backdrop.
Even after all this time, tracks such as “Kick Me,” “We Like It Loud,” and “Go Go Go” still hit as hard as they did on the first listen.
Courtney Barnett — Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
Released: March 20, 2015 via Milk! Records
Courtney Barnett changed the indie game when she dropped her debut record, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, on Milk! Records. This was a highly anticipated record by fans and critics who immediately fell in love with the Australian singer-songwriter after she dropped 2013’s “Avant Gardner.”
Uniquely, the long, yet unforgettable album title actually comes from a poster that was hung in her grandma’s bathroom. (Inspiration is truly everywhere.) Now, in 2025, album tracks “Pedestrian At Best” and “Depreston” remain beloved by returning and new listeners alike.
Too Close To Touch — Nerve Endings
Released: March 24, 2014 via Epitaph
Too Close To Touch made a major splash in the alternative sphere with Nerve Endings. This showed off the late Keaton Pierce‘s vocal range, rife with raw, earnest appeal. The band effortlessly blended elements of pop rock, pop-punk, and hardcore, which made them instant faves.
Plus, the record boasts thrilling cameos, including Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn on “The Chase” and The Word Alive‘s Telle Smith on “Hell To Pay.“
Plain White T’s — American Nights
Released: March 31, 2015 via MRI
Plain White T’s had planned to release this record in 2014, but if they had, they would have sacrificed much of their creative vision. After going back and forth with Hollywood Records, they decided to make a clean split from their label and take their record into their own hands. Of course, this was for the best. Tracks such as “Pause” and the album title track are the pop bangers we deserve.
