Albums Of 2010: Ryan Key (Yellowcard)

Having just completing work on their fourth studio album, 'When Your Through With Thinking, Say Yes', Yellowcard's frontman Ryan Key shares his picks for the best albums of the year.

Key discusses his favourite albums from the past 12 months, including releases from Jimmy Eat World, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

Band of Horses - 'Infinite Arms'
This was one of my most looked forward to records this year. Band of Horses has become one of my favorite bands over the last few years. They remind me of home, no matter where I am in the world.

Jimmy Eat World - 'Invented'
So good to hear Jimmy. 'Heart is Hard to Find', the opening track has an instant 'Clarity' feel to it. This band is all time.


Ben Folds - 'Lonely Avenue'
Thanks to this record, I got to do a video chat with Ben Folds, who is one of my all time greats. We hung out for a couple hours and talked all about the process he went through making the record. It was definitely a highlight reel moment for me. Also, the record is amazing.

Explosions in the Sky - 'The Rescue'
This EP actually came out in 2005. They are one of my favorite bands in the world but I haven't been to their website since their release in 07.
They released this EP for download this year and it is amazing. They recorded a song a day for eight days. Such an amazing band.

Katy Perry - 'Teenage Dream'
I don't keep it a secret that I love girl pop. Well, I love girl pop that is done right. Katy Perry, in my opinion, does it right. There's a lot of crap on the radio these days, but these are just great pop songs and that's why they are so massive.


Brandon Flowers - 'Flamingo'
I was in a friend's car one night and the song 'Only the Young' from this record was on. I asked if it was The Killers and found out it was Brandon's solo record. Bought it. Love it. He writes great songs.


Taylor Swift - 'Speak Now'
Again with the girl pop, I know, but this record is just pop magic. I like the youth in her songs. Reminds me of what it was like to write songs at her age.


Paramore - 'Brand New Eyes'
Okay I know this record came out in 2009. But it has still been one of the most played albums for me throughout 2010. I am a geek for this band. They have so much positive energy and they just write great songs. The world needs more of both of those things.


David Cross - 'Bigger and Blackerer'
The other day in an airport I had to stop reading David Cross' new book because everyone was staring at me. I was weeping from laughter. This record is his best stuff since 'Shut Up You F#%@ing Baby'. Your stomach will hurt. Both from sickness and laughter.

Sara Bareilles - 'Kaleidoscope Heart'
Our producer Neal Avron did this record. It was so awesome to hear him work on something so totally different from Yellowcard. Also, this girl can sing. I wish I could download a copy of her vocal cords. That sounds creepy, but seriously, she wails.

'When Your Through With Thinking, Say Yes' by Yellowcard will be released in March 2011 on Hopeless Records.