Hi everyone!

Today on the blog, my job is to make you feel old as heck and remind you of 10 albums that came out in 2006. Yes, 2006 was 10 years ago. As they say in the Rocky Horror Picture Show "time is fleeting". Who would have thought that some of these albums would go on to be so iconic in our lives. For most, these albums came around when we were in middle school, for others, they were soundtracks to high school, or even for some others, there are people a bit too young to remember the legacy some of these records had but have now cherished.

Let's begin, shall we?

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium Arcadium

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been on the scene since the late 1980s and saw great success in the early '90s, but success was prominent yet again in 2006 with the release of their ninth studio album, Stadium Arcadium. This album was the biggest experimentation with the band yet. Releasing a double disc album full of slow songs or up-tempo funk songs, it was a great and very memorable album for most. This record was also most notably the last one to feature guitarist John Frusciante before his departure in 2009. The album featured well received singles like Dani California and Tell Me Baby.

Dixie Chicks: Taking the Long Way

Anyone who was alive before this album came out, were well aware of the Dixie Chicks. Even if you weren't a massive country fan, there music was hard to miss. It was encouraging to see three women making and writing their own music that was getting radio play and media coverage. Essentially, they were America's Sweethearts. Anyone who was alive before this album came out will also remember the massive controversy they suffered on their previous tour. On one of their London dates in 2003, lead singer Natalie Maines made a comment about how they were ashamed that the president at the time (George Bush Jr.) was from Texas, where the girls originated from. After that, the girls lost radio play, protests were held where their CDs destroyed. In response, came their seventh album Taking the Long Way which featured the song Not Ready to Make Nice a fierce reminder that forgiveness is good, but we are not forgetting.

Three Days Grace: One X

Easily their most mature record to date, Three Days Grace released their sophmore album One X ten years ago this summer. After lead singer Adam Gontier was released from rehab after a drug addiction, he found new inspiration for the band. Containing a lot of dark content, Three Days Grace covered things from personal struggle, to inner demons, to finding love and life again. This album featured monster hits like Animal I've Become and Pain. The album went double platinum in Canada and platinum in the US.

Cute Is What We Aim For: The Same Old Blood Rush With a New Touch

Cute is What We Aim For were one of those bands that you may or may not have heard of. They followed under the same regieme of pop-punk/Warped tour aesthetic and had a great online following. Their debut album featured songs like Curse of Curves and Newport Living. Given that they weren't nearly as popular when they first came out, they managed to generate 13,000 sales in its first week, beating out Panic! at the Disco's debut album which came out the previous year.

Billy Talent: II

2006 saw the follow up to Billy Talent's self-titled album. Conveniently titled "II", this album explored a lot of different artistic avenues for the band. Not only was there a bit less of the scremo, but the band took on different subject matter like love and self-depiction while still carrying the anti-political torch. Billy Talent pushed the boundaries with songs like Red Flag, Devil in a Midnight Mass, and even bringing out a ballad, Surrender. It would seem that this would be the start of the changes that Billy Talent went for. Each album after showed constant progression and maturity, and overall the growth of a great Canadian band.

Lily Allen: Alright, Still

Ten years ago this year Lily Allen came on the scene with her debut album. Alright, Still was the first we saw from the British singer/songwriter. Having gained notable attention on Myspace with songs like Smile and Alfie her crass lyrics and 'not give a damn' attitude. made her stick out from other pop artists at the time.

Justin Timberlake: FutureSex/LoveSounds

In 2006, the pop world was blown away by an album from a guy who went by JT. Justin Timberlake released his sophmore album FutureSex/LoveSounds ten years ago this fall. That's right, we've been bringing SexyBack for TEN YEARS NOW! The album, produced by Rick Rubin and Timberland among others was a smash hit on the charts. With singles like SexyBack, My Love, and the seven minute track What Goes Around Comes Around, these songs showed a new side to Timberlake further separating him from his N'Sync days. Influences include Michael Jackson, late INXS, David Bowie, and Prince. In its first week, the album sold 684,000 copies and became the 18th best selling album of 2006. Undoubtedly it has gone on to be one of the most well received record to date.

My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade

Yes, that is correct, this year will mark 10 years since we went to the city to see a marching band. My Chemical Romance released their follow up to the 2004 hit Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge with a beautiful yet haunting concept album. Following the story of a man who dies and follows the parade in death, The Black Parade became an instant hit. Following with singles like Welcome to the Black Parade, Teenagers, and I Don't Love You, if MCR wasn't already a well known band, they certainly gained a new following after the release of this album.

Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift

It's hard to believe that a decade has past since the world first heard of Taylor Swift. Back in the day, before she became an international pop sensation selling out stadiums everywhere, she was a wide eyed 16 year old who wore cowboy boots and frilly dresses and sang about high school sweethearts. The then teenager released her debut album in the fall of 2006 with her lead single Tim McGraw gaining play on country radio. She'd later follow with Teardrops on My Guitar, Picture to Burn, and Our Song. After that, you could say the rest is history!

Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

Now easily one of music's most iconic records, Amy Winehouse was thrusted into the spotlight with her second studio album. Produced by Mark Ronson (Yup same guy who put out Uptown Funk), Back to Black found a profound amount of success featuring singles like the title track, Rehab, and You Know I'm No Good. As well she took the 2008 Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album beating out artists like Feist and Christina Aguilera And although this was the last time we would hear music from Ms. Winehouse, her legacy lived on through her music and her true craftsmanship.

Those are just some of the albums turning 10 this year. What's some of your favourite old records? Thoughts on the growth of some of these artists? Let me know!

A new year means it's time for some new music! A lot of great artists have hinted that they've either been in the studio, or that they're finishing off their next album. Although it's a bit early in the year and most albums have been slated as TBA, it's a sure fire sign that we can see some great music being released this year. Here's a list of some of my most highly anticipated records of 2016!

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: TBA
Release: TBA
It's been three years since the Red Hot Chili Peppers released an album. 2011's I'm With You faired well given that the band had a new guitarist and it was the follow up to the smash hit, 2006's Stadium Arcadium. Since the completion of the I'm With You tour, the band has remained pretty quiet. However drummer Chad Smith and vocalist Anthony Kiedis have confirmed they're back in the studio and hoping for a new release in 2016. So are all of we!

Lady Gaga
Album: TBA
Release: TBA
Ms. Gaga has been quiet on the music scene as of late as most of her attention has been focused on staring in American Horror Story: Hotel. Her last music effort was with adult contemporary icon Tony Bennett in 2014 which showed a brand new side to the pop star, showing off her theatrical chops. Ultimately this gave audiences a whole new look to her. Before that, her own album, ARTPOP was released in 2013, so it's been quite some time since her own effort was released. It's been up in the air as to what direction she plans to go in next whether it's more melodic or the synth pop home she knows too well. It's always a surprise with Lady Gaga.

Frank Ocean
Album: TBA
Release: TBA
Frank Ocean's second studio album aka the most well known music fable of all time. It was speculated that we would have received a new album from the soul/rap star in July 2015, but July came and went and we did not receive a follow up to his debut, Channel Orange. With fans asking "Frank, why did July to us?" and "where did Frank go?" many of us have been wondering if this record will ever see the light of day. On a recent interview on Jimmy Fallon, Adele even begged to bring Frank Ocean back. Will she get her wish? Will we all? Only time will tell.

Haim
Album: TBA
Release: TBA
Haim jumped onto the scene in 2013 with their debut album Days Are Gone. It did very well commercially and even got the band nominated for a 2014 Grammy award. The band did a sold out tour in support and this past year opened for Taylor Swift on the 1989 World Tour on select dates. Since then, the band has been working in the studio to make their follow up. Although nothing has been announced yet, a lot of diehard fans are waiting in anticipation. It seems like it's been so long since we've last had new material from the girl group. No doubt, however, that they'll certainly deliver when the time comes.

Simple Plan
Album: Taking One For the Team
Release: February 19
We last heard from Simple Plan in 2011 with their fourth studio album, Get Your Heart On! The band had toured excessively around the globe and even put out a book, but it seemed like they were taking even more time in the studio than normal. After waiting on pins and needles, SP fans finally heard the news they were waiting for; an album release! Their newest album Taking One For the Team is expected to be released this February and will feature the songs Boom! I Don't Wanna Go to Bed and I Don't Wanna Be Sad.

Green Day
Album: TBA
Release: TBA
Out of all the ones mentioned, this could likely be the least realistic one at the moment, give that no one in the band has confirmed or even remotely mentioned going in the studio. Past producer Rob Cavallo has mentioned in an interview that he heard songs written by lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong saying that he has like what he heard so far. It's been three years since we've had an album from the punk trio and as of late it seems they thoroughly enjoy taking time off. Whether we get an album this year or not is entirely up for debate.

What records are you looking forward to this year? Any hopefuls? Any confirmed? Let me know!