Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”           
This was the soundtrack to my childhood, and to this day, is my favorite all-time record. It’s a perfect album, and a huge influence on my songwriting, especially lyrically, in the sense that every song should tell a story and evoke some emotion.
 
The Offspring “Smash”
My brother let me listen to his copy of this when I was 6. It was my first glimpse into punk, and it pulled me into a world I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to. I can still put it on and sing every word.
 
Third Eye Blind “Third Eye Blind”           
The first album I ever bought, and I think it holds up 20 years later. You won’t find a better tracks 1-6 on an album, and “Motorcycle Drive By” is a song I wish I could write. Production wise, this album was a huge influence on our newest album – everything is clean, and each layer serves a purpose.
 
Death Cab for Cutie “Transatlanticism”               
This is an album I can always come back to and find some new emotion in the songs. I obviously loved it in high school, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the nuance in the songwriting immensely, and again, lyrically, Ben Gibbard is one of my heroes.
 
Blink-182 “Enema of the State”              
Being from near San Diego, I wanted to be Blink 182 growing up. Every band I’ve ever played in owes something to them, and to this day find myself ripping off their riffs in songs. Also, the album is just really good.