Top 25 Albums of 2015

Stephanie Hernandez

2015 brought with it some pretty unforgettable moments for music. With release after release blowing minds and speakers across the country we took it upon ourselves to round up the best albums that dropped within the last 365 days.

1. “To Pimp a Butterfly” – Kendrick Lamar
Was there really any other option? Starting on a high note from his 2012 sophomore release, “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” Kendrick showed his artistry by offering up some of the most poetic and hard hitting lyrics we’ve ever heard with a refreshing dose of relatability. In no way trying to outsmart his audience or humblebrag his own clearly impressive wordsmith abilities, Lamar instead chooses to use “To Pimp a Butterfly” to reach out to the global community, encourage self reflection and push for meaningful action. From the cover art’s depiction of the country’s oppressed taking back the helm of their suffering to tracks like “Hood Politics” and the spoken word power meets Isley Brothers swagger of “i,” Lamar’s progressive stance on race relations in the United States is the full package, and no one, not even himself is free from dissection.

2. “Art Angels” –  Grimes
The fourth album by Canadian bred thrasher Grimes was unlike anything anyone expected, in a good way. Going from favoring huge atmospheric sounds to lighter pop infused singles was the musical equivalent of the nerd band geek nabbing the prom queen, we aren’t sure how it happened but we’re glad it did. “Venus Fly” featuring Janelle Monae shows off Grimes’ cheekiness while “Kill V. Maim” evokes the feeling of being the badass female lead in a first person shooter video game, and all of it makes you want to dance. Smooth soprano vocals, choruses that are catchy as hell and the attitude to keep things from going to saccharine sweet, Grimes shows her understanding of musical balance much better than some artists twice her age.

3. “25” – Adele
Get the tissues out already! “25” as well as its creator Adele both have the innate ability to ignite deep and powerful emotion with just one note. Perhaps it’s the fact that it has been four years without her, or maybe it’s that Adele conveys heartbreak like no one else. By allowing herself to be completely vulnerable to the listener, both parties are able to find catharsis, and that is what true love is all about. Adele can make you miss a lover you never had and in the duration of a song take you to a place most films need three hours to accomplish. Honestly, pop’s new queen had us at “Hello.”

4. “Beauty Behind The Madness” – The Weeknd
Smooth R&B vocals, sexy instrumentation and pulsating beats made The Weeknd’s 14-track album one set on replay everywhere. Picking up the slack most of us wish our significant other hadn’t left at the bedroom door, the tracks are the musical equivalent to birthday and make up sex folded into one, fun, passionate, and always good, idea.

5. “Summertime ’06” – Vince Staples
Impact and insight without the “preachy” element, Vince Staples nailed musical social commentary. A flow so good you would think his mother was a river, Staples’ lyrical content is second to none, this paired with his ability to make sense of complex issues while still creating an interesting musical backdrop is what makes this one of the top albums of the year.

6. “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” – Drake
God damn. The words spoken by much of the free world the day Drake decided to bless us with this record. Cheeky, shady and always entertaining, Drake is the gift that keeps on giving. Most of the tracks are already staples on your playlists we’re sure, but take a minute and realize just how huge this album was, not in sales but in pure pop culture capital. It has infiltrated nearly every major sector of media in some form or another, even the title lets you know Drake knew what you wanted even before you did; and damn, was he right.

7. “Honeymoon” – Lana Del Rey
Evoking the feeling of a soundtrack to an old world film about a torrid love affair, this album cemented Lana Del Rey’s throne as the world’s purveying queen of doom and gloom. Equal parts ethereal wonderland and dramatic cinematic flair, “Honeymoon” makes you wish your tortuous Tinder dates could be this horribly romantic, but until then a nice glass of wine in a dark room with “Salvatore” playing on your creaky record player will have to do.

8. “Black Messiah” – D’Angelo / The Vanguard
Socially relevant and seeped in the flavor of multiple genres, D’angelo proved himself to be a master of eccentric mixing. Jazz and funk sounds layered between daily struggles and bigger national issues, D’Angelo doesn’t allow the weight of his problems to crush the spirit of the music he is producing. Instead, the richly detailed album revives you, its soulful sound uplifting you with each lyric, a testimony to the power of the pen.

9. “Wildheart” – Miguel
Taking the time to flip the script of most R&B albums was Miguel’s “Wildheart.” He led with a stance of self love while acknowledging the complicated realities of sexuality in modern society. Miguel uses each track to push his audience to expand their horizons and self reflect on their own desires. More about partnership and pleasure than just the pure lust we are used to hearing from the genre, the album encourages discussion as well as a good time.  

10. “Sound and Color” – Alabama Shakes
The Sophomore effort from high school garage band turned global indie darlings proves chaos can be cohesive. Touching on multiple genres, the Shakes show they can make any style their own. “Don’t Wanna Fight” leads the record’s battle for radio play while “Sound and Color” is best taken in as a whole to appreciate all its soulful hometown eccentricities.

11. “M3LL155X” – FKA Twigs (EP)
Ambitious while still maintaining control, FKA Twigs’ experimental R&B catches your attention right off the bat and keeps you interested all the way through. Yes, it’s technically an EP but once you’ve heard her poetic take on such a sexualized genre, we’re sure you’ll understand. Not many young artists have such a strong and unique vision so early on, a commendable piece of work from someone who understands that visuals and sound can meld to create a truly one of a kind experience.

12. “The Epic” – Kamasi Washington
One of the most underrated debut albums of the year, Kamasi Washington’s “Epic” is a trip back to the golden age of jazz. Using the saxophone to deliver feeling instead of jaunted lyricism, the end result is an impressively extensive album with all the emotional gusto and depth as anything on your playlist right now. Washington makes Jazz accessible while still being able to impress conservative students.

13. “I Love You, Honeybear”  – Father John Misty
So raw and personal, the Father himself had difficulty playing the songs to close family and friends, “I Love You, Honeybear” is a true testament to his ability to throw caution to the wind and simply speak the truth. Cynical, yet passionate; angry, yet loving; you will feel just about every plane of emotion in the duration of the following 11 songs. Good luck getting it together after that.

14. “Divers” – Joanna Newsom
Beautifully complex arrangements years in the making, the attention to detail on “Divers” is hard to match. If you love music for the stories, you’ll fall in love with this one from the first chord. Drenched in top notch musicianship, Newsom’s sincerity shines through giving the record character and depth without sounding heavy handed or overdone. A must for those who love losing themselves in another world.

15.  “Vulnicura” – Bjork
The ninth studio album to come from Iceland’s resident experimental nymph proves itself to be one of her best. Primarily composed of string arrangements and electronic beats, you’ve never heard heartbreak like this before. Harrowingly expressive, Bjork lures you into her world with a softness that can only be described as existential longing.

16. “In Colour” – Jamie XX
Composed over a five-year period, Jamie XX’s debut was well worth the wait. Blending UK Garage and House music in a way that doesn’t sound contrived or remind you of your 17-year-old raving neighbor is an accomplishment all its own. Rich and fluid, the record’s minimalistic approach is refreshing to see and even better to listen to. Joyous and glimmering with strokes of rhythmic genius, “In Colour” is so dynamic you’ll find yourself pressing replay for the next few hours.

17. “Currents” – Tame Impala
Oh the production genius that is Tame Impala’s puppet master Kevin Parker. Meticulously groomed over, this is a breakup album like you’ve never heard. Less about them and more about his own selfish inclinations, Parker becomes your very own lover’s anti-hero. Unapologetic for his actions and desires, “Currents” is what you play when you know you’ve done something wrong, you have zero fucks to give and you dare the world to come for you – and no one does because they all agree you’re a badass. Someone is definitely having a g’day.

18. “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit” – Courtney Barnett
The debut solo album from Australian indie rocker Courtney Barnett is a testament to how much you can accomplish on your own terms. Produced on her own record label, Barnett’s first venture alone gives you rock & roll at its finest. Youthful and invigoratingly punchy, it’s not difficult to see why this young artist’s fresh perspective has already gained her a global following.

19. “Carrie & Lowell” – Sufjan Stevens
Known for his acute emotional maturity, “Carrie & Lowell” is a prime example of what Sufjan Stevens can do with little else than his voice and guitar. A record about the death of a parent and a child’s attempt to deal with the pain of loss compounded with the lack of understanding of their early abandonment, Sufjan gained catharsis through song. Reading like a eulogy for someone you wanted to know, it seems Stevens has finally found peace.  

20. “Traveller” – Chris Stapleton
Southern rock meets classic old school country on “Traveller.” Another debut album on the list, Stapleton’s ode to the past is a solemn reminder that the good ol’ days of country could still teach us a thing or two about musical integrity. Laced with undercurrents of loss and regret anchored by a still optimistic voice, Stapleton’s outlook is anything but bleak. Weaving a tale where whiskey meets the crossroads on the path to religion, the result is a new unexpected favorite.

21. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” – Florence and the Machine
Another ambitious album by Ms. Welch, the English songstress pulls out another drama filled beauty. Exchanging the traditional drumbeats and handclaps for ethereal symphonics and gospel like choruses, the Machine gets you moving in an entirely new way. Sensitive lyricism and a paired down sound create the space to truly allow Florence’s voice to pierce your heart like a dagger to the soul. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” jars you awake and begs to be taken in amongst thousands in an arena setting where each line can be sung at the top of your lungs.

22. “DS2” – Future
Equal parts inventive and lyrically brooding, Future proves money can’t buy happiness. A true artist in command of his own destiny, Future’s openness to share his innermost self-conscious thoughts is what makes him relatable at the same time as it makes him respectable. Don’t believe us? Dive further into his world and find yourself happily consumed by the abyss.

23. “Coming Home” – Leon Bridges
Described as the second coming of Marvin Gaye, Leon Bridges’ old school take on soul is anything but tired. With a voice as rich and robust as a good cup of Colombian coffee and guitar skills that could lure even the most innocent to a night of rambunctious fun on the town, Bridges is this generation’s answer to that classic Chess Record’s sound. Steeped in respect for the greatness of musicians past, you can bet this isn’t the last you hear from Leon Bridges. 

24. “Blue Neighborhood” – Troye Sivan
Sultry, yet effortless, “Blue Neighborhood” is the musical equivalent to a sensual whisper in the ear. An interesting perspective on love from someone caught between his youthful ignorance and the all too real pitfalls of adulthood, Troye Sivan will bring you back to a time when you loved fearlessly and took the consequences as they came, a testimony to the passing of time and the changing of hearts.

25. “b’lieve i’m goin down…” – Kurt Vile
The sixth album by indie folk favorite Kurt Vile reminds us of why we love this seemingly shy guitarist in the first place. Witty and observant with a sprinkling of humor and this time with a touch of banjo, Vile gently pulls you back into his world. With additions that give him a slightly more country flare than his fans are used to, his off the cuff musings on “b’lieve i’m goin down…” provide a lightness to his otherwise favored darker sound; we suggest you spend an evening getting acquainted.