2015 was a magnificent year for all genres of music. While many may be skeptical of modern pop markets, other genres are not only flourishing but are collaborating to craft tunes that redefine present notions of production. 2016’s releases look promising, between waiting for Frank Ocean’s new project, new tunes from The Shins, and the highly anticipated Run The Jewels’s "RTJ3." However, in the meantime, it is important to reflect upon the gifts given in the past year, which we can jam to as we patiently await new music. Who knows, maybe you missed some of the best tracks of the year!
35. ".Wav Theory" -- Towkio
Hailing from Chicago, Towkio represents their infamously musically profound city. Throwing down tracks with up-and-comers like Chance the Rapper (who recently received the honor of being the only unsigned artist to ever play on "Saturday Night Live") and Vic Mensa. This album is full of up-tempo, hip-hop bangers.
34. "Star Wars" -- Wilco
Over the past 15 years, Wilco and their lead singer Jeff Tweedy rose to the top of the indie rock pack, putting out some of the most solid alternative rock ‘n roll tracks of the genre. Tweedy claims he is not a fan of the "Star Wars"movies, and came up with the title while admiring the cat painting on the cover of his album (but let’s see what his lawyer had to say about that potential copyright infringement). This album is sure to please die-hard Wilco fans and indie newbies alike.
33. "Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü" -– Jack Ü
While this album produced little more than some Top 40 worthy hits, it finds a place on this list because of the meaningful collaboration of two of EDM’s most powerful producers. Major Lazer’s Diplo and dubstep pioneer, Skrillex, represent two of electronic music’s most successful, influential, and contemporary producers of recent years, making this collaboration not only noteworthy, but at the very least, exciting. This album presents a cute feature of the soulful AlunaGeorge and boasts a track featuring the controversial Justin Bieber. As easy as it would be to dislike the J-Biebs track, “Where Are Ü Now”is arguably the catchiest pop song of 2015.
32. "Art Angels" -- Grimes
Trend-setter, boss-lady record producer Grimes has wooed the angsty masses with yet another high-energy record. Grimes’ high-pitched, fast-past production style juxtaposed with her heavy bass drums and funky keyboard lines merge pop, electronic, and trance styles effortlessly. While the entire album cannot be praised for presenting entirely groundbreaking material, her collaboration with Janelle Monáe on “Venus Fly”is definitely a track to write home about.
31. "Ratchet" -- Shamir
Young, genderqueer, disco diva Shamir packs a punch with their second full-length album. At only 21 years old, Shamir’s musics reflects both an impressive creative maturity and a energy indicative of their age. Down your best rave attire, grab a disco ball, and bump to this record.
30. "What Went Down" -- Foals
English indie rock band Foals produced yet another hit-heavy album, full of energetic bass lines and plenty of dreamy pedal work. "What Went Down"fits perfectly into the Foals discography, making it the perfect addition to any alt-indie playlist.
29. "Cherry Bomb" -- Tyler, the Creator
Controversial sk8er boy Tyler, the Creator keeps himself busy, between Odd Future’s Adult Swim program "Loiter Squad," designing clothing, skating, and making music. The 20teens have been good to Tyler, and his new album's heavy rock influences show a remarkable maturity in both his rapping and writing ability. This new album is definitely worth a listen for any fans of new age hip hop.
28. "La Di Da Di" -- Battles
Experimental rock group Battles put out one of their most fun albums of their discography this year with "La Di Da Di." Full of their classic high tempo guitar riffs, keyboard, and drums, this album is perfect for working out, waking up on an early morning, or improving your mood.
27. "Blood" -- Lianna La Havas
The beautiful, smooth soundings of Lianna La Havas made a much-needed comeback this year in her new album, "Blood." Moving away from her singer-songwriter roots, La Havas moved to a bigger band, electric sound in this new work. This change makes for further development of her traditionally heartfelt lyrics, making her songs more fit for R&B lovers and pop audiences.
26. "California Nights" -- Best Coast
Looking for some angsty, California rock ‘n roll? Enter Best Coast’s new album "California Nights." Whether you’re buried in a Wisconsin snowstorm or running through some South Carolina torrential downpour, this album is sure to bring back warm feelings of California summer sun with hints of mid-20’s angst. If you’re missing summer music festival vibes or hitting the beach, be sure to take a listen to "California Nights."
25. "Surf" -- Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
"Surf" is uplifting, motivational, and everything we all needed in 2015. Chicago hip hop front-runner Chance, the Rapper released his new project "Surf," and it totally changed the nature of his brand. Featuring soul, gospel, and big band influences, Chance, the Rapper released some of his greatest lyrical and musical work yet on this album. Great for days in with the family, paper writing, and your next house party, "Surf" brings elements that appeal to all audiences.
24. "Man It Feels Like Space Again" -- Pond
Love psychedelic and glam rock? Are you a fan of Tame Impala or the Flaming Lips? Even if you answered no to all of those inquiries, "Man It Feels Like Space Again" is a cool listen for any fans of new age rock music. Hailing from Perth, Australia, Pond shares quite of few of their members with fellow psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, evidenced in their pedal heavy guitar tones and groovy keyboard work.
23. "I Don't Like Sh*t, I Don't Go Outside" -- Earl Sweatshirt
2015 was the year of young, upcoming rappers, including Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt. The new album, however, feels nothing but juvenile. Earl progressed genre and musical boundaries in "I Don't Like Sh*t, I Don't Go Outside," showcasing matured lyrics about growing up and complex, enveloping beats. Turn this new Earl up while driving home from holiday festivities or getting back in the groove of the new semester, and you’ll be ready to conquer any lingering teenage moodiness.
22. "Coming Home" -- Leon Bridges
Time travel may not be scientifically possible, however, Leon Bridges’ vocal style and breakout album "Coming Home" fits in perfectly with the work of the late Sam Cooke. With a familiarity in his vocals and retro production style, "Coming Home" is the second coming of the age of soul. This is yet another great album to serve as the backdrop to any family gathering in the New Year.
21. "Fading Frontier" -- Deerhunter
Atlanta-based indie rock band Deerhunter has been around for a while, but their musical prowess is beyond alive. Frontman Bradford Cox has done it again, with this rock-influenced, trance album. "Fading Frontier" fit for die-hard Deerhunter fans and those of you looking to amp up your indie cred.
20. "Hallucinogen" -- Kelela
Formally trained vocalist and experimental musician Kelela’s "Hallucinogen" is mesmerizing. Somewhere between electronic and R&B, Los Angeles-based Kelela’s music is reminiscent of 90’s house in the best way possible. She truly owns her unique sound, making this new album a fun listen while getting ready for a night out or setting the mood for your next hip party.
19. "Vega Intl. Night School" -- Neon Indian
Four years after the release of their space-age influenced Era Extrana, Neon Indian graced the world with yet another advantageous project this year. "Vega Intl. Night School" has everything there is to love about Neon Indian --funky guitar, futuristic keyboard, and disco-era bass lines. Get ready to dance and wiggle a little to this fun, new album.
18. "Meow The Jewels" -- Run The Jewels
Is this a comedy based remix album of RTJ2? Sure. But, is this album absolute fire? Yes. "Meow The Jewels" started as a joke from hip hop powerhouses Killer Mike and El-P, and after receiving moving support from passionate fans, the dreams of meme-crazy internet trolls became a reality. Using cat sound samples to enhance their already hit-worthy tracks, RTJ raised the bar for all rappers looking to please their hungry fans. Whether you’re looking for a laugh or some new mixing material, "Meow the Jewels" is sure to make the mark.
17. "Dopamine" -- BØRNS
Singer-songwriter Garrett Borns released "Dopamine" as his debut studio album. This piece is full of hits, from the popularly successful “Electric Love” to the low tempo crooning on “American Money.” Borns has a sweet and sultry voice, combined with young, light keyboard work makes for music fit for your teeny-bopper siblings or indie-loving friends. Not to mention, Borns’s live band puts on a high energy show, sure to get your blood pumping and feet moving.
16. "Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit" -- Courtney Barnett
Widely acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett stunned American audiences this year with her witty, deadpan vocal style. This album speaks to the struggles of so many 20-somethings, as she rambled about the oh-so-familiar feeling of FOMO in “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go To The Party” and the realities of crushing under pressure in Pedestrian At Best. Courtney Barnett crafted a masterpiece in this new album, fit for the young or the young at heart.
15. "In Color" -- Jamie xx
English music producer and DJ Jamie xx did not disappoint with "In Color." Known for his more ambient style of mixing and music as part of the London-based band The xx, this new album features some higher BPM tracks that are sure to get any house party going. Through masterfully mixed samples and depth of emotion in each track makes this piece one of the most compelling albums of the year.
14. "The Beyond/Where The Giants Roam" -- Thundercat
Who doesn’t love Thundercat? This bass-wielding, off-the-wall Flying Lotus collaborator never ceases to produce jazzy tunes to light up your life. Beautiful bass lines contrast some seriously heavy FlyLo electronic influences to craft an experience for any attentive listener. This album is great for cross-country drives or a rainy day in, and either way, you’ll get lost in the magic of Thundercat’s musical talent.
13. "But You Caint Use My Phone (Mixtape)" -- Erykah Badu
There is something magical and other-worldy about Erykah Badu’s music. Badu has made legendary music for decades and somehow continues to produce hits in ever-progressing mainstream music. This mixtape includes Badu’s entrancing cover of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” called “Cel U Lar Device.” Every track on this mixtape is innovative -- between the Drake samples, artsy interludes, and Badu’s classic vocal style, "But You Caint Use My Phone" is worthy of praise.
12. "Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper" -- Panda Bear
Experimental pop producer and founding member of Animal Collective released one of the coolest albums of 2015. It's cool factor stems from Panda Bear’s masterful mix of trance keyboards and deceivingly complex beats that showcase his skill and understanding of his craft. Noah Lennox (also known as Panda Bear) is a legend of our time, and his music is translated as a form of performance art.
11. "The Powers That B" -- Death Grips
Kings of the Internet, meme-worthy chaos makers, legendary rock stars --experimental hip hop group Death Grips may be the most underground yet hyped up band of 2015. After two years of waiting, canceled shows, and the supposed breakup, fans begged for new Death Grips online and in the streets. "The Powers That B" is a double album, whose second half, "Jenny Death," leaked online in March 2015. The leak led to mass hysteria, with every fan taking to the web to scream their joy into computer screens. The hype that led up to this album’s release rivaled the anticipation of any hit pop album, leading to a widespread shift in the culture of releases in the indie and underground genres.
10. "Aureate Gloom" -- Of Montreal
This new album by Of Montreal features everything that there is to love about the Athens, Georgia-based rock band. Upbeat music contrasted with underlying pessimism in the lyrics makes for a surprisingly delightful experience. Tracks like “Bassem Sambry” contrast frontman Kevin Barnes’ dreamy falsetto with spacey guitar to make your walk home anything but mundane.
9. "No Cities To Love" -- Sleater-Kinney
Come through, angsty dreams of the 90s! While "No Cities To Love" may seem out of the prime era of punk, the riot grrrls of Sleater-Kinney are anything but a thing of the past. This album is fun, moody, and lively. Not to mention, the unbelievably cool music video for track “A New Wave” featured "Bob's Burgers" characters, which was one of the most exciting crossovers in music of all time.
8. "Depression Cherry" -- Beach House
"Depression Cherry" is nothing short of magical. Beach House blessed the world with two marvelous pieces of work this year (honorable mention goes to "Thank Your Lucky Stars"), expanding their discography in the most wonderful way possible. Dream pop duo Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally formed in Baltimore in 2004 and have perfected their craft over the past decade. Their new album features both everything there is to love about Beach House and candidly new sounds. Listening to "Depression Cherry" is a must and an experience you can only craft by listening to it yourself.
7. "A New Place 2 Drown" -- Archy Marshall
Archy Marshall, the frontman of King Krule, released his first side project during the first week of December and made cross-genre waves. Heavy beats and masterful electro-influences cover listeners like a thick blanket, warming you from the outside in. Themes of loneliness, love, and longing for artistic freedom emanate from each track. "A New Place 2 Drown" is perfect for your next gloomy night in or rainy day activities.
6. "Caracal" -- Disclosure
Breakout electronic duo Disclosure’s "Caracal" is arguably the most slept on album of the year. Following the internationally recognized pop success of their first album "Settle" in 2013, the brothers spent time producing tracks with pop icon Sam Smith and kept the progress of their new album under wraps until 2014. "Caracal" features powerful collaborations with British vocalist, including LIONBABE, Gregory Porter, and Lorde. This album is a great soundtrack to your next poppin’ house party, or to wake you up on your walk to early morning classes.
5. "Sound & Color" -- Alabama Shakes
It is difficult to put Alabama Shakes’ music into a genre box. However, their music seems to be universally lovable, whether it be because of lead singer Brittany Howard’s soulful crooning or because of the way their music breathes life into any gray day. Blues rock blends with Southern rock influences to create the band’s dynamically powerful sound. Howard describes some of the tracks to have space-age, aeronautical influences, making the "Sound & Color" experience of another dimension of time and space.
4. "Another One" -- Mac Demarco
The goofy Mac Demarco put out a rather serious album this year, flaunting themes of love and loss throughout the quick, yet profound, 23-minute piece. Mac’s traditional jangle pop influences can be found in every track, but something about "Another One" seems matured, or more sentimental, than his previous work. The last track of the album calls fans to come to Mac’s Brooklyn apartment for some coffee, causing a stir among fans internationally. This album is beyond worth the listen for any fan of Mac or those looking to expand their indie music base.
3. "To Pimp A Butterfly" -- Kendrick Lamar
Widely acclaimed, list topping, and revolution-inspired "To Pimp A Butterfly" is a career-defining masterpiece for neo-rapper Kendrick Lamar. This album is more than hit-worthy; it is music to fuel public consciousness. Following a lifetime of exposure to violence and the recent resurgence of movements like #BlackLivesMatter, Lamar lets his wounds bleed through the course of this masterpiece. The music effortlessly fuses the neo-soul, hip-hop, rock, jazz, and electronic genres with the help of producer Flying Lotus, making "To Pimp A Butterfly" one of the most technically compelling albums of the year. Compelling music, gut-wrenchingly powerful lyrics, and artistic interludes compose the core of this contemporary piece of musical art.
2. "I Love You, Honeybear" -- Father John Misty
Sappy, ironic, sarcastic: Father John Misty takes on new perspectives on American materialism, marriage, and youth in "I Love You, Honeybear." Saccharine lyrics and simple guitar riffs might lead unassuming listeners to believe this album to be overly sentimental, but upon deeper analysis, anyone can see that this new Father John Misty is the perfect soundtrack to your quarter-life crisis.
1. "Currents" -- Tame Impala
"Currents" serves as a window into the soul of the introverted Tame Impala frontman, Kevin Parker. As a textbook definition of a breakup album, Parker seems to break away from both loves lost and anything that holds him back from happiness (or self-managed misery). Parker comes across as young, inspired, and admittedly self-centered. He prompts us to “Let It Happen” and contends “The Less I Know The Better.” It is this selective blindness to the truth and intrinsically-driven motivation that makes every track so remarkably impactful. The music in this album is revolutionary. The techniques implemented to merge electronic, dream pop, rock, and neo-psychedelia are unheard of, combining the techniques used by legends like The Beatles, DJs like Jamie xx, and icons like Kanye West. Parker’s creativity and musical abilities unveil no boundaries on "Currents." This album is life-changing, inspirational, and will keep you moving. While many view "Currents" to be a transition album for Tame Impala, it is important to note that like this band’s popularity, life has its own ebbs and flows. Kevin Parker’s music mimics canons of the quarter life, and the music to come will likely reflect the vibes of your next phase of life.