Top 10 Albums of 2015

Here it is! The list that everyone really wants; the one that points to the best collections of songs that the year had to offer, and also shows who the best artists of the year were as well. This list is always the hardest to put together, especially with a year as fruitful and exciting as 2015. But, I've narrowed down my choices, and as always, I'm confident in the decisions I've made. So, without wasting any more time, please enjoy my list!


#10. Ghost: Meliora

Ghost (also known as Ghost B.C) have been kicking around for the past few years, and while I thought their debut was awesome, the album they followed it up with was not nearly as impressive. Luckily, like a lot of artists this year, Ghost have ended up releasing their best work to date, despite a lackluster previous effort and despite any other mitigating circumstances. And that's great, because not only is Meliora the band's effort to date, but it is one of this year's best as well; a perfect mix of Gothic rock and old school metal, mixed with heavily satanic lyrics and imagery, Meliora is the perfect soundtrack to any future Halloween parties, or even a late night play through of Diablo II.


#9. The Decemberists: What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World

Not an especially surprising pick if you've been following the blog this year, (I mean, I started the year by doing a full discog review of this band) but I couldn't help but include this album on the list, it is simply a relief to hear a new LP from this band that is actually, in my opinion, a great one. Not only that, but I also had the privilege to see them perform most of the album live and I've gotta say, that's what really pushed me over the edge in terms of putting this album among  my favorites of the year. Bias aside though, I think anyone who has at least heard a Decemberists track before can say that this album is the band at their best in a good long while, and again, I can't help but be happy about that.

#8. Deafheaven: New Bermuda

I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this album; I wasn't even surprised to hear that most people were absolutely loathing this album either. What really caught me off guard was just how black and white this album is. New Bermuda finds the band blurring the lines between Black metal and Shoegaze even further, while even throwing in some Emo and Post-Hardcore in for good measure. But, whereas a lot of people look at that and say it's too chaotic and incohesive, I personally, aside from a rough transition here and there, found the duality of this record to be rather refreshing. The record constantly lulls you into a peaceful state and then comes crashing in with blast beats and that familiar Black metal screech which never fails to give me that 'almost fell down the stairs' feeling. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really loved this record.

#7. Father John Misty: I Love You, Honeybear

Easily 2015's most romantic (and hilarious) record, I Love You, Honeybear also sees Father John Misty expanding his songwriting, pushing past simply sounding like a lighter version of Fleet Foxes and truly becoming his own entity. This album is highly personal, but never makes you feel like you're intruding on someone's privacy; instead it welcomes you in and tells you every little detail with a swagger and sense of humor that you won't find on any other record this year. It may have come out early in the year, but this album is still worth giving a spin well past years end.

#6. Death Grips: The Powers That B

I know, for a former album of the year winner, this album is a bit low on the list, and that's not because I didn't love this album any less than The Money Store, it's because this year was so exceptional. In truth, this record is one of Death Grips' finest moments, and encapsulates every facet of the band's sound while taking them simultaneously in a new direction. Earlier this year, I figured I'd be writing about how this was a fine send-off for one of this decade's most daring bands; however, in true Death Grips fashion, despite clearly stating that they were done making music together, have announced a new album and have even been touring... I have no clue what the future holds for this group, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to be along for the ride.


#5. Sufjan Stevens: Carrie & Lowell

Sufjan is one of my favorite artists, and he has consistently released some of the most heart-wrenching music I've ever heard, so it really says a lot when I consider this to be his saddest most heartfelt record to date. It's the mixture of somber instrumentation ( the instrumentation hasn't sounded this stripped back since the debut record) and deeply personal stories that really bring Carrie & Lowell together and make it so awe-inspiring. No other record this year made me feel the same mixture of sadness mixed with hope that this record did, and I can say with a fair amount of confidence that this is one of Sufjan's best records yet.

#4. Injury Reserve: Live From The Dentist's Office

Injury Reserve is the little group from Arizona that could. They started the year out pretty tamely, releasing singles and videos from this album, supported by their modest, but devoted fans: However, after a glowing review from "The internet's busiest music nerd" they've become a pretty popular underground group. Though they may not be pulling numbers comparable to the major leagues, I'd have to say they are making music that is definitely better than the vast majority of artists on the charts today. They show influences ranging from Tribe Called Quest to modern artists like Odd Future, but they sound completely like themselves. And it is awesome to see them come into their own so soon and with such a great tape to back them up. I have big hopes for these guys going into this next year, I have a feeling we may be seeing a lot more of them if they can keep this up.

#3. Travis Scott: Rodeo

Talk about improvement, two years ago, I couldn't care less about what Travis Scott was doing. To me, he made beats that just sounded bad, and not in an endearing or interesting way, and his bars weren't anything to get excited over either. However, with Rodeo I feel like we finally got the Travis Scott we were promised back in 2013 and let me tell you... it feels gooood. This album is pure vibes from start to finish, and the production on hear is fantastic. Just give a listen to the track "Oh My/ Dis Side" and you'll see how much Travis' production has improved; smooth transitions and catchy hooks are on this LP track after track. The only thing I'd say isn't a complete improvement over his past work is his lyrics, but he does make his bars at least fit the concept of the song, and doesn't waste any time with verses that could be used for the better elsewhere. Overall, I understand if you're one of the people who didn't like this album, but I just couldn't think of any other album this year I can just put on and zone out to in complete bliss.

#2. Mac Demarco: Another One

I know, Mac is always on these lists, but I can't help it if he consistently puts out the most chilled out and lovable music out there year after year! And while this is technically a "mini-LP" it was my second most payed album of the year; and with good reason, since Another One is Mac's best LP yet and is a perfectly balanced set of songs that flow together beautifully. These tracks explore relationships and love in a way that only Mac Demarco could, and it all sounds glorious. It will be a truly sad day when I don't see Mac's goofy face on my end of the year list, but until then, I'll keep enjoying Another One, 2015's best slacker love album.

#1. Kendrick Lamar: To Pimp A Butterfly

I almost feel like I don't need to tell you why this album is the best of the year. But because it would be rude to leave this space empty, and the fact that I could literally talk about this album for days on end, I'll simply say that no other album this year came close to being as conceptually complete and beautiful as To Pimp A Butterfly. It's message is an important one, but the songs never get lost in it, and the songs also just happen to be some of the best that hip-hop has seen in years. If Kendrick isn't on your radar after this album, I'm not sure what else he could possibly do to get your attention. To me, he's one of the most consistent hip-hop artists of the past decade and this album proves that he's not just a one trick pony. Good Kid M.A.A.D City was amazing, but To Pimp A Butterfly is truly a classic in the making, and should be identified as this years most important and well crafted album, regardless of genre.