The end of the year means end of the year lists. This would be number 2 for me. If you’re a reader, the first one is for you (The Best I Read in 2015). Be on the look out for a blog post about Christmas Eve in a few days, and a couple really exciting series starting as soon as 2016 does. For now, here are the top albums I heard this year.
For this list I focused on albums that released this year, with one exception:
Citizens and Saints — Join the Triumph
This one technically came out in 2014, but I finally got around to really listening to it this year, and I’m disappointing it took me that long to hear it. Yes, it has a strong 80’s vibe to it, but so does most music these days.
It has the distinction of being the most musically compelling “worship” album I have ever heard. It’s worth listening to from a spiritual or simply musical point of view.
Come Wind — Move In Place
The first full length album from Come Wind has been a long time coming, but it was certainly worth the wait. Check out a full review on iamtunedup.com. I can’t get enough of this album, this is probably my favorite release in 2015. Come Wind blends a lot of sounds together (lots of rock, indie rock, ambient stuff, etc.), you just need to do yourself the favor of hearing them for yourself. They write some of the most compelling music and lyrics I have ever heard.
Attalus — Into the Sea
Easily the most surprising album of the year. I had no idea who Attalus was, and in one album they turned me into a superfan. For starters, this album has a crazy amount of mewithoutyou and As Cities Burn flair that you see from so few independent rock artists today (most of whom spend most of their time trying to sound like As Cities Burn). Second, it’s a concept album, which is something I wish music saw more of today. Third, it’s a rock band using the piano the right way. Fourth, the lyrics on this record are amazing. Flat out amazing.
Playdough & DJ Sean P — We Buy Gold
By far my favorite rap album of the year. Playdough brings back rap to the place it should be. It has deep shades of Run-DMC, the 90’s, Beastie Boys, and all of the best the genre started out with. Plus lyrics that are sneaky good. It’s fun to dance to, rap with, or learn from.
MUTEMATH — Vitals
As if MUTEMATH could release an album and it wouldn’t be on this list. Sure, it’s different from I would have expected, but it is still quality music. While I miss the days of ‘Odd Soul’ blues/jazz-influenced MUTEMATH, I can enjoy the electropop MUTEMATH if I have too.
The Decemberists — What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World
It’s simple, most of those indie/hipster bands are trying to follow the pace set by The Decemberists since they started the sub-genre years ago. You can read my full write-up on the record that proved they’re still on top of the game if you want more.
The Ongoing Concept — Handmade
There are no words in the English language to say how much better this album is compared to anything in its genre. Honestly, and I am not a hardcore fan by any means, it takes a lot for a metal album to get anywhere near my favorites list. This one nailed it (read more at iamtunedup.com). Amazing technical work musically (this album isn’t just noise and speed and screaming) and lyrically. If you have any proclivity towards heavier music, you need to hear this album. It has 80’s hair metal, Southern Influence (Molly Hatchet-esque) and plenty of modern quality as well.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors — Medicine
Switching gears completely, this album is the best (almost) Country album to come out in a long time. Simple, laid-back, sing-along, southern folk rock that’s easy to enjoy.
Honorable Mentions:
- Twenty One Pilots — Blurryface: Excellent, excellent follow-up to Vessels
- Jimmy Needham — Vice and Virtue: Another sleeper pick. This guy might be the best singer I have ever heard. Also, his music is like uptown funk but a whole lot better.
- Sleeping At Last — Atlas Year Two: Ryan O’Neil releases a track every few weeks from this project to subscribers. If it was already finished, it would 100% be on the big list. He is the best “artist” on this list. If you like piano based music, you must, must, must, listen to sleeping at last.
- CHVRCHES — Every Open Eye: It’s just really good.
- Of Monsters and Men — Beneath the Skin: For whatever reason, this album just didn’t seem to have the staying power that their debut did. Still alright, just not worthy of as much praise as My Head Is an Animal.
Best of 2015 playlist:
You can listen here, but I highly recommend you purchase from the artist to support their work.
DavidAppelt.com 