2015 was what it was. I’m not exactly looking back on the past 365 days and feeling particularly victorious or nostalgic. In fact, I’m quite keen for a fresh year to begin and am power posing in preparation. And let’s be honest here, 2016 just sounds way better (#EvenNumbersRule #OddNumbersDrool). 2015 came, it went, and I guess if we’re keeping tabs, it conquered. So what, who cares?! But 2015 wasn’t all bad. Great fashion, great fun, and above all else – absolutely dope tunez. So many wonderful albums sang their wonderful melodies to me that I feel it is my duty to return the favour and sing their praises before the clock strikes midnight.
Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
This guy, mannnnn. Full of sass and wit and unbelievable musical skills to boot. I shall risk him calling me out for having ‘no self respect’ (as I have heard him do to fans who express their affection) and proclaim that I Love You, John Misty Bear.
The weeknd – Beauty behind the madness
A significant regret from 2105 was not having discovered The Weeknd earlier – all I can do is plead that I’m kind of lame. Can’t Feel My Face was my first tidbit of Weeknd love, but I quickly grew to love the entire album, not to mention absolutely everything off of his compilation album Trilogy. His vibe is endlessly cool, and with a voice akin to Michael Jackson, I believe the party that is The Weeknd will continue forevermore.
Beach House – Depression Cherry
Beach House has long been one of my all time favourites. Their dreamy sounds always chill me out and lull me into a tranquilly cool vibe. Depression Cherry offers up the sound you’ve grown to love over the years and will surely never tire of.
HOMESHAKE – MIDnight snack
Having only got wise to HOMESHAKE in the past month, I’ve been listening non-stop to Midnight Snack in order to make up for lost time. This album is rad as all hell, and I may be so bold as to say it is my 3rd favourite album of the year, and the song Give It To Me my 2nd favourite song of the year. A Mac Demarco contemporary and an absolute beaut – providing super chill vibes whenever you may need ’em.
FKA Twigs – m3ll155x
Equal parts haunting, equal parts beautiful – FKA Twigs is guaranteed to provide wonderfully unique tunez to drift into a hip daze with. Her artistry should definitely be something you experience in the very near future (New Year’s Eve Party Jamz?!)
jamie xx – In colour
To be honest, I never really jumped on The XX/Jamie XX bandwagon – until this summer. I was invited last minute to his show, which of course got me listening to his new album (I didn’t want to be a completely clueless goon amongst his greatest fans) and it instantly became a favourite. Excellent music to jam to (not exactly sure what I mean by that, but I know it’s a good thing).
Justin bieber – Purpose
I never – AND I MEAN NEVER – thought I would say this, but folks, here it is – I AM A BELIEBER. I resisted his catchy tunes for years and years, but his new album is just TOO good, I could resist no longer. Cool collaborations with Skrillex and Diplo, saucy burn tunes, and an endless supply of dance/singable beats – this album is now much beloved by yours truly (not to mention scrillions of fans around the globe)
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a butterfly
I feel like any piece of profound music-centred writing I’ve come across in the past 3 years has mentioned – nay- PRAISED Kendrick Lamar – and for good reason. His music is thoughtful, powerful, and leaves an impression. While I’m less savvy when it comes to this genre of music, To Pimp A Butterfly makes me want to embark on an autodidactic journey in rap music.
Tame impala – currents
K – so I think it’s fairly common knowledge that Tame Impala are rad AF and that the man behind it all, Kevin Parker is an absolute genius. I’ve been a fan since 2010 and am always bewildered when their newest albums continue to increase in their brilliance. Currents was no exception – it is INSANE. It is amazing. It is gold. Listen to it immediately and dance it out to these exceptionally cool psychedelic jamz.
grimes – art angels
Is it any surprise that Grimes’ new album is my absolute favourite of the year? Probably not. I may be biased as in my eyes she can do no wrong – but I’m confident in saying that despite my opinion of her music – this album is fantastic. The more I listen – the better it gets. The more I dance – the less cool I get, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that Art Angels is a wondrous production of cool sounds that will make you happy. Listen immediately if you haven’t yet.
Some solid choices here!
Here’s my take on 2015 to check out 🙂
If 2014 was the year of the female with artists like FKA Twigs, St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, Lykke Li and of course, Taylor Swift dominating the critic’s lists then 2015 was the year of the heavyweights. Now, I don’t just mean that just from the sheer volume of prominent household names but 2015 […]
2015: A Year In Music
Blossoms, The Dead Weather, Kurt Vile, Ady Suleiman, Stormzy, The Maccabees, Alabama Shakes, Leon Bridges, Tame Impala, John Grant, !!!, Public Service Broadcasting, Eminem, Hooton Tennis Club, Savages, Justin Bieber, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kanye West, Father John Misty, Mark Ronson, Jack U, Beach House, Sufjan Stevens, Petite Noir, Diiv, Gilligan Moss, Susanne Sundfor, Beck, Mac Miller, The Weeknd, Ezra Furman, Courtney Barnett, Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Miguel, The Chemical Brothers, Jamie xx, Ought, Hot Chip, Everything Everything, Eagles of Death Metal, Grimes, FKA Twigs, LA Priest, David Bowie, Jack Garatt, Wolf Alice, New Order, Tobias Jesso Jr., Kelela, Sleater-Kinney, Drake, Foals, FIDLAR, Nao
https://ryanpauldj.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/2015-a-year-in-music-2/