My Incredibly Subjective “Top 10 of 2015”

By pcsanchez7505

So it’s just like me to procrastinate. It’s currently Dec. 31 with just a few hours left before New Year’s, and I’m in beautiful Los Angeles, California. As sendoff to 2015, I’d like to talk about my top 10 albums of the year. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.

10. “Beauty Behind the Madness” by The Weeknd: There are those who love to suffer, those who indulge in drugs and the insanity of life. Then there’s The Weeknd, who takes all of the above to give us a perfect recipe for destruction. With unbalanced lyrics that are painfully honest and musical arrangements perfect for indulging in certain vices, “Beauty Behind the Madness,” released Aug. 28, is an album that regrets nothing and gives no apologies. It’s not an ambitious piece of work, but there’s a certain attraction to the agony and nonjudgmental attitude of it.
Essential Tracks: “The Hills,” “Earned It” and “Can’t Feel My Face”

9. “I Love you, Honeybear” by Father John Misty: In his second album, released Feb. 9, Father John Misty, or Josh Tillman, has a lot to say about love, and behind his rich voice and decadent melodies, he creates a wonderfully ironic concept album that’s both indulging and hard-hearted. It avoids being overly sentimental while still dealing with romance and relationships. The lyrics in this album are wavering and uncertain with just a hint of sarcasm. Father John Misty catches us somewhere between day-dreaming and overbearing inner-monologues, all of which make for a great album.
Essential Tracks: “When You’re Smiling and Astride Me” “I Went to the Store One Day” and “Chateau #4 (in C for Two Virgins)”

8. “Chasing White Light” by The Lonely Wild: The Lonely Wild produces beautiful streams of contradictions in “Chasing White Light,” released Oct. 2. The band chases a white light, not so much a reference to cocaine, but rather a long and distant journey to come to terms with death. It’s an album about the inevitable end, yet, reflects on moments in life to come to a significant acceptance – we live, we love, we die.
Essential Tracks: “Scar,” “Chasing White Light” and “Snow”

7. “Traveller” by Christ Stapleton: While “Traveller” was released May 5 of this year, it feels right at home with the old-time country I’ve grown to love. This album would certainly find friends among the likes of George Jones and Willie Nelson – it even includes a cover of the famed “Tennessee Whiskey.” Although it has a familiar sound, it doesn’t feel outdated. Rather it mixes in a little soul and southern rock to create a refreshing album paying homage to the honky tonk heroes, cowboys and rambling travellers of old.
Essential Tracks: “Whiskey and You,” “Was it 26” and “Tennessee Whiskey”

6. “Inanimate Objects” by Atlas Genius: “Inanimate Objects,” released Aug. 28, is a great progression from the band’s first musical endeavor to a more mature sound. Jeffery’s lyrics are those of experience, and the songs are seasoned with love, heartache and perspective. The album itself is laced with upbeat songs and slower pieces alike, and the band gave its fans moments to connect with.
Essential tracks: “Molecules,” “Refugees” and “Stockholm”

5. “What Went Down” by Foals: What went down for Foals in 2015? Well, the band released a powerhouse album with vigor and vitality. What I love about “What Went Down,” released Aug. 28, is its mix of sounds – from tunes you can dance to, to music that makes you want to mosh, to songs that compel you think. It’s true, this album set many bodies in motion and in between whirlwinds of movement, there are moments of beauty to slow down the time.
Essential Tracks: “Birch Tree,” “Mountain At My Gates” and “Night Swimmers”

4. Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes: Those looking for a soulful and honest album should look no further than Alabama Shakes’ “Sound and Color,” released April 21. With bluesy guitars, amazing rhythms and powerhouse vocals – lead singer Brittany Howard distills every ounce of emotion into her singing – the album sits as one of the more unique collection of works this year. Alabama Shakes’ album manages to sound distinct while still being accessible to the masses. It’s not mainstream, but it’s easy for anyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Essential tracks: “Sound and Color,” “Future People” and “This Feeling”

3. “The Great Pretenders” by Mini Mansions: Mini Mansions, the eccentric desert/LA rock group wowed fans earlier this year with sophomore album “The Great Pretenders,” released March 23. The album, full of colliding sounds and ambitious tunes, melts into your soul with great precision and makes for a standout piece. Mini Mansions’ musical vision paired with amazing collaborations, such as the one with Arctic Monkeys’ front man Alex Turner, gives this album great texture and depth.
Essential tracks: “Any Emotions,” “Vertigo” and “Mirror Mountain”

2. “Currents” by Tame Impala: Just like its title, this album pulls you in like shifting tides and currents. With its great blend of psychedelic sound and honest lyrics, Tame Impala’s “Currents,” released July 17, is a beautiful piece of art with elements that come together in magical ways. Listening to it feels like an all-encompassing experience. All this is accomplished with ease, and every song feels in its place.
Essential tracks: “The Lesser I Know the Better,” “Cause I’m A Man” and “Yes, I’m Changing”

1. “Dark Bird is Home” by The Tallest Man on Earth: Kristian Matsson, better known by his stage name, The Tallest Man on Earth is not an artist for everyone. His strung-out voice is reminiscent of Bob Dylan, his lyrics are a bit ambiguous at times, and let’s face it, folk music isn’t the most popular genre around. But, even those facts can’t deter from the genius that is “Dark Bird is Home,” released May 12. Breaking the three-year silence from his last studio album, Matsson gave fans a piece of work that expands the horizon of his open note guitar playing and solitary vocals. The songs in his latest album include various instrumentals and collaborations with other singers to bring a fuller sound and richer arrangement. His lyrics, always poignant even when they’re vague, give the weary and wanderlust a voice, and he provides a sense of home to the endless traveler. Pairs of opposites are where Matsson hits his strong point in “Dark Bird is Home,” and all these elements come together seamlessly to make you feel like everything will be alright, which is why it’s my favorite of the year.
Essential Tracks: “Sagres,” “Slow Dance” and “Singers”

And, as if this list weren’t enough, here’s all the essential tracks on one, weird playlist.

Source:: My Incredibly Subjective “Top 10 of 2015”

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