Best Albums of 2015

In a year marked by violence and the unexpected, music rose to the occasion as a potent outlet for frustration, empathy, and celebration.

We seem to be no closer to solving music's digital quandaries. Downloads are increasingly irrelevant, and streaming is still in the midst of a fierce power struggle between Spotify, Apple Music, and a host of emergent competitors. Adele seems to be the only person who can afford to avoid them. Online communities like SoundCloud are beginning to bend—but haven't broken—to corporate pressures by introducing advertisements and banning uploaders.

Music's upper crust, however, produced enough amazing work to balance out all the confusion. Kendrick Lamar took a left turn at the peak of his powers, Drake played the chameleon and ended up with two albums on this list, and Chance The Rapper took his name off an album cover in the name of social experimentation.

There was plenty of new talent, too—the diminishing cost of a home studio is yielding musicians who are creating full-formed albums primarily on their own, like London O'Connor, Empress Of and Georgia.

We've had a crazy year at P&P, too: our No Ceilings shows are up and running (come check out the next one on January 20!), and we put out our first compilation album featuring 14 of our favorite up-and-coming artists.

It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the endless amount of new music, especially in 2015 . But when we take a step back and realize the amazing work artists can create in just one year, it all seems worth it. On to the next.

1.

2. Lupe Fiasco - Tetsuo & Youth

Release date: January 20, 2015

Label: Atlantic / 1st & 15th

More than anything else, Tetsuo & Youth marks the end of Lupe Fiasco's horrible relationship with Atlantic. Sure, it may have taken threats from hacker group Anonymous, but Lupe is officially off the hook, free to go into hiding or lead a revolution. Whatever he decides to do, it will be on his own terms.

It's an epic, grandiose goodbye, proving Lupe can still write with the best of them. Tetsuo & Youth is brimming with vitriolic commentary, spanning from the prison system ("Prisoner 1 & 2") to hood politics ("Chopper," "Delivery"), with a couple well-placed guests thrown in the mix—Ab-Soul does something special on "They.Resurrect.Over.New."

Lupe is the ringmaster on Tetsuo & Youth, schooling his audience with a barrage of allusions, metaphors, massive beats, double entendres, and history lessons. This is the Lupe of Food & Liquor, and not the one who felt dead and buried after Lasers. The resurrection is real.—Graham Corrigan

3. Jazz Cartier - Marauding in Paradise

Release date: April 15, 2015

Label: N/A

Jazz Cartier is much-needed evidence that more than just Drake controls the juice up north. Both artists spend considerable time in dark places, but lover boy Aubrey maneuvers dimly lit clubs and feelings, with two women under his arms and a third on his mind. Meanwhile, Cartier shows you spots the 6 God might be too big to know or care about, inhabiting that hungry space of the growing artist.

Marauding in Paradise plays up to its two-sided name. Jazz can be a reckless, frustrated youth on his tracks, but he also possesses a rough croon that comes out for weightier moments of introspection.

It can be overwhelming, but even when Cartier comes off as uncontrollable, his attention to detail keeps you invested. Melodramatic voicemails from former lovers, timely interludes, and song-ending monologues add an entirely different palette to the mix. Sometimes infectious, sometimes stunningly aggressive, Paradise put Cartier in the discussion of rap's next big thing.—Alex Siber

4. Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit

Release date: March 20, 2015

Label: Mom + Pop Music

I like to think a not-so-small part of Courtney Barnett was hoping this album didn't attract too much attention. Sure, it may be totally untrue, but it's in keeping of the image of her the media has constructed: introverted, awkward, but sharp-witted and in possession of the driest sense of humor this side of Australia.

Well, it's too late now. Sometimes I Sit and Think has become the lo-fi folk rock anthem of the year, fueled by Barnett's stream-of-consciousness lyrics and her guitar's gentle twang.Graham Corrigan

5. Rae Sremmurd - SremmLife

Release date: January 6, 2015

Label: EarDrummers, Interscope

When Rae Sremmurd performed at this year’s Governor’s Ball festival, it was raining heavily and the equipment on the stage was slippery. Instead of playing it safe, Slim Jimmy jumped from speaker to speaker, fell off, and split his leg open.

But the show didn’t stop. Swae Lee continued after Slim was taken out on a stretcher, putting on the same rambunctious, wild, and unpredictable show they would have done together.

It’s a story like this that exemplifies the mentality of Rae Sremmurd's debut album. SremmLife is a party. It invites you to tell all your worries and responsibilities to fuck off, asking you to indulge in an epic turn up instead. The album’s 11 tracks, with hits like “No Flex Zone,” “No Type,” and “Throw Some Mo,” are hip-hop at it’s most fun, with high-energy production and playful lyrics. Most importantly though, SremmLife never tries to do anything more than that, and that honesty is a big reason for its success.—Katie K

6.

embed.spotify.com

7. London O'Connor - O∆

Release date: June 23, 2015

Label: N/A

For all the fuss over blockbusters and critical darlings in 2015, an indie act still managed to sneak away with one of the year’s most cohesively constructed projects. London O’Connor’s O∆ (pronounced "Circle Triangle") rarely departs from its guiding narrative: homemade electronic production that trails the artist’s first significant attempts at love and sex.

The age-old tale does nothing to detract from O’Connor’s role as auteur. His quirks, ranging from the inclusion of voice memo “Captain’s Log” entries to his lighthearted delivery set London apart as a songwriter.—Alex Siber

8. Freddie Gibbs - Shadow of a Doubt

Release date: November 20, 2015

Label: ESGN/Empire Distribution

After blessing us with his incredible collaborative effort with Madlib last year, Freddie Gibbs didn't have to come out fighting with Shadow of a Doubt so soon. But it's not in Gibbs' nature to relax.

His latest is yet another brilliant showcase of what makes Gangsta Gibbs such an essential rapper. Few artists are capable of telling a story as adeptly as him, and his technical skills are on another level. For a project so ambitious so soon after his previous work, Shadow of a Doubt is a leap of faith than Gibbs has pulled off with a perfect landing.—Joe Price

9.

embed.spotify.com

10. RP Boo - Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints

Release date: June 29, 2015

Label: Planet Mu

While it’s easy to wax poetic about the sound of footwork, legends like RP Boo put it into pretty easy terms: producers use their fingers to mash up the bank pads on their drum machines to make tracks that will leave shoe prints on the dance floor. With his second album Fingers, Bank Pads, & Shoe Prints, RP Boo continues to showcase just how intoxicating the 160BPM frenzy known as footwork can be.

While long sought-after tracks like the hypnotic “Bang’n On King Dr” are set to get dancefloors in a tizzy, it’s the quirkier side of RP’s production like “Heat From Us” that contains easter eggs, well-known samples that are looped into obscurity until the middle of the track.

Knowing their origin doesn’t make the track any more amazing, but one of the strengths of RP Boo’s production is how he flips material that other producers would never think of working with.

From his fingers to those bank pads to your shoe prints, Boo is waving the footwork flag high.

khal

11.

embed.spotify.com

12. HEALTH - Death Magic

Release date: August 7, 2015

Label: Loma Vista

HEALTH spent over five years working on their third full-length album, Death Magic, and judging from the progression on display on the record, they spent their time wisely. Having experimented with more pop-like song structures on their previous full-length effort, Get Color, their latest album fully embraces the pop aspirations they so gleefully teased on Color.

It's a dramatic culmination of their one-of-a-kind future-rock aesthetic, polishing off their gruff noise-rock into one of the most monolithic pop records of the year. We've heard it said that rock music isn't as cool as it used to be, but HEALTH clearly didn't get the memo.—Joe Price

13. Tyler, the Creator - Cherry Bomb

Tyler the Creator Cherry Bomb

Release date: April 13, 2015 Label: Odd Future

Growing from a goblin in love with gruesome lyrics to a twentysomething ready to push positivity, Tyler, the Creator borrowed The Neptunes' playbook and spun some of P and Chad’s nuances into Cherry Bomb. These earliest influences unabashedly bubble up: N.E.R.D.’s “Run To The Sun,” a highlight of the group’s debut album, In Search Of…, sneaks into the sweet mellowness and background vocals found on Tyler’s “Find Your Wings” and “Fucking Young / Perfect.”

Brash songs—like the thunderous, apocalyptic title track and “Run”—counteract the middle-of-spring positivity that makes Bomb Tyler's most enthusiastic body of work. You can almost hear him laughing giddily as he carves deep gashes into a green, grassy landscape.

It’s this combative coexistence, or lack thereof, that makes this project both compelling and divisive. Tyler has progressed to a point in life from which he can pivot however he pleases. He’s no longer conjuring up twisted stories or creeping through your window with Frank Ocean. Instead, he’s determined to prove himself as an artist beyond throwing around rape and homophobic slurs like frisbees.

Cherry Bomb is two things: an adventurous next step a restless artist, and a statement as to what the new Tyler is capable of creating in the years to come.—Alex Siber

 

14.

embed.spotify.com

 

15. Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell

Release date: March 30, 2015

Label: Asthmatic Kitty

Though this is Sufjan Stevens' most restrained and straightforward album in years, don't take that to mean there's lack of complexity. Sufjan's ode to his late mother details a relationship that was complicated, to say the least, but it's also a unabashed dissection of grief in its various stages.

Hushed reverence, child-like bewilderment, and eventual acceptance are at the center of album standouts like "All of Me Wants All of You," "Fourth of July," and "John My Beloved." But there isn't really a weak link in the chain—each song flows into the next, the small range of instruments communicating with one another over the course.

This is a concept album in its purest form: one idea, approached from every angle. Sonically, Carrie & Lowell never strays far from its quiet grief, and it becomes one of the year's most coherent, albeit heartbreaking, efforts as a result.—Graham Corrigan

16. DP - Designer Casket

Release date: November 11, 2015

Label: 300 Entertainment

This year, we saw a flood of new rappers doing their best impressions of Future, Young Thug, and Drake. Popular rap was dominated by melodic flows and turn-up soundtracks, but Virginia's DP claimed a different lane.

His Designer Casket project is dark, threatening, and packed with vivid, lyrically driven, no-bullshit rap. In the coming years, most of these new guys mimicking the sounds of the moment will probably fade away as quickly as they popped up, but DP is just warming up.—Confusion

17.

w.soundcloud.com

18. Ty Dolla $ign - Free TC

Release date: November 13, 2015

Label: Taylor Gang/Atlantic

Ty Dolla $ign has given us enough ratchet hits to last a lifetime (or one crazy night, at least), but on his official debut album he decided to deliver music with a little more depth, both in subject matter and production.

DJ Mustard still appears twice, and you can sure as hell turn up to tracks like "Blasé," "Saved," and "Only Right," but there are also lush orchestral arrangements (he spent $50,000 of his own money on the Benjamin Wright Orchestra), R&B legends (Jagged Edge, Babyface), and an eight-minute-long, multi-part track with an incredible vocal performance (the outstanding "Miracle / Wherever").

If you miss the raunchy club tracks, you can always listen to pre-album mixtape Airplane Mode and look out for Beach House 3, but if you want to appreciate the full extent of Ty's creative powers, Free TC is essential listening.

19. Hudson Mohawke - Lantern

Release date: June 15, 2015

Label: Warp Records

Hudson Mohawke warned us that Lantern wouldn't be a rap record, and he made good on the promise. The producer's first solo album in six years is a jubilant affair, and finds HudMo replacing raps with happily chirping synths alongside with notable features from Miguel, Jhené Aiko, and Irfane.

But the album works best when Mohawke is left alone: the triumphance of "Scud Books" or the patient builds and frenetic drops of "System" are more rewarding than some of the catchier, contact-high anthems. Lantern was an experiment for HudMo, and a successful one. He's proved the well has not run dry, and while I'd be surprised to see his next project follow in the same vein, this is a side of the Scottish producer we're happy to have met.—Graham Corrigan

20. Earl Sweatshirt - I Don't Like Shit I Don't Go Outside

Release date: March 23, 2015

Label: Columbia / Tan Cressida

Earl Sweatshirt's hazy, depressed aura speaks to the unfiltered, neglected outcasts of the world. The rapper has always had a way with words, but this latest album represents a journey inward, and the results are as impressive as they are unsettling.

I Don't Like Shit I Don't Go Outside is that confusing, murky novel that changes your life, even if you don't "get" it at first. The beauty of a project like this are tracks like "Faucet," where you can pick up glimpses of what's going on with Earl. If his conversation with NPR, is any indication, Earl was going through a lot during its production, and that makes the album feel like its own self-sustaining world. It also helps that this project was primarily produced by Earl (aka randomblackdude).—khal

21. GoldLink - And After That, We Didn't Talk

Release date: November 6, 2015

Label: Soulection

GoldLink's concise debut album is one of 2015's most exhilarating releases. With its refusal to sit still for one second (thanks mostly to GoldLink's distinct rapping chops), And After That, We Didn't Talk really is a singular piece of work that cements GoldLink's hold on the genre he coined, future bounce.

It's one of the slipperiest releases to come out in 2015, and it speaks volumes about Soulection's ability to let their artist's flesh out their visions to the fullest. If there's one think GoldLink's debut celebrates, it's originality.—Joe Price

22. Georgia - Georgia

Release date: August 7, 2015

Label: Domino

What began as a supporting gig for British rapper Kate Tempest has evolved into so much more for Georgia Barnes. Her self-titled debut album is a tornado of static, electricity, and raw power, a blindside hit from the young artist.

It's a decidedly solo project—this is Georgia's show, and she steers the ship through moments of vulnerability ("Tell Me About It") and unabashed abrasion ("Move Systems") with a confident elegance. These songs belong together, and Georgia's song-speech is the string that ties it all together. But she's much more than a voice—the young artist's industrial, grimy production is jarring in the best of ways, recalling M.I.A. and something that sounds plucked from a not-too-distant future.—Graham Corrigan

23.

embed.spotify.com

24. Blank Body - Explicit Deluxe

Release date: July 17, 2015

Label: N/A

No matter how hard anyone tries, Blank Body cannot be replicated. The artist formerly known as Bine's debut full-length as Blank Body is a mindblowing showcase of technical and songwriting expertise, with crisp percussion and impeccable melodies shining bright throughout. EXPLICIT DELUXE makes the most of its brief 33-minute running time, utilizing hefty bass, heavenly synths, and audacious percussion to rightfully tout itself as a pristine work of electronic art.

Few producers rival the sense of singularity and refined showmanship that Blank Body is capable of, and EXPLICIT DELUXE is a testament not only to his immeasurable talents, but his promising future, too.—Joe Price

25. CHVRCHES - Every Open Eye

Release date: September 21, 2015

Label: Glassnote

CHVRCHES didn't reinvent the wheel with Every Open Eye, but they wheels didn't come off, either.

It's a reaffirmation of their signature sounds—Lauren Mayberry's bright, clear vocals are still front and center, with Martin Doherty occasionally stepping in (he does a great job with "High Enough To Carry You Over") to provide a different octave. The sassy synth-pop patterns are back in full effect too, aiming for heartstrings with deadly accuracy on "Clearest Blue" and "Empty Threat." It's radio-friendly pop with a personality usually missing from the airwaves.

CHVRCHES seem set in their mission to bring a shred of humanity to the music industry, and while it doesn't reach the same dizzying heights of The Bones of What You Believe, Every Open Eye reassured fans that CHVRCHES is a fully functional operation.—Graham Corrigan

26. Section Boyz - Dont Panic

Release date: September 18, 2015

Label: N/A

Rap music from the UK had a great year, and Section Boyz were a large part of that. Following in the footsteps of road rap legend Giggs, and more recently Krept & Konan (who themselves had a big year with their debut album Long Way Home and crossover hit "Freak of the Week"), Section Boyz are giving listeners the sound of the streets, raw and uncut.

The six-MC crew comes correct on every track of their self-released Don't Panic project, which is filled with memorable hooks ("Lock Arff," "Don't Like That"), punishing beats ("Who Needs a Hook?," "Do The Road"), and trap anthems for days. Take some time to decipher the slang, get to know South London's Section Boyz, and you might find your favorite new rap crew.—Constant Gardner

27.

embed.spotify.com

28. Tove Styrke - Kiddo

Release date: June 8, 2015

Label: Sony

There is never a shortage of great pop music from Sweden. Tove Styrke comes from a long lineage of artists who showcase traditionally strong songwriting with their own flavor of individuality. From ABBA to Roxette to Lykke Li to Elliphant, Swedish artists have always managed to bend pop music into new shapes, without losing their personalities to the mainstream-pandering nature of sweet, catchy sing-alongs.

For Tove Stryke, finding herself wasn't easy. She got her start on Swedish Idol when she was 16 and put her debut album out in 2010, but she still needed to figure out who she was outside of the industry. Tove took a three-year break and moved back to her hometown, working on lyrics and trying out new things musically. She emerged with Kiddo.

It's technically not her debut album, but it feels like it. The album is full of satisfyingly immediate songs—"Ego," "Number One," "Borderline"—but it's Tove's personality and message that makes this album special. Everything is delivered with attitude, energy, and a self-assuredness that Tove worked hard to bring to the surface.—Confusion

Read our interview with Tove Styrke here.

29. Action Bronson - Mr. Wonderful

Release date: March 23, 2015

Label: Atlantic / Vice

We've been listening to Action Bronson mixtapes since 2011, and it was starting to feel like this debut album would just be a continuation of that style. Which would've been fine—his mixtapes are all great projects with strong production, rapping, and the kind of personality that only Bronson could deliver.

But what could possibly be different about this "album" than any of his mixtapes leading up to this point? Well, a lot. From jazz to psychedelia, Bronson's got an appreciation for music that runs deeper than he lets on, and he explores those disparate influences on Mr. Wonderful. "Brand New Car" features a Billy Joel sample, "Baby Blue" has Action singing one of the catchiest choruses of the year (shout out to Zane Lowe, who helped with that), and "Easy Rider" sounds like an acid-fueled '70s jam.

And throughout it all, it's still Bronson being Bronson. Mark Ronson's production gives the music a more full-bodied feel than much of Bronson's more gritty mixtape work, but everything we've always loved about him is here, neatly packed into 13 songs.—Confusion

30. Jeremih - Late Nights: The Album

Release date: December 4, 2015

Label: Def Jam

Jeremih’s path to Late Nights: The Album hasn’t been easy. After first blowing up in 2009 with his smash single “Birthday Sex,” Jeremih put out two albums back to back: one in 2009 and one immediately after in 2010.

Then he essentially bobbed in and out of the spotlight for the next five years. He released a few (excellent) mixtapes, but nothing substantial enough that it would put him back in the running to lead today’s very crowded R&B race. That was true until a few weeks ago, when he finally delivered his long-awaited Late Nights: The Album.

The project finds Jeremih more focused than ever—the sound and direction of the album is explicit and immediate. Jeremih brings this hypnotic narrative to life with his unique R&B flow, telling his story as he effortlessly switches from tracks with hip-hop beats to more traditional, smooth production. Simply put, Late Nights: The Album is Jeremih doing what Jeremih does best—real R&B—and for that alone, the five-year wait was well worth it.—Katie K

31.

embed.spotify.com

32. JME - Integrity>

Release date: May 4, 2015

Label: Boy Better Know

While everyone was getting excited for Skepta's long-awaited Konnichiwa album to drop, his brother JME delivered a forthright lesson in grime with Integrity>.

JME is staunchly independent, and expounds on the virtues of being true to yourself, putting in hard work, and not letting anyone take advantage of you over 16 tracks of hard-hitting grime production from top names like Mystry, Preditah, and Rude Kid.

Guest features are carefully curated: JME's Boy Better Know crew appears on two tracks, grime legends Wiley and D Double E get one each, and Giggs comes through for one of our favorite songs of the year, "Man Don't Care."

To put it simply, if you want to listen to one of the year's best grime releases, hit play on Integrity>.—Constant Gardner

33. Brodinski - BRAVA

Release date: March 3, 2015

Label: Bromance

For anyone paying attention to electronic music, Brodinski should be a familiar name. He’s been a fixture in clubs and at festivals worldwide, and he’s the co-founder of the always on-point label Bromance, which has released music from Gesaffelstein, Club Cheval, Illangelo, Kaytranada, and more.

In 2013, however, he reached a whole new audience with production credits on two of Kanye West’s Yeezus tracks and a collaboration with Theophilus London.

Two years later, it's Brodinski’s turn to take center stage. The Frenchman has always been ahead of the curve, and he proves it beyond doubt with BRAVA, an album that blends dark, aggressive electronic production with raw street rap in an honest, powerful, and genuinely groundbreaking way. He literally has Atlanta’s Bloody Jay and Peewee Longway rapping on techno tracks!

Whichever way you spin it, this kind of fusion has hardly been done before, and definitely never this successfully.

Far from phoning in features (and the guest list is definitely impressive: iLoveMakonnen, SD, Young Scooter, Slim Thug, Yung Gleesh, Chill Will etc.), Brodinski actually went and spent significant time recording in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and the results prove that it was well worth the effort. There are no weak tracks on BRAVA, and its appeal is wide, from dance music aficionados to people who think Fabo is the best rapper alive. This is what the future sounds like, and I love it.—Constant Gardner

-

34. Miguel - Wildheart

Release date: June 30, 2015

Label: ByStorm/RCA

Artistic evolution and experimentation are the name of the game on Miguel's third album, Wildheart. After the release of 2012's Kaleidoscope Dream, Miguel was thrown into the awkwardly delineated alt-R&B conversation alongside artists like Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. If that "alt-R&B" tag was a little bit off at the time, it's totally and utterly incorrect when talking about the psychedelic, soulful, funk-heavy Wildheart.

There are a lot more guitars this time around, still lots of sex and seduction ("the valley"), but also messages of self-belief ("a beautiful exit") and encouragement to celebrate one's differences ("what's normal anyway"). There may be fewer obvious radio hits than past albums (although "waves" feels as if it could be another sleeper hit), but that shouldn't be criticized—Miguel is making art that he believes in.—Constant Gardner

35. Mac Miller - GO:OD AM

Release date: September 18, 2015

Label: Warner Bros.

Mac Miller’s critical standing reached a tipping point with 2013’s Watching Movies with the Sound Off, when years of mockery waged by the “serious” press underwent a transformation that yielded good will. In truth, Miller hasn’t suffered a professional loss since the turn of the decade. The once-precocious rapper has quietly become a veteran, surviving drug abuse, existential self-questioning, and a show on MTV2 to find a place in the hearts of frat bros, backpackers, conscious heads, and everyone in between.

The quality of his output has continued to climb with the release of GO:OD AM.

With a runtime surpassing 70 minutes, Mac allots himself enough room to take a tour through his suddenly-clear head, bringing renewed perspective and energy to his most far-reaching set of production yet. He explores the facts of life that bring both joy and pain, recounting his bouts with pill addiction on “Perfect Circle”—which boasts one of his most haunting hooks ever and a chilling conversational bridge—and, in contrast, tongue-in-cheek bangers like "100 Grandkids." GO:OD AM is the well-rounded product of an artist hitting his stride.—Alex Siber

36. Leon Bridges - Coming Home

Release date: June 23, 2015

Label: Columbia

Leon Bridges has had a tremendous year: an enormous tour with sold-out shows, a Saturday Night Live debut, and a even a spot in an Apple advertisement. These are hardly rookie moves, but his music speaks for itself. One listen to Coming Home and it's obvious why things are going as well as they are. Warm, smooth, and soulful, it almost feels as if he's much too young to sound the way that he does.

But don't call this a soul revival. What Leon Bridges does is not forced. He's not desperately trying to revive and breathe life into this once ubiquitous sound; his music is what comes naturally.

Much like how Amy Winehouse was a true jazz singer (according to the legend Tony Bennett himself), Bridges is a true soul artist, and this is abundantly obvious all throughout Coming Home. Its title track was just the beginning. Songs like "Better Man," "Lisa Sawyer," and "Smooth Sailin'" are reasons as to why he's here to stay.—Joyce

37.

embed.spotify.com

38. Travis Scott - Rodeo

Release date: September 4, 2015

Label: Grand Hustle/Epic

Before 2015, Travi$ Scott had his aesthetic down, but he had yet to make a cohesive work to make full use of it. Thankfully, Rodeo is that album, channeling all of the elements he previously explored in his music and amplifying it to the highest degree.

Every bit his own work as it is the sum of its many parts, Rodeo is the album in which Scott truly unearthed his directorial talents. Despite sharing the stage with so many different producers and vocalists, Scott's presence is always felt, even when he's not in the spotlight.

This is his show, regardless of how many ghosts of music past are in the room. Sure, it might lean a little too heavy on some of his influences at times, but when it reaches its peaks, few artists can match what Rodeo brings.—Joe Price

39. Empress Of - Me

Release date: April 14, 2015

Label: XL Recordings / Terrible Records

After releasing two EPs and opening for the likes of Florence + the Machine, SOHN, and Kimbra, Empress Of released her debut album Me via Terrible Records and XL.

The story behind the album's creation speaks to its strength and well-roundedness; Empress Of, born Lorely Rodriguez, wrote, recorded, and produced Me entirely on her own in Mexico, which gave her the space and distance to create something true to herself as a as a musician and as a person.

Fusing electronic pop production with honest lyrics about togetherness ("How Do You Do It"), solitude ("Need Myself"), catcalling ("Kitty Kat"), and privilege ("Water Water"), Me ultimately describes finding personal freedom through the often difficult journey that precedes it.—Cedar Pasori

40.

embed.spotify.com

41. Drake & Future - What A Time To Be Alive

Release date: September 20, 2015

Label: Cash Money/Epic/Sony

Perhaps the most decried inclusion of this year’s best-of lists, WATTBA can come across as half-baked—a hollow effort to spin the colossal hype surrounding Drake and Future into an Apple Music paycheck.

It may be ironic, then, that What A Time serves up an excellent soundtrack for the highs and lows that come with compensation: the paradox of "making it" to new heights while your heart lies down below (“Live from the Gutter”), sharing success among friends and family (“Big Rings”), and the power of connections (“I’m the Plug”).

What A Time is a testament to the skill each of these artists carries when the line between hits (late bloomer “Jumpman”) and album cuts (“Plastic Bag,” “Scholarships”) begins to blur. The album title may puzzle historians who look back on 2015, but in the shadowy, unpredictable music world of 2015, it rings true. —Alex Siber

42. Lianne La Havas - Blood

Release date: July 31, 2015

Label: Warner Bros.

In 2012, Lianne La Havas impressed the masses with her incredible debut effort Is Your Love Big Enough?

After that album's release, Lianne took some time to visit Jamaica, seeking inspiration from her own heritage.

Her sophomore album Blood feels like the resulting journey. On the opening track and lead single “Unstoppable,” Lianne is a revelation, floating through the clouds of newborn discovery. There’s an energy of pure euphoria embedded within the track that lingers throughout the entire album.

Many of the themes on Is Your Love Big Enough? focused on lost or unrequited love, but Blood shows a sense of independence—Lianne puts her own happiness at the forefront. With each replay, her newfound self-assurance seems to seep through the speakers and rub off on anyone that listens. It’s understandable why an album like Blood took three years to come together, but it was well worth the wait.—Adrienne Black

43. Pusha T - Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude

Release date: December 18, 2015

Label: Def Jam

Pusha T waited until December to make sure he had the toughest album of the year, then swooped in with Darkest Before Dawn to retake his spot amongst the hip-hop elite.

As the title suggests, this is a prelude to 2016's King Push, which justifies the album's short length. Unfortunately, that means you're left wanting more of Pusha's vivid imagery, insane wordplay ("I'm the L. Ron Hubbard of the cupboard"), and snarling delivery.

The album benefits from first-class production: Metro Boomin', Timbaland, Boi-1da, and Kanye West all make appearances, but this is Pusha's show. That's especially apparent on singles like "M.F.T.R." and "F.I.F.A.," when the beat seems to follow Pusha's lead rather than the other way around.—Graham Corrigan

44.

embed.spotify.com

45. Tobias Jesso Jr. - Goon

Release date: March 16, 2015

Label: True Panther

There was a time, back in the '60s and '70s, when singer-songwriters reigned supreme. These artists created music that was void of complex instrumental arrangements and instead, favored something much more powerful: an honest narrative. Though released decades after this swell, Tobias Jesso Jr.'s Goon truly resides in this world.

The album opts out of the intricate or experimental production favored by many of Jesso's contemporaries. Rather, the strength of the LP lies in its ability to beautifully explore love through lyricism. Although Jesso sometimes lacks the right words to plumb these emotional depths, he makes up for that in his delivery. He howls and whispers, properly emphasizing the various states one experiences throughout a relationship.

In doing so, he draws you in and makes you feel—for better or for worse—exactly what he's singing about. It's relatable, it's raw, it's pure, but above all else, it's impeccable storytelling.—Katie K

46. The Neighbourhood - Wiped Out!

Release date: October 30, 2015

Label: Columbia

Wiped Out! is not an album for the critics. It doesn't pander to high-minded ideals of artistic evolution or grapple with addiction. The Neighbourhood made this one for their fans, focusing on what they do best—big harmonic hooks and melancholy anthems. The L.A. squad has burrowed deeper into the sound that emerged from their moody stylistics, and came away with an album full of stoned confidence.

"Cry Baby," "Wiped Out!," and lead single "R.I.P. To My Youth" are a pop architect's dream: original, heartfelt songs that obey the foundational rules of narrative songwriting, then jumble all the parts up for something new. From the pre-chorus to the bridge, Jesse and the squad build solid, compact structures that always leave you wanting more. Just eleven tracks long, Wiped Out! manages to pack the punch of a much weightier album. Sad rock is The Neighbourhood's lane, and they are dominating it.—Graham Corrigan

47.

embed.spotify.com

48. Adele - 25

Release date: November 20, 2015

Label: XL / Columbia

Transcendence stands, fiery as ever, at the center of Adele’s 25. An unprecedented chart-topper that found a home in the ears of millions, it’s an unabashed crutch for anyone groping with the loss of youth and the ever-frightening prospect of aging.

Love plays a significant role, but it doesn’t take the lead: Adele’s songs are more complex this time around, and a lot more modern. Affection, nostalgia, a sense of belonging—they’re all distributed to different people, from different perspectives, at different moments in time.

With a stable of gifted collaborators like Sia and Tobias Jesso Jr. by her side, Adele cemented herself as a generation’s premiere vocal talent on 25. She's defying industry trends and refusing to conform, making music that sounds like it will last forever.—Alex Siber

49.

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

50. Young Thug - Barter 6

Release date: April 16, 2015
Label: Atlantic / 300

Ah, Young Thug. He's arguably the most polarizing rapper alive right now, and Barter 6 isn't going to be the album that changes any minds. But this album—which he actually refers to as a mixtape—is proof that even amidst a storm of leaked, half-finished songs, Thug is capable of putting together a cohesive, polished project.

After hearing him on songs like "About The Money," "Hookah," and "Good Times," it's hard not to hope for a Young Thug album full of masterfully produced, accessible, pop-leaning, hook-driven rap songs. These are the types of songs that, in my opinion, would lift Young Thug into the upper echelon of mainstream rap, where a character like himself could add an electric unpredictability.

What made Lil Wayne so great at his peak was not just that he was at his best on mixtapes—it was that he was selling millions of records at the same time. Thug has the same potential. He's a master at off-the-top wordplay and colorfully absurd imagery, but it's his ear for pop melody and his deft, animated delivery that make Thug a star.

There is something commendable about Barter 6's refusal to pander to the mainstream audience, but at times, this album feels like a compromise. It's that halfway point between Thug's unhinged leaks and his more refined hits. My hope is that as he progresses, these two sides of Young Thug will split from each other. My hope is that the next time Young Thug drops an album, we won't be wondering whether or not it's a mixtape. That said, Barter 6 is an excellent body of work, whatever it is.—Confusion

51. The Internet - Ego Death

Release date: June 26, 2015

Label: Odd Future / Columbia

Those who have been with The Internet from the beginning know that the band has been creating quality R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop since 2011. Though their two previous albums (Purple Naked Ladies and Feel Good) were both worthy of countless spins, Ego Death is their introduction to the world at large.

The lead single “Girl” features production from Kaytranada, and was the first clue as to just how great Ego Death would be. The album also features Tyler, the Creator, James Fauntleroy, Janelle Monáe, and Vic Mensa.

But it's really all about the band's core. Syd’s delicate voice has strengthened into something that sounds seductively confident. When it's layered over production by fellow band members Matt Martians and Steve Lacy, a sound emerges that fits nearly any mood. Ego Death easily transitions from being the perfect soundtrack for date night, a low-key party, or just a late drive. It’s hard to believe such a solid piece of work was completed in just three weeks.—Adrienne Black

52. Donnie Trumpet/Social Experiment - Surf

Release date: May 29, 2015

Label: N/A

Plumes of trumpet shoot through the surface of Surf opener “Miracle.” Those notes set the tone for much of the music that follows, full of a refreshing, crisp sweetness; the freeing feeling that comes with ignoring your phone for a while; the beauty of standing on your own two feet to face the day with clear eyes.

The Social Experiment, helmed by bandleader Donnie Trumpet, created a theatrical event as much as they did an album.

Huge names are given the same billing as Experiment newcomers, who, if your name is Noname Gypsy or Joey Purp, often provide the brightest spark. Much like the foresight needed to film the one-shot video for lead single “Sunday Candy,” almost every feature works as a purposeful, distinctive move. I have never tolerated Kyle more than on “Wanna Be Cool.”

Nowhere do this project’s core creators chase cool, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, they push the listener—especially those expecting Chance’s Acid Rap follow-up—to venture through the album's peaks and valleys.

It’s a new day in the neighborhood; regardless of what happened yesterday, it’s within your power to make the next moment better. Just remember to pass the vibes.—Alex Siber

53. The Weeknd - Beauty Behind The Madness

Release date: Aug 28, 2015

Label: Republic Records

Let's be honest: we were all wondering when The Weeknd would finally tire of the whole "drugged out, sexed up" aesthetic that has made him so successful. Don't get it twisted, though—no one nails that vibe more than Abel Tesfaye. But we were relieved when he changed tack with Beauty Behind the Madness.

If Tesfaye's previous albums were a dingy club where he did vocal cartwheels for the listeners, Beauty Behind the Madness is his stadium concert. There's not as much room to play around, but it's a polished, scintillating product. The core messages, however, remain the same—Tesfaye wouldn't give up pussy if it grew teeth and tried to kill him.

BBTM is also an album about romance, of loving and being loved, with lyrics like, "Show me your broken heart and all your flaws / Baby I'll take you as you are." The massive production also allows for him to show off what he's truly capable of, transforming him into the larger-than-life pop star The Weeknd is meant to be.—Joyce

54. Vince Staples - Summertime '06

Release date: June 30, 2015

Label: Def Jam

Vince Staples is a reluctant superstar. The former Odd Future affiliate has been (justifiably) vocal about his distaste for the industry and its media's tendencies. We will gladly accept any derision if Vince keeps making music like this.

Long Beach and its characters are broken down over in striking detail—Staples comes off as disgruntled, disinterested, and devious. He's elevated to new heights thanks to furious, teething beats by No I.D., DJ Dahi, and Clams Casino.

Nihilistic tendencies are delivered with a wry smile on bangers like "Jump Off The Roof" and "Señorita," but even Vince's notorious dead-pan delivery can't hide the raw wounds left by the stories he's telling ("Norf Norf," "Get Paid"). It's a masterful introduction to the next chapter of hip-hop.—Graham Corrigan

55.

embed.spotify.com

56. Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon

Release date: September 18, 2015

Label: Interscope Records

The title Honeymoon might suggest that Lana Del Rey has moved on to greener pastures, found love, and settled down. Maybe we would finally see a shift in her lyrical content, no longer drowning in sorrow, and instead, elevated from a life-changing love.

But of course, a few songs into Honeymoon, you realize that this album isn't the end of her heartbreak. Her overarching narrative of nihilism and self-destruction paired with cinematic delivery are as prevalent as ever on Honeymoon, as she doles out melodramatic power ballad after melodramatic power ballad about tortured romance.

Honeymoon is the most quintessential Lana Del Rey album ever. It's Lana in her most Lana Del Rey moments. There isn't much experimentation at all; she does not stray from what we love her for. Instead, she latches onto it. Particularly on lush and delicate songs like "Music To Watch Boys To" and "Terrence Loves You," Lana embraces her own sound in recognition of the fact this tortured aesthetic is what she does best. She sounds as if she's finally comfortable with herself, her art, and any potential flaws therein. It's still a honeymoon, but Lana's other half is her music.—Joyce

57.

embed.spotify.com

58. Cousin Stizz - Suffolk County

Release date: June 1, 2015

Label: N/A

Cousin Stizz dropped the best debut album in recent memory this year.

Suffolk County is stacked with street anthems and urban legends, creating a world where responsibility is a nonexistent concept for Stizz and his environment. Days spent under the influence are more common than not. Years have come and gone since legal employment. Product is pushed and blunts are burnt.

Stizz paints a picture with menacing threats (the tail-end of "Jordan Fade"), border lines ("No Bells"), and moody, slow-rolling boasts referencing a certain legendary '90s sitcom ("Fresh Prince").

This world-building results in one of the most impressive rap tapes to arrive these past 12 months. With "No Bells" and a sold out hometown show under his belt, Stizz is set to take over in 2016.—Alex Siber

Check out Cousin Stizz next month at our next No Ceilings showcase.

59.

w.soundcloud.com

61.

Pigeon-and-Planes-Flyer

62. Drake - If You're Reading This It's Too Late

Release date: February 12, 2015
Label: Cash Money

It took me a while to get past the first track on Drake's album/mixtape/whatever the fuck you want to call it, If You're Reading This It's Too Late. There's something magical about the way Drake can speak these boastful truths into unforgettable anthems. "Legend" is one of Drake's most impressive feats of late, and with the Ginuwine "So Anxious" sample flowing underneath, it sets the tone for what could be Drake's Cash Money swan song.

While heads were enraptured with "Energy" (gotta lotta energy), it was "Know Yourself" that had the hood on lock, early. "Runnin' through the 6 with my woes" became an anthem, and Drake had another notch on the belt, even if there was talk of Drake not really bringing it on this project. You could probably fast forward through cuts like "Madonna," but there are too many puffed-out chest bangers like "6 God" and the "aiming darts at everybody" "6PM In New York."

No matter what you think about Drake and his sound, you can't front that he can perfectly capture a night with the woes, celebrating triumph and wallowing in a tumbler full of brown liquor (or maybe a tumblr full of girls you want but can't have).—khal

63. Future - DS2

Release date: July 17, 2015

Label: Epic Records

Future's Dirty Sprite 2 is morally reprehensible. It feels, at times, like an exercise in cult-building, a rallying cry rooted in a portrait of brazen addiction and dark, often joyless hedonism—a post-break up bender reified in 18 songs (19 if you count the 25 minute interlude that closes the deluxe edition).

Sonically grim, it embodies windowless night clubs and smoky hotel rooms—a pitch black symphony orchestrated by Metro Boomin that often feels like variations on a theme rather than a set discrete songs. It can be difficult to listen to, particularly considering its existence comes largely and quite publicly at the expense of Future’s ex-wife Ciara.

It is the diabolical capstone on a rebirth that shed the pop aspirations of “Real and True” for the glowering revenge luxury of "Thought It Was A Drought" and vicious escapades of "Groupies."

DS2 coronates hip hop's dark prince, placing the purple crown jewel atop Future’s newly cast crown (What A Time To Be Alive was merely a victory lap).

DS2 is a great piece of art and entertainment, cathartic, difficult, and far more complex than it might seem from cursory listens (of course, this has always been the case with Future, a graduate of the Dungeon Family's school of deceiving looks and surprising depth).

Songs like "Freak Hoe" and "The Percocet & Stripper Joint" are fascinating precisely because they're unapologetically deplorable and honest (or at least as honest as an album created in the climate of modern pop music with many chefs in the kitchen can be—though "Kno The Meaning," perhaps DS2's emotional backbone, suggests an author in full control of his vision).

All of its significance and layers wouldn't amount to much if DS2 wasn't simply great rap music, catchily written and steeped in consistent mood, rugged and charged with a very personal energy.—Jon Tanners

64.

embed.spotify.com

65. A$AP Rocky - A.L.L.A

Release date: May 26, 2015
Label: Sony / RCA

A$AP Rocky doesn't champion a socipolitical message like Kendrick Lamar. He doesn't have the pop sensibility of Drake or the grandiose vision of Kanye. What's so great about A$AP Rocky?

He's cool.

For Rocky, cool is more than a slick way with words, cocky delivery, and emphasis on style. It's knowing how to say "I don't give a fuck" and sound like you mean it. It's identifying niche qualities from different worlds and combining them into something new. It's making it to the top of the rap game and then swerving left with a trippy ass album inspired by drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll.

On his debut album, 2013's Long.Live.A$AP, it felt like Rocky was trying to prove that he could be a mainstream star. Songs like "Wild For The Night," "Fuckin' Problems," and "Fashion Killa" all sounded like Rocky was ignoring his own gut reactions in order to make something with more potential mass appeal. Despite that compromise, it was still a good album. "Goldie," "PMW," and "1Train" were all strong Rocky songs, and with over 500,000 copies sold, Rocky entered the upper echelon of rap.

On At.Long.Last.A$AP, Rocky's not trying to prove anything. There are no clear crossover records, with the possible exception of the awesomely random Rod Stewart, Miguel, and Mark Ronson-featuring "Everyday." Rocky has already proven that he can fit in with radio regulars like Sam Smith and Selena, but this album avoids all that. Instead, he invites an obscure London street musician (Joe Fox), a lo-fi internet favorite from L.A. (Bones), and the elusive Mos Def for an exploration into psychedelic influences and left-field hip-hop.

Look, I understand the complaints about A$AP Rocky being all style and no substance, but let's be real: there are enough conscious rappers to go around, and there's a reason why most of them aren't popular. Music is more than a message—it's feeling, expression, and mood. These are things Rocky is a master of, and they are things that make him, as an artist, far more interesting than a technically sound rapper who has a political agenda and a way with words.

And of course, it would be negligent to not acknowledge A$AP Yams. One of the great musical minds of our generation, Yams was a curator of the highest caliber. He merged street and internet culture in ways that yielded something completely new and modern, and it's ignorant to even talk about the A$AP aesthetic without mentioning Yams. It's without a doubt that Yams' tastes and ear played an essential role in making A.L.L.A one of 2015's best albums.—Confusion

66. Tame Impala - Currents

Release date: July 17, 2015

Label: Interscope

Don't call Tame Impala's Currents a breakup album—even if it was conceived and produced in the wake of frontman Kevin Parker's relationship with Melody Prochet of Melody's Echo Chamber). You might think you're hearing fights play out in the lyrics ("I know that you think it's fake/Maybe fake's what I like"), but the real story is one of metamorphosis and forward motion.

"Yes, I'm changing," Parker sings, "can't stop it now." Change is inevitable, and there's been a sizable one between Tame Imapala's previous albums and Currents. On Currents, Parker is firmly at the helm: he wrote, produced, and mixed the whole thing over in Australia. Gone are the sprawling psychedelic guitar passages, and echo chamber vocals. They have been replaced by crispy finger snaps and plucky guitars.

There are radio-ready hits in "Let It Happen" and "Cause I'm A Man," bite-size interludes that serve to glue the longer songs together ("Disciples," one of the album's catchiest), and—most importantly—a meticulous eye concerning the album as a whole. One could say Currents ebbs and flows, but I'm not saying that because I'm tryna stay off puns until Christmas.

Nowhere is this more apparent than the album's close—Parker rattles off three stunners ("Reality In Motion," "Love/Paranoia," "New Person, Same Old Mistakes") to leave you slack-jawed.

We may have reached a pivot point for Tame Impala. Perhaps this is a healthy and necessary molting—all great musicians have pivoted at one point or another. You'll hear no complaints from me.—Graham Corrigan

67.

embed.spotify.com

68. Autre Ne Veut - Age of Transparency

Release date: Oct 2, 2015

Label: Downtown Records

Arthur Ashin's creative vision was built out in a big way for Age of Transparency. He added a choir to back his signature strained vocals, and the piano—Ashin's home base—is folded into a much more complex electronic landscape.

Album opener "On And On (Reprise)" is a fitting, albeit unsettling, introduction. Ashin yowls and rambles over twisted jazz improvisation, propelling the song forward through sheer force of will. That energy flows right over to the next track, album standout "Panic Room." That's where we start to hear the album's full palette, and Ashin's full vocal range.

Age of Transparency continues to challenge its listeners from there. "Cold Winds" and "World War Pt. 2" are vibrant, wild songs that corkscrew into unexpected places—four of the album's songs approach or break the six-minute mark. Sometimes it's best to just strap in and enjoy the ride.

If you liked Autre Ne Veut before Age of Transparency, this album is a blessing. But it's also sure to pick him up some new fans—if you're willing to get on board with Ashin's unapologetic vocal delivery, the inventive production and daring songwriting take you the rest of the way.—Graham Corrigan

Related: Watch and read our No Ceilings interview with Autre Ne Veut.

69.

embed.spotify.com

70. Jamie xx - In Colour

Release date: May 29, 2015

Label: Young Turks

Jamie xx, one third of The xx, made a truly welcoming album with In Colour. It's a record that appealed to everyone, from diehard The xx fans to HOT97 listeners, and beyond.

We didn't really know what to expect when the album was announced—his solo output had ranged from bouncy, tropical remixes to an entire Gil Scott-Heron remix album—and don't forget the UK rave-obsessed "All Under One Roof Raving."

The final product, which is Jamie's debut solo album, was better than we could have imagined, an emotional rollercoaster packing euphoric highs ("Loud Places," "I Know (There's Gonna Be Good Times)") alongside moments of dewy-eyed nostalgia ("The Rest Is Noise," "Hold Tight") and raw dancefloor power ("Gosh").

You don't need lyrics to convey emotion, however, and it feels like this album was a release for Jamie, who is known for wearing all black and being very quiet and reserved. The album is anything but, and sees him taking all these musical elements he loves (steel drums, soul, rave, garage, breakbeats, rap etc.) into his studio and coming out with a stunningly cohesive project.

The immediate standouts are songs like "Loud Places" with Romy and "I Know (There's Gonna Be Good Times)" with Popcaan and Young Thug, but dig deeper and there are you'll realize there are no throwaway songs on this album. It's a musical testament to taking your time, finding perfection in patience.—Constant Gardner

Read our feature on Jamie xx and In Colour here.

71. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

Release date: March 16, 2015
Label: Interscope / Aftermath / TDE

You know what's funny about the public? They want their dope artists to stay being the same artist. Not too much growth, not too much "different shit"–the world wants their favorite acts to make what they like, and never change. Keep in mind, if you asked these same "fans" to continue to listen to the same exact songs, they'd bug out.

But that's not going to happen with someone like Kendrick Lamar, who's much more than Section.80, and more than a good kid from a m.A.A.d city. This is a guy who is rocking with virtuosic musicians like Flying Lotus and Thundercat.

On TPAB, there's a lot to take in. You're going to get some fire hip-hop, but there's too much funk/jazz/soul/spoken word and more in the mix for it to be good kid, m.A.A.d city part two. There's the obvious influence of what's going on in the world–one of today's best MCs has, similar to D'Angelo in 2014, taken the pain and frustration of the uprisings in Ferguson and Baltimore, and the racial tension that hangs thick in the air, and channeled it into a truly revolutionary project. He's also opened up his palette, giving us seductive suites like "These Walls" and back porch funk jams like "King Kunta."

We get priceless odes to concrete strife like "How Much A Dollar Cost," as well as turnt affirmations like the Pharrell-produced "Alright." Kendrick can still keep things hood and backpack-y on certified cerebral bangers like "The Blacker The Berry," all while balancing things out with the D'Angelo-flavored "Institutionalized."

Ultimately, this project doesn't care about singles. To Pimp A Butterfly is the kind of project made for 8-track tapes–no skipping, just throwing it on, hitting play, and letting it take you on that journey. It's a project containing a number of layers, one that you'll need to really let soak in. Something that might not even be made for "right now," but a project to revisit when life's handing you bullshit and you need a reminder about your place in the world.—khal

72. Grimes - Art Angels

Release date: November 6, 2015

Label: 4AD

So much of our ability to enjoy music comes from context, which makes it even more impressive that Grimes' Art Angels is so accessible and so alien at the same time. Grimes is confident enough to follow her own left-field interests—this much is clear from her tumblr—and the music she makes reflects this.

Don't get it twisted, though—Art Angels is pop, complete with big hooks, gorgeous melodies, and first-class songwriting, but it doesn't pander to what listeners want. Or, at least, not what they already know they want. The album is as challenging as it is immediate, and though it's too early to see what impact this will have on pop music's future, it's an exciting look into what's possible when one of the most talented artists is willing to take risks.—Confusion

73.

embed.spotify.com

latest_stories_pigeons-and-planes