The Best 20 Albums of the Year: 2015
Get To Heaven by Everything Everything, Released June
2015
Everything Everything’s sound has always been on the
alternative side of indie; most notably their debut album, 2010’s
Man Alive, was a bizarre collection of
sounds and ideas. Their second album
Arc
was a slightly more refined affair. Now on their third album they reinvent
themselves once more. There are ideas aplenty: guitar riffs, synths, chanting
choruses and Jonathon Higgs’ varying yet charismatic vocal style. The singer
became obsessed with news stories of violence and world troubles, channelling
his concerns into his songs. Lyrics depict regrets, mortality and death, and
ultimately society’s apocalyptic impending doom. Despite the dark undertones,
the album is a warm, joyous listen. Innovative and reaching stratospheric
proportions, Everything Everything are still bizarre but now utterly
brilliant.
Key Tracks: To The
Blade, Distant Past, Regret, Spring/Sun/Winter/Dread
8.5/10
Whispers II (Deluxe Edition) by Passenger, Released
April 2015
Mike Rosenberg, the
Brighton
based folk singer-songwriter who has recorded under the name Passenger since
2007, returns with his seventh album and the sequel to 2014’s stunning
Whispers I. As with most sequels it does
not quite live up to its predecessor, but as
Whispers I was the best album of his career it was going to be hard
to follow. This album also has an added benefit; the profits will be donated to
UNICEF, helping to end malnutrition in
Liberia. As with his previous album,
the deluxe edition features beautiful pop-up artwork and illustrations; the
attention to detail, thought and care is phenomenal. Whist it is not a great
departure from his other albums the musicality still remains strong; mainly
featuring just acoustic guitar, but also strings, piano, woodwind, brass, and
traditional folk instruments such as mandolin and bouzouki are all used to
maximum effect. The lyrics continue the theme of life, love, heartbreak and
mortality. His vocal are as fragile but as strong as they have been and he
sings each song as though he truly understands the story of the people behind
them. Like the best stories,
Whispers II
keeps you engaged, enthralled, and emotionally enchanted until the very last
page.
Key Tracks: Catch In
The Dark, Travelling Alone, David, Settled (Deluxe only)
8.5/10
Froot by Marina
And The Diamonds, Released April 2015
Marina Diamandis first came to the public’s attention in
2010 with her debut album The Family Jewels,
a collection innovative, bubbly pop songs made even more special by Marina’s unique,
operatic-like vocals. However her second album Electra Heart felt constrained; as though she was being forced into
a musical corner. On her third album she returns to her best plus a bit more.
The songs even reference a change in personality; discovering the person she
really is. There are songs about broken hearts, jealousy, mortality, and Marina’s philosophy on the
current world situation. They are far from shallow; the lyrics are intelligent
and well thought out; as Marina
proves she is as talented at writing songs as she at singing them. It is one of
the best, yet underrated pop albums of the year. At twenty-nine years old she
is able to stand up to what she believes in; creating an album which bears the Froot of its title.
Key Tracks: Happy,
Forget, Savages, Immortal
8/10
Wilder Minds by Mumford & Sons, Released May 2015
The saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is usually
sound advice but very often it’s a trap that musicians fall into. First
emerging in 2008, Mumford & Sons were hailed as pioneers and trailblazers
of the nu-folk genre. After two critically acclaimed albums, Grammy and Brit
Awards wins and a headline slot at Glastonbury 2013 the band went on an
indefinite hiatus to take stock of the previous six years. During that time
they took what was perhaps the biggest risk of their career; to bin the banjos
and replace them with electric guitar and drums. They realised that they were
not being entirely true to themselves and took the appropriate course of
action. However the songs are not entirely unrecognisable; the surging
choruses, thoughtful lyrics and Marcus Mumford’s trade mark vocals still
remain. This year’s most spectacular musical transformation has worked wonders.
Mumford & Sons will remain a love them or hate them band but with a fresh
outlook audiences will listen with open ears and
Wilder Minds.
Key Tracks: Tomkins
Square Park, Believe, The Wolf, Ditmus
8/10
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by Florence + The Machine, Released May 2015
For Florence Welch and her band 2015 will be remembered for
their spectacular
Glastonbury
performance after scheduled headliners, Foo Fighters, pulled out due to Dave
Grohl breaking his leg just two weeks before. Their third album, follow-up to
2011’s
Ceremonials, sees them take
influence of their time spent in
America.
It does not quite reach the experimental glory of their previous
album; however orchestral strings and brass lift the songs, lyrically it is
more soulful and
Florence’s
vocals are as stunning as ever.
Florence
+ The Machine have once again produced and album which is Big, often Blue but
always Beautiful.
Key Tracks: Ship To
Wreck, How Big How Blue How Beautiful, Queen Of Peace, Delilah.
8/10
Positive Songs For Negative People by Frank Turner,
Released August 2015
Frank Turner’s sixth album turned away from his previous
album of heartbreak to focus on living life to the full. Once again The
Sleeping Souls Band adds a rich musical underscore with piano, electric guitar
and percussion. Topics such as forgiveness, death, and personal courage are
sung with both sensitivity and conviction; his approach is just as relentless
and determined than ever before. Whist he has not touched on the social and
political areas which made his name,
Positive
Songs For Negative People is one of 2015 most life affirming albums and
provides more than enough lyrical food for thought until his next dose of
intelligent punk-folk-rock.
Key Tracks: The Next
Storm, The Opening Act Of Spring, Demons, Song For Josh
8/10
25 by Adele, Released November 2015
It is estimated that approximately one in six households in
the
UK
own Adele’s second album
21 since its
release in 2011. In the four years since Adele has recorded a Bond Theme, won
eight Grammy Awards and started a family. It was hard to see if her return with
25 would even come close to the success
of its predecessor, however in its first week it sold a staggering 800 000
copies; becoming the fastest selling album ever.
25, as with her previous albums, focuses on her experiences during
that age. Nostalgia, mortality, past relationships, learning, and
self-acceptance are all covered; they are felt by everyone in their mid to late
twenties as they move on into adulthood. This is the main strength of the
album; Adele’s down-to earth persona means that the listener can truly
emphasise and relate to its lyrics. The only downside is that although the
subject has more of a focus there is not much of a departure from her previous
work. The most incredible female vocalist to emerge this century, with a little
more diversity, she has the power to become one of the greatest artists ever.
At twenty-seven she has achieved so much, only time will tell which age will be
the title of Adele’s next album.
Key Tracks: Hello,
Send My Love (To Your New Lover), When We Were Young, Million Years Ago
8/10
Delirium by Ellie Goulding, Released November 2015
Hereford
born Ellie Goulding was twenty-three when she released her debut single Starry
Eyed and ever since she has continued to grow as a lyricist and vocalist.
Developing from the gentle, wide-eyed naivety of 2010’s
Lights to the beautiful but bitter-sweet heartbreak of 2012’s
Halcyon. The mood took a slight upswing
when the album was reissued a year later as
Halcyon
Days with eight additional much more upbeat songs; an indication Ellie had
started to move on from the sorrow and heartache. Previously Ellie’s soft,
fragile vocals have suited her more emotional, down-tempo lyrics. However she
finds her strength on these brilliant, buoyant pop songs. It is hard to believe
she has only been on the music scene for five years; at twenty-eight it feels
like she has completed the album she was destined to make all along.
Key Tracks: On My
Mind, Codes, Love Me Like You Do, Lost And Found
8/10
English Graffiti by The Vaccines, Released May 2015
The Vaccines returned with third album,
English Graffiti, the follow up to
Come Of Age. After suffering from the “difficult second album
syndrome”; though far from a let-down, they struggled to live up to their fantastic
debut,
What Did You Expect From The
Vaccines. Happily they seem to have regained their momentum and produced a
collection of energised indie with a twist. Once again it is Justin Young’s
charismatic approach which puts them ahead of their nearest rivals. Those who
were first to write them off must surely reconsider; The Vaccines give you the
injection of musical vitality you need.
Key Tracks: Handsome,
Dream Lover, 20/20, Give Me A Sign
8/10
On The Inside by Wildflowers, Released August 2015
Bristol/Brighton based Wildflowers combine alternative
country-pop and indie-folk. This collection of songs focuses mainly on the
themes of family, friendship, travelling and belonging. The songs are cleverly
crafted with piano, mandolin, accordion, guitar and harmonica effectively used
to enhance Siddy Bennett’s gravelly vocals. Their new single
Chemistry has just made the Radio 2
playlist; many more people will be listening to Wildflowers’ music. They may
have spent their lives moving around the country but right now they are in the
place they’re meant to be.
Key Tracks: Take Me
Home, Another Million Miles, Friends, Let It Go
7.5/10
The Desired Effect by Brandon Flowers, Released May 2015
Brandon Flowers’ 2010 debut album,
Flamingo, focused on the themes of religion, home and romantic
desires, but it seemed very much like an afterthought album for The Killers’
frontman. His second solo album draws influence from 1980’s electro-pop and has
bigger choruses, introspective lyrics and a bolder direction. The songs
reference climate change, forgotten dreams, and looking towards the future. It
is anything but a stop-gap between working with his main band; continuing to
establish himself as one of this century’s best lyrists and performers. Brandon
Flowers has produced an album of equal quality rather than sound to The
Killers; it most definitely achieves
The
Desired Effect.
Key Tracks: Dreams
Come True, Can’t Deny My Love, Still Want You, Diggin’ Up The Heart
7.5/10
Bonxie by Stornoway, Released April 2015
Oxford
indie-folk four piece Stornoway released their third album in 2015. Their sound
is not quite Fleet Foxes and not quite British Sea Power; brass and strings add
layers to the electric guitars and percussion whilst teamed with soft, dreamy
vocals. What is most striking is the use of nature soundscapes; crashing waves,
howling winds, and bird song on every track. Lyrically there are also bird
metaphors in abundance; lead song-writer Brian Briggs is a trained
ornithologist.
Bonxie takes the band
soaring from the counties of middle
England to places far beyond their
namesake island.
Key Tracks: Between
The Saltmarsh And The Sea, Man On Wire, The Road You Didn’t Take, Sing With Our
Senses
7.5/10
I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty, Released
February 2015
A former drummer of American indie-folk group Fleet Foxes,
Josh Tillman released his second album under the name Father John Misty. The
album mostly focuses on his marriage and the songs play out like a series of
love letters to his wife. Lyrically honest; at some points his soul and life
are, quite literally, laid bare. Its musical underscore takes its cue very much
from Fleet Foxes’ orchestral folk but the songs channel many other influences.
The real strength of this album lies in its daring, wickedly inspired words.
Key Tracks: I Love
You Honeybear, Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins), Bored In The USA
7.5/10
My Love Is Cool by Wolf Alice, Released June 2015
Shortlisted for the BBC Sound Poll and a staple on this
year’s festival circuit; 2015 has been a fantastic year for Wolf Alice, the
four piece
London
guitar band. Originally conceived as a duo in 2010 and recruiting the final two
members in 2012, they spent the past three years touring, releasing EPs and
singles independently before finally being signed last year. Their sound
successfully combines indie, pop, rock, grunge and a smattering of folk across
songs of youth and self-discovery. Ellie Roswell’s vocals are just as diverse;
varying from chanting, to sweet and soft, to full on rock-chick. It is hard to
know which direction Wolf Alice will find themselves in the future but wherever
they end up they are one of the most innovative and electric bands of 2015.
Key Tracks: Bros,
You’re A Germ, Silk, Giant Peach
7.5/10
Blood by Lianne La Havas, Released July 2015
For her second album Lianne went back to her roots; basing
many of the songs around her Greek/Jamaican heritage and self-discovery.
Teaming up with Aqualung’s Matt Hales for a second time, with more purpose and
direction, she has produced a more consistent set of songs. An album of lyrical
reflection and proof that home is really where the heart is.
Key Tracks: Green
& Gold, What You Don’t Do, Tokyo,
Ghost
7.5/10
Marks To Prove It by The Maccabees, Released July 2015
Four years since their third album
Given To The Wild, The Maccabees fourth album has been a long time
in the making. The band experimented with different sounds, virtually scrapping
an entire albums worth of songs until they were happy. Sounds of strings, piano
and brass were introduced. Their determined efforts and attention to detail
meant that the group have produced their best record to date; reflected when
they went to the top of the
UK
album chart in August. Recorded in
London’s
Elephant & Castle district, The Maccabees are now also placed firmly on the
map.
Key Tracks: Marks To
Prove It, Spit It Out, Slow Sun, Something Like Happiness
7/10
Red & Gold by Hattie Briggs, Released April 2015
The decision to carry on with her
Oxford University
degree or embark on a music career was the conundrum which Hattie Briggs faced
in early 2014. Almost two years later her risk paid off handsomely. A Radio 2
Young Folk Award Nomination and a national tour supporting Kathryn Roberts
& Sean Lakeman helped to propel this album to number one on the Amazon Folk
chart. While the album itself doesn’t break any musical boundaries it is
Hattie’s pure vocals, piano and cello underscore, and heartfelt lyrics which
make
Red & Gold one of 2015’s
best debut albums by a female solo singer.
Key Tracks: Still
With Hope I See, A Beautiful Mind, Share Your Heart, Fields Of Gold
7/10
Every Open Eye by Chvrches, Released September 2015
Scottish electro-pop trio Chvrches returned with the
follow-up to 2013’s
The Bones Of What You
Believe. While their style has not changed greatly the lyrics seem deeper
and Lauren Mayberry’s vocals have matured. This resulted in a strong collection
of synth-laden, power pop.
Key Tracks: Never
Ending Circles, Make Them Gold, Empty Threat, Downside Of Me.
7/10
Communion by Years & Years, Released July 2015
Years & Years started 2015 by winning the BBC Sound Of
Poll and were shortlisted for the Critics Choice award at this year’s Brits.
Their infectious sound of synth-pop teamed with Olly Alexander’s falsetto and
intelligent lyrics of lost love and desire made them one of the most sort-after
bands of 2015.
Key Tracks: Shine,
Take Shelter, King, Desire
7/10
Unguarded by Rae Morris, Released January 2015
2015 started well for
Blackpool
born Rae Morris when she was shortlisted for the BBC Sound Of poll. However, she
was not a total novice; previously a guest vocalist on tracks by Bombay Bicycle
Club and Clean Bandit. Her debut album was released all the way back in
January, achieving a place in the top ten of the
UK album charts. Nevertheless, with
the abundance of female solo singers releasing albums this year, she almost got
lost in the crowd. The album is a diary of compelling, coming of age electro
piano ballads enhanced by her towering vocals. Those who forgot about Rae
Morris should not have such an
unguarded attitude.
Key Tracks: Closer,
Love Again, This Time, Not Knowing
