The Best 20 Albums Of The Year: 2015

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

7/10