What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was STRUGGLING to put together a list of 10 albums however when it came time to talk about the best albums of 2015, I actually had to double my rankings just to fit all of my faves in. This was such a wonderful year for music, and so incredibly diverse. I listened to about 35 albums this year which for me is a lot and I feel like this top 20 albums of 2015 list really represents a great cross section of the year and my music taste. Also, there was a late entry that roared all the way into my top 10 so I have documented what I think are the 20 (ish) best albums of 2015 as well as given you a handy dandy playlist at the end of the post for your New Year’s parties. In addition, I included every album I’ve listened to this year on the second page so you can see what I was pulling from. Enjoy!
Top 20 Albums of 2015
TIE, 20. On the Town – New Revival Cast
This placement was surely enhanced by seeing the show this past July, but what really shines through other than Bernstein’s wonderful tunes, is the brilliant orchestration.
TIE, 20. Wildheart – Miguel
I’ve never really been enamored by Miguel but this album really worked for me. He struck a good balance between the sensual and spiritual on this.
19. Unbreakable Smile – Tori Kelly
Tori’s immense talent was finally realized with this album that combines ballads with fun upbeat pop records. of course each track allows her to highlight that incredible voice.
18. American Beauty/American Psycho – Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is one of the most consistent artists of our time and ever so reliable to deliver fun tunes when you least expect it. This album shows an evolution of sound while still maintaining what made them cool to start.
17. We Love Disney – Various Artists
What’s not to love about Disney tunes slightly reimagined with some incredibly talented artists? Even with one song that’s completely unlistenable, the album really hums along.
16. Make America Psycho Again – Fall Out Boy and Various Artists
Normally an albumt full of remixes tends to be worse than the original album, but Fall Out Boy managed to pull off a rare trick: an album of remixes that improves on the original.
15. Caracal – Disclosure
Omen is a track that doesn’t let you not listen to the album that it’s a part of and luckily, the rest of the album is just as fun. Lots of good beats and fun collabos.
14. Saint Cecilia – Foo Fighters
The latest release to hit this list was a wonderful surprise thanks to itunes highlighting it. I’ve liked the Foo Fighter for a while and this album is more of the same consistent awesomeness.
13. Uppers and Downers, Vol. 1 – Travis Garland
How did I go so long without hearing about Travis Garland? No matter, if you haven’t either this EP is the perfect sample size to introduce you to his wonderful voice and lyrically engaging songs.
12. Pentatonix – Pentatonix
The experiment worked! Pentatonix decided to eschew doing more covers in favor of making original tunes and they still maintained their magic. Though the album is a bit too Scott heavy, everyone gets their time to shine.
11. Confident – Demi Lovato
Though the timing of release is a bit iffy (why do people lead with summer singles and release in winter), this album is a lot of fun. Demi manages to be both restrained and unweildy on every other track yet it still works.
10. James and the Giant Peach – Original Cast
One of the most pleasant surprises of my year was learning that someone had a made a musical from one of my favorite animated films. Hearing Pasek and Paul take on these beloved characters was a joy. P.S. One of my favorite notes ever in a song is on track 10.
P.S. You can download the album for free here!
9. Compton – Dr Dre
Aside from people being murdered on this record, Dre’s love letter to Compton is quite engrossing. The album starts with a banger and moves into different modes, almost mirroring the rapper’s storied career.
8. Water for Your Soul – Joss Stone
Joss had been off my radar for a long while but she came roaring back in a big wat with this album. She has such a wonderful voice and the content of the lyrics was really great.
7. Thunderbitch – Thunderbitch
I am familiar with the fact that Britney Howard of Alabama Shakes fame has a great voice, and I wondered how she would fare on her own. Very well it seems, as Thunderbitch is a wonderfully retro album the channels rock’s past while remaining in the present.
6. Reality Show – Jazmine Sullivan
I was so so late to getting on this album but man am I glad I caught it before the year’s end. Sullivan’s voice is sensational and her lyrical content rewards listeners who come back to it. So. Good.
5. Stages – Josh Groban
I have been stanning for Josh Groban since You Raise Me Up and he delivered an album specifically for me with his covers of famous Broadway tunes. Hearing his interpretations of some of theater’s best songs is one of the closest things you’ll get to actually seeing a production live.
4. The Documentary 2 – The Game
I love when albums tell me a story and do so in a thrilling, yet cohesive way. The Game came out of nowhere with this album, which manages to be a well told account of his life and a bristling, thumping rap album with every song being hit level.
3. Surf – Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
Every year there’s an album that fills my easy listening slot and this one would be it. The album is such a nice listening experience and everything seems to have a rythmn and pulse. I’ve never heard of these artists but I’m so glad this project came across to me.
2. Hamilton – Original Broadway Cast
Much has been written about this mammoth and game changing musical so I won’t say much more than Lin Manuel Miranda has managed to tap into the essence of what musical theater should be and combined it with a unique perspective on who should tell stories and came up with a magnificent piece.
1. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence and the Machine
This album was fire when it came out and it has withstood the test of time and the other albums released this year to hold on to the number one spot. When the “worst” song on the album is a demo, you know know your music is great.
Playlist
A Side
Omen – Disclosure ft. Sam Smith, Caracal
Uma Thurman – Fall Out Boy, American Beauty/American Psycho
For You – Demi Lovato, Confident
Gabey’s Comin – Tony Yazbeck, Jay Armstrong Johnson & Clyde Alves, On the Town
Saint Cecilia – Foo Fighters, Saint Cecilia EP
Bitch You Aint Shit – The Game, The Documentary 2
Brand New – Jazmine Sullivan, Reality Show
Kate Moss – Travis Garland, Uppers and Downers, Vol. 1
Expensive – Tori Kelly, Unbreakable Smile
Novicane (Remix) – Fall Out Boy, Make America Psycho Again
Talk About It – Dr. Dre ft. King Mez & Justus, Compton
B Side
Have You Even Begun to Wonder – World Premiere Cast, James and the Giant Peach
I Just Want to Rock and Roll – Thunderbitch, Thunderbitch
Sunday Candy – Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, Surf
Let Me Breathe – Joss Stone, Water for Your Soul
Satisfied – Renee Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Flesh – Miguel, Wildheart
To the River – Pentatonix, Pentatonix
If I Loved You – Josh Groban ft. Audra McDonald, Stages
It’s Not Easy Being Green – Brenna Whitaker, We Love Disney
Queen of Peace – Florence + The Machine, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful