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Music

26th Dec 2015

Under The Radar- Albums Of The Year

A round up of some of the best albums of 2015.

Ellen Tannam

2015 has been a brilliant year for music across all genres, but with the constant releases and promos from artists and bands it is often hard to pin down the good stuff.

We’re looking after you here with a list of 10 of the best albums from R&B to electropop for your listening pleasure.

Ego Death – The Internet

LA based band The Internet released their third album Ego Death this past June. Helmed by singer Syd Tha Kid, the album is a treasure trove of chill R&B and hip-hop with obvious soul influences. Stand out tracks include Girl, a collaboration with KAYTRANADA and Special Affair, the slow jam to end all slow jams.

Watch the video for Girl below:

Art Angels – Grimes

Fans of the alt-pop queen had been waiting three years for the follow-up to 2012’s Visions and were not left disappointed. Produced, engineered and written by Grimes (aka Claire Boucher), the music has taken a direction firmly towards pop which she accomplishes masterfully. Standout tracks include California and Flesh Without Blood.

Watch the video for Flesh Without Blood below:

No Cities To Love – Sleater-Kinney

After a 10 year hiatus, the news that rock titans Sleater-Kinney would be reforming and touring a new album was greeted with huge excitement by fans. This album is powerful, loud and Janet Weiss’s trademark drumming style still drives the distinctive sound of this legendary band.

Watch the Bob’s Burger’s inspired video for New Wave here:

Ratchet – Shamir

Las Vegas-born singer Shamir Bailey has just turned 21 and has already released the party album of the year with Ratchet. The artist, who identifies as genderqueer has taken the music world by storm. Like a young Prince, their music is exciting, innovative and if you don’t think that On The Regular is one of the best songs of the year then you’re just wrong.

Watch the video for On The Regular below:

Carrie and Lowell – Sufjan Stevens

In Carrie and Lowell, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has created one of the most poignant and moving albums of the year. It’s full of sensitive intricate melodies, and heartbreaking lyrics about the passing of his mother (the aforementioned Carrie). Stevens recently played two nights in the Helix, which many people are calling two of the best gigs of the year.

Watch the video for No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross below:

Wildheart – Miguel

Miguel is one of the titans of the current R&B scene and the undisputed owner of the world’s smoothest voice. This is his third studio album and it is crammed with gems and even includes a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz.

Watch the video for Coffee here:

Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit – Courtney Barnett

Aussie Courtney Barnett released her debut album to worldwide praise earlier this year. Her distinctive accent and deadpan singing voice has attracted attention and she writes brilliantly witty and observant lyrics.

Watch the video for Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go To The Party below:

Holding Hands With Jamie – Girl Band

Dublin group Girl Band formed just over four years ago and consists of Adam Faulkner, Daniel Fox, Dara Kiely and Alan Duggan. They released their first LP Holding Hands With Jamie this September to worldwide acclaim, with many people calling them the best Irish band in years. The album is gritty, heavy and an exuberant must-listen.

Here’s the video for Paul:

To Pimp A Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

Lamar is seen as hip hop royalty and this album was awaited with bated breath. It’s being hailed as a poetic masterpiece, using music as social commentary on issues such as racism and police brutality. Lamar is constantly innovating, and this brilliant concept album is the latest addition to an already stunning body of work.

Watch the video for Alright below:

Before We Forgot How To Dream – Soak

Born Bridie Monds-Watson, critically acclaimed Derry 19 year old Soak has had a fantastic year with the release of her debut LP in May. The album was nominated for the acclaimed Mercury Music Prize but was beaten by Benjamin Clementine’s At Least For Now. Her dreamlike pop sound has gained her many loyal fans and we’re excited to see what she does next.

Here’s Sea Creatures: