My Top 5 albums of 2015
It's only fitting that at the end of
the year you sit back and reflect. It's healthy to remember all the
good, and look back on stuff that happened cause it's all part of
life. Whilst reflecting with a hangover and a massive food baby, I
came up with my five favourite albums released in 2015 that have
been with me through thick and thin last year. In no particular
order-
1
Alabama shakes- Sound and colour
Released 21st of April 2015
This album is the second instalment
from these bluesy rock gods, and man oh man did it not disappoint!
Their first album was an obsession, so when 'Sound and Colour' was
released I had the highest hopes. Brittany Howard's voice just
demands to be heard throughout the album, and has all the hooks and
turns you would expect. It's groovy beyond your wildest dreams, with
tracks like 'Don't Wanna Fight' and 'Shoegaze'. Then it knocks you
out with its heavier side with 'The Greatest'. When you need a rest,
this album has got you covered with tracks like 'This Feeling'
mellowing you out and givin' ya dem feelz.
An album that
doesn't let you down and allows you to listen from start to finish
taking you on a roller coaster ride without the vomit.
2
Jarryd James- Thirty One
Released 11th of September
2015
'Do You Remember' stole our hearts,
making Aussie Jarryd James a big deal. Thirty One just proved the
high would stay. It's cool, so cool. From the sexy beats, to James’s
voice smoothly flowing out the speakers. It's full of gold, from
'Underneath', 'Sure Love' and ' Giving It Up' all speaking raw
emotions, but at the same time helping your body to move in ways you
want it to move. There is a beautiful duet with Aussie sweetheart
Julia Stone, 'Regardless'. Which may be my
favourite track on the album due to their voices just working
perfectively together. The album in its entirety is great, you won’t
next any tracks and it's better with a glass of whisky.
James is still humble and you know he
is all about the music. Congrats mate and thank you!
3
Florence and the Machine- How big, How
blue, How beautiful
Released 29th of May 2015
Oh Flo, you beauty. Full of harrowing
lyrics of love, pain and self destruction, the voice of an Angel and
percussion used to perfection, 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' is
a mighty fine piece of work. After some time away from the spotlight
Florence Welsh tumbled through life, helping her to find herself just
that little more and writing her most personal lyrics to date. 'Ship
To Wreck' is a about being on a spiral of only damage. Something
Welsh went through when she first moved out from her parent's nest. I
think of power when I think of Florence. Her voice, her phrasing, her
use of instruments is just so grand that it can overpower the
strongest of characters. This album is different to the rest of her
work but at the same time very familiar. It's heavier and gutsier but
beautiful.
4
Rhodes – Wishes
Released 18th of September
2015
This album is a creeper. I first
discovered this blonde Englishman when he and Birdy released their
perfectly crafted duet “Let It All Go' in August. Straight away I
wanted to know him and discovered his music. I listened to a few of
his tracks then jumped onto something else. Then a month later he
released 'Wishes', I didn't grab it straight away but when I did, I
laid on my bed and listened to it right through. I was so impressed
with his story telling, tone and production of each song. September
was a busy music month so I didn't straight away give it the listen
it deserved. But as I said this album is a creeper, I just kept
coming back to it when I felt in one of those droopy moods. It takes
you somewhere else, and speaks to you with so much love and
understanding. Rhodes said he wrote the whole album being locked away
in his room for two years. You can tell it's vulnerable, intense and
self conscious, but deep in thought. It makes you feel like you are
floating through each track. 'Breathe', 'Somebody' and 'You and I'
are beautiful tracks that need to be heard. 'Wishes' is a strong
album that doesn't over power in any way but if you take your time
and get to know it you will be so happy.
5
Years and Years- Communion
Released 10th of July 2015
Years and years ago I stumbled across
this energetic group on Vimeo, with a song called 'I wish I Knew'. It
was 2012 and they were basically unknown. This song got under my skin
something major and I instantly loved them! This song itself is in my
top 25 played on iTunes still to this day. Even know they don't claim
that song anymore (signed to a new label, less two members and were
looking for a different sound), I still followed every single
release. 2015 we were finally graced with a SHINEy new debut album
that is fit for any KING. It's glorious, full of beautifully pieced
lyrics bouncing off synths and killer beats. Olly's voice is magic,
and can fits nicely in a clubs setting or simply in your bedroom.
'Eyes Shut' is my stand out track, it give's me chills. But there are
plenty of tracks such as 'Worship', 'King' and 'Take Shelter' that
make you want to jump up and down. This album is full of layers. It
needs to be heard more than once. First listen will get you going
like “Damn this is some catchy shit”. Second listen you will be
bopping away like its Christmas. But once you start to delve a little
deeper you will uncover some beautiful stories full of meaning,
heartbreak and uncertainty. I love albums that aren't just picture
books. Do yourself a favour and get 'Communion' for either that party
vibe or for some solid great tunes.
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