Top 20 Albums of 2015 (PART 1)

It's that time of the year again where I count down my top 20 albums of the year, and it's been quite tough as there were a few that I enjoyed but not necessarily groundbreaking and there were only a few that stood out to me.Anyway here's my list:

20. Halsey - Badlands

This American singer is slowly making her way to Pop stardom and it's no question she produced a collection of electronic goodness and some addictive chorus-chanting tracks. Although it familiarises a bunch of similar artists like Ellie Goulding, it still sounds fresh, hypnotic and sometimes broody.

Check Out: Roman Holiday, Castle, Gasoline
For Fans Of: Ellie Goulding, Lorde










19. Stray From The Path - Subliminal Criminals

The American hardcore band have been underground the past few years but this mammoth of an album really puts them on the top, with Rage Against The Machine influences, each track filled with insane riffs,breakdowns, its hip hop style and even guest vocals from Architects' Sam Carter and Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds really make it this generation's RATM. Look out for this band, because they will tear some sh*t up.

Check Out: Eavesdropper, D.I.E.P.I.G, First World Problem Child

For Fans Of: Rage Against The Machine, letlive., Limp Bizkit




18. Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves

The Essex boys are crawling their way to the scene, supporting various acts throughout the year. Their EP Graveyard Whistling was thoroughly impressive and now they have released their debut eponymous album, it is incredible how much style and swagger that bursts out throughout every track, without being too cocky, and vocalist Conor Mason's vocals are just breathtaking that in some tracks there is so much range and emotion it's hard to believe where they'd go from here after this album.

Check Out: Excuse Me, Itch, If I Get High

For Fans Of: Muse, Awolnation





17. Joey Bada$$ - B4.DA.$$

This might just be the New Yorker's best album to date. Although it strikingly similar to most of his mixtapes, there is a reminiscent to 1990s hip-hop that I admired and it's more refined and expression is passionate here. He's showing an advanced level of lyricism and confident social realist flow, this is a brilliant debut album steeped in the history of hip-hop and engaged with the current cultural climate.

Check Out: Like Me, Hazeus View

For Fans Of: Jay-Z, A$AP Rocky







16. Young Guns - Ones and Zeros

After a 3 year absence, they're back, brighter and bolder, and with their third album, it's not necessarily their best as they strand away from the emotionally driven and ferocious sound, but it's a lot more colourful and synth-driven. Filled with anthemic tracks and some addictive riffs, they are honestly back to the alternative rock scene. Welcome back, boys.

Check Out: Speaking In Tongues, Colour Blind, Memento Mori

For Fans Of: Muse, The Killers







15. Twenty one pilots - Blurryface

The Ohio duo are finally getting some recognition, topping the charts with this album, and there's no question why. It's emotionally driven thanks to frontman Tyler Joseph's passionate songwriting and unpredictable rapping, producing such well thought out lyrics. There is a lot of surprises in store with this album,

Check Out: Heavydirtysoul, Ride

For Fans Of: Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco








14. Drenge - Undertow

They've stranded away from the aggressive sound for a more atmospheric and melodic point, there's so much confidence within their tracks,from the classic guitar riffs to the broody vocals, it's visceral and utterly brilliant overall. You can recognise the band's progression being improved into something amazing.

Check Out: Running Wild, Undertow

For Fans Of: Oasis, Kings of Leon









13. Jamie xx - In Colour

I have already been a fan of the band The XX and now that Jamie have produced an incredible electronic/house style album is very impressive. There is so much dexterity, rich sound that just dazzles and there's so many elements to pick apart, it engages us to this special adventure that is emotional and strange at the same time.

Check Out: Gosh, Sleep Sound

For Fans Of: The XX, Disclosure








12. Carly Rae Jepsen - E.MO.TION

I have not been a fan of the Canadian singer ever since she released the infectious "Call Me Maybe" and wasn't impressed with her first single "I Really Like You" but this album was the biggest surprise as it has the most well-produced electronic tracks I have ever heard with some impressive vocals from Jepsen, there is a funky undertone with some bold synthesizers that are reminiscent to 80s pop music. This is a great achievement from the singer that definitely deserves some attention.

Check Out: Emotion, Boy Problems, Run Away With Me

For Fans Of: Taylor Swift





11. City and Colour - If I Should Go Before You

It sounds a lot more different than his previous albums, going with some fresh inspirational ideas, like the first track "Woman" with Pink Floyd influences. There is a familiarity with its concept but it's presented beautifully with his soul-like vocals, its rhythm, and its overall bold sound that is refreshing and comfortable at the same time. Listening to this in its entirety is a whole different kind of experience.

Check Out: Woman, If I Should Go Before You

For Fans Of: Jeff Buckley, Pink Floyd