2015 was a very busy year for me. A ridiculously busy year for me, in fact. Sadly, this space has been slightly neglected (ok, entirely neglected). It’s almost a new year so why not look back at the best of 2015!
10. Kopecky Drug For The Modern Age
I loved Kopecky ever since I received their debut album Kids Raising Kids. Their follow up didn’t get much press but it proves that they’re the next Fleetwood Mac. Lead singers Kelsey and Gabe have a knack for great harmonies and their melodies are infectious. “Talk To Me” was one of the highlights of this release.
9. Gary Clark Jr. The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim
Widely heralded as the next guitar god, Gary displays an expansive skill set. The album wants to recognize all the great musicians from the past while still being wholly modern and unique. Many have tried to mix rock, blues, and R&B together for the new millennium – only Gary has been successful thus far.
8. Leon Bridges Coming Home
The exponential rise of Leon Bridges took hold of the music world this year. The dishwasher turned soul singer traps you in his velvety smooth sounds. He wasn’t flashy about how he did it either; he just recorded timeless songs like “Coming Home”.
7. Adele 25
Let’s cut to the chase – Adele is the premier artist of our lifetime. Will she bend our perception of any genre? Most likely not. Is she supremely talented with the ability to write heartfelt lyrics and remarkable melodies? Absolutely. To overlook her music because she dominates the music world is insane. She connects with people like no one else, one of the purest purposes to music.
6. Kurt Vile b’lieve i’m goin’ down
The best guitar riffs of the year belong to Kurt Vile. His hooks captivate you with outlandish lyrics that keep you coming back for more. His style is so classic rock, but the slightly dissonant vocals give it just the right amount of indie rock and he makes it all work together. I dare you to get “Pretty Pimpin'” out of your head.
5. Florence + The Machine How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Florence Welch continues her rise as she released yet another album that challenged the current trends in pop. She doesn’t care if everyone else is stripping back the melody and focusing on the beat. She made an album that highlights her passionate lyrics. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” was the most uplifting song for me this year.
4. Courtney Barnett Sometimes I Sit And Think…And Sometimes I Just Sit
Part punk, part folk, part rock, Courtney Barnett is so incredibly unique. Her first full album only created more excitement for her future. She can turn a phrase like the greatest songwriters while still sounding raw and down to earth. I don’t think this will be the last time she’ll be near the top of best of lists.
3. Father John Misty I Love You, Honeybear
Josh Tillman challenges the entertainment industry in every way. First was his debut Fear Fun in 2012 with a litany of references to all that’s wrong in Los Angeles. Then came I Love You, Honeybear this year with a tour breaking away from long established conventions along the way. He showed his lyrical range as he decided to tell his own love story rather than focus on observation again. Few succeed in the modern era with downtempo rock, but he’s found a way.
2. Dawes All Your Favorite Bands
No band quite encapsulates everything you need to craft great music like Dawes. Taylor Goldsmith’s thoughtful lyrics match perfectly with his smooth vocals. He proved his guitar prowess with terrific riffs and solos throughout the album. The hooks are so catchy and the band created their most complete record to date.
1. Jason Isbell Something More Than Free
Redemption stories are the best. Jason Isbell, who’s career was almost derailed by addiction, uses his life experiences to inspire his songwriting. He can reach out to country fans, rock fans, and really any fan of melodic music. The hope, the fear, the joy, the pain, it all comes through loud and clear in just the right way. “Children Of Children” is the most gorgeous track of the year, hearkening back to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young without the vocal harmony (which honestly works).