Monday, December 21, 2015

The Music Maven's Music Monday #44: The Music Maven’s Top 10 Albums of 2015


Where did this year go?! 2015 went by in a flash! Thankfully, we had some great music to get us through the year.  Here are my Top 10 Albums – these are the albums that sound tracked my 2015.

10. Stages by Josh Groban: This album is my guilty pleasure – it’s SO not rock n’ roll.  I love all kinds of music, and I love Broadway musicals and the classics from the American songbook. Stages is such a beautiful compilation of some of my favorite songs including two songs from Les Miserables, and a medley from Into The Woods and Sweeney Todd.  If you’re not a fan of Josh Groban now, you will be after listening to this album. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Bring Him Home, Children Will Listen/Not While I’m Around
9.  Dopamine by Borns: Borns had me with his first single Electric Love – I think I listened to it about a thousand times straight.  His EP was just as good and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his debut LP – Dopamine didn’t disappoint.  It’s synth-y, dancey, and harmonic. Music Maven Approved Tracks: 10,000 Emerald Pools, Electric Love, Dopamine

8. South/Bashful Creatures by Hippo Campus: Okay, I’m kinda breaking the rules here, but I’m obsessed with this band, and they just had to have a spot on this list even though their releases this year were EP’s and not full length albums. I love the interesting rhythms that are layered throughout their songs – it’s really difficult to sit still when you’re listening to Hippo Campus. I need a full length release from this band SOON! Music Maven Approved Tracks: South, Suicide Saturday, Little Grace

7. And the Wave Has Two Sides by On An On: I love this three piece band. The first time I saw them it was me and about 3 of my friends – that’s it – in the whole venue. Oh, wait, there was a random drunk guy…but I don’t think he had a clue who was on stage.  That kinda depressing show didn’t dampen my interest or love of On An On’s music, and I was so glad when I saw them again this year that there was a great crowd that showed the band a lot of love. I’m sure their latest album has a lot to do with their growing following – And the Wave Has Two Sides is moody, atmospheric, and a steady listen from start to finish. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Drifting, Icon Love, Wait for the Kill
6. Chaos and the Calm by James Bay: Longtime Nerdy Girlie readers know that I have a thing for UK singer/songwriters – I just can’t help myself.  James Bay’s debut album Chaos and the Calm is an incredible debut album. He sings with a lot of maturity that some of his fellow British troubadours just don’t have.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Hold Back The River, Let It Go, Move Together

5. What’s Real by MisterWives: MisterWives just make me happy. Their singles Our Own House and Reflections were my jams this year – I cannot listen to those songs without starting a one woman dance party.  What’s Real was the album that I most frequently had on blast this year. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Our Own House, Reflections, Best I Can Do
4. Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons: This is an album that really didn’t become a favorite until I saw it performed live.  My first impressions of the album left me feeling like it was a victim of over-production, but beneath it all there’s still everything I love about Imagine Dragons: deeply personal lyrics, vulnerability, and solid musicianship. We saw the Smoke + Mirrors tour in Denver at the Pepsi Center, and even with a sold out crowd of 20,000, Imagine Dragons still managed to make it feel personal and intimate.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Shots, Polaroid, The Fall

3. Story of an Immigrant by Civil Twilight: According to Spotify, Civil Twilight was my most played artist this year.  I love this band because they just don’t seem to follow a formula when it comes to their songwriting and arrangements – I feel like I hear something new and interesting every time I listen to Civil Twilight.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Holy Dove, Story of an Immigrant, River Child
2. Hold My Home by Cold War Kids: It seems like 2015 was the year of Cold War Kids – I don’t remember hearing their music on mainstream radio more than I did this year. It’s about time that everyone woke up to the wonder of CWK – longtime fans are excited to see this band take off and get the recognition they deserve. Music Maven Approved Tracks: All This Could Be Yours, First, Hear My Baby Call
1. A Silent Film by A Silent Film: I know. I know. Nerdy Girlie readers were expecting this…A Silent Film owns our music loving hearts.  Despite our complete loyalty to A Silent Film, this self-titled album stands on its own merit. The opening songs, Something To Believe In and Lightning Strike, are radio-friendly – there is no denying Robert Stevenson and Spencer Walker know how to write a great pop hook.  The album is rounded out by the 80’s tinged tracks including Paralysed with a sing-a-long worthy chorus.  Lake Swimming is my personal favorite – I saw it performed live several years ago and I’m so happy to finally have a quality recorded version that I can listen to on repeat. And I really can’t talk about A Silent Film without talking about the ballads that they do so well – Lavender Fields and Where Snowbirds Have Flown just make my heart ache.  I was dying with anticipation for this album and A Silent Film didn’t let me down.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Something To Believe In, Lake Swimming, Lavender Fields

And there you have it – my Top 10 Albums of 2015. It was a very good year to be a music lover!  Don’t forget to tell me your favorite albums of the year in the comments below!  See you in 2016!

3 comments:

syllykay said...

Tillie I love your list - I'm going to have to listen to a few of your faves who are new to me but you haven't steered me wrong so far!!

Kati Rose said...

I couldn't agree more with the Borns and James Bay choices! Their albums are both in my top 10 as well most likely. I still can't believe they were both debuts they seem like such seasoned artists already!

Joie_Fatale said...

I gotta say the inclusion of Groan made my day! Especially, since "Bring Him Home" was recommended!
Reggie sings that song beautifully! It makes me swoon every time he sings it!

Post a Comment