My Top Ten Albums Of 2015 (so far)

2015 has been a great year for the music industry already. We've seen comebacks from a plethora of talented bands such as the likes of Blur and Faith No More, as well as some breakthrough projects from young artists like London O'Connor, Vince Staples, and Jamie xx. I figured now that we're over halfway through the calendar year, I'd assemble a list of my ten favourite albums released so far this year.

10) Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Florence Welch has easily become one of the most distinguishable female vocalists in the music scene over the last decade, and for good reason. With one of the best voices on the indie pop/rock scene, Florence and her bandmates delivered a beautiful album this year, one that will very easily accompany the groups other two full-length releases, as they continue to build a very impressive discography.

9) Jamie xx - In Colour

I've never really been able to get behind all this hype with London based dream-pop band The xx, as their sound has always failed to really captivate me whatsoever. However, In Colour, the band's percussionist/producer Jamie xx's first full-length release, I was completely emerged in some of the best electronic house music released this year, and this is coming from someone who is usually quite dismissive of the whole house scene.

8) Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear

If you still haven't heard Father John Misty's I Love You, Honeybear you are seriously missing out on one of the best indie-folk releases in quite some time. His ability to blend comedy and satire with heartfelt and honest lyrics is something you won't get from very many other artists, and the atmosphere he brings with this album is one of happiness and good vibes, and at the very least provides a few good laughs.

7) Elvis Depressedly - New Alhambra

Speaking of atmospheric records, the newest Elvis Depressedly LP provides the listener with one of the saddest and most depressing atmospheres you will find this year. Both lyrically and instrumentally, the album is filled with grieving, confessions, and everything but happiness. 

6) Jme - Integrity>

In recent times, Jme has become one of the biggest stars in the UK grime scene. With the release of his newest album, not only does he cement himself at the top of the British alternative rap-style, but also delivers an album that any hardcore rap fan should take at least one listen to. Clever lyrics are blended seemingly effortlessly with the production style that you won't find very man non-European rappers using.

5) High On Fire - Luminiferous

The only metal album released this year that cracks my top ten, Luminiferous is exactly the brutal masterpiece I was hoping it would be. High On Fire threw elements of thrash metal, stone metal, and doom metal into a pot, and this is what came out. If that only doesn't sell you on the album, go ahead and check out my review, because this LP is most definitely worth your time. 

4) Vince Staples - Summertime ‘06

For so long now, I've been waiting for Vince Staples to step up and claim his spot among the top rappers in the game. He's been around too long to be looked at has a "prospect" now, and with Summertime '06, he's now reached a very exclusive rank in current rappers. Without a doubt, this is the only hip-hop release so far this year that I feel can compete with Kendrick Lamar's LP.

3) Death Grips - The Powers That B

Yes, I do think Vince Staples released the second best rap record this year, but that's because I don't think putting Death Grips into the same category as Vince, or Kendrick makes much sense to me. The noise-rap group delivered yet another stellar project with the completion of their double-album The Powers That B earlier this year. It's different, it's noisey, it's angry, and above all else, it kicks some serious ass. The group's ability to evolve and change their sound sonically while still staying true to their noise rap roots is truly fantastic, and the Jenny Death side of the album is among the top releases Death Grips have put out to this date. 

2) Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

What can I say about this album that hasn't already been said? Kendrick is, without a doubt in my mind the top emcee in hip-hop. Not only does he prove that on this album, but he begins to really make his claim for being one of the best to ever bless the mic. His ability to match concept rap with music that is atmospheric and enjoyable sets him a part from all other rappers, and allows even those who aren't hip-hop heads to enjoy his music. TPAB will certainly go down as one of the most important releases in hip-hop since the 2000's, and while it isn't a perfect album in my opinion, there's still not too many to have done it better.

1) Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell

If you want to know my full thoughts on this album, I'd recommend checking out my full review as there's only so much I can say here. It's sad, it's slow, it's beautiful. Sufjan Stevens is among my favorite artists of all time, and with this album he has delivered what may be the best album in his discography. An album where Sufjan grieves the death of his mother Carrie, and reflects on his childhood, it is an essential album for anyone who enjoys lo-fi indie folk music, and could very easily end up as my favorite release of 2015 when the year finishes.