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20. Tom Misch – Beat Tape 2
Genres: R&B, Electronic
Released: Aug 28, 2015
Record Label: Beyond The Groove
British producer Tom Misch delivers a smooth ‘J-Dilla-esque’ album. His smooth electronic beats sounds like a Hip-Hop Bonobo mixtape. Perfect for a raining day or remaining focused.
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19. LA Priest – Inji
Genres: Electronic, Indie, Funk
Released: June 26, 2015
Record Label: Dominio
An electronic mish-mash of funk, disco and indie dance. LA Priest turned a lot of heads in 2015 and arguably released one of the years biggest tracks with ‘Oino.’ Fantastic album.
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18. Thundercat – The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam
Genres: R&B, Rock, Electronic
Released: June 22, 2015
Record Label: Brainfeeder
Frequent Flying Lotus contributor, Thundercat, put out one of the best experimental releases of the year. Falseto vocals and a six string bass guitar help describe this laid-back psychedelic album.
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17. Fort Lean – Quite Day
Genres: Alt, Indie, Rock
Released: Oct 2, 2015
Record Label: Ooh La La Records
Fort Lean is one of the best new indie rock act of 2015. This Brooklyn based band’s sound is very poppy, upbeat and easy to digest. Would expect more of them to come.
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16. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi Love
Genres: Alt, Indie, Rock
Released: May 26, 2015
Record Label: Jagjaguwar
The album’s titled track, is one of the biggest songs of 2015. Inspired by a weird triangular love affair, ‘Multi Love’ is one of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s best records to date. Will continued to be played for years to come.
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15. Toro y Moi – What For?
Genres: Electronic, Indie, Rock
Released: April 7, 2015
Record Label: Carpark Records
Toro y Moi’s groovy psychedelic rock album, What For?, is a far venture from their chillwave releases of 2010. Their ability to adapt really defines them as a trendsetter within the indie rock genre. They continue to progress and build upon their sound.
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14. Neon Indian – VEGA INTL. Night School
Genres: Electronic, Indie, Rock
Released: Oct 16, 2015
Record Label: Mom + Pop Music
VEGA INTL. Night School, managed to keep Neon Indian relevant and ‘Annie’ was one of the best songs of the year. They delivered!
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13. Foals – What Went Down
Genres: Alt, Indie, Rock
Released: August 29, 2015
Record Label: Warner Music
In August, Foals released their 4th studio album. The critically acclaimed full-length release begins to solidifying their positioning as an accomplished band. They’ve been a band for a decade and deserve respect.
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12. Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Genres: Rap, Hip-Hop
Released: Feb 13, 2015
Record Label: Cash Money Records
Drake is mainstream and knows how to stir the pot like no one else. He also put out a handful of singles in 2015 after his unannounced full-length release, including the viral ‘Hotline Bling.’
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11. James Bay – Chaos And The Calm
Genres: Rock, Blues, Soul
Released: March 23, 2015
Record Label: Republic Records
James Bay put out of the best all around albums of 2015. His captivatingly soulful voice and sincere guitar skills suggest that this rabbit-hat wearing Brit is for real.
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10. Dr. Dre – Compton
Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
Released: August 7, 2015
Label: Aftermath/Interscope Records
After 15 years of anticipation, Dr. Dre finally released a new album. It wasn’t Detox; but at least it was pretty good. This seemed to be more of a soundtrack than an official release, but for that we are still grateful. The man, the myth, the legend. The D-R-E.
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9. Leon Bridges – Coming Home
Genres: Blues, Soul, Rock
Released: June 19, 2015
Record Label: Columbia Records
Straight from the 1960’s, Bridges is a refreshing blast from the past. Bridges smooth throwback vocal textures and warm soulful guitar licks create a must listen album. ‘Coming Home’ is an album that all generations can appreciate.
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8. Penguin Prison – Lost In New York
Genres: Pop, Indie, Rock
Released: May 4, 2015
Record Label: Downtown Records
Penguin Prison is pop genius, and there are handful of tracks on Lost In New York that showcase the producer/musicians ability. Recommend starting with “Calling Out” and “Never Get’s Old.”
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7. Tame Impala – Currents
Genres: Alternative, Rock, Psychedelic
Released: July 17, 2015
Label: Modular Recordings
The Australian indie rockers delivered one of the year’s best albums. After a near perfect debut release, in 2012, they found a way to build upon their sound. Their vintage psychedelic take on indie rock is a must listen to.
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6. Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color
Genres: Rock & Roll, Soul
Released: Apr 21, 2015
Label: Alabama Shakes LLC
In 2015 the Alabama Shakes reminded us that Rock and Roll came from the Blues. Their take on Southern Rock & Roll dominated the year and also the festival lineups. Definitely one of the year’s best.
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5. Miami Horror – All Possible Futures
Genres: Rock, Electronic, Pop
Released: April 21, 2015
Label: Haven Sounds Inc. / Dine Alone Music Inc.
The Australian band, who recently re-located to Los Angeles, have perfected the art of groove rock. Their sound is Daft Punk meets Phoenix meets Cut Copy.
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4. Tuxedo – Tuxedo
Genres: Soul/R&B, Electonic
Released: Mar 03, 2015
Label: Stones Throw Records
Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One join forces to produce an album jam packed with electronic funk. This is one of the more over looked releases from 2015. Very smooth, soulful and extra funky.
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3. Jamie xx – In Colour
Genres: Electronic, House
Released: May 29, 2015
Label: Yung Turks
Jamie xx’s best work as a producer since the 2010 The xx album. It’s clear that Jamie is an unmatched talent and he is not afraid to push boundaries and try new things as displayed with his collaboration with Young Thug.
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2. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
Released: March 14, 2015
Label: Aftermath/Interscope
Didn’t think that Kendrick could top his 2012 release good kid, m.A.A.d city, but he did. To Pimp A Butterfly plays back like few other hip-hop albums. A stroke of pure genius, this album is an engaging listen from beginning to end.
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1. Mark Ronson – Uptown Special
Genres: Pop, R&B/Soul
Released: January 13, 2015
Label: Sony
From beginning to end this album is star studded; featuring appearances from Stevie Wonder, Mystikal, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and more. No doubt this is Mark Ronson’s best release to date. Thank you Mark, for teaching us that Funk still gets the people going.
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Honorable Mention:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A$AP Rocky – AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP
Astronauts, etc. – Mind Out Wandering
Ben Browning – Turns
Beat Connection – Product 3
Bibio – Fi
Bob Moses – Days Gone By
California Honeydrops – A River’s Invitation
Day Wave – Headcase
Fidlar – Too
Hippo Campus – Bashful Creatures
Kopecky – Drug For The Modern Age
Kamasi Washington – The Epic
Mac Demarco – Another One
Peace – Happy People
Pond – Man It Feels Like Space Age Again
White Shadow – Secrets Of Life
The Wombats – Glitterbug[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column]