My Top 30 Albums of 2015 :: 10-6
10. Chaos and the Calm :: James Bay
Universal Music B.V.
Released March 23, 2015
What I originally said about the album (here):
It was back in the late Summer of 2013 when I first heard James Bay and his music grabbed hold of me. I am excited to see him getting the airplay and attention he deserves, and this album, it is sure worth all that airplay and attention, it is easily one of my favorites so far this year. I love the soulful, bittersweet, growl in his voice, the incredible guitar work, and how the songs sink in and stay once you’ve listened to them.
Now:
James has had a huge year and I am so happy for him, as I’ve been a fan of his since the Summer of 2013. He is an amazing musician and songwriter, and this album is full of such a wide array of sounds and styles, from rockabilly, to rocking, to emotionally charged heartbreak songs, to unconventional love songs full of hope and longing, oh, and some great tunes to dance to. My favorite tracks keep changing, and I still can’t get enough of this album.
Top 3 songs:
Scars, Hold Back the River and Let it Go
Scars
9. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful :: Florence And The Machine
Island Records
Released May 29, 2015
What I originally said about the album (here):
Oh how I have been anxiously awaiting this album, coveting the three singles that had been pre-released with love and care, and in the case of What Kind of Man and St. Jude, with obsession. The album was definitely worth the wait. Though I’ve loved her other work, this is by far my favorite release of hers – breathtaking, explosively emotional, intimate, and beautiful.
Now:
My favorite album of Florence’s by far, the songs here, the lyrics, the feel and the sounds, they came into my life right when I needed them, and haven’t let go yet. The first two singles that were released pre-album became quick favorites, and I still love both of them (What Kind of Man and St. Jude). Those two songs especially, and the album as a whole, have been integral in the novel I’m writing, as well as some poetry and prose this year.
Top 3 songs:
St. Jude, What Kind of Man and Long and Lost
St. Jude
8. Fear and Saturday Night :: Ryan Bingham
Universal Music New Zealand Limited
Released January 20, 2015
What I originally said about the album (here):
Pre-album:
One of my favorite artists has a new album coming soon (Fear & Saturday Night – out on January 20) which I cannot wait for, but at least there are singles to fall in love with, and play over and over again. Radio is the second released single, and it has everything I love about Ryan’s music in it, wonderful, confessional kind of storytelling, emotional and rough around the edges in that bluesy way vocals, and that delicious build as the song winds up to the end, its sexy and catchy and I can’t wait for the full album.
Now:
Ryan is one of my all-time favorites, his albums a go-to for me for so many reasons, his songs and songwriting always hitting a personal chord, not to mention his live shows – and this album is right there with the others as one of my all-time favorites. There is age and experience in these songs, a peace and hope that love brings, as does growing in to oneself, which resonates with me – deeply. It isn’t an album of perfect stories and feelings, they are flawed in the best way, the songs feeling like real life stories being told on a long road trip, or across a diner table in the middle of the night – so perfect.
Top 3 songs:
Adventures of You and Me, Nobody Knows My Trouble and Snow Falls in June
Nobody Knows My Trouble (live)
7. What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World :: The Decemberists
Rough Trade Records
Released January 20, 2015
What I originally said about the album:
No review week of release.
Now:
Carolina Low captured me so much, becoming the muse to a short story, and a haunting song that kept creeping into playlists and poetry this year. The album is full of songs like Carolina Low that make me shiver and shake, sing and soar, and feel inspired to write, to create. There music has always done this for me, made me feel alive and full of sparks of ideas – this album is no exception.
Top 3 songs:
Carolina Low, Make You Better and Easy Come, Easy Go
Carolina Low
6. Self-Titled :: Tony Lucca
Noble Steed Music
Released January 27, 2015
What I originally said about the album:
No review week of release.
Now:
My favorite of Tony’s albums, self-titled is full of bluesy rock, powerful rips, emotional lyrics, sounds that make me want to dance and sing, fall in love and hit the road for an adventure. So many of these songs I relate to so completely, the sentiment, the hope, the feeling of growing up and understanding, still following dreams, and still believing in love. This album is one of the reasons that Tony is one of my favorite singer-songwriters.
Top 3 songs:
Smoke Em’, North Star and Right on Time
Smoke Em’ (live)
