.jpg)
Talking about 2015 one more time, after the break!
2024 Update:
Yep, we already talked about ALL THIS back in 2023. Do I need to explain any more? Love these albums and the lists below. Even included all the Honorable Mentions I wrote about to make this a true blue MEGAPOST.
I am a little sad that Future & Drake are fighting. They always put out amazing music together. Hope they can resolve their issues. If not, I wouldn't mind more Kendrick Lamar diss tracks... you know? (lol)
Anyway! Here's...
My Favorite Albums of 2015 (Redux)
#25 - '25' by Adele
"When We Were Young"
One thing... I'm kinda sure... of is that my old "cringe 2015 self" probably put Adele's '25' at #25 on this countdown too. Just feels right. To both of us. Despite this fact, the "me of 2023" feels this album should be closer to #01 because '25' remains beautiful from start to finish. Time continues to make this album feel better than it was... if that makes sense? Like a fine wine.
Maybe it helps I saw Adele at the Staples Center (RIP) during this album promotion. Where these songs like "I Miss You", "Send My Love...", "River Lea", 'Remedy", "All I Ask", "Hello", "When We Were Young", and so many more really made a moment in my concert life. One of the best, impactful, concerts that you can only get in Las Vegas now. Right?
Adele's generational voice soars on this disc. Always sends chills down my spine on each play. The more time I spend away from '25' the more I need a blanket while listening. Sounds effortless in execution. Helps that all songs are perfectly tailored to the mood & ambiance.
There are not enough words in the English language that explain everything you can experience on this album. It is a moment in time, expressing the emotions of a new mother and child as they forge their blooming relationship together. The secret promises, the regrets, the fears, and everything in between the love they shared.
Personified and captured by a number...
#24 - 'Creed: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' by Various Artists
"Fighting Stronger"
Loved everything about CREED from the film itself, Ludwig's empowering score, and this generational hip-hop original soundtrack. Ryan Coogler incorporated both the score and original soundtrack beautifully throughout the touching story of Creed & Rocky Balboa's growing relationship. Even bringing Tessa Thompson's fictional stories to life on wax. Dug how they paid homage to everything I loved from the original Rocky films/soundtracks and did it 10x better. That's all you can ask sometimes.
Remember finding myself crying at my seat in theater as the credits rolled too. Was truly touched. Even though I have been public with my father's cancer battle over the years. My Grandma suffered from three different kinds of cancers. Memories of visiting hospital after hospital with my mother still weigh heavy on my mind. Got accustomed to sanitation gowns & cafeteria food. Have sympathy for anyone who has similar memories burned into their soul. Made me close to "straight edge" throughout my life.
Can pain like that kill your passionate fire though? Or does it make you hungrier? These artists know and hopefully so does the listener after listening to one of the best old-school original soundtracks of the past decade. I'm still trying to fight my way back. Wish we all had life-altering montages ready for these rough, sometimes slow, time passages. That'd be cool for sure...
#23 - 'American Beauty/American Psycho' by Fall Out Boy
"Jet Pack Blues"
Do you ever forget about an album and then get completely addicted to it after playing through tracks? Yeah... perfectly explains my Redux listening sessions with Fall Out Boy's 2015 sixth studio album, 'American Beauty/American Psycho'. I am quite familiar with "Centuries" or "Immortals" being regularly featured sports anthems nowadays, but when was the last time you played "Favorite Record" or "The Kids Aren't Alright"? How about my favorite song: "Jet Pack Blues"? Not enough, right? Same.
Fall Out Boy has played a big role in my life's soundtrack as you are probably aware. 'Infinity on High' left an impression on my 2007 EuroTrip, 'Folie à Deux' chronicled our TV show moving from Paramount Studios to Radford, 'Save Rock and Roll' was my Favorite Album of 2013, and 'American Beauty/American Psycho' was pretty cool as well. That's all I can say about it. Solid album from one of my favorite bands. Is it massively underrated? Surely close behind 'Folie à Deux' (which is in my top 3 FoB albums).
The biggest advantage of 'American Beauty/American Psycho' is its sheer amount of high-octane energy. These are stadium anthems that you need to howl into the night sky alongside 50,000+ strong. I'm sure you have too. The remix B-side album that came out a few months later added another layer of spice that not everyone might've liked. I sure didn't. Still have to give Patrick, Pete, Joe, and Andy props for tackling this project originally themselves. No features are needed. Though I did love the collaborations they put together on 'Save Rock and Roll'. Made this album feel completely Fall Out Boy in the most classic way possible.
Makes it easy to jump back in after all these years. Hope you enjoy the ride too!
#22 - 'Whispers II' by Passenger
"Traveling Alone"
If you haven't read my September 27, 2019, 1st Song of Day where I shared "Traveling Alone" a few days removed from my father's passing... then I recommend it. Just rediscovered my grief-stricken words after all these years, as that song played in his old office (where these sessions have been brought to you since 2020), and they didn't knock me down completely. Sums up so much about how this album means to me.
Cause I feel like Big Sis has made sure these days his family aren't Traveling Alone. We continue to help mother complete their 50 State Dream each passing year. Think she only has 6 or 7 more to go. All East Coast too. So all credit goes to my extremely hard-working sister. Don't know how she continues to lift our world on her shoulders... luckily she does lift weights with chains. I'm getting there. Thanks to her.
Passenger's 'Whispers' collection remains my favorite indie folk songbook. One I can always reach when I need a good emotional moment. Thought I loved more songs from Vol. II but many of these ballads vanished over the years it seems. Took a few plays to copy them back into my brain once more. Now I can't stop listening to "Fear of Fear", "Strangers", & "Nothing's Changed". My world feels like it's at peace as the guitar strums. Frozen in happiness.
Guess things have changed after all.
#21 - 'Summertime 06' by Vince Staples
"Love tore us all apart"
Wasn't expecting Vince Staples' debut album, 'Summertime 06', to sound this timeless. Surpasses anything I heard on Spotify's New Music Friday playlist this morning. Testament to his & No I.D.'s solid production value on this simplistic two-disc project. Cleaned my song palette almost instantly with its classic, hard-hitting, inventively unique style. Took me way, way back.
Though I dug the critically acclaimed album in 2015, Vince Staples won me over a few months later when I saw (almost all) his set at FYF 2016. Ran over from the security line due to being hella late. Not my fault either. Think I spent 2 or 3 hours in unnecessary lines that lead to nowhere on MLK Blvd. The police had to get involved because people were just STANDING around. Ever since then... I never trusted a line.
What stood out about that set was his energy. Native SoCal Sounds will always sound better in LA. Long Beach Seagulls chirping and all. Probably the closest an artist gets to homecourt advantage. Kendrick Lamar dunked the festival at the end of the night too. Those were the days man. Now I'm old, in my rocking chair, thinking about those legendary nights. Sad.
Listened to 'Summertime 06' twice so far and my feelings remain unchained. "Norf Norf" still bangs. Finding new love with the end of Disc 1 & the start of Disc 2. Everything follows quite well together. Don't think I ever noticed how quick each song is. Which I don't mind because I care about storytelling. (And, unlike most, I loved 2018's 'FM!' mixtape that tells its narrative with small clips.) A testament that your first official meeting with the world should be a memorable one. For this was a moment in time that shall not be forgotten.
At least for me...
#20 - 'Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' by Ennio Morricone + Various Artists
"Let’s slow it down"
Had the pleasure of seeing the premiere press screening of Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" in 70mm with my bro, Danger, at the Majestic Crest Theatre in Downtown Westwood a few weeks before the film was released. Every seat was full of those, boujie Hollywood press people. I still remember the journalist behind us with a full laptop setup. If you can believe it. Not how I like to watch movies. Prefer a more quiet setting. I'm one of those Friday afternoon, seated towards the front with a small popcorn & Pepsi, kind of guys.
Ended up going to another 70mm early morning screening at the Hollywood Arclight (RIP) with my hometown friends. Was a much better viewing experience. Also helped that the crew & I went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Cinerama Dome right after! 2015 Movies were on another level. Lots of time in Hollywood. Plenty of stops at Amoeba Records. Where I bought this 180-gram 2-disc vinyl a few months later.
To deny the Legendary Ennio Morricone a spot on this list would be a sin honestly, especially on how much I studied/admired his iconic catalog throughout Film School. Add on the fact the album was released by Jack White's 'Third Man Records' label, making this seemingly prestigious album something worth holding onto forever. There are versions worth over $150.
Quentin Tarantino tends to put out solid original soundtracks and this one, not only features Morricone's bone-chilling original score but also has a White Stripes tune alongside full clips of dialogue from the film. Allows for deep immersion. A lot of people believe that Morricone's score is probably the best aspect of the film.... which might've worked better as a full-on Stage Play in hindsight. Something I can agree with to a degree.
Think I've watched "Hateful Eight" on TV once since it finished its film run all those years ago. Didn't mind it with commercials either. My favorite go-to TV Tarantino flick is Django Unchained surprisingly and this film might've been cooler if they made it the sequel to that film, ya know? But I'm not one to judge. I loved the film back then, probably cause seeing it was so memorable, and the score remains evergreen. Glad to have it a part of my vinyl collection.
#19 - 'Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude' by Pusha T
"Wave At Everything"
Wanna know the album that sparked this Redux series? It was 'Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude'.
"Untouchable" shuffled on my old school iPod Touch before leaving the house a few weeks ago and the idea slowly started to build in my head. "Would it even be possible to reevaluate these 2015 classics? Did I have the energy? Or the focus? Might be a fun exercise? Right???" As we reach the end, cause I started writing with Album #1, it's been really fun. Nostalgic while giving forgotten projects a second life on the new site.
Don't think Pusha T has ever missed a mention on these countdowns over the years. Absolutely love 'Fear of God II: Let Us Pray', 'My Name Is My Name', 'DAYTONA', 'It's Almost Dry', and 2015's 'Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude'. To pick THE favorite from his entire discography is extremely challenging for me. King Push hasn't missed over the years. Just depends on my mood. If that make sense?
'Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude' does feel like the darkest entry in the catalog though. Moves at a methodical pace. Allows the impassionate lyrics to hit harder. Something his legendary producers like Metro Boomin, Timbaland, Sean Combs, Hudson Mohawk, Boi-1da, J. Cole, Q-Tip, Ye, and plenty more protect beautifully on each song. Pusha T always feels like he's in good hands during his sessions. A positive that gives another layer to these ghetto tales.
Also... this album gave Pusha the spotlight more than his last album, 'My Name is My Name', did. Sure there are features sprinkled throughout here but this is King Push's kingdom now. He allowed the guests to heighten these anthems. Something he's balanced well on the projects after this. He means business and he meant it.
Hope we get a sequel to this potential album series... maybe by the 10th anniversary?! Still want a whole 'Darkest Before Dawn' Trilogy.
#18 - 'In Colour' by Jamie xx
"OBVS"
Two tracks into my listening session with Jamie xx's 2015 debut solo studio effort, 'In Colour', and plenty of questions started to race through my mind. The major one being... "why did this album make my list?" Then track three, "SeeSaw" (ft, Romy), hits. Then I knew why. Was quite obvious... it was fun.
Took a bit to get readjusted to Jamie xx's electronica world after all these years, especially after being accustomed to The xx's dark, haunting vibes for over a decade. This record feels like an escape from all that. More so... a vacation full of rich sounds, cool breezy beats, and heaps of fun in the most unconventional way possible. Even The xx sounding track like "Stranger In A Room" has a little glimmer of light shining through a dark space. Like morning rays through a bedroom window. Warming everything it touches. Can even feel cinematic storytelling in its pacing.
Pretty sure this album ranked way higher on this countdown... probably. Maybe? Still feel placing 'In Colour' at #18 feels right. Didn't go back to this project after 2015. Hasn't been in regular rotation or competition with everything that was released since. Which sucks cause it has so much critical acclaim. Hardly ever hear it spoken about in mainstream circles. Is it masterful? Absolutely. Am I glad I got to visit it again? You bet! Just wish it left more of an impression, you know? But that may be me.
#17 - 'Dark Sky Paradise (Deluxe)' by Big Sean
"...I feel better at work..."
Strange thing, the "me of 2015" truly believed that lyric from Big Sean's "Blessings" from the polarizing 'Dark Sky Paradise'. You couldn't tell that version of myself was a workaholic cause he wouldn't have believed you. Just believe the burnout that hit by the end of the year. S#*t hit hard. Albums like this kept his fires burning. In 2023, Big Sean & Friends' energy remains infectious.
This was the height of G.O.O.D. Music and even though Ye doesn't mess with Big Sean anymore (allegedly), 'Dark Sky Paradise' really hits because of his team's input. Not just that. All these artists around Sean like Ye, Drake, John Legend, Lil Wayne, Jhene Aiko, Grande, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Mike Will Made-It, and even the legendary E-40 made him sound quite BIG on his project. They brought out everything special about Big Sean, the artist. Clever lyrics, legendary beats, and plenty of tunes to vibe to are all here on this radio-friendly package. Producing an album that feels like a perfect storm unleashed at the right time. Big Sean was finally famous and this album became his victory lap.
Just listen to "Paradise-Extended". Straight fire. Can feel that old-driven 2015 me taking the wheel for a few minutes as I write these words. That track always made him lose control. Super Saiyan on every play. That's how I survived days on 4 hours of sleep for sure. (haha) Will I forget about this project again in a few years... probably? At least I'll have a blast rediscovering it once again. You're only supposed to be a visitor in paradise, right?
#16 - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' by Florence + The Machine
"The Odyssey"
A one-third concept album, one-third music film, and one-third personal experiences helped this author connect with the densely deep third studio album from Florence + The Machine back in 2015. However... the "me of 2023"... only really remembered a few tracks from 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' until I sank back into it yesterday. Then an explosion of thoughts & feelings reappeared in a flash. Ended up falling back in love with the journey once more.
"Ship To Wreck" kicked down those doors in my mind's temple almost immediately. Perfect lead track to an impressive tale. Cause that was what this album excels at, painting a high-end complex story of one woman's journey of self-discovery. Florence + The Machine's style hasn't differentiated from their original vision, merely reinterpreted and enhanced to tell whatever story Florence's siren's call wishes mesmerizes us sailors. Made jumping back in, a safe one.
'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' includes a Los Angeles vibe as well and those are the visions I see during this listening session. Downtown Hollywood at dusk. Staring at the Hollywood Cross from the 5 Freeway. Mumbling a secret prayer each time we passed in the night. Sure I don't miss those lengthy freeway drives... but I miss that small religious encounter at times. A little detail most never thought about, right?
Experiencing a beautiful album like this once more proves that this series was the perfect idea. Long-forgotten parts of myself feel like they are coming back with each post. Florence + The Machine didn't just make a drip... but a flood. That original lifeline kicking back to life.
#15 - 'Fetty Wap (Deluxe)' by Fetty Wap
"1738"
Was a big fan of Twitter's Vine App around this time. Scrolled through the busy, mostly comedy-filled, timeline countless times throughout the day. Especially at night before bed. That was my favorite. Even posted poorly shot clips in hopes of being a part of the community. Ended up making a Vine to "Panda" by desiigner that went viral, surpassing a Million loops! Then the app died. Yeah... I killed it. (haha)
So of course I loved Fetty Wap. What surprised me back then was how catchy his self-titled 2015 is! What was heaps of fun to vibe to in the car on rides from home & work has become my time capsule to those Vine days. Cause I can't hear these songs without thinking about those social media days. Pity the Drake remix of "My Way" hasn't officially been released cause it's low-key amazing. You can find the remix through Google if you're curious. Still can rap it word for word.
Is this the best album of 2015? Of course not. Probably better than most hip-hop albums released nowadays? Surely! Solid production. Funny lyrics. Confusion from listeners all around. I'm holding onto it for the memories. Because that was peak social media entertainment.
#14 - 'Traveller' by Chris Stapleton
"The Memories Keep Turning..."
Strangely I don't recall 'Traveller' by Chris Stapleton ranking this high on my long-forgotten initial list... not sure if it even did honestly. Wasn't really listening to country music in 2015 as I did in years before. Kinda gave up on it... but still, remember that Chris brought me back with his slow-tuned folk ballads that hit my core. Bro country got over-played, repetitive, and annoying. So hearing something so down to earth, full of such meaningful lyrics, was undeniable upon hitting play.
'Traveller' is a reaction to Chris' father's passing... so this introspective debut album probably gained more rankings in my book during recent years. There's so much power in the vocals that you can't help but feel the energy through the speakers. Strong production and songwriting heighten the experience too. A style Chris has only built upon over the years since. Making 'Traveller' taste like the best medium rare steak. No sauce is needed. Only Whisky to water it down.
Time continues to be magic to this album. Has frozen my hands on this keyboard more times than you'd think. Let the emotions hit you.
#13 - 'Purpose (Deluxe)' by Justin Bieber
"The Feeling"
Fought so hard throughout my early music blog life to not fall for Justin Bieber's mainstream soulful songs. Especially when his ups and downs were constantly covered on our TV gossip show. That's what the ratings demanded at the time. The people wanted to know and social media wasn't as big as it is now. We were one of the sources. Which sucks. But the drama didn't paint Justin in a good shade either. Happy I didn't let that me stop from a fantastic music experience.
The more I listened to 'Purpose', the more this listener loved what he heard. Sounds so crispy even now. Props to the production team.... made up of such Pop & EDM legends like Skrillex, BloodPop, Benny Blanco, Diplo, etc. This apologetic, misunderstood drama setter won me over. Took a village for sure! Still walked away from this album with some meaningful memories that spoke to that exhausted man who found peace and purpose through JUSTIN BIEBER??! Sad but true. This album weakened me.
Just listen to it. Absolutely fantastic times.
Remember the debut night replaying "Love Yourself" until I fell asleep. That boy was hurt, by a girl. Same old story. Probably why that memory was made. Moving on is hard especially when you feel there is unfinished business between two people, you know? Things are never a period, more like an ellipsis. Songs like that loosen the chains. Props to Ed Sheeran for the words. When you get stopped by a song, you know it is something truly special. Still hear "Love Yourself" in 2023. Now that's a Testament.
There's so much to love with 'Purpose'. It is a feeling. Recommend you let it breeze right by you. Might make you spellbound like it did with me in 2015.
#12 - 'Pleasure To Meet You' by Dead Sara
"Mona Lisa's Smile"
Luckily words exist that describe my love for Dead Sara's critically acclaimed sophomore studio project, 'Pleasure To Meet You', in our historical files. You can click here to read this old author's glowing review in our classic "Album of the Week" feature. Man... used to love scheduling those for the Weekend on top of doing everything else I did as a music blogger. Brought a handful back to life during the recent archiving. Always thought a day without music would be a bad thing back then. Cause I was so consumed by it.
Sorry, heading off in a different direction as I write!
Letting my mind wander cause I haven't listened to this album in ages. Think I might have replayed it when I was putting together Dead Sara's placement on 2021's list. Where 'Ain't It Tragic' claimed my unofficial #6 spot. This album, however, brings back those early concert memories rolling with the music blog click around Los Angeles during 'Pleasure To Meet You's' promotion. For Dead Sara was never a show I wanted to miss.
Picksysticks and I supported Emily & her various bandmates since we decided to team up officially in 2011. He got invited to almost every LA show, I tagged along. Made stops to see Dead Sara during SXSW in 2013 & 2015 too. Always looked forward to my face getting melted in steamy venues each time I walked through. Just listen to their discography... hits damn hard. The Troubadour showcase in 2012 remains my favorite. Picksysticks came to my desk and pitched the exclusive press-only show that started before nighttime. We met up in West Hollywood & the rest was history. I was gonna support this band until they called it quits. And I still am! For we are DEADicated... always & forever.
Tattooed my love for this album by picking up the Autographed Vinyl record around this time. Think that speaks more than anything my fragmented mind can conjure... surely right? Support artists and time might reward you.
Have taken plenty of writing pause breaks throughout this mindful session to just enjoy everything I'm hearing. 'Pleasure To Meet You' remains beautiful, hard-hitting, and full of lost memories. Happy they are slowly bringing me back to life. Despite the double-digit number... will consider this my favorite Dead Sara album. Made so many memories with Picksysticks to it. Thanks for the memories, y'all!
(shout out to the Vim Dicta whom we also covered alongside Emily & Dead Sara)
#11 - 'Compton' by Dr. Dre
"It Was All A Dream"
We were covering "Straight Outta Compton" film plenty on our TV show before its release in 2015. Even got to go to the press screening with the Wing Night crew. Special times. But nothing compared to getting Dr. Dre's official third studio album to coincide with the movie's release. We longtime West Coast hip-hop heads lost our minds. This was it. Not 'Detox'. 'Compton'. Was it a dream? I still can't believe it exists on these streaming platforms.
(I'm an Apple Music supporter so we got it exclusively for a while!)
And the album surpassed every preconceived I had on the first listen. You can feel Dr. Dre (aka the Billion Dollar Beats Man) had a spark of genius during this period and it shows. 'Compton' really shined because of its beats and features: Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Ice Cube, Marsha Ambrosius, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Xzibit (!), The Game, etc... you know all my Dr. Dre favs mixed into some of the juiciest beats made for one hell of a stew. Couldn't help going back for more, and more, and more throughout this time. Especially my favs which got saved from deletion.
Fun fact: added the album back on my Apple Music earlier this Spring for Wrestlemania 2023 Weekend with the hometown homies. Nothing like bumping a Cali Godfather & followers on the streets of LA. Trust me. Changes the whole listening experience. Can't get that feeling in Nebraska. Only in SoCal.
'Compton' doesn't feel dated yet which is awesome! You can listen to 'The Chronic' with the youngbloods and probably say, "Yeah this retro rap" and they might agree. But not this record. Dr. Dre remains at a level untouchable legendary level. The storytelling Dre was presenting back in the '90s matches the 2010s. That's a pioneer, genius, and trendsetter for you. Respect to you all.
#10 - 'Positive Songs for Negative People' by Frank Turner
"Glorious You"
Used to follow Frank Turner via UK-based The Ruckus music blog (RIP). At least how my fragment memory is telling me. All the candid features they did made me a fan of Frank over time. It was a slow grind but I knew I had to see him eventually. Added him to the music bucket list quickly. Then a few years later... in 2015... I saw Frank not once but twice! Both shows have stuck with me as expected. They were unforgettable moments in time on two ends of the concert spectrum: intimate & mainstream LA.
The first one was special in particular because it was on the last day of SXSW 2015. An exhausted me headed downtown in the rain, to a small backyard, and witnessed one of the most amazing musician-to-audience connections I've ever witnessed. This group of 50 or so fans knew every word of every song. Frank fed off it immensely. Time froze for me. Moments like that, in my opinion, tend to turn casuals... like this author... into the biggest supporters.
So I covered 'Positive Songs for Negative People' throughout its album release and Frank's tour through Los Angeles. It was fun! He played the Mayan Theatre alongside Skinny Lister and Beans On Toast in October 2015. I sat in the balcony area, which is my favorite spot because the theatre had no seats at that time. Can't block someone's view being 6'4" when you're sitting down, right? Probably was quite exhausted by the hustle & grind as well.
Was able to vibe alongside fellow, casual LA Fans. Some knew the words to Frank's classics. Others enjoyed their drinks. Didn't have the energy like the backyard in Austin. But hearing all these new anthems live for the first time made it special enough. By this time, I was singing them, and that speaks volumes to how much I progressed as a fan. All those after-work car ride karaoke paid off.
I personally love the acoustic B-Side of 'Positive Songs for Negative People'. Mirrored how I feel about Gavin DeGraw's debut 'Chariot' for it has this spectacular acoustic disc too. The simplicity of Frank & his guitar expels such raw passion. It brings me back to that backyard, in Austin, all those years ago. For that old listener, it was months before... for this author, it has been nearly a decade. Sitting here, taking everything in... Frank's anthems still sound as crispy as they did back then.
Isn't that glorious?
#09 - 'Every Open Eye' by CHVRCHES
"Make Them Gold"
(Got chills on my replay before writing these words.)
Haven't listened to 'Every Open Eye' by CHVRCHES in years. I kinda got worn out by these songs after covering their entire album cycle between 2014 to 2016. Bound to happen, right? We ran right alongside them. Letting the world know of this amazing act. Cause that's what we bloggers do.
What strangely started by missing Lauren, Iain, and Martin at SXSW in 2013 led me on a quest to experience almost every Los Angeles shindig they held around this period. Remember waking up early on a weekend morning to meet Picksysticks (Manny) at the ALT 98.7 for their downtown LA penthouse show. You can watch a clip here. Being surrounded by their fellow hardcore fans made for a cool concert experience. Something that happened at every show I was a part of.
Ended up covering them four times: three shows around Los Angeles and one road trip to Coachella in 2016. They never disappointed us. Which all you can ask as a music fan. Martin shared one of my photos too. Got a lot of buzz from that. Safe to say CHVRCHES left a forever impression. Still happy to support them over the years and can't wait to hear Lauren's solo release in the coming months.
When it comes to this album... how does it hold up in 2023 for me? Still stellar. I'm kinda shocked I remember most of the lyrics. "Down Side of Me" & "Make Them Gold" are capturing my attention this playthrough. So used to hearing all the hits from this project... "Clearest Blue", "Leave a Trace", "Never Ending Circles", "Bury It", etc... tracks like these usually hits the nerves wonderfully. Producing a deep cut. *wink*
Still feel their future albums connect with me better, but I love how you can see the evolution here. What worked... what didn't. Exactly how I felt back in 2015. Leaving a trace for the future that eventually became true. CHVRCHES worked their asses off for that future too. You can still hear the passion running through this. Made it easy to connect with. Now and then.
#08 - 'Carrie & Lowell' by Sufjan Stevens
"I Don't Know Where To Begin..."
Truly... because anyone who ever gave their time to Sufjan Stevens' 'Carrie & Lowell' since it was released in 2015 knows how quickly it can spellbind you with his ghostly folky true-to-life stories. This album made from sadness, depression, and warm memories forever immortalized his late mother & stepfather and their family trips in time in one of the brightest lights ever. Knew it was special back then and it has become even more meaningful in recent years cause I could relate to Sufjan's pain. He spun the darkness into gold... not just a nugget, but a glimmering bucket.
Could rant on how I became a Sufjan fan (thanks Wick!) or how obsessed I became listening to this album in the aftermath of my father's cancer battle all day. There are just too many paragraphs to vomit onto this blank space that you might find interesting, meaningful, enlightening, and/or boring to say the least. Wrote plenty in the years after this album's original share. You can track them down in the search bar.
'Carrie & Lowell' should be interpretive by you dear listeners. It's too perfect not to. Really captures Sufjan's feelings during this dark moment before they get overwritten by the coming future. Something we all fear. That's one thing no one prepared me for when my father passed in 2019. How to hold onto the memories. You spend so much time trying to organize & quantify their possessions that it never really ends. Some got given to Goodwill or sold on eBay. Others are pinned to the walls around me.
Sufjan put them to song.
Wasn't expecting a killer wave to crash onto the family & me back in 2015. Things felt too perfect back then. Nowadays, I'm glad these 11 songs channel the hopefulness & real messages from Carrie and Lowell through Sufjan's soul. Allows the grief to touch the surface for a little air.
I'm just shocked it came out nearly a decade ago. Where does the time go?
#07 - 'DS2' by FUTURE
"Kno The Meaning"
Wanna know one of the things that makes me happy re-presenting these albums of 2015? Well... it is being able to correct that blogger's past exceptions. I didn't listen to 'DS2' until 2016 when it became one of my most played albums in that year. Sadly I couldn't officially include it on that year's list due to my own self-imposed rules. "Only 2016 albums!" he annoyingly spoke. Which sucks because albums are evergreen. Surprised 'EVOLV' didn't make that list either.
All art is timeless. Usually, they find you when you allow them to. That's what happened here as I bumped 'DS2' on long rides to see my hometown friends in Palmdale or the crew from Hollywood. Was able to listen to this whole record on each drive... and I loved every second of those trips because of Future's incredible energy & meaningful lyrics. Beginning your album with the statement "I just f*cked your b*tch in some Gucci flip flops..." really set the tone for the entire experience for this listener in 2016. Felt so damn cool and a tad refreshing. Something I never heard before. Made me laugh countless times.
Kinda blame 2015 for putting me on such a Drake + Future tag team run. There wasn't a drought cause Future went full Lil Wayne during this time... putting out a new album or feature every couple of months. A trend that hasn't stopped nearly a decade later. 'I NEVER LIKED YOU', 'FUTURE/HENDRIX', 'BEAST MODE 2', 'HIGH OFF LIFE', 'PLUTO X LITTLE PLUTO' have all left an impression on me over the years despite finding myself returning to 'DS2' now and then.
Can't escape how amazing this album truly is. Just sad I didn't get to praise Future more in 2015 on top of our #06 Favorite Album... #spoilers ... cause 'DS2' deserves to be here.
#06 - 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' by Drake + 'What A Time To Be Alive' by Drake + Future
"So We Rewind..."
Still remember the night when 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' dropped. Was checking my phone during Wing Night. Stereogum had the article. Used the cell phone data for the Apple Music download so I could bump it on the long ride home from Hollywood. Making for one hell of a musical moment that only crystallized the older it got. Now it's like a fine wine. One you can sip on in a lush bed, comfy covers wrapped all around you, especially in the nighttime.
Remains my favorite Drake album. Even surpassing 'Take Care' in this modern area. There are no pauses on this project. With almost all its lyrics still stuck to my eargums. Made every future Drake project... except for one (see below)... feel lackluster (despite having its own unique style and merits). This is the 6 God in all his glory. The one I wish would make a return. Not that certified lover boy.
What came next later in the year just felt like a victory lap for both Drake & Future (whom I already spoke about in #07). They reached a new level in 2015. 'What A Time To Be Alive' hasn't aged well for me. Starts great but falls off by the end. Sure it's fun at times. "Tongue and cheek for egomaniacs" is probably a better way to describe it. Continues to drop down my Favorite lists with each passing year.
Past me loved it a tad more than 'IYRTITL'. Probably would've defended the hell of 'WATTBA' back then. He felt every track at his core. Maybe that just speaks volumes of how my Hollywood ego has shrunk in these post-pandemic years? Humbled by age? Maturity compared to that shopaholic, big spender. My life's soundtrack sounded so full of spenders in 2015.
Future.... like I wrote about before... shines and I don't think I would've loved DS2 as much if it wasn't for playing 'WATTBA' on repeat sessions. Got me accustomed to his rough, unique style, flows that blossoms into heartfelt messages. Just being co-signed to a radio-friendly artist opens so many doors for a new audience to feel your art. Future's sample size is easily digestible on this project, you know? He matched Drake's versatility and ended up surpassing him on almost every track. Made me want more.
Ultimately it still is really hard to judge 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' & 'What A Time To Be Alive' differently because "Past Me" listened to them in a stew of fantastic tunes throughout 2015. They feel like two sides of the same project as I kept flipping them like a coin with each play press. Pretty sure I gave both albums the same blurb in my Top 5 cause it seems logical.
#05 - 'Hamilton: An American Musical [Original Broadway Cast]' by Various Artists
"It's Quiet Uptown"
Vaguely remember seeing the Broadway recording of 'Hamilton' on so many Best Albums of 2015 lists and that's what kinda sparked my curiosity to download the project on my iPhone in 2016. I can't listen to everything... even though we all try. Albums slip through the cracks almost every year. Something that blew my mind when pulling out all these 2015 albums from AlbumoftheYear.org. Felt like 1,000 albums scoring above 75%. What a mountain to climb.
So I took a chance one day in early 2016, put the album on SHUFFLE... *gasps*...and quickly fell in love as history was made. Stopped myself, reset Apple Music, and started from track #1. Then 'Hamilton' became my most-played album of that year as I took in all the hype. Bowing at Lin-Manuel's feet on each run-through. As I confronted the looming depression on my back because I felt my legacy, and dreams, had been fully broken.
Truly. Not sure how to explain it but Hamilton's fiery rise & tragic downfall really connected with me. Didn't help I was our show director's right-hand man... had a passion for non-stop writing... and you can connect the dots. "History Has Its Eyes On You", "Satisfied", "That Would Be Enough", "One Last Time", & "Quiet Uptown" all kinda wrecked me from a logical point. Ended up having a mini-mid-life crisis secretly. Don't think many knew, looking back with hindsight. What was this path? Everything felt perfect... great job, co-workers, reputation, family but that's when it hits you, right? In a car, stuck in traffic, on the 5 Freeway.
Did I get over it? Absolutely. Took that break! Sucks that I love living uptown now. Cause it is quiet. And I dig it. What's left is an amazing Broadway musical that I've listened to over a hundred times, not including at the Pantages Theatre and on Disney+.
Hope it touches others as it did cause it helped me survive the show's final days and Pa's cancer years immensely. ♫ Teach them how to say goodbye... one last time ♫ ... or for the 1st time below!
#04 - 'Dark Before Dawn’ by Breaking Benjamin
"Failure"
There have only really been two times that left me incredibly speechless and excited for the future during my time as a full-time music blogger: the comebacks of Damien Rice in 2014 and Breaking Benjamin in 2015. Was OVER THE MOON that two of my favorite artists rose from emptiness around the same time... while putting out generational albums that simply blew me away!
Breaking Benjamin's 'Dark Before Dawn' is one of the few albums that... to this day... sends chills down my spine. Ben's warm vocals contrasting with the hard-hitting instrumentals act like a sledgehammer to my musical soul. Brings out every kind of uncertain phobia in the form of a passionate scream during each album sing-along. Find the listening experience completely therapeutic so that by the time you reach "Dawn" you're ready to take those necessary steps forward. Just like Ben did all those years ago.
It is an album that remains a well-paced musical journey. Flowing wonderfully I never even consider skipping to the next anthem. Everything just captures my hopeful soul much like it did back in 2015 as I fought off my burnout with fire. Music like this gives you that gasoline to rage through your issues, ya know? But the sweeter moments on "Never Again" or "Defeated" continue to be a constant reality check. Especially for this broken man behind the keys.
We'll make it through...you can too. Hitting play helps.
#03 - 'E•MO•TION' by Carly Rae Jepsen
"I Really Like You"
I've always been a HUGE sucker for infectious pop music. Longtime readers really should understand that cause I never shy away from the bubblegum smacks in our daily shares. And Carly Rae Jepsen created a pop masterpiece in 2015 with her third studio album, 'E•MO•TION'.
Hard focus on MASTERPIECE because in my mind... even now... consider it the standard I judge all mainstream pop records. Always want those projects to make me feel like 'E•MO•TION' did upon its inception. Nothing has come close. Not even Carly's future releases. Got close... but nothing can touch this album in my book.
Something I didn't write about back then but I dated A LOT in 2015. Nothing ever got serious because the "only woman I truly connected with" was jumping from serious relationship to serious relationship without care. But not with me. Despite the fact we kept finding a way to connect anytime the lights were on us. Was a fun secret we kept to ourselves while the world stopped... protected by a wall when my air met her fire. Part of me wishes we just ran away back then. But then she might've never become the shining star she is now. Decisions I don't regret. But always come creeping back in when these songs hit my romantic soul. You know how it is...
From those first saxophone notes on "Run Away With Me" to auto-tune-infused beats on "Favourite Colour" until that silence hits. What an experience that I love to relive. Just can't escape many of these anthems. Luckily these tracks are engraved on my musical soul forever...
#02 - 'To Pimp A Butterfly' by Kendrick Lamar
"I Remember You was Conflicted..."
Seen Kendrick Lamar live three times in my history but experiencing 'To Pimp A Butterfly' live at The Wiltern in November 2015 remains one of the highlights of my concert life. Even now. Heightened the jazzy, free form, flow, and heavy stories Kendrick tells on his third album a bit more. Because 'TPAB' remains a dense story to ingest.
Is this album one of the greatest albums ever presented? Absolutely. Especially at its core. Do my casual ears still prefer 'DAMN.', my favorite album of 2017, a bit more? Sure. Plus I love how that story is presented front to back and back to front. 'To Pimp A Butterfly' is built an anthological poem revealing a concrete rose at its conclusion. Can I reiterate the entire poem without a beat... pretty much. And I have forgotten friends' birthdays before I let go of those prophetical verses.
Wish some of these subtle elements were incorporated in Kendrick's latest, 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'. Might've made that project far more enjoyable to go back to. Because I will not turn off this project. No skips. Remains true to my musical soul to this day.
The "core memory" highlight that sticks with me about this is how it was the album I listened to throughout our South By Southwest adventures in 2015. My first-vibes with 'To Pimp A Butterfly' were when I packed my suitcase. Still remember visiting those Austin venues and hearing "These Walls" or '"Alright" in between performances. There will never be a moment like that again. Soundtrack'd that entire adventure.
You'd be surprised how often I've played "Momma" over the recent years. Remains an everlasting portal to my old memories. Recapture those below...
#01 - 'Beauty Behind The Madness' by The Weeknd
"Dark Times"
There are so many memories tied to my favorite album of 2015 that most haven't fallen away all these years later. The main core memory is driving from the Hollywood Bowl to Santa Monica after Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreaks Anniversary Show with some long-forgotten friends late at night. Not to mention listening to this LP endlessly on countless Comic Book to Wing Nights, rolling with amazing people who remain close in a post-pandemic world.
This album brings back those breaking point days when the hazy street lights lit my way home. Picturing my brand new Prius' wet rubber tires as they ran atop damaged concrete... all while that chilly California air kept me from falling asleep running at 80 mph. Only hindsight completes the memory mosaic. It was me, fragmented nearing a professional renaissance. Similar to Abel on the album cover.
'Beauty Behind The Madness', The Weeknd's official sophomore album, really taught me that no matter the positives you won't really enjoy them until you quell those negative voices in your body, mind, and soul. Appeasing their appetites probably will only make them worse. Closing yourself will only let them have a buffet. Much of the track list bobs and weaves between a hopeful, romantic Abel and the troublesome inebriated Weeknd whom we met on his buzzworthy debut mixtapes. Something I was familiar with back in 2015. Hard-working during the day then drinking more than I ever had at night, and took pills to put myself down afterward before waking up at 4 am just to do it again. Glad no one took me as I was back then. For the one I loved was broken as well.
Fridays were incredible as I usually was up for 24 hours each week. Which made me crash until noon on Saturdays. That was my schedule for roughly 4 years. Not healthy. Made sense why I pushed most people away. Appears my memories paint me quite the monster. Despite braving everything with a big positive smile. Happy I've kinda of retired that mask.
Wrote in Favorite Albums of the 2010s, during another low point in my history, that I didn't think 'Beauty Behind The Madness' would claim my #1 album due to Hamilton playing an important part in my musical history in 2016. But sitting here loving my constant replays of 'Beauty Behind The Madness' in the year 2023 makes me think I made the right choice. My #1 Albums usually represented my mindset in each blogging calendar year and nothing personifies the version of me in 2015 than this album. These were Dark Times. "Driving too fast, but just moving too slow" sums everything up perfectly. Made poor choices. Ones that regret cause here I am rewriting my lost history.
Grateful "the music" never forgets. This will forever be my Favorite Album of 2015. It is perfect. Even now. Enjoy it below...
Oh, we're not done yet! Ended up taking everything a bit further as I presented a mega post for all my Favorite 2015 Honorable Mentions a few days later. Here you'll find more recommendations!
Honorable Mentions
2015, in hindsight, looked to be an amazing year of music. Did I appreciate all these amazing albums & soundtracks back then? I believe so. You can't hold onto every song, much like every memory... as whatever is important right now will gladly take precedence. All these albums chipped away at my musical soul a little bit from car rides to epic concerts regardless. So being able to immortalize them for hopefully the last time means the world to me. Memories become true memories.
A proud soundtrack for a workaholic who was running on empty. These were the fumes.
2015's CONTENDERS
- 'My House' by Flo Rida
An album that was (probably) on my Favorite Albums Honorable Mentions back in 2015 leads off the list. One of the few certainties going through these albums. Remember being confused ranking EPs in comparison to LPs. Tended to only award full LPs places on the Favorite Albums Countdowns but where's the cut off? 4 Tracks? 7 Tracks? 15 Tracks of 1 minute skits? What if the album is 15 tracks but considered a Mixtape? Over the years I got looser as only I can quantify such trivial things. But this author was trying to be "respectable" ... whatever that may mean?
'My House' isn't as catchy as 'Wild Ones' but only by a tiny bit. They are truly two sides of the same EP coin. Put them together & you got one of a party rock anthem. Doesn't stop me from pretending to poorly whistle to the chorus of "I Don't Like It, I Love It". Which basically sums up my thoughts on the project nowadays. Still having a blast typing these words in this chair with it bumping into my face. Looking back on 2015 on post-pandemic eyes really romanticizes that time period of my golden age coming to a close. My 20s were over.
- 'FROOT' by Marina & The Diamonds
Still have dream like visions of seeing Marina [& The Diamonds] at The Coppertank that night at SXSW 2015. Picksysticks had been a huge fan of hers for years, but it was my first experience. Her entire set sent chills down my spine. They were mostly tracks from 2012's 'Electra Heart' (which got an anniversary release last year) and when 'Froot' arrived I ate it all up. Such a beauty, fun loving, strange record that vanished from my mind since then. Luckily these memories also call back her stylized Greek Theatre show from October 2015. Think we had VIP service? Vaguely remember drunkenly having fun with my friends in the press room. Could be a different show? Do recall we had pit seats. And that Christine & The Queens, Marina's opener, was gonna be a force to be a reckon with after her dynamite set.
- 'Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü' by Jack Ü
This was first album I played before embarking on this endless music odyssey. Said to myself... "Oh yeah! Jack U (Skrillex & Diplo) was a thing!" Two of the best DJs back then and kinda now did the fusion dance to create one hell of a banger record. Does it hold it? Sort of? Still dig "Beats Knockin", "Take U There", & "Febreze". Real comfort music vibes for this author. Feels like a small moment in time where the bass drops were some of the best sounds ever. EDM had made it back into the mainstream. Forever changing pop music the foreseeable future.
- 'Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit' by Courtney Barnett
- 'Currents' by Tame Impala
Phuck... forgot how much this album rocks. Just swimming in the lush soundwaves. Like the blurb above, listening to 'Currents' in 2023 brings back a concert memory. Tame Impala performed right before Kendrick Lamar at FYF 2016. Really dug the vibe for a good twenty or thirty minutes before the melodic chill sounds left me too calm... and bored. Made their set feel so damn long. Maybe it was the chilly LA air or my exhaustion from covering the festival all afternoon? But that's the lasting memory.
The record remains cool AF. Meaty songs to relax in this office with. Really enjoying my memory trip with these tracks.
- 'Natalie Prass' by Natalie Prass
Natalie Prass was one of the first artists Picksysticks & I covered at SXSW 2015 and remember digging her showcase immensely. So much so we saw her twice! These initial meetings with her complex sounds hasn't left me all these years. Just playing these songs again transports me back to that dimly lit Cheer Up Charlie's in Austin, Texas where I dodged concert goers as they rushed to the bathroom in between her performance. The early morning Hype Hotel show was so much better. Got to appreciate all her songbook more so. Continued to support Natalie's music journey all these years later. Even crowning her sophomore LP, 'The Future and The Past', my 24th favorite album of 2018!
- 'Surf' by Donnie Trumpet (Nico Segal) & The Social Experiment
Shadow drops were all the rage in 2015. 'Surf' rolled into shore unexpectedly in May and Nico's soulful jazz mixed with gospel, R&B, & hip hop swept us all away. Producing an unique playlist that feels like a warm hug in 2023. Forgot how many featured artists are apart of this fun loving track list. Busta Rhymes, Big Sean, DRAM, J. Cole, Jamila Woods, Janelle Monae, Quavo, Chance The Rapper... who bodies every song he's apart of...and so many more. Wouldn't be surprised if this album gets more plays over the next couple of months as I downloaded this & Nico's new album to my Apple Music just now. Which says a lot.
- 'Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper' by Panda Bear
There's a lot to unpack with Panda Bear's 5th studio album that I'd let leave you with all the boxes. I don't think I would've been so obsessed with this abstract kind of electronica in my life's soundtrack if it wasn't for music blogging. Really opened my ears up to the hauntingly strange but beautiful psychedelia. Didn't spend much time with this album after 2015. Which is the major point to take away from my lasting feelings. Still... if I was a let's just say, "in a special mood", I'd be grooving with it all over again FYI. - 'My Love is Cool' by Wolf Alice
Didn't remember there was a deluxe edition released of Wolf Alice's debut album - 'My Love is Cool' - until now and really digging all these unheard bonus tracks. A whole other CD really. Kinda cool to experience it for probably not 1st time despite feeling like the first. My biggest memory tied to this album was when Picksysticks & I saw Wolf Alice perform at the Bootleg Theatre (RIP) a day or two before we left for SXSW. Making it our first official, unofficial, show of that music tour. Don't think I ever posted the photos as the Bootleg was a notoriously horrible venue for this non-professional photographer to capture.
Remember being blow away by what we heard in that small room though. Was the perfect environment to experience these hard hitting soundwaves for the first time. Luckily their album captured that youthful brilliance forever. Holding onto the memory of my LA Nights.
- 'Wildheart' by Miguel
Not sure what happened but this post-pandemic generation has really pushed Miguel back into the mainstream. Which I'm all for! Remember loving "Coffee" & "Simple Things" from Wildheart back in the day but this album has only gotten better with age. It's so damn sexy man. Oozes it on every track. True R&B personified. Can't hype this project enough. Definitely #26 Favorite album of 2015. Really tried to slide it in. - 'Coming Home' by Leon Bridges
Yeah... I bought into Leon Bridges' apple sponsored sounds back in 2015. Spent my life with a old man's soul that of course these vintage sounds really encapsulated that side of me, you know? Was a solid album from a emerging artist who tapped into a retro style & made it radio friendly. That's a great skill to exercise. Spoiler alert... still sounds great in 2023!
Ended up seeing Leon (alongside Kali Uchis) at the Fonda Theatre by the end of that year. Felt like I hopped into a time machine to my parent's timeline as soon as the show began.
- 'The Plague Within' by Paradise Lost
Love whenever this album's selects appear randomly on my iPod Touch. It is the highest peak of METAL and always gets me HYPED. Just listen to the guitar riffs on top of those pulsating drums. Can fight any war necessary. Which is amazing... based off Paradise Lost's lengthy multi-decade defining discography that this is the one project I have held on to all these years later the most.
- 'Dreams Worth More Than Money' by Meek Mill
Mainstream hip hop had a great 2015. Just kinda sucks I had to basically had to choose between this album & Creed Soundtrack for they both feature "Lord Knows" & "Check". The Various Artists & Ludwig's score really put that album over 'Dreams Worth More Than Money'. Was a far more well rounded package. Doesn't take away some of the high points on 'Dreams...' for I you can still hear me rapping "R.I.C.O." especially over these past couple of weeks. Have you seen the news? (haha)
There's a lot to love on this album. Great features from Future, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Rick Ross and Meek Mill really doesn't let them one up him. Think this album has won me over the years since it dropped. Which is fantastic! Really solid listen. Still like some of other Meek Mill albums/mixtapes... "DC2, Championships, etc."... a bit more. Those have life memories attached to them more than this album does. Sadly.
- 'Whiplash (Soundtrack)' by Justin Hurwitz
Great movie featuring a generational score that frames everything you see on screen. JAZZ BABY JAZZ! Just sit back, relax, and let it take you on a trip.
- 'Dark Bird Is Home' by The Tallest Man On Earth
A truly powerful songbook. Folk poetry that colors in a dark portion of the musician's personal strife behind sensitive movements. 2015 had a lot of those musical moments. Strange, right? Similar themes happening at the same time.
Kristian (The Tallest Man on Earth) really let his heart out to dry here but instead of pain screaming solely from a acoustic guitar, 'Dark Bird Is Home', really finds the beauty in lush big band moments. Made his heartbreaking lyrics just soar into the sky. Masking the true meaning behind their purpose. Masterful work.
- 'Uptown Special' by Mark Ronson
Besides "Uptown Funk"... I didn't remember any song from this album sorry to say. Despite loving that mainstream hit and Mystikal's big moment on "Feel Right" back in the day. That's all they really needed to get a mention from me here. Otherwise, there's two solid features from Stevie Wonder you can enjoy if you decide to go back! Really dug "Leaving Los Feliz" on this 2023 replay as well.
- '1989' by Ry*n Ad*ms
Still surprised this album is still on streaming due to Ryan Adams being cancelled all those years ago. Just puts a damper on even listening to this fantastic passion project again. Cause at the time, his version of Taylor Swift's '1989' really rocked. He brought different interpretations to Ms. Swift's songbook with some much darker tone. Loved my time with it. Nowadays... not so much.- 'California Nights' by Best Coast
Who doesn't love a song about California? How about another whole album? Best Coast always captured those SoCal vibes on their dreamy indie pop projects over the years and I really liked this bite of this one the most. Mature sounds with a little bit of fun interwoven throughout. Captured a darker side of Los Angeles vibes. Nothing more, nothing less. Really digging the sounds more in 2023 than in 2015.
- 'Blurryface' by twenty one pilots
Twenty One Pilots went darker and in return... became household names during their 'Blurryface' era. I didn't like the album when it was first released but eventually wore me down as they took over mainstream rock radio in 2015 into 2016. Now every song on here sounds like a classic. Ones I still remember the lyrics to. Vibing to "Stressed Out" and "Ride" makes 2023 sound like 2015 once again. Time has not moved forward. - 'Confident' by Demi Lovato
Pretty sure this project almost made it on my original #25. Or it did? Can't recall. Sorry! What I do remember was being mesmerized by Demi's strong comeback during the 'Confident' album cycle. "Cool for the Summer" seemed to be featured all over the place and especially on Vine. Demi projected vibrant personal messages laced throughout that left this listener somewhat vulnerable & empowered with tracks like "Stone Cold", "Lionheart", "Father", & "For You". Captured the broken soul who was recovering into the best version of herself. Sadly it didn't last for long as the old demons returned in the years since. Bringing the start of a new cycle.
- 'Peace Is the Mission' by Major Lazer
One of my favorite modern album covers. Simple. Clean. Luckily everything beneath the surface is stellar as well! Probably the best listening session from these 2015 repeats. Haven't listen to "Night Riders", "Lost", or "Powerful" in ages! Been addicted to them throughout the daily writing session on top of forgotten tracks like "All My Love - Remix" & "Be Together". Probably the major reason this album didn't make the original list is because of its late in the year release. Normally don't spend enough time with albums in late-November through December. Already hell bent on looking back. In reflection. Plus my candle was burning low on the candlestick if memory serves me correctly. Happy I get to absorb everything I'm hearing once again with fresh ears. Been dancing in my seat the whole time.
- 'Beneath the Skin' by Of Monsters and Men
Hard to find the words because I remember supporting every single/artistic video that appeared on my newsfeed in 2015 as Of Monsters and Men showcased their sophomore release with slow drips. Haven't sat down to listen to 'Beneath the Skin' in years. Forgot a lot about what I originally heard. My biggest takeaway so far has been the tonal shifts... which there aren't many. Almost every song has a similar structure. Which isn't bad depending on your personal tastes. Maybe that's why this album has been lost to memory? Despite "Crystals" and "Empire" immediately standing out as songs I remember playing a lot back then. Really digging "Slow Life" in 2023. That's about it, I guess? Every time I try to think deeper I get flashbacks of when I saw them at KROQ's annual Wennie Roast around the album's release. That whole show rocked! So glad I drove that long distance to see them.
- 'True Colors' by Zedd
Another album that I vaguely remembered before sitting down to write this... then I hit play & the chills RAN down my skin. Oh, something inside me remembers. Even Selena Gomez's lyrics from "I Want You To Know" magically appeared from my lips. Which continued on Jon Bellion's feature from "Beautiful Now". Music can never be forgotten. Just waits to be activated once more. Again, this was the age of stellar EDM and I supported a good chunk of it. 'True Colors', Zedd's sophomore effort, remains a feel good listen in 2023. Worthy of any weekend night, especially in Las Vegas. You could sneak this album on a party playlist too and modern day audiences would think it is a new release. Music like this really laid the blueprint for the current day hit makers. Enjoy the future pioneers.
- 'Love Story' by Yelawolf
Probably my third favorite Yelawolf project behind Trap Muzik 0-60 & Slumdon Bridge. He really dug his boots into his bluesy country roots producing some stellar radio singles that stand the test of time. This outlaw had American soul and it shows here. Haven't return to 'Love Story' in a few years. Which is nice. Sounds quite refreshing in 2023. Especially my favorite tracks like "Till It's Gone", "American You", "Ball and Chain", "Best Friend (ft. Eminem)", "Tennessee Love", and "Box Chevy V". Music to focus on as I get close to finishing these blurbs. That extra fire needed to type one more paragraph. Glad Yelawolf is still hustlin. Keep telling your stories.
- 'Smoke + Mirrors (Deluxe)' by Imagine Dragons
Loved "Shots" the first time I heard it and I couldn't let myself go further beyond that song for the longest time. Finally got into another song, "Monster", over the past few years as it is apart of one of the best WWE WrestleMania video packages EVER. Wasn't watching Wrestling during in 2015 so to discover it nowadays really took on a life of its own. Understandable, right?
- 'Wilder Mind' by Mumford & Sons
Sure I was a tad sad Mumford & Sons put down the banjos for electric guitars for 'Wilder Mind' but understand they did it to break conventions. Plus! 'Babel' was near perfect in this listener's mind. No joke. Would've been a titanic feat to try to top it. So... switching styles makes more sense in hindsight as I sit here in 2023.
Is 'Wilder Mind' a masterpiece? Of course not. Keeps a methothical pace that some may find boring, especially when they are in the wrong state or mindset. It does have a few stellar singles like "Believe", "The Wolf", & 'Snake Eyes" that I recommend you go back and rewind on. Might find new things to love nowadays. Listening to it now gives me flashes of driving LA freeways past harsh street lights. Just so you know how it impacted my history.
- 'Radius' by Allen Stone
(Spotify only has the Deluxe edition released in 2016)
'Radius' isn't my favorite album overall as it seemly focuses on more cliché political statements than unfiltered romantic soul. Yet has a song like "Circle", my favorite song from the project, which remains a masterpiece. Expressing plenty of emotions that triggers my "low point" memories as I drank a whisky & coke at the bar down the road from the Ace Theatre. "The Wire" invokes mutual feelings as well. Maybe I was just burnt out? Probably? Maybe?
Both songs got a better spotlight on Allen's 2021 acoustic project 'APART' where the simplicity really oozes beauty from these heartbreaking lyrics. Such a wonderful take.
The Rest Worth Mentioning...
(go give them a rewind in the future too!)
- 'Sound & Color' by Alabama Shakes
- 'Mr. Misunderstood' by Eric Church
- 'Honeymoon' by Lana Del Rey
- 'The Story of Sonny Boy Slim' by Gary Clark Jr.
- 'Morning/Evening' by Four Tet
- 'Currency of Man' by Melody Gardot
- 'What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World' by The Decemberists
- 'Storyteller' by Carrie Underwood
- 'GO:OD AM' by Mac Miller
- 'B4.DA.$$' by Joey Bada$$
- 'The Desired Effect' by Brandon Flowers
- 'The Documentary 2' by The Game
- 'Kill The Lights' by Luke Bryan
- 'Then Came The Morning' by The Lone Bellow
- 'The Incredible True Story' by Logic
- 'Revival' by Selena Gomez
- 'Caracal' by Disclosure
- 'Yung Rich Nation' by Migos
- 'Piece by Piece' by Kelly Clarkson
- '1000 Palms' by Surfer Blood
- 'Communion' by Years & Years
- 'Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven' by Kid Cudi
- 'Everything's Coming Up Roses ' by Night Terrors of 1927
- 'VHS' by X Ambassadors
- 'Tangled Up' by Thomas Rhett
- ' Love Somebody' by Reba McEntire
- 'I'm Comin Over' by Chris Young
- 'Straight Outta Compton: Music from the Motion Picture' by Various Artists
- 'Furious 7: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' by Various Artists
- 'I Cry When I Laugh' by Jess Glynne
- 'Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens' by John Williams
- 'Mad Max: Fury Road (Soundtrack)' by Junkie X
- 'Pageant Material' by Kacey Musgraves
- 'New Glow' by Matt & Kim
- 'Chaos and the Calm' by James Bay
- 'Immortalized' by Disturbed
- 'Jekyll + Hyde' by Zac Brown Band
- 'Wallflower' by Diana Krall
- 'Strangers to Ourselves' by Modest Mouse
- 'Know-It-All' by Alessia Cara
- 'LONG.LIVE.A$AP' by A$AP Rocky
- 'Sicario (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' by Jóhann Jóhannsson
- 'A Head Full of Dreams' by Coldplay
Thanks for reading this far!