CloningMishap’s Favorite Albums from 2015

Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell

The most beautiful music I heard all year. It's quiet and honest and the greatest thing Sufjan Stevens has ever made. Of all the albums on this list, it's the one I kept coming back to no matter my mood.

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Not quite as story-driven as Good Kid M.A.A.D City, but equally as passionate. Lamar confronts injustice and violence, and he does it with a hopeful attitude and a constantly changing style that gives the album an epic feeling.

Summer Cannibals - Show Us Your Mind

Do I love this album because it's tight, fast, and loud, or do I love this album because I have a serious crush on the lead singer? Tough call.

Desaparacidos - Payola

Where the hell did this Conor Oberst come from? All the whininess (which I happened to love) is replaced with anger and passion and a level of energy that would fit on a Japandroids record. If you're looking for a call to arms, this is it for 2015.

Bjork - Vulnicura

The best break-up album in a break-up sort of year, and, being Bjork, it's deep, challenging, and strange.

Chvrches - Every Open Eye

The second best Chvrches album ever made! Yes, it's not really revolutionary but it IS a near-perfection of what they did with the first album. The only thing holding it back is that you've sort of heard it before.

Lin-Manuel Miranda - Hamilton

Do official cast recordings for musicals count as albums, because this one is just fucking genius. It's history, and I didn't yawn once! For those not in the know, Hamilton is the hip-hop tale of Alexander Hamilton from rise to death, and you owe it yourself to listen to it.

Jamie xx - In Colour

This album makes me pine for the days when Underworld and The Orb were duking it out for the trippy chill-music crown. It's sample-driven and mostly instrumental with the vocals and lyrics sliding into the background. I feel like this is probably the cd that hip art galleries put on when they have art shows.

Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit

Almost anecdotal in its lyrical style. Conversational. She drifts in and out of actually singing and makes normal life sound so damn cool. Hang out with me, Courtney!

Carly Rae Jespsen - Emotion

... or Hilary Duff - Breathe In. Breathe Out. Well, there wasn't a Taylor Swift album this year so SOMEONE has to take the crown for best female pop album. Both of these albums (cheating, I know) are catchy, thoughtful, and fun, but I can't pick just one. It's a toss-up! I guess Carly Rae Jepsen wins for being slightly more like Robyn.

Lost Lander - Medallion

One of the prettiest albums I've ever heard come out of Portland.

Divers - Hello Hello

Fantastic rock music. The album is great but this band truly shines in concert. I think this album makes my list mostly because of much they rocked my socks off every time I saw them this year. 

Sleater Kinney - No Cities To Love

All Hands On The Bad One will forever be MY Sleater Kinney record, but who knew the ladies still had something so amazing still in them? I thought that this reunion album would be one of those, "Yeah, it's okay, but it just reminds us how great you WERE." but... umm... this is badass!

Adele - 25

This one is too new to call, but it's an amazing showcase for Adele's voice (which might have actually gotten better since 21). I need more time with it to suss out whether or not it's truly amazing, but it deserves a spot and a mention.

Hilary Duff - Breathe In. Breathe Out

Runner up to Carly Rae Jepsen. If Carly Rae Jepsen is feeling hospitable, she should buy you a drink or something.