Top 25 Albums of 2015

Updated by The Wild Honey Pie on December 8, 2020

Top 25 Albums of 2015

As with most years, looking back through the top releases of 2015 provides a sense of peace. Somewhere within the din of noise and mediocrity that is the musical landscape, these artists have risen above and, for the most part, actually received the attention and acclaim they deserved. It’s comforting to know that the state of creation, sharing and evaluating is alive and well.

In a small way, though, 2015 feels a bit different on the scale of albums. More often than usual (at least for me), I found myself completely engrossed in a full body of work, not just a single or couple of singles. 2015 was the year without filler, and it came from all directions. Father John Misty wrote a gorgeous love letter, Sufjan Stevens told the story of his mother and stepfather, Courtney Barnett talked about nothing and everything simultaneously and Tame Impala proved once again that they’re the absolute best at what they do. Jamie xx then spoke volumes with a mostly electronic album and Kendrick Lamar created something without comparison. Something that felt important. Something that will continue to matter on a grander scale as the years go by. The remaining mix is a healthy dose of male, female, band and duo, each crafting a piece of art that was memorable from beginning to end. Thanks to Modesta Zemgulyte for creating the beautiful artwork for this playlist.

25. Julien BakerSprained Ankle
24. Leon BridgesComing Home
23. Dilly Dally - Sore
22. Death Cap for Cutie - Kintsugi
21. TORRES - Sprinter
20. Miguel - Wildheart
19. Christine and the Queens - Christine And The Queens
18. Sleater-KinneyNo Cities to Love
17. GirlpoolBefore The World Was Big
16. ÓO.K.
15. Unknown Mortal OrchestraMulti-Love
14. ShoppingWhy Choose
13. MitskiBury Me At Makeout Creek
12. Colleen GreenI Want to Grow Up
11. Julia HolterHave You In My Wilderness
10. Kurt Vileb’lieve i’m goin down
9. Natalie PressNatalie Press
8. Jamie XXIn Colour
7. Courtney BarnettSometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
6. Father John MistyI Love You, Honeybear
5. Sufjan StevensCarrie & Lowell
4. Bjork - Vulnicura
3. Tame Impala - Currents
2. GrimesArt Angels
1. Kendrick LamarTo Pimp A Butterfly


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