2015 has really not been the best year for myself and I’m sure many other people. There’s no real getting around that. But one of the things that has been key in keeping me going this year, well at least more so than ever, has been music.
While 2015 might have been a year to forget in so many ways, the music from it will live long on my iPod as a reminder that it wasn’t all so bad. There have been some exceptional albums released this year by the likes of Disclosure, Kacey Musgraves, Nero and, of course, CHVRCHES. Songs from these albums have been playing constantly around me in 2015 along with a selection of other modern hits and old classics that have helped provide the soundtrack to my year.
As usual, there are a few great songs that I’d like to share that weren’t quite new to me this year but had a second bite of the musical cherry for me. These are “Better Things” by Passion Pit, “Sam’s Town” by The Killers, “Superstylin’” by Groove Armada and “So Electric” by Lifelike. All great songs in their own right, but not quite meriting a place on this list.
So to round out the year, let’s look on the bright side of things shall we? Here’s my top 40 songs of 2015:
40. CHVRCHES – “Strong Hand” [2013]
The first, and by no means the last, CHVRCHES song on this year’s list is a bonus track from the band’s first album Bones but one that I really think should be included among their best. This has all of the dark CHVRCHES stylings of all but a chorus that packs a hell of a punch as its synths come to jarring halts before they all build up again. It’s a shame that this won’t be in people’s minds as one of their best, but the moral message of the song and melody make it one that people really should listen to.
39. Major Lazer – “Lean On” (feat. MØ & DJ Snake)
Arguably pop hit of the year, featuring the wonderfully named MØ, this is a cultural fusion track like no other that’s perfect for listening to on the go, in a club or just about anywhere. It’s an irresistible mix of great vocals, a certain exotic flair and a Major Lazer choral hook that’s served him very well in his music this year. One of the songs you and I will remember most from 2015 for sure will be this one.
38. Jess Glynne – “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself”
There’s not been a feel-good, self-confidence hit as good as this in the chart’s this year and Jess Glynne’s amazing voice is the perfect vehicle to make you stand up and take notice. This song helped her break the record for most number 1s by a British solo female artist, and what a way to do it. It’s cheery, it’s powerful, it’s slow but it’s dancey – this is a pop tune made for having fun and it delivers in spades.
37. CHVRCHES – “Cry Me a River”
Continuing the CHVRCHES presence on this list is one of their many, many great covers that they’ve pumped out while playing radio shows over the year. This takes the Justin Timberlake classic and applies a modern electronic filter to it, which is bursting with anger and venom in a much stronger way than the original ever did. They have an amazing knack for taking songs and making them their own, and this is one that CHVRCHES really knocked out of the park – setting the tone for their album to come later in the year.
36. Years & Years – “Desire”
From a band that seemed set to make a big name for themselves on the music scene this year, but eventually faded away a little, “Desire” is a vocal-driven tune that packs a lot of subtle touches into a rather minimalist track. Their tropical infused sound makes it seem sunny and warm, but the lyrics are far more downbeat – essentially being trapped by desire and wanting to get out, but keeping a brave and happy face on things.
35. Azealia Banks – “Chasing Time” [2014]
She may have fallen victim to her own success, with her much-delayed debut album pretty much helping her to live up to the “forgetting your name soon” part of “212”, but this tune shows that Azealia Banks still knows how to put forward a great song. It’s much more centred around her singing ability more so than her rapping, with the bubbling chorus and building bridges showcasing her in a much more traditional sense than the likes of her first songs ever did. It’s a great song about moving on when you know you should, and it’s got that confidence that makes Azealia Banks still, for my money, the best female rapper out there.
34. Kacey Musgraves – “Dime Store Cowgirl”
Despite being a shimmering country star, Kacey Musgraves’ album this year was all about not shirking away from who you are, and this folksy tune is all about how you’re home is always home no matter where in the world you go. This is a nice, calming tune that does the best it can at bringing the two types of country together and one of the best you’ll hear this year.
33. CHVRCHES – “Never Ending Circles”
Kicking off a second album is never easy, but “Never Ending Circles” manages to infuse the magic of their first album Bones and make a new twist of pop into it, showing how they’ve grown a bit more. It’s got the vocal samples, the dark, ominous synths that cut through the song and the breakdown that has become the signature of CHVRCHES’ music. It’s their own “paint by numbers” sort of track, but that’s definitely not a bad thing at all.
32. Echosmith – “Cool Kids” [2013]
There’s not really many family acts on the go nowadays, but this tune is a great example of a young band that can capture a rather more mature tone of song but still hit the teenage feeling they should know so well. “Cool Kids” is a fun song that is catchy as anything, from the great solo vocals to the softly, softly approach with the minimalist verses with a soft guitar line and a slowly building drum section. This is a band that have a decent potential, but even if they don’t go on to bigger and better things – this’ll always be great.
31. Passion Pit – “Lifted Up” (1985)
While most of the new Passion Pit album was a bit of a let-down to be honest, this song really hit the high notes that made Manners one of my favourite albums of all time. It’s got the feeling, the drama and the driving choruses that made their debut album so emphatically interesting, but with the more advanced and measured vocals that made their previous album Gossamer all the more grown-up.
So while most of the new tracks miss their mark, “Lifted Up” means that Passion Pit still hold on to the record of being featured in every one of my end-of-year song lists to date! I wonder what they’ll come up with next year…
30. Lucky Charmes – “Skank”
While a track called “Skank” from someone with charm in their name might not seem quite contradictory, this is simply a fantastic bass driven track that has an amazing rhythm and beat to it. From a new artist in the ever growing EDM market, this is a very confident and assured track that slows things down and speeds things up but never sounds forced. The close of the song, with the bouncing melody taking centre stage, is really something special too.
29. Christopher Norman – “Integrate” [2013]
This is an incredible song that manages to slowly build an amazing atmosphere bit by bit over the course of an unfolding romance in the song. The beauty of the electronics going around is cut with the slightly electronic voice of the vocals that goes along nicely with the drumline that eventually makes its way into things. This is a beautiful song and one that I think has an immense charm and is also pretty relaxing too, and well worth listening to (again and again).
28. Matrix & Futurebound ft. Max Marshall – “Control” [2014]
Filing the drum and bass quota for this list is this gem from last year, one that is comparatively light and breezy compared to some of the heavier songs of the genre and a song that I really, really enjoy. It’s got some incredibly strong vocals that drape themselves over the towering chorus and bring an ecstatic dimension to them over what is a more restrained song. If you like fun songs that are a bit more fast-paced, this is the one for you.
27. Disclosure – “Holding On” (feat. Gregory Porter)
The “biggest” track on Caracal was “Holding On”, starting with the powerful singer holding a note as the signature layering of the tracks go on behind him before the tune grabs hold for real and launches into a soulful shuffle that’s unmistakably Disclosure. That minute of music is one of the highlights of this list, and the rest of the song is pretty good too – being a fantastic exercise in building a beat up and breaking it back down again.
26. Pixies – “Debaser” [1989]
The Pixies pre-date the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam as the punk/grunge band de jure and “Debaser” is a wonderful and peppy tune that shows the brighter side of their work. It’s a song that exudes energy throughout, and with its shouty, nonsensical lyrics, it’s one that never fails to brighten things up. The guitar riff running through the song is also one that you’ll never forget.
25. Galantis – “Peanut Butter Jelly”
Pick-me-up songs are extremely important, and “Peanut Butter Jelly” has got to be one of the happiest songs to have graced the charts this year, or in fact in many years. Do the lyrics make the slightest bit of sense? No. But it’s a twee fantasy of a song that never fails to put a smile on people’s face, making a slapstick dance song that everybody can enjoy no matter how much they like this sort of music.
24. Disclosure – “Hourglass” (feat. Lion Babe)
Being all about your collaborators can be a risk, but when Disclosure uncover gems like they do it’s not that much of a problem. Jillian Hervey of Lion Babe brings the sass to what is yet another soulful, but much more playful, Disclosure song here – and her vocal turn is to be admired and emulated, with its jumpy rhythm fitting the song impeccably.
23. Nero – “The Thrill”
What Nero’s music does best is create a sort of dark, dramatic atmosphere – and in a world that’s dominated by pop and EDM, it’s a breath of fresh air. “The Thrill” is one of their best tunes from their new album, and manages to combine that sort of energy with a driving melody that carries the airy vocals through.
This tune has also got a fantastic Porter Robinson remix which manages, strangely enough, to bring more dubstep to the mix – which is well worth a listen if you’re into that sort of thing.
22. CHVRCHES – “Leave a Trace”
This was the first single from CHVRCHES’ new album and was a powerful message that the band were coming back stronger and fiercer than ever, setting the tone early on. It’s a proper electronic ballad for the modern age, with Lauren Mayberry showing off the new-found strength in her voice in the soaring chorus with lyrics of learning from mistakes. What I love most about the song is the way the echoes strain over the final chorus, putting that little bit of doubt in your mind and showing an extra layer to the song. It’s an awesome song and a pop tune that fits this year’s efforts very well.
21. Kacey Musgraves – “High Time”
This was the first song of Kacey Musgraves’ I’d heard and I was dumbstruck by how it managed to be such a slow, happy and funny song all at the same time with a nice message of getting back to your roots. In the end, as an album opener, it sets up the rest of her songs pretty nicely – as they’re all just about the same sorts of things – but this one holds a special place with its laid back attitude that makes every other song on this list seem far too frantic and fast-paced by comparison. This is the song you want if you need to relax.
20. La Roux – “Uptight Downtown” [2014]
As far as I could tell, La Roux disappeared off the musical radar as quickly as they appeared on it after their hits back in 2009 that stormed the charts. But a new album, with more of a solo focus, was released this year and it included this 80s disco-infused number that is a lot more grown up than the electronic love ballads of old. “Uptight Downtown” conveys a sort of feeling, based around the London riots a few years back, of tension and of the world going on around you and makes it fun – so that’s what makes it so great.
19. Katy B – “Katy on a Mission” [2011]
There’s something about softly or highly-pitched girls vocals over a dark and sinister tone that really makes a great dance song to listen to, and this might well be the one that has launched a thousand ships over the last few years. Benga’s production really makes the song what it is, with the crashing electronic drop and the whoops and wails of alarms adding amazing energy to the slow and melodic sounds of Katy B. How this one has escaped me for so long is beyond me, but I’ve made up for it by listening to it a lot this year.
18. Kacey Musgraves – “Pageant Material”
This song is all about accepting who you are and not worrying about the world racing ahead of you, which is always a nice thing to hear. It’s slow, it’s easy to listen to and it’s got a real tongue-in-cheek style to it that makes fun of the pageantry of modern life just. The country guitar in the background is soft and soothing, and in contrast with the modern world around us, this song always manages to bring me back down to Earth in a good way.
17. The Sisters of Mercy – “This Corrosion” [1975]
Golden oldie of the year goes to this fun gothic track from the 70s, one that features over the closing credits of Hot Fuzz. It’s got this weird slightly sinister but very playful feel to it, making it seem more Rocky Horror than Halloween, which makes it great to listen to. While the 10 minute full version is far too much for me, the shortened track gives a burst of fun rock that’s always welcome.
16. Disclosure – “Magnets” (feat. Lorde)
Sam Smith and Disclosure were a natural fit on “Latch” a few years back, and that was the track the really pushed the brotherly duo into the limelight. The chemistry between Disclosure and their guest artists on the new album was just as good, but this has to be the real stand-out.
Lorde may only be 18, but her voice is incredibly strong and aged and manages to carry a sultry sense better than almost anyone else in music today. Here she croons along soulfully while the song pops and bubbles underneath and it creates this magnetic attraction between the listener and the track. This is the best the Disclosure duo have done in a few years, and once again it’s thanks to a magical collaboration.
15. Dr Kucho! & Gregor Salto – “Can’t Stop Playing” (Oliver Heldens Remix)
Oliver Heldens is pretty much the king of deep house, and this remix cements his place at the top of the game for another year. The deep, throbbing bass that runs through this song is so good, and even though the chorus does it’s best to stay as minimalist as possible it still packs a punch that’s stronger than anything that most other DJs can do. It ebbs and it flows and never gets old, and it’s one of the best dance songs of the year because of that.
14. Major Lazer – “Get Free” [2013]
“Lean On” might have been one of the hits of the year, but “Get Free” is the Major Lazer that has had me most enamoured.
I first heard it in a sort of haze of drunkenness/hangover at a party mid-August and it’s chilled but jarring sound was clear and brilliant. It’s got great vocals and a catchy chorus that sticks in your head. A lovely and relaxed song, it’s been a go-to since then.
13. Shamir – “On the Regular” [2014]
I quite like to read the online music magazine Pitchfork and one of their darlings this year has been Shamir. He’s an androgynous rapper from Las Vegas, and is producing music that breaks the mould in just as many ways.
This song is a fantastic hype song, which is quirky and awkward but has a great bassline and rap flow running through it just enough to keep you interested. You’ll not forget this one in a hurry, even if it’s not your thing, and for me that’s why I’ve listened to it a lot this year.
12. Kacey Musgraves – “Cup of Tea”
Almost as comforting as the drink whose name it bears, this is a real treat of a song that delivers an upbeat message about embracing who you are in a sugary, sweet way. The tongue-in-cheek toe-tapping country tunes of Kacey Musgraves suit this sort of happy music brilliantly and it’s almost impossible to listen to this song with anything but a wry grin on your face. Try it and prove me wrong.
11. KDA (feat. Tinie Tempah & Katy B) – “Turn the Music Louder” (Rumble)
In keeping with my recently discovered fandom of Katy B, this new song manages to put together a great, modern dance-pop record with her stellar vocals. It’s catchy as anything and features a reasonably tolerable “hosting” from Tinie Tempah, who I’m usually not very fond of. It’s one of those songs that you can see being played well into the future, and still being enjoyed, and I hope it turns out to be that way.
10. Galantis – “Runaway” (U & I) [2014]
Galantis are masters of creating an atmosphere with their songs, and as this one slowly comes to live and hits the crescendo of the chorus it’s as encapsulating as any other dance track you’ll hear this year. The whole “Runaway” theme of it can get hold of anyone, and the high-pitched repetition never ever gets old. Yet again, it’s a song that makes me happy and it’s been a staple this year.
9. CHVRCHES – “Keep You On My Side”
This is a power pop tune that comes straight from the 90s, moving the CHVRCHES sound on a decade but still keeping the buzzing synths that make them a modern reincarnation of the 80s. “Keep You On My Side” is packed full of energy, neatly bookended by more airy and quiet moments either side of the choruses just so you can catch your breath again. As far as its’ appearance on Every Open Eye goes, it’s the first glimpse of the pop side of things and it shows the wealth of fun that can be had later on in the record.
8. Nero – “Two Minds”
One of the songs I listened to most on my journeys to and from work this summer, there’s something about the way this tune bounces along that makes it almost hypnotic. It’s got Nero’s signature dark touches to it, but at the same time it’s almost the most quintessentially pop song they’ve done in a long time. When the vocals come in over the final drop, it makes for a memorable song – and that’s what sealed the deal on this song for me.
7. QT – “Hey QT” [2014]
Modern music can sometimes sound like it’s got out of hand, I’ll admit that even as a fan, but this song takes things to a whole other level. It’s almost a chiptune song, with the screechy and high-pitched singer going through the motions that almost make it indecipherable at times. But it’s a great tune that manages to do something really different, with the lyrics of love hitting home all the more powerfully because of the unfamiliar setting of them within this dancey mess. More than any other song on this list, I will warn that it’s not for everyone, but it’s something I think everyone should listen to. You will either love it like I do, or very much hate it.
6. Lisa Mitchell – “Neopolitan Dreams” [2008]
This is a warm hug of a song, and can bring the most hectic and most strained situations back to a soft and calm place. Lisa Mitchell’s voice is incredibly soothing, as it rasps away almost whispering the lyrics while the child-like glockenspiel melody goes on behind her. Even the chorus singing of a choir doesn’t ruin the vibe here, and the whole thing works in a way that songs rarely do so well.
5. The Naked and Famous – “All of This” [2010]
Repetition is an amazing musical technique when it’s done properly, and the way in which the drums just keep on going throughout this entire song driving it make it so, so good. The way the song is built up is clever too, with the duet between a guy and a girl about their failing relationship giving both sides of the story at once and the second verse that spirals out of control saying a whole lot more than they could ever themselves, before the emotional cliff-hanger of watching things “fall into place”. The Naked and Famous can do emotion damn well, and this proves that better than almost everything they’ve done.
4. CHVRCHES – “Empty Threat”
If you played this song to someone thirty years ago and told them it was a new record, they wouldn’t marvel at the production or the instrumentation, they’d accept it. That’s the biggest compliment I can pay to this tremendous slice of 80s nostalgia packaged into three minutes of pop. It’s got the new power of CHVRCHES’ new album mixed with their immense ability to make catchy music, and this is where they really break free from the shackles of their solemn sense that they do so well. This proves that their ambitions aren’t limited, and their pop appeal is no empty threat.
3. Alesso – “Heroes” (We Could Be) (feat. Tove Lo) [2014]
Making dance music dramatic is a feature that makes all the difference to me in terms of how good a song works, and “Heroes” pulls out all the stops. Tove Lo’s swooning, clear voice is packed with emotion and adds so much to it overall. The song itself is soft but comes with a drop that’s loud and choppy showing off the hurt and the hope behind the song as well. Alesso’s debut album Forever is full of great dance tunes, and this is the jewel in the crown.
2. Klingande – “Jubel” [2013]
“Jubel” is a musical triumph on all levels, with the extended version being one that builds up an incredibly complex but sonically simple beat all from a few drums. Put that together with a great singer that adds a bit of emotion to the whole thing, saxophones which do just as much and a guitar section in the middle that is one my favourite pieces of music ever, and the song is easily one of my favourites. There’s never an occasion that doesn’t call for this song: happy, sad, angry, stressed – you name it.
1. CHVRCHES – “Clearest Blue”
From the very second this song kicks off, you can tell it’s going to be an absolute tour de force. The vaguely buzzing synths coming in followed by the crystal clear voice of Lauren Mayberry are a complimenting and contradictory force that draws you in. And it only gets better from there.
This song is essentially about a panic attack, and the way it builds and builds until the eventual release of the drop make this just about the best sonic recreation of an emotion you’ll ever hear. The way it repeats itself, but changes itself over the course of the song is clever and makes it hook in your ear and your mind all the more easily.
And when the song lifts off it’s an immense release that’s up there with anything else you’ll ever hear. Okay, it takes more than a little inspiration from “Just Can’t Get Enough”; but from a band that is taking the sound of the 80s and making it their own in an era of EDM, this song is just about as close to perfection as you can find.
So there is my 2015 in music; you can listen to the full playlist via Spotify below. I hope you have a great New Year and a fantastic 2016!
