Paris, France's EDM superstars creating a mind bending, genre defying smash with their latest album, Random Access Memories. The album featured the quintessential song of the summer "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams, who also contributed to "Lose Yourself To Dance", and Julian Casablancas offered up his talents to "Instant Crush" that was a non-stop smorgasbord of EDM paradise with energetic rhythms that hearkened back to the late 70's early 80's era of music emanating from L.A., and officially put the helmet wearing duo into the stratosphere of stardom.
NYC's indie superstars Vampire Weekend returned to their roost with their third effort, Modern Vampires of The City. The effort further cemented the band's status as the perennial indie rock poster boys of our generation, and pushed themselves even further to craft a rapturous, sonically penetrating effort that peeled off different layers of each of the member's individual personalities as well. Tracks like "Diane Young", "Unbelievers", and "Ya Hey" are the highlights of Vampire Weekend's best studio effort to date, and one of their most cohesive as well.
So Cal's own The Mowgli's made their presence known with their full length, debut studio effort Waiting For The Dawn. This upbeat, jolly collection of tunes really put a smile on everyone's faces, and enabled them to take charge of their lives and enjoy whatever comes their way. Amazing songs featured on this collection include "San Francisco", "Slowly, Slowly" and "Hi, Hey There, Hello" evoked their carefree, positive image that they sought out to cultivate and has gotten them into the hearts of countless listeners already.
Boston's own dance rock sensations made a hell of a first impression with their effort X vs. X. The eclectic, dance infused effort featured a wide ranging collection of jams that infused a great deal of spirit and enthusiasm into a burgeoning scene that is constantly evolving and changing at this very moment. Some amazing tracks that came from this effort include "Dancing On A Dream", "Tired Of Hooking Up With You", and "Every Little Thing You Love". A band that is already well embedded within the Boston music scene and is ready for prime time.
Bloomington, MN based singer-songwriter Pat Brown stepped out on his own with his debut solo EP In My Room. The former Sing It Loud frontman made his solo debut this year with a heartwarming, earnest collection of tunes that really tugs at your heartstrings and makes you appreciate the breadth of talent that is pouring out of this man's lungs. Some amazing songs for you to fall over include "iPod on Shuffle" "In My Room" and "Who We Are". An amazing, undiscovered talent that has a very promising future ahead of him.
The Wolverhampton, U.K. based group Maycomb washed up on the shores of American music listeners with this amazing debut effort. The collection is reminiscent of mid '00s pop-punk that has a unique and streamlined sound that allows the members to find their collective identity, while still maintaining their individual aesthetic that has them stand out prominently from the other British upstart acts currently making their way through. Highlights from this one include "New Storms", "Dynamiter", and "I Am A Constant Variable".
Detroit's native son Eminem continued to build upon his impressive resume with his new album. A sequel to 2000's classic The Marshall Mathers LP, this effort finds the rapper in a more mature state of mind and making peace with his past and moving on forward with his best overall studio effort since that fateful album. Amazing compositions from this one include "Bad Guy" "Monster (f/Rihanna)", and "Berzerk". One of the preeminent rap geniuses of our time that only gets better with age and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.
Brooklyn's dance rock sensations Body Language made their mark this year with their new effort titled Grammar. The indie group enthused listeners with their upbeat blend of electro guided dance tunes conjured upon an energetic framework that definitely turns heads the second you hear it, and you can't help but to fall victim to its wants and desires. An enticing effort from an on the rise act looking for their second wind. Recommended tracks include "The Chasing", "I'm A Mess", and "Well Absolutely". The future has never been so fun to dance to and welcome with open arms.
Dallas, TX based singer songwriter Troy Cartwright expanded his audience a bit with his new one titled Bull Run. The effort is a folk rock based effort, with a strong lyrical mindset that makes you appreciate the authenticity and clear mindset that he is expressing with clear lyrical fluidity throughout that you can clearly relate to and apply into your own life. A great album featuring standout tracks like "Sixteen", "Coffee In The Morning & Whiskey At Night", and "Paris, TX". An extremely talented and authentic singer songwriter that is carving his own musical path right in front of him.
Nashville, TN's own Ryan Harris Brown made a clear impact with his all new EP Wave Goodbye Wave Hello. The effort has a clear folk rock mindset, but it's his musical maturity and depth of talent that will really strike you and you can hear how comfortable he feels pouring his heart out in each and every song on the album that will make you drop you jaw in awe and be amazed that you're in the presence of such a talented and gifted songwriter. Songs to check out from this one include "Begin", "Let It Go Easy", and "Forever Means For Good".
What were some of your favorites that didn't make the cut on this list? Let me know via the Comments section as to what albums you just couldn't get enough of this year.
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