After twelve months of listening to every key release (and a few weeks of intense stereo-focused arguments), Gigwise has compiled our annual 50 Best Albums Of The Year.
Read 30-21 below including one act's 14th album, the thinking man's metal band and a career highlight by a Nineties indie icon.
Compiled by Andy Morris, Andrew Trendell, Ed Keeble, Alexandra Pollard and Elliot Mitchell.
“There was a lot of pressure on Pixies’ fifth album, due in no small part to the fact that it was their first in nearly 25 years, and their first without bassist Kim Deal. The pressure didn’t get to them though, and they produced an LP worthy of its acclaimed predecessors. A particular highlight is the jagged, creepy 'Magdalena'.” (AP)
“Who could have predicted that a former Jessie J backing dancer would provide one of the most forward-thinking British R&B records since MIA’s Arular? Genueinly otherworldly, it's no surprise that Prince invited her to Paisley Park recently and Eric Schmidt thought she might even redeem Google Glass. The fact that the sad spectral strangeness of ‘Two Week’s got playlisted on Radio One (even though it’s about as bonkers as your average Bjork b-side) is testament to her power.” (AM)
“Very much a thinking man's metal band, they delve into full-on pyschedelia for this album: big solos, big riffs and lots of them. Although it has been a polarizing record for many metal fans, it sounds like a band growing up in the right way. As a result it is their most appealing album to date for many and one that indulges in infectious groove as well as grinding heaviness.” (EK)
“As the alt-folk hero's 14th studio album, Adams' self-titled effort is the longest he's ever taken with just three years. It is more than worth the wait, singularly containing all that's great about his unique material - vivid and reflective poetry, blistering open-road Americana and folk so sweet it’ll rot your teeth. Arguably his best album since Gold, the likes of 'Kim', 'Stay With Me' and 'Gimme Something Good' mark the former Whiskeytown man on his finest form, delving into an arena-ready realm of rock - but free of cheese and cliché.” (AT)
"Put it this way: the crisp packet lyric hasn’t got any more pleasant. But this was the year that Alt J proved they were both capable of matching the heights of An Awesome Wave and also headlining Alexandra Palace. Sure no-one needs to hear them cover Bill Withers (and ‘Garden Of England’ has a hint of first year recorder practice) but this is a wonderful, idea packed album - the fact that Miley Cyrus loves it is a bonus." (AM)
"Known for a short while simply as ‘J and T’, before cameraphones, the internet, and perhaps boredom, forced them out of their anonymity, Jungle are no longer new and mysterious. Thankfully, their modern soul music is strong enough that this hardly matters."(AP)
"One of those bands that have are long overdue mainstream attention, it was slightly odd that one of Metronomy's most conceptual album to date saw them transcend the underground. Taking inspiration from the melodic, harmonious pop of the Seventies and infusing it with their modern charm, Love Letters turning them into unintentional pop stars of sorts with its barrage of singalong hits." (EM)
"Trying to sum The Bug up is nigh on impossible. He delves into more mature territory on Angels and Devils, slowly building the booming industrial dancehall sounds track by track this time around. This is a new version of Wall Of Sound songmaking that screams for you to invest in some killer speakers. Also watch out for a killer feature from Death Grips, the song is one hell of a vicious throwdown." (EK)
"Embracing melody and songcraftsmanship like never before, but with all of the rage and attitude of her days with The Distillers, Dalle ups her game on her most accomplished LP to date. Diploid Love not only sounds incredible live, but demands to be heard over and over again. This is a true punk icon, claiming her status with aplomb." (AT)
"Teased with a seven inch on Jack White’s Third Man Records, this was a sublime return to form and an unexpected joy. Six years since the disappoinment of Morden Guilt, this was a reminder of how unexpectedly emotional Beck could be: tracks like 'Country Down' are just devastating. He’s apparently wants to do Morning Phase only shows in smaller venues: see you (quietly) down the front." (AM)
Read the rest of our albums of the year countdown below
