This list is a review of all of the albums I've bought this year. They are all rated on a scale of 1 to 5 bubbles. My favorite song is listed along with the album. This is determined solely based on how many times I've listened to it individually.
Music comes in so many different forms and textures that it's hard to say definitively what album is “better” then another. I never did buy Adam Lambert's The Original High, but from what I've listened to it's a stellar return to form. The same goes for Selena Gomez's Revival. When I heard Justin Bieber's new album Purpose I found it to be acceptable plodding mid tempo fair. However that said, I know quite a few people who really enjoy his new musical direction. Ellie Goulding's Delirium is not in my taste, but if you're a fan of her earlier work her new seventeen track epoch should satisfy
Music comes in so many different forms and textures that it's hard to say definitively what album is “better” then another. I never did buy Adam Lambert's The Original High, but from what I've listened to it's a stellar return to form. The same goes for Selena Gomez's Revival. When I heard Justin Bieber's new album Purpose I found it to be acceptable plodding mid tempo fair. However that said, I know quite a few people who really enjoy his new musical direction. Ellie Goulding's Delirium is not in my taste, but if you're a fan of her earlier work her new seventeen track epoch should satisfy
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The most important news in music this year is the continuing lawsuit between Kesha and Dr. Luke. She is asking to be released from her contract after revelations of physical and mental abuse on the part of her record producer Dr. Luke. Sony Music has refused to let her out of her contract and is siding with Dr. Luke. A growing protest has started, creating the trending hashtags #FreedomForKesha and #SonyMusicSupportsRape.
Sign the petition to release Kesha from her contract here.
Buy Badlands
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Badlands: Halsey
4 Bubbles Halsey has been the breakout indie artist of the year. Her brand of electropop has yet to conquer radio, but her debut album shows what has made her such an internet phenom. The album starts out strong, and although lingers a little too long on it's closing sixteen tracks shows that there's only room for her to go up from here. Most Played Song: “Ghost” American Beauty/American Pyscho: Fall Out Boy 4 Bubbles This was the first Fall Out Boy album I've ever bought. A true sacrilege. This is what modern rock is supposed to sound like in 2015. Every track is a fiery stomper and after fourteen years proves that Fall Out Boy still has the passion that made From Under The Cork Tree so spectacular. Most Played Song: “Uma Thurman” Buy American Beauty/American Pyscho |
Broke With Expensive Taste: Azealia Banks
2 ½ Bubbles
The album originally dropped too little digital fanfare in 2014 finally saw it's physical release in 2015. Azealia Banks is the beleaguered rap artist more known for her trans-phobic discourse and public melt downs. Her first album, although full of solid moments tends to drag and concepts run into one another. And, nothing on the album quite replicates the viral sensation of “212”. The best cuts off the album tend to be the singles.
Most Played Song: Tie between “Heavy Metal and Reflective” and “BBD”
Buy Broke With Expensive Taste
2 ½ Bubbles
The album originally dropped too little digital fanfare in 2014 finally saw it's physical release in 2015. Azealia Banks is the beleaguered rap artist more known for her trans-phobic discourse and public melt downs. Her first album, although full of solid moments tends to drag and concepts run into one another. And, nothing on the album quite replicates the viral sensation of “212”. The best cuts off the album tend to be the singles.
Most Played Song: Tie between “Heavy Metal and Reflective” and “BBD”
Buy Broke With Expensive Taste
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Breathe In. Breathe Out.: Hilary Duff
5 Bubbles The much besieged fourth studio album, it finally saw it's release after being pushed from it's release date in October of 2014. This album's concept has ranged from folk to a mainstream pop sound courtesy of Swedish hit maker Tove Lo. Released eight years after her groundbreaking Dignity, the album is pure pop. Not every song is a five star experience, but it plays like a cohesive album. Every song is good, many are excellent, all can stand by themselves, and it reflects the dedicated affection that Hilary paints it with. Album standouts range from the Ed Sheeran penned “Tattoo” to lead single “Sparks” or the cute duet of “Nights Like This”. My favorite song off the album happens to be shared with current taste maker, Taylor Swift. Most Played Song: “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” |
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Buy Cry Baby
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Cry Baby: Melanie Martinez
4 Bubbles Concept album by former Voice contestant Melanie Martinez it's responsible for some of the darkest pop moments in 2015. Rape and family dysfunction are just some of the themes Melanie touches on as “cry baby”. This album is full of some of my favorite songs of the year such as “Dollhouse” and “Pity Party”. It's also responsible for the worst song of 2015. “Sippy Cup” is the best example of what this album does wrong. But, on the same flip of the coin, some people adore this song. Melanie Martinez is not good at subtlety, but the albums flair for remaining true to it's core makes it a compelling and worthwhile artistic statement. Most Played Song: “Cry Baby” |
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Double Vision: Prince Royce
2 ½ Bubbles Intended to be the global breakout for Latin superstar Prince Royce, Double Vision is his debut English album. Known for hits like “Darte Un Beso”, Double Vision was primed with A-List heavy weights in the form of Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Tyga. Neither single “Stuck on a Feeling” or “Back It Up” took off on American radio the way they were supposed to. When this album sticks towards it's pop leanings it stands strong, however when it slows down it tends to lose a lot of it's focus. Although, a consistently playable record it doesn't have the fun factor of Enrique Iglesias's Sex and Love or the charming personality of Enrique's breakout record “Hero” Most Played Song: Tie between “Stuck on a Feeling” featuring Snoop Dogg and “Back It Up” featuring Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull. |
Buy Double Vision
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The Eephus: Wondaland
3 ½ Bubbles
A joint EP released by Janelle Monae's recording mates on Wondaland none of the songs on the EP live up to the fun of singles “Classic Man” and “Yoga”. The bonus remix of “Classic Man” featuring Kendrick Lamar does little to liven up the final two songs off the EP, which are both slow burns.
Most Played Song: “Yoga” featuring Jidenna.
Buy The Eephus
Emotion: Carly Rae Jepsen
4 Bubbles
The much lauded album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen it features “Really Like You” a song that intended to return her to the top of the charts with a cameo studded music video. The album is a glossy, easy breezy, down your throat listen, even at 17 tracks long. An accomplishment that goes much further then any of the album's singles did.
Most Played Song: “Your Type”
Buy Emotion
3 ½ Bubbles
A joint EP released by Janelle Monae's recording mates on Wondaland none of the songs on the EP live up to the fun of singles “Classic Man” and “Yoga”. The bonus remix of “Classic Man” featuring Kendrick Lamar does little to liven up the final two songs off the EP, which are both slow burns.
Most Played Song: “Yoga” featuring Jidenna.
Buy The Eephus
Emotion: Carly Rae Jepsen
4 Bubbles
The much lauded album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen it features “Really Like You” a song that intended to return her to the top of the charts with a cameo studded music video. The album is a glossy, easy breezy, down your throat listen, even at 17 tracks long. An accomplishment that goes much further then any of the album's singles did.
Most Played Song: “Your Type”
Buy Emotion
Buy Deja Vu
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Deja Vu: Giorgio Moroder
4 Bubbles Disco heavy weight Giorgio Moroder returned to the studio with a list of musical superstars. See the tracklist complete with names like Britney Spears, Kelis, Kylie Minogue, Sia, and Charli XCX. The album's taste in the past is also what makes it current. As DJ, Giorgio gives us a playlist of ecstatic songs, and though his musical wizardry tends to work better for his female counterparts, Deja Vu is a constant and thoroughly rewarding record. Most Played Song: “Deja Vu” featuring Sia |
Fifty Shades of Grey: Soundtrack
4 Bubbles Bolstered by hits “Earned It” and “Love Me Like You Do” this is the soundtrack that chronicled 2015's response to Basic Instinct is best to listen to on a slow rainy day. Full of slow burns and quintessential love songs, it's darkly atmospheric and features two Beyonce remixes that could hold the album down by itself. Album closer “I Know You” is a must listen by Skylar Grey. Most Played Song: “I'm On Fire” by AWOLNATION |
Home: Soundtrack
3 Bubbles Rihanna not only voiced the lead for animated film Home, but also lent her voice to 3 of the album's 8 songs. The best of these additions is “Towards The Sun”. The album also features tracks from Kiesza, Charli XCX, and Jennifer Lopez. This album will just have to bridge the gap until we get Anti. Jennifer Lopez shines on the delicate ballad “Feel The Light” that closes the album. Most Played Song: “Feel The Light” by Jennifer Lopez
Buy Home
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The Fool: Ryn Weaver
2 ½ Bubbles
This album hinges on an experimental electronic influence that is well captured on buoyant songs “Pierre” and “Octahate”. Ryn Weaver never quite matches the magic that made her contemporary, Halsey's debut so fascinating. It's a listenable if unremarkable debut. The Fool also features one of the most pretentious songs of 2015 finalized with the spoken word outro on “Traveling Song” that consists of talking about “turtle soup”
Most Played Song: “Octahate”
Buy The Fool
2 ½ Bubbles
This album hinges on an experimental electronic influence that is well captured on buoyant songs “Pierre” and “Octahate”. Ryn Weaver never quite matches the magic that made her contemporary, Halsey's debut so fascinating. It's a listenable if unremarkable debut. The Fool also features one of the most pretentious songs of 2015 finalized with the spoken word outro on “Traveling Song” that consists of talking about “turtle soup”
Most Played Song: “Octahate”
Buy The Fool
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Honeymoon: Lana Del Rey
4 ½ Bubbles Arguably her most critically lauded album yet, Honeymoon finds Lana Del Rey reveling in her own brand of off kilter pop. This album although not quite as good as last years Ultraviolence still has plenty of moments that reinforce why Lana Del Rey is such a popular staple. No more clear than in the explicit and summery lead off “High By The Beach”. Honeymoon stands as one of the most consistent pop releases of 2015 that's unlikely to in over anyone not impressed with her prior releases. A perfect addition to Lana Del Rey's ever growing canon. Most Played Song: “Terrence Loves You”
Buy Honeymoon
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How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful: Florence and The Machine
4 Bubbles
The first release from the indie rock band in four years it finds Florence Welch deepening her outlook on themes explored on their other two studio albums. The album is bolstered by her voice and big strings. Some songs falter in their length and remarkability, but the album is focused none the less and features some of the most anthmetic and personal work of her career.
Most Played Song: “What Kind Of Man”
4 Bubbles
The first release from the indie rock band in four years it finds Florence Welch deepening her outlook on themes explored on their other two studio albums. The album is bolstered by her voice and big strings. Some songs falter in their length and remarkability, but the album is focused none the less and features some of the most anthmetic and personal work of her career.
Most Played Song: “What Kind Of Man”
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Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U: Jack U
3 ½ Bubbles One of the most celebrated DJ releases of the year it features production work by two of the most boundary pushing producers of this decade with Skrillex and Diplo teaming up to form the power duo Jack U. The expectation I had for this album was set high and oddly enough the album doesn't consistently push hard enough. That however doesn't stop it from being a wild 35:25 minute ride featuring the worldwide hit “Where Are You Now” that catapulted Justin Bieber back into the spotlight. Most Played Song: “Febreeze” featuring 2 Chainz
Buy Jack U
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Buy Love Stuff
No Good: Ivy Levan
4 Bubbles Despite featuring production from Diplo and guest vocals from icon Sting, none of the singles released from No Good found a mainstream audience. Ivy Levan powers through with her trademark husky voice and material that places a different spin on the fifties aesthetic that Meghan Trainor made popular in 2014. Ivy Levan shines the best on the roof shakers and mid tempo fare, rather then when she slows it down on closing tracks like “Misery” and Whitney Houston inspired “It Ain't Easy”. Most Played Song: “The Dame Says” |
Love Stuff: Elle King
3 ½ Bubbles Daughter of comedian Rob Schneider, Love Stuff finds Elle King snarling her way through a debut of modern rock. While some of the material pushes her too far (see “Last Damn Night” and “I Told You I Was Mean”) the album regardless has numerous highlights including the surprise sleeper hit “Ex's & Oh's”. She's at her best on tracks that showcase her fiery personality and when she's at her most vulnerable like “Make You Smile” or “Cocaine Carolina”. Most Played Song: “Make You Smile” 
Buy No Good
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Peace is the Mission: Major Lazer
3 ½ Bubbles
Another Diplo helmed DJ set, his production as Major Lazer is decidedly reggae themed. Featuring global smash “Lean On” the album powers through some of the most fun dance music produced this year. The album features guest vocals from superstars Ellie Goulding and Ariana Grande.
Most Played Song: “All My Love (Remix)” featuring Ariana Grande and Machel Montano.
Buy Peace Is The Mission
3 ½ Bubbles
Another Diplo helmed DJ set, his production as Major Lazer is decidedly reggae themed. Featuring global smash “Lean On” the album powers through some of the most fun dance music produced this year. The album features guest vocals from superstars Ellie Goulding and Ariana Grande.
Most Played Song: “All My Love (Remix)” featuring Ariana Grande and Machel Montano.
Buy Peace Is The Mission
Pitch Perfect 2: Soundtrack
3 Bubbles
The album fares just as well as the movie did. The more you liked the movie, the more you'll appreciate the accompanying soundtrack. As so often is the case the sequel proves to be not as good as the original. Besides the movies chronicled performance it also features new music from Ester Dean and Jessie J.
Most Played Song: “Crazy Youngsters” by Ester Dean
Buy Pitch Perfect 2
3 Bubbles
The album fares just as well as the movie did. The more you liked the movie, the more you'll appreciate the accompanying soundtrack. As so often is the case the sequel proves to be not as good as the original. Besides the movies chronicled performance it also features new music from Ester Dean and Jessie J.
Most Played Song: “Crazy Youngsters” by Ester Dean
Buy Pitch Perfect 2
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Rebel Heart: Madonna
4 Bubbles Plagued by leaks, Rebel Heart turned into the longest album of Madonna's career the final tracklist coming in at 19 tracks long. While this album doesn't find it pushing boundaries the way previous Madonna releases like American Life and Ray of Light have it does find Madonna engaging in mainstream sound, much to her credit. The album features work by Diplo and Kanye West and an intriguing guest spot by Mike Tyson. The album is unwieldy and at times aimless, but mostly it is a positive reflection of what Madonna can contribute to music in the 21st century. Most Played Song: “Bitch I'm Madonna” featuring Nicki Minaj
Buy Rebel Heart
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Storyteller: Carrie Underwood
4 Bubbles Carrie Underwood returns with a studio set built to tear country music apart. It's not a Carrie Underwood album if there's not a murder and there's plenty of that here. Carrie Underwood takes a back seat on this album, largely relegating herself to telling other people's stories. The album has everything that a blockbuster country album needs to shine. It's plays more consistently then 2012's Blown Away, which lost some of it's steam near the end and only works to reinforce how much we've missed Carrie in our life. Most Played Song: “Dirty Laundry” Buy Storyteller |
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Reflection: Fifth Harmony
3 Bubbles
An initial glance at this album would show it to be one of the glossiest releases of the year. The first five opening songs are exemplary of what processed pop is supposed to sound like. It's the final six tracks that sink into the nineties influenced R&B that Ariana Grande does so well, except on Fifth Harmony they play like throwaway B-Sides. The album although promising doesn't show the full potential of the group.
Most Played Song: “Top Down”
Buy Reflection
Sremm Life: Rae Sremmurd
4 Bubbles
Rap's latest and greatest duo, Rae Sremmurd dazzle with the ridiculous jangling of “No Flex Zone” and “Unlock The Swag”. The album benefits from guest appearances by Nicki Minaj and Big Sean. A thoroughly fun ride and the antithesis of what Kendrick Lamar is trying to do with the genre.
Most Played Song: “No Flex Zone”
Buy Sremm Life
3 Bubbles
An initial glance at this album would show it to be one of the glossiest releases of the year. The first five opening songs are exemplary of what processed pop is supposed to sound like. It's the final six tracks that sink into the nineties influenced R&B that Ariana Grande does so well, except on Fifth Harmony they play like throwaway B-Sides. The album although promising doesn't show the full potential of the group.
Most Played Song: “Top Down”
Buy Reflection
Sremm Life: Rae Sremmurd
4 Bubbles
Rap's latest and greatest duo, Rae Sremmurd dazzle with the ridiculous jangling of “No Flex Zone” and “Unlock The Swag”. The album benefits from guest appearances by Nicki Minaj and Big Sean. A thoroughly fun ride and the antithesis of what Kendrick Lamar is trying to do with the genre.
Most Played Song: “No Flex Zone”
Buy Sremm Life
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Title: Meghan Trainor
3 ½ Bubbles Chronicling the joys of a heteronormative world, Meghan Trainor does little to push or offend the base line of American values. The album is full of quirky oddities that make it more then just eleven different versions of “All About That Bass”. Title is at it's best with songs like the titular title track and “Dear Future Husband”, which go down just as sweet if you don't put too much stock in the lyrical content. However, she's surprisingly fun when pushing boundaries as she does on “Bang Them Sticks”. Most Played Song: “Bang Them Sticks” 
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Buy Title
True Colors: Zedd
2 ½ Bubbles German DJ, Zedd delivered his second studio album with the Selena Gomez led “Want You To Know”. The album often times finds him not pushing boundaries or giving us parodies of the top 40. Although, this works on “Beautiful Now” that is strongly reminiscent of something Ryan Tedder would produce. Despite a few notable tracks it falls short of an engaging concept album. Most Played Song: “Papercut” featuring Troye Sivan Buy True Colors |
Buy Wild
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Wild: Troye Sivan
2 Bubbles The preview to his debut album Blue Neighborhood, this EP shows Troye Sivan's inability to replicate more then one substantial moody electro pop ballad per musical outing. “Wild” shines much like “Happy Little Pill” did on Tryxe. The EP would have benefited from the inclusion of “Papercut” an equally somber number found on Zedd's album True Colors. The other 5 of the 6 songs on Wild fail to make any impact and only undermine the fact that Troye Sivan can make amazing music. Instead of working on creating more thoughtful engaging songs like “Wild”, the EP is full of songs that serve as a canvas for experimental electronic influences that are supposed to count as his artistic vision. Most Played Song: “Wild” |
Savages: Five Knives
3 Bubbles Unknown dance pop group Five Knives dropped one of the most fun and disposable albums of the year. Kicked off with the banger “Savages” and followed by a stream of trashy similarly minded ilk, the album although not about to redefine mainstream sound is exactly the kind of music to listen to when you've got your lip gloss on and the wind in your hair. Most Played Song: “Savages” |
Made in the AM: One Direction
4 Bubbles More then likely this will be the fifth and final album by One Direction. Their upcoming hiatus a chance for them all to grope for Justin Timberlake stardom. Building on the mature pop/rock sound they've experimented with on their past two albums, Made In The AM is a testament and tribute to the reasons boy bands work their way into our hearts. Most Played Song: “Perfect” |
Favorite Album of The Year: Breathe In. Breathe Out by Hilary Duff
Favorite Song of the Year: "Breathe In. Breathe Out" by Hilary Duff
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