Following my post on my fifteen favourite albums of the year, I have complied a list of my twenty-five favourite songs of 2015 so far. Some of the songs I came across on the albums I have been listening to recently. Others I came across on triple j, hence why seven of the songs on this list are from Australian artists. All of these songs plus the standout tracks from my favourite albums are on my Spotify playlist.
L$D by A$AP Rocky
A$AP mellows his signature swagger for a track that is subtle, smooth and sexy. #ASAPalliterations
Älgen by Amason
Swedish band Amason juxtaposes instruments and voices to create a stunning contrast between high and low on “Älgen.”
Time to Go Home by Chastity Belt
“Time to Go Home” is the standout closing track from Chastity Belt’s album of the same name. What makes the song so compelling is the way it changes tempo. The backing vocals float over the bass while the lead vocals accelerate to a near panic. Also, their album cover is fantastic.
Amalie by Colornoise
Colornoise is a three piece, all female band from Costa Rica. They describe their music as experimental noise rock but that doesn’t even begin to gesture towards the beauty of the soaring choruses of “Amalie.”
Mona Lisa by Dead Sara
“Mona Lisa” was my favourite song in early 2015. When I first heard it I tweeted, “I’ve been waiting for a song like this since I was fifteen and first started listening to Nirvana.” Emily Armstrong’s vocals are unstoppable.
Black to Gold by Dear Rouge
“Black to Gold” is the first song off of Vancouver electronic rock band Dear Rouge’s album of the same name. Big vocals from Danielle McTaggart combine with synth and rock instrumentation for a fun, engaging pop track.
Ex’s & Oh’s by Elle King
“Ex’s & Oh’s” is crazy fun song about King’s ex-lovers. Her delivery is the perfect match for her blues rock sound.
Electrical by Eves the Behavior
Eves the Behavior is a new artist from Sydney, Australia. On “Electrical,” she delivers relatable, listenable emotion through an effective mix of synth and vocals. You can listen to “Electrical” on Soundcloud.
Queen Of Peace by Florence + The Machine
I haven’t liked a Florence + The Machine song this much since I first heard “Dog Days Are Over.” “Queen of Peace” has the swelling vocals and rich sound that can be expected of Florence Welch without feeling like it’s lost in its own fantasy. The skyward choruses perfectly showcase Welch’s vocals.
Magnolia by Gang of Youths
“Magnolia” is standout track from Sydney band Gang of Youths’ album The Positions. This is a triumphant anthem with a sense of humour and makes me feel like I’m unstoppable.
Sedona by Houndmouth
The male-female harmonies on the chorus make “Sedona” irresistible. If you used to listen to “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on repeat, this is the song for you. Having been to Sedona, I think this should be the city’s anthem.
The Love You’re Given by Jack Garratt
Jack Garratt makes captivating use of vocals as an instrument alongside piano, synth and electric beats. Turn up the volume and feel the last minute and a half of the song.
Mascara by Jazmine Sullivan
“Mascara” showcases Sullivan’s exceptional R&B vocals but what makes the song so compelling is its lyrics. The song is as much a commentary on her experience in the music industry as it is a character-driven narrative about a woman’s obsession with physical perfection.
Paper Trail$ by Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ is fresh and I love the update to the Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.” on “Paper Trail$”: “Cash ruined everything around me.”
Pretty Pimpin by Kurt Vile
I love the way Vile’s guitar perfectly compliments his vocals and stomping percussion. On “Pretty Pimpin” he asks what the hell he’s doing with his life in a way that’s both witty and relatable.
Echo by Lurch & Chief
Melbourne, Australia band Lurch & Chief made my favourite song of the summer. I’m not even going to try to describe “Echo.” It is powerfully evocative in a way that only your favourite song can be.
Powerful by Major Lazer (feat. Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley)
“Powerful” makes me feel powerful, as if I can sing like Ellie Goulding and can carry a bazooka like Destructa X. (That was Goulding’s character in Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” video.) I was surprised by how much I liked Major Lazer’s Peace Is the Mission.
Unmasked! by The Mountain Goats
In “Unmasked!” is a wrestler addresses his masked opponent who he is about to defeat and subsequently unmask. The acoustic instrumentation is poignant and the lyrics are truly brilliant. He sings, “By way of honouring the things we both held dear, I will reveal you.”
Beautiful Blue Sky by Ought
At over seven minutes long, “Beautiful Blue Sky” from Montreal’s Ought is as notable for its representation of modern commodity culture as it is for its post-punk sound. In both sound and scope, the song reminds me of Television’s “Marquee Moon.” I can’t wait for the release of Sun Coming Down.
You Were Right by RÜFÜS
“You Were Right” is an energetic dance track from Sydney group RÜFÜS. Not only has this been my go to dance party song, this is my mother’s choice too.
Jackrabbit by San Fermin
Eight piece band San Fermin’s entire Jackrabbit album was is compelling. “Jackrabbit” features a soaring chorus that represents the band at their best. San Fermin also puts on a damn good show.
White Dress by Set Mo (feat. Deutsch Duke)
“White Dress” is more wistful than I thought house music could be. Sydney duo Set Mo mix nineties house sounds with smooth vocals of Deutsch Duke and some heavy nostalgia.
Hell Boy by Seth Sentry
I love Melbourne rapper Seth Sentry’s ability to bring characters to life. Strange New Past is an engaging album that mixes introspection with humour and well-developed narrative. Its lead single “Hell Boy” is a ton of fun.
The Moment by Tame Impala
The entirety of Tame Impala’s album Currents is excellent but “The Moment” stands out for my for its beat that recalls “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and its dynamic synth. Pitchfork calls the sound effervescent. I have to agree.
Them Changes by Thundercat
Thundercat brings the funk on “Them Changes” in a way that only a bass player known as Thundercat can. His electronic jazz sound is wonderfully kinetic. The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam is an incredible EP.
