#20. Depression Cherry – Beach House
The first of two albums released by Beach House in 2015, Depression Cherry is a gorgeous collection of songs from the reigning masters of dream pop. Singer Victoria Legrand’s airy vocals glide through hazy ethereal soundscapes and create a sound that is somehow both spooky and beautiful. Even though they stay in relatively safe territory on Depression Cherry, these songs are as enjoyable as anything Beach House has ever released.
PS It didn’t make the list, Beach House’s other 2015 album, Thank Your Lucky Stars, is definitely worth your time.
Read the Compact Discography review of Depression Cherry here.
#19. Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes
Desperate to avoid the sophomore slump, Alabama Shakes’ second album Sound & Color has an entirely different tone and energy than their debut Boys & Girls. Darker and moodier than their debut, the production and musicianship of Sound & Color solidifies Alabama Shakes as a premier indie rock band with a bright future.
Read the Compact Discography review of Sound & Color here.
#18. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + the Machine
Four years in the making, Florence + the Machine’s third album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful was worth the wait. Lead singer Florence Welch’s soaring vocal performances pair beautifully with the band’s cinematic arrangements to create the group’s most confident and energetic album yet.
Read the Compact Discography review of How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful here.
#17. Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz – Miley Cyrus
Released for free on SoundCloud and c0-written and produced by The Flaming Lips and Mike Will Made It, Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz is a shockingly enjoyable mess of psychedelic pop. I may be on an island here but I think Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz is an incredibly compelling record.
Read the Compact Discography review of Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz here.
#16. Ratchet – Shamir
Shamir’s wildly entertaining debut album Ratchet is beyond fresh. This young North Las Vegas native ties together elements of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music to create a perfect storm of sound. With charisma and talent on tap, Shamir’s rise to the top has only just begun.
Read the Compact Discography review of Ratchet here.
Continue to Part 2 of Compact Discography’s Top 20 Albums of 2015
Compact Discography 
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