By: Mike & Ry
2015 is coming to an end. So what better way to ring in the new year than another “Best albums of 2015” list? The only thing is this one is going to be different than all the others. Yes, you will see To Pimp A Butterfly. But we’re leaving off the duds. There will be no Future, no Meek Mill, and no Young Thug. While 2015 was a year full of music, there were tons of disappointment as well as highlights. Here are some of the big ones
2015 is coming to an end. So what better way to ring in the new year than another “Best albums of 2015” list? The only thing is this one is going to be different than all the others. Yes, you will see To Pimp A Butterfly. But we’re leaving off the duds. There will be no Future, no Meek Mill, and no Young Thug. While 2015 was a year full of music, there were tons of disappointment as well as highlights. Here are some of the big ones
DISAPPOINTMENT: Sremmlife - Rae Sremmurd
There is no denying, that Sremmlife was fun. But with a year full of smart, well spoken worded albums. It’s almost an insult to put Sremmlife on the same list as other albums that are so well thought out. Now, don’t take this as a diss to Sremmlife because I did buy this CD. But the album can’t be taken seriously at all. Whether it’s songs like “Up Like Trump” where i’m kind of just laughing at Swae Lee’s mumbled lyrics or “Lit Like Bic” which gets old surprisingly fast.
Instead of Sremmlife, I find this album just as fun to listen to and much more fun - Ryan Martin
There is no denying, that Sremmlife was fun. But with a year full of smart, well spoken worded albums. It’s almost an insult to put Sremmlife on the same list as other albums that are so well thought out. Now, don’t take this as a diss to Sremmlife because I did buy this CD. But the album can’t be taken seriously at all. Whether it’s songs like “Up Like Trump” where i’m kind of just laughing at Swae Lee’s mumbled lyrics or “Lit Like Bic” which gets old surprisingly fast.
Instead of Sremmlife, I find this album just as fun to listen to and much more fun - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Smyle - KYLE
I was totally pumped for this record to come out. Although I didn’t like it as much as Beautiful Loser because it does have it's flaws. It deserves a spot on a list such as this. KYLE makes fun records and while they may not be “hits” like Sremmlife does, it is perfect in what it attempts to capture. Fun summer music. This album should have came out in like early June and allowed everyone to bump songs like “Endless Summer Symphony” and “Don't Wanna Fall In Love” for the summer. - Ryan Martin
I was totally pumped for this record to come out. Although I didn’t like it as much as Beautiful Loser because it does have it's flaws. It deserves a spot on a list such as this. KYLE makes fun records and while they may not be “hits” like Sremmlife does, it is perfect in what it attempts to capture. Fun summer music. This album should have came out in like early June and allowed everyone to bump songs like “Endless Summer Symphony” and “Don't Wanna Fall In Love” for the summer. - Ryan Martin
DISAPPOINTMENT: Rodeo - Travi$ Scott
There are few up-and-coming artists these days that carry the same versatility as Travis Scott, a rapper/producer who has kept the music world awaiting his first big project. After months of absolutely fantastic and catchy singles featuring big names such as 2 Chainz, Future, and Young Thug on the tracks “Antidote,” “3005,” and “Drunk,” Scott’s fans were eagerly awaiting more from the young Houston MC. His debut album, Rodeo was finally released on September 4, and nothing but straight fire was expected. The majority of Scott’s fans wanted the same sound he’s dished out in the past. The record pleased listeners on this account. However, the one thing that always bites new albums in the back is overhype, and that may have happened to the 23-year-old rapper.
Scott’s style borders on grunge and hip-hop. It’s dirty and raw, both lyrically and musically, but still fits into the all-encompassing genre that is rap music. Scott’s near falsetto singing paired with the deep gravelly tone he raps in makes it seem like he has multiple personalities. The album also reminds me of Kanye West, if he had never made Late Registration, College Dropout, or Graduation, and went straight to being a dick.
Scott’s debut album is decent and has some quality music on it. Songs like “I Can Tell,” “Piss on Your Grave,” and “Apple Pie” are perfect examples of what kind of music Scott should continue to produce. But with an ever-changing style of music, Scott might not be in the spotlight much longer– especially if people get tired of his personality, due to his rude behavior towards the media.
“Rodeo” is an alright album, and it is fun to listen to. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. But this is Scott’s first rodeo, and hopefully he gets the hang of things soon, because I know he can do better. - Michael Bayliss
There are few up-and-coming artists these days that carry the same versatility as Travis Scott, a rapper/producer who has kept the music world awaiting his first big project. After months of absolutely fantastic and catchy singles featuring big names such as 2 Chainz, Future, and Young Thug on the tracks “Antidote,” “3005,” and “Drunk,” Scott’s fans were eagerly awaiting more from the young Houston MC. His debut album, Rodeo was finally released on September 4, and nothing but straight fire was expected. The majority of Scott’s fans wanted the same sound he’s dished out in the past. The record pleased listeners on this account. However, the one thing that always bites new albums in the back is overhype, and that may have happened to the 23-year-old rapper.
Scott’s style borders on grunge and hip-hop. It’s dirty and raw, both lyrically and musically, but still fits into the all-encompassing genre that is rap music. Scott’s near falsetto singing paired with the deep gravelly tone he raps in makes it seem like he has multiple personalities. The album also reminds me of Kanye West, if he had never made Late Registration, College Dropout, or Graduation, and went straight to being a dick.
Scott’s debut album is decent and has some quality music on it. Songs like “I Can Tell,” “Piss on Your Grave,” and “Apple Pie” are perfect examples of what kind of music Scott should continue to produce. But with an ever-changing style of music, Scott might not be in the spotlight much longer– especially if people get tired of his personality, due to his rude behavior towards the media.
“Rodeo” is an alright album, and it is fun to listen to. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. But this is Scott’s first rodeo, and hopefully he gets the hang of things soon, because I know he can do better. - Michael Bayliss
HIGHLIGHT: B4.Da.$$ - Joey Bada$$
Some people may have forgotten about this album because it came so early in the year. On Joey’s 20th birthday, January 20th appropriately. This album was very solid. Maybe not the best album of the year but a solid offering from the Brooklyn MC. Songs like “No. 99” and “Escape 120” stand out showcasing the rapper’s 90’s era flow and lyrical talent. The drums on “Escape 120” is one of my favorite parts of the album. The album has features on it but it also doesn’t really need it. BJ the Chicago Kid & Raury add a nice bit of singing to change it up a bit and Action Bronson assists on “Run Up On Ya” but I feel Joey could succeed more efficiently with a shorter running time and not as many features. - Ryan Martin
Some people may have forgotten about this album because it came so early in the year. On Joey’s 20th birthday, January 20th appropriately. This album was very solid. Maybe not the best album of the year but a solid offering from the Brooklyn MC. Songs like “No. 99” and “Escape 120” stand out showcasing the rapper’s 90’s era flow and lyrical talent. The drums on “Escape 120” is one of my favorite parts of the album. The album has features on it but it also doesn’t really need it. BJ the Chicago Kid & Raury add a nice bit of singing to change it up a bit and Action Bronson assists on “Run Up On Ya” but I feel Joey could succeed more efficiently with a shorter running time and not as many features. - Ryan Martin
DISAPPOINTMENT: When It’s Dark Out - G-Eazy
G stated that when he released this album, he would be ‘naked in front of the world’. I find this very hard to believe. I can understand with the track “Everything Will Be OK” where he shares a very personal story that some of his closest friends haven’t even heard. But the album itself is nothing special. You have “Sad Boy” which literally delivers the message that G-Eazy gets sad sometimes. The album feels so generic and there is only a handful of tracks that I thoroughly enjoy. Some of those being “Me Myself & I”, “Calm Down” and “Random”. The songs that I enjoy are the ones that either bang (Calm Down, Random) or have more of a pop vibe (Me Myself & I) which Bebe Rexha’s beautiful vocals assist perfectly with. G-Eazy doesn’t make any progress from his last album, if anything he takes a step back because I actually enjoyed These Things Happen. What frustrates me about G-Eazy, is as much drive as he has to be able to get himself to where he is today where he headlines festivals and is selling out shows. He doesn’t have enough drive to elevate himself as more than just a white rapper that appeals to white girls and fuckboys. He doesn’t have enough drive to make something better and to keep growing as an artist. That alone kind of turns me off from his music because I don't see it going anywhere further than where it is right now. - Ryan Martin
G stated that when he released this album, he would be ‘naked in front of the world’. I find this very hard to believe. I can understand with the track “Everything Will Be OK” where he shares a very personal story that some of his closest friends haven’t even heard. But the album itself is nothing special. You have “Sad Boy” which literally delivers the message that G-Eazy gets sad sometimes. The album feels so generic and there is only a handful of tracks that I thoroughly enjoy. Some of those being “Me Myself & I”, “Calm Down” and “Random”. The songs that I enjoy are the ones that either bang (Calm Down, Random) or have more of a pop vibe (Me Myself & I) which Bebe Rexha’s beautiful vocals assist perfectly with. G-Eazy doesn’t make any progress from his last album, if anything he takes a step back because I actually enjoyed These Things Happen. What frustrates me about G-Eazy, is as much drive as he has to be able to get himself to where he is today where he headlines festivals and is selling out shows. He doesn’t have enough drive to elevate himself as more than just a white rapper that appeals to white girls and fuckboys. He doesn’t have enough drive to make something better and to keep growing as an artist. That alone kind of turns me off from his music because I don't see it going anywhere further than where it is right now. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Blurryface - Twenty One Pilots
Although this isn’t my favorite Twenty One Pilots record it is still a fantastic one. There is something about Blurryface that after your first listen, you feel like you’ve known the songs much longer than you actually have. That has it's up and it's downs of course because you may listen to the songs less because you feel used to them or they may come as something you listen to daily. Regardless each song has it’s own vibe to it which makes it one of my favorite albums of 2015. Songs like “Lane Boy” and “Heavydirtysoul” can get crowds going crazy and is equally as fun to listen to with the volume cranked in the car with your friends. And others like “Tear In My Heart” and “The Judge” are perfect pop anthems for the radio. This album has a little bit of everything for everyone with a more punk vibe on “We Don’t Believe What’s On TV” and a more hip-hop vibe on “Fairly Local”. I sometimes forget this album came out in May because I’ve listened to it so many times. - Ryan Martin
Although this isn’t my favorite Twenty One Pilots record it is still a fantastic one. There is something about Blurryface that after your first listen, you feel like you’ve known the songs much longer than you actually have. That has it's up and it's downs of course because you may listen to the songs less because you feel used to them or they may come as something you listen to daily. Regardless each song has it’s own vibe to it which makes it one of my favorite albums of 2015. Songs like “Lane Boy” and “Heavydirtysoul” can get crowds going crazy and is equally as fun to listen to with the volume cranked in the car with your friends. And others like “Tear In My Heart” and “The Judge” are perfect pop anthems for the radio. This album has a little bit of everything for everyone with a more punk vibe on “We Don’t Believe What’s On TV” and a more hip-hop vibe on “Fairly Local”. I sometimes forget this album came out in May because I’ve listened to it so many times. - Ryan Martin
DISAPPOINTMENT: Cherry Bomb - Tyler, the Creator
It’s hard to predict what Tyler is going to do next. It was a shock to say the least when he announced a new album was coming from him in less than a week in early April but the real surprise came within the music. Songs like “Deathcamp” and “Brownstains” and “Smuckers” are easy standouts with Kanye’s verse being one of the best he’s released in what seems like too long. I also got to see Tyler perform some of these songs in the A$AP & Tyler tour which reached Boston. “Brownstains” was incredible for the crowd and is probably one of the most hype songs Tyler has been on since “Rella”. That being said, the highlights of the album are overshadowed by the overproduction and just noise that Tyler crowds into the album. The title track was made for the only purpose of it being performed and the mixing makes it sounds like it's being performed live with the shittiest speakers. It’s hard on your ears and I can’t imagine any pleasure coming out of it.
I do find some gems on this album where Tyler creates more R&B influenced jazzy tracks. “Find Your Wings” is fantastic and I do like “Fucking Young/Perfect” despite the fact that Tyler keeps distorting his vocals. That's a very frustrating thing that a couple artists keeping doing. I'm not sure if it’s a insecurity thing because they think their voice doesn’t sound right unless it’s pitched up but it’s annoying. If someone is going to buy a record with your name attached to it as a singer or rapper they want to hear your voice. “Keep Da O’s” is another example of this.
I honestly wish Tyler would, if he wants everyone to appreciate his production talent that he is capable of, create a jazzy R&B album with people like Erykah Badu, Miguel, Stevie Wonder, and maybe even The Weeknd. His bangers are getting stale and he has the potential to create something really unique that everyone can enjoy. Rather than Cherry Bomb where only his really die-hard fans can love it for what it is. - Ryan Martin
It’s hard to predict what Tyler is going to do next. It was a shock to say the least when he announced a new album was coming from him in less than a week in early April but the real surprise came within the music. Songs like “Deathcamp” and “Brownstains” and “Smuckers” are easy standouts with Kanye’s verse being one of the best he’s released in what seems like too long. I also got to see Tyler perform some of these songs in the A$AP & Tyler tour which reached Boston. “Brownstains” was incredible for the crowd and is probably one of the most hype songs Tyler has been on since “Rella”. That being said, the highlights of the album are overshadowed by the overproduction and just noise that Tyler crowds into the album. The title track was made for the only purpose of it being performed and the mixing makes it sounds like it's being performed live with the shittiest speakers. It’s hard on your ears and I can’t imagine any pleasure coming out of it.
I do find some gems on this album where Tyler creates more R&B influenced jazzy tracks. “Find Your Wings” is fantastic and I do like “Fucking Young/Perfect” despite the fact that Tyler keeps distorting his vocals. That's a very frustrating thing that a couple artists keeping doing. I'm not sure if it’s a insecurity thing because they think their voice doesn’t sound right unless it’s pitched up but it’s annoying. If someone is going to buy a record with your name attached to it as a singer or rapper they want to hear your voice. “Keep Da O’s” is another example of this.
I honestly wish Tyler would, if he wants everyone to appreciate his production talent that he is capable of, create a jazzy R&B album with people like Erykah Badu, Miguel, Stevie Wonder, and maybe even The Weeknd. His bangers are getting stale and he has the potential to create something really unique that everyone can enjoy. Rather than Cherry Bomb where only his really die-hard fans can love it for what it is. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Mr. Wonderful - Action Bronson
2015 was a crazy year in hip-hop with most major artist releasing a project of some kind. From To Pimp a Butterfly to Surf, its hard to decipher my favorite one. My favorite album of 2015 though, has to be Mr. Wonderful by Action Bronson. I chose this album over other highly anticipated works for two reasons. The pure passion I hear is rivaled by only To Pimp a Butterfly (even when the messages and meanings are different) and I absolutely adore Bronson's style of new wave new York Hip-Hop, it stays true to the roots but its just different enough to expand his style of rap.
Bronson's debut album after multiple amazing mixtapes was a look into what's to come in the future from the flushing Queens native. Tracks like "Terry", "Easy Rider", and "Baby Blue" all make significant impressions in the minds of those who listen to him. Whether he's talking about driving nice cars, fucking girls, his all green mink or his heartbreak along the way on his journey of success everything he makes is worth its weight in gold to listen to. The album has a timely blues and rock influence that keeps the listener enticed during the multiple breaks in the album just for instrumentals, which others would take away as a negative thing but in my mind that's just Actions way of showing his true love for the music he wants to make.
Its not just my favorite album because it's Bronson's first but because it's the free flowing passion of a guy doing what he loves (besides cooking). I'm excited to see what he comes up with next and his new album The Human Highlight Reel is bound to be fantastic - Michael Bayliss
2015 was a crazy year in hip-hop with most major artist releasing a project of some kind. From To Pimp a Butterfly to Surf, its hard to decipher my favorite one. My favorite album of 2015 though, has to be Mr. Wonderful by Action Bronson. I chose this album over other highly anticipated works for two reasons. The pure passion I hear is rivaled by only To Pimp a Butterfly (even when the messages and meanings are different) and I absolutely adore Bronson's style of new wave new York Hip-Hop, it stays true to the roots but its just different enough to expand his style of rap.
Bronson's debut album after multiple amazing mixtapes was a look into what's to come in the future from the flushing Queens native. Tracks like "Terry", "Easy Rider", and "Baby Blue" all make significant impressions in the minds of those who listen to him. Whether he's talking about driving nice cars, fucking girls, his all green mink or his heartbreak along the way on his journey of success everything he makes is worth its weight in gold to listen to. The album has a timely blues and rock influence that keeps the listener enticed during the multiple breaks in the album just for instrumentals, which others would take away as a negative thing but in my mind that's just Actions way of showing his true love for the music he wants to make.
Its not just my favorite album because it's Bronson's first but because it's the free flowing passion of a guy doing what he loves (besides cooking). I'm excited to see what he comes up with next and his new album The Human Highlight Reel is bound to be fantastic - Michael Bayliss
NEUTRAL: At.Long.Last.A$AP - A$AP Rocky
I loved A$AP’s debut when it first came out but it didn’t stand the test of time as it grew stale for me. I wanted something new. I love the idea of the direction Rocky is going in but the album didn’t do a whole lot for me. There were standouts like “Holy Ghost”, “Canal St.” “Everyday” and “L$D” but there are too many tracks that bore me. I tried listening to the whole thing but once I got to “Electric Body” and “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” I couldn’t do it anymore. The album seems forgettable once again like Rocky’s debut. I think Rocky has the potential to be one of the greats. But he isn’t there just yet. He is creating solid music for the moment but it doesn’t work the second time around. The album does have it’s moments but as a whole it wasn’t my favorite. - Ryan Martin
I loved A$AP’s debut when it first came out but it didn’t stand the test of time as it grew stale for me. I wanted something new. I love the idea of the direction Rocky is going in but the album didn’t do a whole lot for me. There were standouts like “Holy Ghost”, “Canal St.” “Everyday” and “L$D” but there are too many tracks that bore me. I tried listening to the whole thing but once I got to “Electric Body” and “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” I couldn’t do it anymore. The album seems forgettable once again like Rocky’s debut. I think Rocky has the potential to be one of the greats. But he isn’t there just yet. He is creating solid music for the moment but it doesn’t work the second time around. The album does have it’s moments but as a whole it wasn’t my favorite. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Tetsuo & Youth - Lupe Fiasco
Tetsuo & Youth was the first one I’d heard by Lupe and it kind of blew my mind. To hear a almost 9-minute long track of just bars after bars set the bar very high. Lupe conquers throughout the whole album. Whether you have the pop influenced first quarter of the album which is the “Summer” part of the album, (The entire album is divided seasonally) or the banger/solemn tracks inside “Winter”. This album is creatively very impressive. My only problem with this album is how long almost each track is. Instead of finding a rare 8-minute track inside of your average album, it’s rare to find a 3-minute track that isn’t an interlude. While Tetsuo & Youth may overstay it’s welcome in some parts. It puts Lupe’s lyrical ability on the spot and he proves first hand that he has a lot to say. - Ryan Martin
Tetsuo & Youth was the first one I’d heard by Lupe and it kind of blew my mind. To hear a almost 9-minute long track of just bars after bars set the bar very high. Lupe conquers throughout the whole album. Whether you have the pop influenced first quarter of the album which is the “Summer” part of the album, (The entire album is divided seasonally) or the banger/solemn tracks inside “Winter”. This album is creatively very impressive. My only problem with this album is how long almost each track is. Instead of finding a rare 8-minute track inside of your average album, it’s rare to find a 3-minute track that isn’t an interlude. While Tetsuo & Youth may overstay it’s welcome in some parts. It puts Lupe’s lyrical ability on the spot and he proves first hand that he has a lot to say. - Ryan Martin
DISAPPOINTMENT: Dark Sky Paradise - Big Sean
I’ve never been a Big Sean fan. But when Dark Sky came out, I once again liked the idea of the direction Sean could create on the album. The production wasn’t horrible. He had some good beats on there in “Blessings” and “One Man Can Change The World” and “I Know” But Sean’s verses aren’t good. He seems stale to me and like a rapper who makes music for white girls. I've also never seen Big Sean as likable also. And while this shouldn’t distract from the music, he comes across as a douchebag in his music too. I wasn't a fan of “IDFWU” and once I started off with “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)”, his cheesy raps didn’t do it for me as I felt like I was becoming more and more of a tool bumping his music. I wish he would create something that is all his so I could get a better vibe of who this dude is rather than his pop hits and lame verses. Dark Sky was not this. - Ryan Martin
I’ve never been a Big Sean fan. But when Dark Sky came out, I once again liked the idea of the direction Sean could create on the album. The production wasn’t horrible. He had some good beats on there in “Blessings” and “One Man Can Change The World” and “I Know” But Sean’s verses aren’t good. He seems stale to me and like a rapper who makes music for white girls. I've also never seen Big Sean as likable also. And while this shouldn’t distract from the music, he comes across as a douchebag in his music too. I wasn't a fan of “IDFWU” and once I started off with “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)”, his cheesy raps didn’t do it for me as I felt like I was becoming more and more of a tool bumping his music. I wish he would create something that is all his so I could get a better vibe of who this dude is rather than his pop hits and lame verses. Dark Sky was not this. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Surf - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
Another one of my favorite albums of this year, Surf showed that it wasn’t all just about Chance as the Social Experiment showcases their unique musical direction and talent. I didn’t really know what to expect from this album. I knew it wasn’t going to be Chance’s solo debut, but I also knew it was going to feature him heavily. I didn’t know a lot from The Social Experiment except for their songs they released on SoundCloud which I wasn’t huge on so I was iffy about what this album was going to bring. They got so much talent on this record, from Busta Rhymes, to Erykah Badu, to J. Cole as well as some standout verses from up and comers like KYLE, Joey Purp, and Noname Gypsy. This album isn’t a rap album really, there aren’t any bangers but only good vibes. This album was on repeat all summer for me personally as I could listen to the whole thing and be put in an entirely different relaxed mood without having to skip once. Musically this is one of the standouts of the year by far. - Ryan Martin
Another one of my favorite albums of this year, Surf showed that it wasn’t all just about Chance as the Social Experiment showcases their unique musical direction and talent. I didn’t really know what to expect from this album. I knew it wasn’t going to be Chance’s solo debut, but I also knew it was going to feature him heavily. I didn’t know a lot from The Social Experiment except for their songs they released on SoundCloud which I wasn’t huge on so I was iffy about what this album was going to bring. They got so much talent on this record, from Busta Rhymes, to Erykah Badu, to J. Cole as well as some standout verses from up and comers like KYLE, Joey Purp, and Noname Gypsy. This album isn’t a rap album really, there aren’t any bangers but only good vibes. This album was on repeat all summer for me personally as I could listen to the whole thing and be put in an entirely different relaxed mood without having to skip once. Musically this is one of the standouts of the year by far. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT/NEUTRAL: To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
While this album is not a disappointment by any means, it is certainly not my favorite of the year. Now hear me out, because just about everybody else in the world will disagree with me. This album has been considered a classic, right? While everyone in the world claims to have loved this album, there are some bold enough to say they didn’t care for it. I thought the message that To Pimp A Butterfly delivered was fantastic in the way that it is so well thought out and fascinating. The spoken word element of it is equally as great. The problem I have with this album is how hard it is to listen to. Songs like “u” are tough to listen to as Kendrick creates a morbid just sad atmosphere for the song and it feels like you are there with him in the hotel room as he cries and drinks and you don’t really know what to say but just to listen. While it is amazing that he can create that kind of environment in a song, it’s not really a vibe that I crave to have and it certainly doesn’t feel good. The term ‘classic’ is tossed around much too frequently now a days. So what is a classic? In my eyes, a classic is not something that has two to four monster smash pop singles on it. A classic is also not something that can be admired from a far. A classic is an album that means a lot to yourself and you can listen to the whole thing without any skips. A timeless record. Is To Pimp A Butterfly a classic? There is certainly more evidence surrounding why To Pimp A Butterfly is a classic rather than why it isn’t. In 2015, I didn’t revisit To Pimp A Butterfly enough times to say I enjoyed the whole thing. I didn’t listen to it and find deep cuts that I wanted to listen to. In fact, I found “For Free? (Interlude)” extremely annoying. I found the album well-constructed in it's own ways and I can appreciate it from a far but listening wise the album didn’t do a lot for me. Fight me. - Ryan Martin
While this album is not a disappointment by any means, it is certainly not my favorite of the year. Now hear me out, because just about everybody else in the world will disagree with me. This album has been considered a classic, right? While everyone in the world claims to have loved this album, there are some bold enough to say they didn’t care for it. I thought the message that To Pimp A Butterfly delivered was fantastic in the way that it is so well thought out and fascinating. The spoken word element of it is equally as great. The problem I have with this album is how hard it is to listen to. Songs like “u” are tough to listen to as Kendrick creates a morbid just sad atmosphere for the song and it feels like you are there with him in the hotel room as he cries and drinks and you don’t really know what to say but just to listen. While it is amazing that he can create that kind of environment in a song, it’s not really a vibe that I crave to have and it certainly doesn’t feel good. The term ‘classic’ is tossed around much too frequently now a days. So what is a classic? In my eyes, a classic is not something that has two to four monster smash pop singles on it. A classic is also not something that can be admired from a far. A classic is an album that means a lot to yourself and you can listen to the whole thing without any skips. A timeless record. Is To Pimp A Butterfly a classic? There is certainly more evidence surrounding why To Pimp A Butterfly is a classic rather than why it isn’t. In 2015, I didn’t revisit To Pimp A Butterfly enough times to say I enjoyed the whole thing. I didn’t listen to it and find deep cuts that I wanted to listen to. In fact, I found “For Free? (Interlude)” extremely annoying. I found the album well-constructed in it's own ways and I can appreciate it from a far but listening wise the album didn’t do a lot for me. Fight me. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: GO:OD AM - Mac Miller
I’ve always been a fan of Mac Miller, but after Watching Movies and Faces which I thought was the music he was always destined to make, I had no idea where he was going to go next to keep things fresh. Mac took what was good about Watching Movies and Faces and made it better. The whole album doesn’t feel as trippy as before, but feels more connected as a piece. It was one of my favorite releases of the year and although it does have songs that get old quickly, (“Two Matches”, “Time Flies”) the album succeeds with some of Mac’s best production and raps yet. Standouts like “Weekend” which features Miguel’s amazing vocals and “When In Rome” which is probably the hardest banging song Mac’s made yet show how this album can diversify and the kind of hits Mac’s capable of. I'm anticipating to his next move already. - Ryan Martin
I’ve always been a fan of Mac Miller, but after Watching Movies and Faces which I thought was the music he was always destined to make, I had no idea where he was going to go next to keep things fresh. Mac took what was good about Watching Movies and Faces and made it better. The whole album doesn’t feel as trippy as before, but feels more connected as a piece. It was one of my favorite releases of the year and although it does have songs that get old quickly, (“Two Matches”, “Time Flies”) the album succeeds with some of Mac’s best production and raps yet. Standouts like “Weekend” which features Miguel’s amazing vocals and “When In Rome” which is probably the hardest banging song Mac’s made yet show how this album can diversify and the kind of hits Mac’s capable of. I'm anticipating to his next move already. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: Back On Top - The Front Bottoms
Seeing The Front Bottoms live back in July made me an instant fan. When they released their major label debut, I was totally stoked to see what kind of waves they could make in the music world with their deep emotional lyrics and awesome riffs. It didn’t live up to what I wanted it to be but it was still a solid album. I think when they signed to Fueled By Ramen this year they kind of rushed to put an album out on the label. I think they should have waited a little longer and slowly developed their songs more before rushing to put them on a record. After all, that’s how some of their best songs came to be (“Twin Size Mattress”). There are still some awesome songs on here, some of my favorites being “Ginger” “Plastic Flowers” and “Laugh Till I Cry”. I think this record was definitely a highlight of 2015 but it wasn’t a big enough record to shine through all the albums being released this year. - Ryan Martin
Seeing The Front Bottoms live back in July made me an instant fan. When they released their major label debut, I was totally stoked to see what kind of waves they could make in the music world with their deep emotional lyrics and awesome riffs. It didn’t live up to what I wanted it to be but it was still a solid album. I think when they signed to Fueled By Ramen this year they kind of rushed to put an album out on the label. I think they should have waited a little longer and slowly developed their songs more before rushing to put them on a record. After all, that’s how some of their best songs came to be (“Twin Size Mattress”). There are still some awesome songs on here, some of my favorites being “Ginger” “Plastic Flowers” and “Laugh Till I Cry”. I think this record was definitely a highlight of 2015 but it wasn’t a big enough record to shine through all the albums being released this year. - Ryan Martin
HIGHLIGHT: The Incredible True Story - Logic
One of, if not my favorite album of the year was made by Logic. Logic tells a story in this album that is entirely fictional but still make you feel like you’re getting a deeper look at Logic and what his interests are. I was incredibly nervous when I heard that Logic was releasing an album only a little over a year after his debut Under Pressure. And his last one was so good and took so much time. I had no idea how he was going to pump out another fantastic one. Boy was I wrong. I may like The Incredible True Story better than Under Pressure. With a staggering 18 tracks and a run time of over an hour. Logic takes you on a journey to Paradise piloted by Kai and Thomas which is full of humor and fun conversations. Logic’s production is also impressive with bangers like “Stainless” & “I Am The Greatest” while also having soulful Kanye-esque tracks like “Fade Away” and “Never Been”. While the album has been criticized for Logic not finding his own sound, I feel like he takes all the best elements of so many different sounds to put into this album. It helps that his flow is unreal too. While this album isn’t as deep as other albums released this year. It is arguably the most enjoyable. - Ryan Martin
One of, if not my favorite album of the year was made by Logic. Logic tells a story in this album that is entirely fictional but still make you feel like you’re getting a deeper look at Logic and what his interests are. I was incredibly nervous when I heard that Logic was releasing an album only a little over a year after his debut Under Pressure. And his last one was so good and took so much time. I had no idea how he was going to pump out another fantastic one. Boy was I wrong. I may like The Incredible True Story better than Under Pressure. With a staggering 18 tracks and a run time of over an hour. Logic takes you on a journey to Paradise piloted by Kai and Thomas which is full of humor and fun conversations. Logic’s production is also impressive with bangers like “Stainless” & “I Am The Greatest” while also having soulful Kanye-esque tracks like “Fade Away” and “Never Been”. While the album has been criticized for Logic not finding his own sound, I feel like he takes all the best elements of so many different sounds to put into this album. It helps that his flow is unreal too. While this album isn’t as deep as other albums released this year. It is arguably the most enjoyable. - Ryan Martin
Honorable Mentions:
If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late - Drake
I Don’t Like Shit I Don’t Go Outside - Earl Sweatshirt
The Album About Nothing - Wale
Beauty Behind The Madness - The Weeknd
What A Weird Day - Michael Christmas
.Wav Theory - Towkio
If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late - Drake
I Don’t Like Shit I Don’t Go Outside - Earl Sweatshirt
The Album About Nothing - Wale
Beauty Behind The Madness - The Weeknd
What A Weird Day - Michael Christmas
.Wav Theory - Towkio
Thank you to every person who has recommended, shared, liked or talked about any of our posts this year. 2015 was dope and we are happy to serve you with honest reviews about the newest music today. Until next time, we'll see you in 2016 where we will continue to grow.
Mike & Ry Worldwide.
-Mike & Ry