5. A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING by THE WAR ON DRUGS
Music. Full, rich, smooth, tightly orchestrated, and exceeding all expectations.
4. HOT THOUGHTS by SPOON
*BEST INDIE ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR*
The band continues its streak of being incapable of making a bad record.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY: I SEE YOU by THE XX
No, it’s not like Spoon’s funky and peerless album, but it’s a damn good, damn accessible bit of smart pop that fans of Spoon might take a shine to.
3. DRAGONFLY by KASEY CHAMBERS
So good, I saw her twice in one year. This album will blow you away.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY ANOTHER GENRE-BENDING PUNKISH WOMAN: PSYCHOTIC MELANCHOLIA by HAYLEY THOMPSON-KING
2. DAMN by KENDRICK LAMAR (West Coast hip hop)
*BEST RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR*
The best album yet by the most groundbreaking rapper today.
