The Best Electronic Music Albums of 2015

According to our experts, these are the best electronic music albums of 2015.

Introduction

It’s been a big year for electronic music. We’ve seen the rise of new stars like Jamie xx and Jack U, the continued dominance of dance music titans like Skrillex and Calvin Harris, and the return of legends like Aphex Twin. We’ve also witnessed the growing popularity of genres like future bass and trap, while deeper styles like techno and house continue to evolve.

With so much great music being released, it’s been tough to narrow down our favorite albums of the year. But after much deliberation, we’ve compiled a list of what we feel are the 50 best electronic albums of 2015. From huge releases by major artists to underground gems by up-and-comers, these are the albums that have kept us dancing all year long.

Aphex Twin- Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2 EP

British musician Richard D. James, better known by his stage name Aphex Twin, is one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of electronic music. On his latest release, the “Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2” EP, James demonstrates his mastery of using technology to create new and unique sounds.

The five tracks on the EP are all based around a single acoustic instrument – a piano – which James has manipulated using various computer software programs. The results are stunning, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of electronic music’s true pioneers.

If you’re a fan of electronic music, or even if you’re just curious about what the genre is capable of, “Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2” is essential listening.

Caribou- Our Love

Caribou’s Our Love is one of the best electronic albums of 2015. The album is a rich and beautiful tapestry of sound, weaveing elements of pop, IDM, and EDM into a gorgeous whole. There’s a warm humanity to the album that is evident in both its lyrical themes and its sonic palette. The result is an album that is at once deeply moving and deeply satisfying from a purely musical standpoint. If you’re looking for an electronic album that will move you both emotionally and intellectually, Caribou’s Our Love is an essential listen.

D’Angelo and The Vanguard- Black Messiah

D’Angelo and The Vanguard’s Black Messiah was one of the best electronic music albums of 2015. The album is a tour de force of D’Angelo’s musicianship, and features some of the best production work of the year. Black Messiah is an essential listen for any fan of electronic music.

FKA Twigs- LP1

FKA Twigs’ debut album was one of the most talked about releases of 2014, and it’s easy to see why. The British singer-songwriter’s combination of R&B, trip-hop, and experimental pop results in a unique and captivating sound that is both accessible and challenging. LP1 is a deeply intimate album that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and sexuality with an honesty and vulnerability that is rare in pop music. The production is lush and cinematic, with Twigs’ ethereal voice floating over atmospheric soundscapes. It’s a stunning debut from an artist with immense potential.

Flying Lotus- You’re Dead!

Flying Lotus- You’re Dead!
You’re Dead!, the fifth studio album by American electronic music producer Flying Lotus, was released on October 7, 2014, by Warp Records. The album features collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Captain Murphy and Angel Deradoorian.

Upon its release, You’re Dead! received critical acclaim from contemporary music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 89 based on 18 reviews.

Jamie xx- In Colour

Jamie xx’s debut solo album In Colour was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2015, and it did not disappoint. The album is a perfect blend of Jamie xx’s signature bleepy-bloop electronics with guest vocalists and samples ranging from soul to pop to gospel. The result is an accessible and danceable record that still manages to be experimental and avant-garde.

Kendrick Lamar- To Pimp a Butterfly

To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. To Pimp a Butterfly debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its musical scope and Lamar’s lyrics. It was ranked as the best album of 2015 by many publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Time and XXL. Along with his prior release good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly won Lamar the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 58th Grammy Awards.

Laura Marling- Short Movie

Short Movie is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Laura Marling, released on 23 February 2015 on Ribbon Music. Produced by Ethan Johns, it was recorded in Los Angeles and Wales. Upon its release, Short Movie entered the UK Albums Chart at number five.

Ought- More Than Any Other Day

Ought’s More Than Any Other Day is one of the most varied and interesting electronic records in recent years. The Montreal-based band channelled the cathartic post-punk of groups like Talking Heads and Joy Division into something we hadn’t quite heard before, crafting an hypnotic record that ebbs and flows between wild lamentations (“New Sun”), extraterrestrial transmissions (“Habit”), and moments of absolute serenity (“Pleasant Heart”). Every second of More Than Any Other Day is engaging, and it’s a record that still feels fresh nearly two years after its release.

Sleaford Mods- Key Markets

This is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. At first listen, you think, “OK, this is some nice background music.” But then you start paying attention to the words and realize that this is some of the most clever and biting social commentary you’ve ever heard.

The Sleaford Mods are a duo from Nottingham, England who write and perform songs that are by turns hilarious and heartbreaking. Their music is a mix of punk, hip hop, and electronic; and their lyrics are caustic takedowns of everything from Thatcher-era economics to modern-day consumerism.

On Key Markets, the Mods take on everything from the rise of globalism (“No One’s Bothered”) to the plight of the working class (“Jah War”). But underneath all the anger and frustration is a sense of hope and optimism that things can get better.

If you’re looking for something new and different in your music collection, don’t sleep on Sleaford Mods. Key Markets is one of the best albums of 2015, hands down.

Sun Kil Moon- Universal Themes

Sun Kil Moon’s eighth album, Universal Themes, is a typically sprawling and shaggy record, full of long, rambling narratives delivered in frontman Mark Kozelek’s nasal voice. It’s also one of the most devastating listens of 2015. On the 17-minute “Dogs,” Kozelek recounts a series of grisly deaths — including his own father’s — with X-ray detail, but also manages to find bits of quiet beauty and humor in the midst of all the darkness. It’s a harrowing track, but it’s also one of the most memorable and moving songs of the year.

Swans- To Be Kind

To Be Kind is the thirteenth studio album by American experimental rock band Swans. It was released on May 12, 2014 by Young God Records and Mute Records. The double album debuted at number 57 on the Billboard 200 in the US, and number 29 on the UK Albums Chart. Upon its release, To Be Kind was met with critical acclaim from contemporary music critics.

Torres- Sprinter

Sprinter, the second album by Torres (aka Mackenzie Scott), is one of the most complex and nuanced electronic music albums of 2015. Blending elements of IDM, ambient, and techno, Sprinter is an intricately crafted work that rewards close listening. Torres’ use of found sounds and field recordings gives the album a organic feel, and her production is impeccable throughout. Standout tracks include “Strangers”, “Skim”, and the title track.

Viet Cong- Viet Cong

Viet Cong is the debut studio album by the Canadian rock band of the same name, released on January 20, 2015 on Jagjaguwar and Flemish Eye in Canada. The album was preceded by the 2014 singles “Bunker Buster” and “Death”.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Viet Cong received positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 78, which indicates “generally favorable reviews”, based on 32 reviews.

Accolades

Viet Cong was nominated for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize.