And we have arrived at the top ten! What an incredible year for music it’s been, especially on the album front. We’re excited to have so many Australians make the top ten, including our number one! But we won’t spoil it for you… head through the top ten after the jump! And if you missed any of the past album lists, head to the end of the piece for links to the rest of the series…
Michael Lean: Killer Mike and EL-P threw down the gauntlet on last years Run The Jewels. To think that they bested that record and it’s series of one-upmanship boasts is surprising. That it came less than after it’s predecessor, downright flabbergasting. Run The Jewels 2 thrives on it’s rage. Whether tackling the state of the US prison system on Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck), or police brutality on the show stopping Early. Killer Mike and El-P have something vital to say. Coupled with EL-P’s fizzing production and the duo’s breakneck back and forth, it’s all said in the most entertaining way possible.
Aidan Hogg: The fact I never thought I would ever see a third album from these guys made it so much better… but I think it’s right up there for me because its undoubtedly such a great sounding album, in both song writing, and production from Rick Rubin.
Justine McNamara: Lazaretto’ is catchy, fun and a whole lot of sexy blues riffs all in one, with some country twang thrown in for good measure. Jack White keeps getting better in all aspects of being a musician, his songwriting, guitar playing and performing skills (not that we’ve seen him tour Lazaretto in Australia yet *glares*) have matured.
Steph Payton: It was the debut we had all been waiting for and as all the recent awards have proven, it was well worth the wait. Built On Glass was that mellow soul warmer that held onto you with its harmonies and textures and an intimacy that has fans lunging after the illustriously bearded man.
Aidan Hogg: Something about an album that’s being treated as an insignificant side project just to get non-Big Scary songs into the world is so great. About Face is start to finish just great, clever song writing.
Nicholas Langley: While Morning Phase is likely always going to be considered inferior to the brilliant Sea Change, it’s a testimony to the quality of Beck’s discography that this album still comes in at one of the best of the year. While Sea Change was a hopeless coping mechanism, Morning Phase has a subtle optimism to it, with Beck’s withered drawl focusing on themes of determination and resolution.
Justine McNamara: Every now and then an album comes along, almost out of nowhere, and takes you by surprise. You weren’t expecting anything THAT great, you didn’t think the artist had it in them, or you just weren’t that excited to hear their new music. Then you listen, and it blows you away. That’s what ‘Lost in the Dream’ is to me. I listened to it over and over for months, noticed things I hadn’t noticed in the first listens, appreciated every single instrument, key change and layer for what it brought to a song. This album will be remembered for its song writing, the struggle Adam Granduciel went though to make it, and the beautiful instrumentation and arrangements used to convey emotion. I love this album, and it’s my favourite of 2014.
Tanya Ali: The production and experimental nature of this record is off the chart. Kimbra has collaborated with such a wide array of musicians and has produced a truly incredible sophomore record, equal parts catchy and intelligent.
Sosefina Fuamoli: This album sticks out for me because the oddities of twigs have been represented brilliantly within the music she’s been able to create. Even though she’s been thrust into the spotlight for other reasons outside her music, as an artist, twigs has been able to retain a certain level of mystery around her and it’s this creative intensity which comes through so well on LP1. Her vocals have a fragile innocence about them, but mixed with some sexualised lyrics and some fantastic R&B production, twigs has got a formula to burn.
Lauren Connelly: There is no denying FKA Twigs is one of the most interesting artists to come out of 2014. LP1 sweeps you up and away, and puts you back down to earth gently when it’s over. A highlight of the year.
Mark Tainton: Brutally honest and open lyrically. Like Billy Bragg if he was fronting an Australian rock band.
Steph Payton: Ever since I saw The Smith Street Band support Violent Soho on their tour mid year I have been obsessed with their ocker suburban punk rock, stalking their entire discography until people got sick of me randomly singing “I Can’t Feel My Face” throughout the day. When they announced their new release and sent out “Surrender” into the world it was that crazy excitement where you hoped they would deliver something just as great. Throw Me In The River was a welcomed addition full of raw lyricism and volume with nothing held back.
Daniella Bagnara: The Smith Street Band have reminded us, yet again, just how brilliant Aussie music is. Whether you’re having a beer with mates or heading on a road trip; this is the album to play.
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Missed any of the list? Look back at our choices for 20-11, 30-21 and 40-31 if you missed either of them!
