10. Björk – Vulnicura
Her most visceral, daring and heartbreaking work to date, we drown in her sorrow in Black Lake and marvel in the bittersweet wonder of Stonemilker. A brilliant and moving record.
9. Rae Morris – Unguarde
A truly beguiling debut. Her wonderfully ethereal voice and some stormers like Under The Shadows and Love Again, as well as the stunning ballads Don’t Go and For You make for an impressively layered album.
8. Adele – 25
No fanfare, but boy did she burst back onto the music scene and completely own it with her wonderfully genuine brand of sass and bittersweet hindsight. Water Under The Bridge will leave you with goosebumps and the gospel cut When We Were Young is packed with an emotional rabbit punch.
7. Tina Arena – Eleven
A solid and emotional album from one of the most powerful voices of the last few decades. Overload will have you dancing along to its punchy rhythm and Unravel Me will have you gulping at the inner torment. Not Still In Love With You is the perfect and relatable adieu to a worthless ex. Stunning.
6. Roisin Murphy – Hairless Toys
This brilliant record from the incredibly talented and uncompromisingly diverse Roisin Murphy was undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2015. Experimental, yet deft and compelling.
5. Will Young – 85% Proof
A welcome return from Will Young who has never released a disposable record unlike many of his talent show peers. Brave Man is beautifully uplifting and I Don’t Need A Lover will smash your heart into smithereens.
4. Carly Rae Jepsen – E.MO.TION
One of the best pop albums of recent years from the wonderfully authentic and unapologetically bubble-gum Carly Rae Jepsen. Banger after banger after banger. Sublime.
3. Years & Years – Communion
A masterful and heartfelt debut from the electronica trio, weaving 80s synth with fresh influences from the dancefloor to create a brilliant sonic blueprint.
2. Lianne La Havas – Blood
This record from the divinely smooth and soulful La Havas is immediately addictive and leaves a deep and lasting impression. Simply gorgeous.
1. Nerina Pallot – The Sound And The Fury
Eclectic, emotionally charged, compelling and uncompromising. This record from Nerina Pallot is glorious, dark, political and resonant. A very striking collection of songs dealing with some of the atrocities endemic in our world today with some powerful lyrical punches.
