Music review: A look back at 2015
With 2016 anxiously waiting to make a grand arrival, it’s time to list my favorite album released by month in 2015.
January: Sleater-Kinney — ‘No Cities to Love'
The year started off with a bang as one of the key bands from the riot grrrl scene returned to release a rousing eighth album full of reckless abandon with a gritty rock groove and underlying punk attitude.
February: Rhiannon Giddens — ‘Tomorrow Is My Turn'
For her debut solo release, the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops dabbles with traces of Americana, folk, blues, gospel, soul and country and skillfully weaves her own individual style into the fabric of each memorable arrangement.
March: Allison Moorer — ‘Down to Believing'
Moorer’s sultry style is a delicate blending of the country flavorings of Kelly Willis, the fiery exuberance of Maria McKee and the soulful blues of Bonnie Raitt. Although she’s been emotionally scratched and scarred, Moorer comes out stronger and steadfast through this focused, fervent collection of personal experiences.
April: Brian Wilson — ‘No Pier Pressure'
The 73-year-old icon delivers an appealing collection featuring touches of inspiration from some very special guests such as Zooey Deschanel, Kacey Musgraves, Nate Ruess as well of fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine, David Marks and Blondie Chaplin.
May: Chris Stapleton — ‘Traveller'
The Kentucky native’s full-length debut release is worthy of all the critical acclaim as Stapleton offers up a collection of Southern rock, blues and country classics.
June: Leon Bridges — ‘Coming Home'
The Texas-based singer’s debut release possesses a vintage style that evokes the classic R&B sound of the 1950s as well as elements of blues and gospel. Bridges delivers a cool, sophisticated flavoring to the 10 stellar arrangements accentuated by his soulful vocals reminiscent of Sam Cook
July: Lianne La Havas — ‘Blood'
This gifted singer-songwriter brings a fresh, unrestricted vibe to these exotic arrangements of life, relationships and new beginnings.”Blood” is a bold and diverse recording that features the energetic passion of Alicia Keys, the seductive charm of Sade and the romantic elegance of Anita Baker.
August: Grace Potter — ‘Midnight'
The 32-year-old Vermont native abandons her earthy blues and rock style for a fashionable dance vibe reminiscent of early Madonna. For “Midnight,” Potter gets adventurous with a set of arrangements possessing a stylish sex appeal that is intoxicatingly hypnotic.
September: Hollywood Vampires — ‘Hollywood Vampires'
Alice Cooper assembles a supergroup of the coolest kind to pay tribute to some close musical companions. With special guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Zak Starkey, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, Perry Farrell, Robby Krieger, Slash, Kip Winger and Dave Grohl, the self-titled debut from the Hollywood Vampires is a must album for any rock fan.
October: Beach House — ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars'
Released less than two months after the band’s fifth studio album hit the streets, the duo of French-born Victoria Legrand and Baltimore native Alex Scally unveils a dreamy collection of atmospheric songs that fully lives up to the “dream pop” label.
November: Adele — ’25′
Easily the best album of the year. While her last release was more of a break-up album, “25” focuses on making the transition into adulthood and dealing with past experiences and relationships.
December: Boo Boo Davis — ‘Oldskool'
As one of the last generations of talented and passionate musicians that write and play the blues from life experiences in the Mississippi Delta, the 72-year-old singer and musician delivers a true blues experience that comfortably settles into your bones.
It’s been a great year for new music. I urge you to give a few of my personal favorites from 2015 a listen. I’d love to know your list of favorite albums from 2015.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.