1. Beck Morning Phase
Morning Phase could be considered a companion piece to his brilliant 2002 breakup album Sea Change. It could have easily been called Mourning Phase because something is surely dying. Stunning harmonies, dreamy melodies, and airy production create an emotional landscape that slowly and sadly unfolds. As far as I know, Beck is happily married with a family, but you’d never know it from this collection of heartbreaking songs.
2. Sia 1000 Forms Of Fear
After writing hits for Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Ne-Yo, Sia is back in the forefront and it’s a welcome return. No longer hiding behind other voices, she writes from the heart exposing her dark side by chronicling her mental breakdown and struggle with addiction. Her voice is intoxicating and she pushes it to the limit. It’s what truly excels here, along with her infectious hooks that pack a punch and stick with you. Out of the darkness and into the spotlight.
3. Broken Bells After The Disco
Described as “the perfect soundtrack for the morning after,” these songs have an effortless, danceable vibe. Listen closely though and you’ll hear themes of failed expectations, lost love, and desperation. Heady stuff disguised in Danger Mouse’s 70s meets 80s style production, that will make you want to hit the dance floor and forget your problems.
4. Rosanne Cash The River & The Thread
Cash returned to her birthplace of Memphis, TN which served as the inspiration for this fully realized “concept” album. It focuses on family and all that you leave behind. Co-written with guitarist and husband John Leventhal, it honors both personal and public history. Proof that it’s never too late to go back home.
5. Annie Lennox Nostalgia
The soul diva tries her hand at covering standards like “I Put A Spell On You,” “Summertime” & “Strange Fruit” with stunning results. Her peerless voice is the perfect accompaniment for her interpretation of these classics. She did not take the task lightly, immersing herself in the history of the previous recordings, and it definitely shows.
6. St. Vincent St. Vincent
It was a big year for self-titled records, and this one may be the most appropriate as Annie Clark seems to have found her voice as an artist. Taking a cue from her former collaborator David Bryne, she walks a fine line of mixing art and commerce. Her live performance at the State Theatre was one of my highlights from last year.
7. Pixies Indie Cindy
The pixies are back as a trio since bassist Kim Deal left the band to focus on some solo music and The Breeders. While her presence is missed, the band’s sound is still intact. The songs retain some of the intensity they displayed in their early recordings while fitting in nicely with today’s sonic landscape. Infectious hooks, blaring guitars, and biting lyrics make this album stand out among the countless contemporary bands that they have inspired.
8. Weezer Everything Will Be Alright In The End
In their 20th year as a band, these guys still have it. It’s been four years since their last record, and this is a welcome return. Working with Ric Ocasek again, they mixed catchy, power-pop melodies with snarky lyrics. Everything you’d expect from them.
9. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Hypnotic Eye
It’s hard to believe that this is the band’s 13th album and they can still sound so fresh. Not much has changed over the years: Solid songwriting, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll with no frills that only gets better with age.
10. Sharon Van Etten Are We There
On her fourth album, the subtle singer-songwriter wears her passion on her sleeve. I didn’t know much about her music until 2012’s Tramp, but she seems to be evolving in all the right ways, by staying true to herself. It feels like the perfect soundtrack for a road trip, remembering that the journey is more important than the destination.
11. Ty Segall Manipulator
This album covers a lot of territories and it all melds together quite nicely. Fueled by fuzzy, jangling guitars and some Beatle-Esque melodies, this album is one that everyone can enjoy, not just the hipsters. I look forward to hearing more from this prolific artist.
12. Temples Sun Structures
These English rockers come on strong with their updated version of psychedelic rock on their debut album. Their sound harks back to the British Invasion of the mid-1960s. Catchy, trippy, and intriguing.
13. Natalie Merchant Natalie Merchant
The self-titled album is her first release of original songs in 13 years and was definitely worth that wait. Her voice sounds as pure as it did in the mid-80s when she burst onto the scene. She continues to write about heavy subjects, framing the songs in a blend of electric and acoustic sounds including string, brass, and woodwinds. The self-produced album deals with issues of “love gained and lost, regret, denial, surrender, greed, destructiveness, defeat, and occasional triumph.” Heavy indeed.
14. Chrissie Hynde Stockholm
Her first solo album is one of the lightest records she’s made. Collaborating with Björn Yttling of the Swedish pop band Peter Bjorn and John, Hynde describes the music as “ABBA meets John Lennon”. While she explores her poppier side, certain songs evoke the work of her band The Pretenders, primarily the track “Down The Wrong Way”, which rocks with the help of Neil Young’s distinctive guitar playing. Ultimately, it’s her unique voice that draws you in and keeps you coming back.
15. Spoon They Want My Soul
On their eighth album, Brit Daniel & Co. bring their A-game once again. They continue to push themselves in different directions, without deviating too far from their signature sound. Indie rock at its best.
16. The Afghan Whigs Do To The Beast
I never got into this band when they were at their peak in the early 90s. After 16 years of silence, they came back with a roar that mixes heavy guitar solos and soaring choruses. After seeing them live for the first time this year, I now know what all the fuss is about.
17. Lana Del Rey Ultraviolence
I always thought she was slightly overrated, but my opinion has changed with this album. With the help of Dan Auerbach producing, she creates a cohesive assortment of songs that could easily be a film noir soundtrack. Cinematic, dark, and hazy.
18. Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues
In 2012, singer and guitarist Thomas James Gabel publicly came out as transgender. Taking the name Laura Jane Grace, he began a transition to living life as a woman. Their sixth studio album details the process and emotional turmoil involved with it. The album has the fierceness and urgency of their previous releases, proving that Grace is a force to be reckoned with.
19. The War On Drugs Lost In The Dream
The indie rock band from Philly was the critic’s darling this year. Having been together since 2005, this was the year that the band broke through and reached a wider audience. The songs are loose and jammy, with echoes of Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, and The Waterboys displayed throughout.
20. Brody Dalle Diploid Love
Brody is an Australian-born singer-songwriter and guitarist who is best known as the frontwoman of The Distillers. On her first solo album, she channels both punk and pop. She was intrigued by Cyndi Lauper and the Beatles as a child and it shows on this collection. A welcome addition to the Aussie invasion.
Honorable Mentions
Drowners Drowners
First Aid Kit Stay Gold
FKA Twigs LP1
Damien Jurado Brothers And Sisters Of The Eternal Son
Jeremey Messersmith Heart Murmurs
Royal Blood Royal Blood
Jack White Lazaretto
Overrated Album Of 2014
U2 Songs Of Innocence
Overlooked Albums Of 2013
Boy & Bear Harlequin Dream
The Strypes Snapshot