With how simple it is to access music nowadays, thanks to the convenience of numerous streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, there is realistically no reason as to why you shouldn’t check out and give these awesome albums a listen. That is to say, you’ll only be doing yourself a much-needed favor.
Art Angels (2015)
Out of all the awesome albums on this list, this one would probably be my second favorite. Art Angels happens to be the fourth studio album by Canadian producer/songwriter Claire Boucher, also known as Grimes. The album had a physical release on December 11 (great way to end the year, if I do say so myself).
Moreover, Art Angels has been described as being far more accessible than her previous albums while still maintaining her much loved experimental influences.No surprise at all, the album received widespread critical acclaim and was ranked by various publications as one of the best, if not the best, albums of 2015.
I recommend starting with “Kill V. Maim“. You’re in for a ride.
It’s Immaterial (2016)
Another, of many, awesome albums on this list, It’s Immaterial is the second studio album by American electronic music project Black Marble. It was released on October 14, by way of Ghostly International record label. That said, if you’re a fan of synth-pop or coldwave (you may have to Google that one) then I highly recommend this album, beginning with the track “It’s Conditional“.
Joyland (2014)
Fronted by Robert Alfons. Joyland is the second studio album by the Canadian synth-pop project TR/ST. It was released in North America on March 4, through Arts & Crafts Records. Again, if you’re a fan of gothic synth-pop and darkwave, then I highly recommend this danceable album. For starters, I would say listen to either “Capitol” or “Icabod“. You (probably) won’t regret it.
Reflektor (2013)
Reflektor is the fourth studio album by Canadian (Montreal) indie rock band Arcade Fire. It was released as a double album on October 28 to critical acclaim and, better still, even had a guest performance by legendary David Bowie himself.
Reflektor received widespread praise from music critics and also had a rather successful commercial performance. In particular, the album was recognized as one of The 100 Best Albums of the Decade So Far, a list published by Pitchfork in August of the following year.
This is one of those awesome albums that is an instant classic in anyone’s music collection. I highly recommend first listening to the track “Afterlife“. Afterward, you”ll be in a daze for hours.
Follow The Reaper (2000)
Shaking things up just a little with this one; Follow the Reaper is the third studio album by Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, released in Finland in October 2000 by Spinefarm Records and worldwide in February 2001, by Nuclear Blast Records.
In all seriousness, if you consider yourself a metalhead or a fan of metal (and no I am not referring to Metallica and Avenged Sevenfold) and you haven’t heard of Children of Bodom, well, all I can say is for shame! Alexi Laiho is considered as one of the greatest guitarists in history. Listen to the title track “Follow The Reaper” and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Crystal Castles I (2008)
And here we have it, ladies and gentlemen, out of all the awesome albums on my list, this one here is without a doubt my favorite just because of how bizarrely unique and game-changing it has been. That is, it has flawlessly aged. Crystal Castles is the debut studio album by Canadian electronic music duo, yup, Crystal Castles.
Utilizing a circuit-bent Atari 5200 in order to produce electronic noise music (it’s very danceable, I assure you), it led various music critics to praise the album while highlighting its random, unique, and unpredictable nature, style and sound.
With all that in mind, this music is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the adventure of a lifetime, listen to “Knights” before you go any further.
At the end of the day, all music tends to be highly subjective; except for these awesome albums, these are objectively fantastic. And, even though they can’t compare, what are some of your all-time favorites?
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