20. IF YOU’RE READING THIS IT’S TOO LATE drake
So we’re kicking off my top 20 albums with Drake’s first mixtape released this year, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. If you can look past the pretentiousness of the title, and the heinous album cover, you will find something that is more of a proper album rather than a ‘mixtape’. The album is Drake’s best yet, the energy is incessant, and every bar Drake spits ends up feeling like a hook. Drake achieves near-perfect Graduation levels of pop-rap on this album, particularly on Energy, Know Yourself and Madonna. My only complaint with this album is it’s too long, and the whole calling it a ‘mixtape’ whilst releasing it on iTunes kind of leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. But other than that, with all of its impact on vine and internet memes, this is a 2015 must listen.
Listen to
Energy
Know Yourself
Madonna
6 God
19. AMETHYSTtinashe
Now to talk about an actual mixtape. It’s so refreshing to have an artist like Tinashe that just wants to create. Amethyst is the epitome of finding joy in creating. Recorded over the Christmas break in her childhood bedroom, this is sexy, slinky, minimalistic R&B. The mixtape opens with the deep throb of Dreams are Real, and this smoky atmosphere shrouds all 7 tracks. Its length works in its favour - keeping things concise at 7 tracks means that it doesn't get overwhelming, or boring. An incredibly high quality release for something recorded over a few weeks and released for free.
Listen to
The whole thing. It's short and free.
18. ELAENIAfloating points
I discovered Floating Points for the first time at a festival this summer, and I couldn't help but marvel at how apt his DJ name was. His music is effervescent and weightless, and really gives the impression of floating. So when he released his first LP in November, I had to check it out. Though none of the music on this album tops Nectarines for me, it remains a great listen. This isn’t something to listen to on repeat, it’s great for studying or for relaxing or something like that.