Yeah Metals is definitely an album that needs multiple listens. I thought it was trash at first and only used about 2 songs.. But every time I listened again, a new song clicked, and I use most of the album now.
Similar to a Jessie Ware 2014 situation, many people felt that The XX's second album didn't live up to their first. I understand that. The funky, electronic vibes aren't as strong with this one and its actually fairly slow. However because I tend to like slower stuff I felt that this one was at least as big as their first. The songs deal with more personal topics, the lyrics are honest and genuine and the vocal delivery from everyone is earnest and heartfelt. The songs feel very deep and emotional but are supplemented by nice minimalist production. Little moments of using subdued ocean sounds just add to the atmospheric feel.
"Fiction" is probably the best song because its the closest thing to their debut, using similar production techniques and I like it for its very pop-friendly feeling. "Sunset" has a groovy beat that hooks me in right away. "Tides" is an atmospherical masterpiece and "Swept Away" is beautiful but punches a little bit harder than the other songs, a much needed break for the album.
Jamie Woon - Mirrorwriting Released - April 18, 2011
"Night Air" is one of my favourite songs of this decade. The entire album is actually really good though combining tons of different styles of electronic music. There are elements of R&B, dance, even trip hop and it all comes together into one of the most enjoyable electronic albums I've ever heard. The songs are all very interesting which is the main thing that I think a lot of other albums lack. They each feel like they can stand out on their own yet work well as a cohesive piece. His vocals are also perfect for this style.
So I already said "Night Air" is nothing short of perfect. "Shoulda" is a good example of the more subdued R&B feel of the album. "Street" is trippy and exciting and gives me a lot of nostalgia for some reason. "Spiral" lives up to its name and feels like a perfect marriage of R&B and electronic, poor HTDWL.
Oh god, yes, Long Live A$AP. There's a part of me that that particular album is UNDERRATED. I really love how he takes ideas that really shouldn't work and makes them work by sheer force of talent. I also REALLY like "Ghetto Symphony" for that very reason. I'm not sure if it's one of my favorite albums of the decade so far, but it's got a shot, that's for sure.
I think it's funny how I don't know any of the albums on your countdown so far, but your honorable mentions are filled with albums that I absolutely love/adore/cherish.
Teen Dream, Contra, Bon Iver, Wounded Rhymes, 21, Born This Way, Kaleidoscope Dream, Reflektor, True Romance
Tove Lo - Queen Of The Clouds Released - September 24, 2014
I know that this may seem a bit strange to include on my decades list but bare with me. I have strong feelings that for me this will be a classic pop record. Each and every song is so enchantingly catchy and well written that they still feel fresh and timeless. That's really all there is to it - I'll be bopping to this months and maybe years from now.
"My Gun" and "Talking Body" are the best 'sex' songs. "Got Love" is a kind of euphoric love anthem. And "Not On Drugs" is nothing short of brilliant. Swedes know how to do pop well.
This was the album, that first got me interested in Beyoncé. Its a perfect blend of different concepts that combines a fresh sound with nostalgic feelings. I love the nods to classical R&B and soul and I like how even in the midst of the dance-pop craze, Bey was able to maintain her composure and signature sound while experimenting. Its an album of everything and anything and it works really well.
"Love On Top" is AMAZING. A perfect nostalgic feel to 'golden age' R&B and that insane repetition towards the end is so hypnotizing, she really just did her thing! "Countdown" is one of the most innovative and exciting songs any popstar has ever done. "End Of Time" is a perfect answer to the dance sound. And both "I Miss You" and "I Care" rank among her best ballads.
Flying Lotus - You're Dead! Released - October 6, 2014
Twisted and intricate, this is an album of a lifetime. It feels like a classic art piece and because its such an invigorating listen, I predict many more times with this album for me. The way that each listen is a new experience guarantees that there will always be more elements to discover which makes it so exciting.
"Shoulda" is a good example of the more subdued R&B feel of the album. "Street" is trippy and exciting and gives me a lot of nostalgia for some reason. "Spiral" lives up to its name and feels like a perfect marriage of R&B and electronic, poor HTDWL.
Should give it another chance tbqh.
In my defense, I didn't appreciate indie music back then. 
I listened to A$AP's debut but didn't really enjoy.
