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Best of 2014: Music Critic Top Ten Lists
by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor
December 2, 2014
31 user comments

Below, we collect the individual year-end Top Ten lists published by a variety of music sources, including critics, music magazines, music shops, and more. This page will be updated at least once a day throughout December and January as new lists are published; be sure to check back frequently.

Critics pick the best albums of 2014

Added in final update (1/24): Antiquiet, Obscure Sound

Below is our updated running tally of the albums most frequently mentioned by individual music publications in their year-end Top Ten lists. Although many of the lists come from publications whose reviews are included on this site, we have also included extra lists from prominent music stores, websites, and publications not normally found in Metacritic's music section. Note that if a source ranks more than the standard 10 albums, we will not include titles ranked 11th or worse. In case of a tie for first or second, each album will receive the full points for that position. Our points system works as follows:

  • 3 points for each 1st place ranking
  • 2 points for each 2nd place ranking
  • 1 point for being ranked 3rd - 10th, or for being included on an unranked list
Albums Mentioned on Most Top 10 Lists - 2014
Album / Artist # 1st Place # 2nd Place # Other Points
1 . Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs 13103190
2 . St. Vincent by St. Vincent 1193485
3 . Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels 1093280
4 . LP1 by FKA twigs 833363
5 . Syro by Aphex Twin 302534
6 . 1989 by Taylor Swift 421733
7 . Morning Phase by Beck 421632
. Our Love by Caribou 052232
9 . Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen 151629
10. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!331025
. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus141425
12. They Want My Soul by Spoon012022
13. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey101821
. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten021721
15 . Platinum by Miranda Lambert 23820
. Benji by Sun Kil Moon 221020
17 . Too Bright by Perfume Genius 201319
18. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson30918
. Black Messiah by D'Angelo22818
. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco121118
21. Singles by Future Islands011517
. It's Album Time by Todd Terje111217
23 . Lazaretto by Jack White111116
24 . To Be Kind by Swans001414
. Beyoncé by Beyoncé *32114

* Beyoncé was technically a late 2013 release, but many publications included it this year instead because it was released after the publication of many best of 2013 lists.

Individual top ten lists

Below are the 139 individual top ten lists used to calculate the standings above. Some publications may list ten albums without ranking them in order; such lists are displayed below, without numbers, in alphabetical order.

Music magazines
Alternative Press View article
  1. Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way
  2. Rooms of the House by La Dispute
  3. Disgusting by Beartooth
  4. Issues by Issues
  5. The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets by Marmozets
  6. Stomachaches by FrnkIero and the Cellabration
  7. Everything Will Be Alright in the End by Weezer
  8. At War With Reality by At the Gates
  9. Clouded by This Wild Life
  10. Shapes of Screams by Lostalone
American Songwriter View article
  1. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Heal by Strand of Oaks
  4. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  5. Ryan Adams by Ryan Adams
  6. Small Town Heroes by Hurray for the Riff Raff
  7. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  8. Lateness of Dancers by Hiss Golden Messenger
  9. Songs by John Fullbright
  10. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
Billboard View article
  1. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  4. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
  5. X by Ed Sheeran
  6. Strange Desire by Bleachers
  7. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  8. Syro by Aphex Twin
  9. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  10. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
Clash View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  3. Dead by Young Fathers
  4. Angels & Devils by The Bug
  5. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
  8. Syro by Aphex Twin
  9. Love Letters by Metronomy
  10. Total Strife Forever by East India Youth
Classic Rock Magazine
  1. Great Western Valkyrie by Rival Sons
  2. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  3. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar by Robert Plant
  4. Rock or Bust by AC/DC
  5. High Hopes by Bruce Springsteen
  6. World on Fire by Slash featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators
  7. Space Invader by Ace Frehley
  8. Magic Mountain by Black Stone Cherry
  9. Pale Communion by Opeth
  10. Lateness of Dancers by Hiss Golden Messenger
Crack Magazine View article
  1. Black Metal by Dean Blunt
  2. Angels & Devils by The Bug
  3. Plowing Into the Field of Love by Iceage
  4. Present Tense by Wild Beasts
  5. Soused by Scott Walker & Sunn O)))
  6. Tha Tour Pt. 1 by Rich Gang
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  9. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
  10. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
Dazed & Confused View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. Xen by Arca
  3. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  4. Asiatisch by Fatima Al Qadiri
  5. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
  6. Syro by Aphex Twin
  7. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  8. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  9. Aquarius by Tinashe
  10. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
Decibel
  1. Foundations of Burden by Pallbearer
  2. At War With Reality by At The Gates
  3. Ecdysis by Horrendous
  4. Melana Chasmata by Triptykon
  5. A World Lit Only by Fire by Godflesh
  6. Heathen by Thou
  7. Clearing the Path to Ascend by YOB
  8. Splinters by Vallenfyre
  9. Roads to the North by Panopticon
  10. Sweven by Morbus Chron
Guitar World View article
  1. .5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot
  2. Lazaretto by Jack White
  3. Redeemer Of Souls by Judas Priest
  4. The Joy of Motion by Animals As Leaders
  5. Rock or Bust by AC/DC
  6. Live by Gary Clark Jr.
  7. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  8. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  9. Sonic Highways by Foo Fighters
  10. At War With Reality by At The Gates
Kerrang! View article
  1. Lost Forever // Lost Together by Architects
  2. The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets by Marmozets
  3. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  4. Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way
  5. Disgusting by Beartooth
  6. The Black Market by Rise Against
  7. .5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot
  8. The Satanist by Behemoth
  9. Everything Will Be Alright in the End by Weezer
  10. Sonic Highways by Foo Fighters
Les Inrockuptibles (France) View article
  1. Chaleur humaine by Christine and the Queens
  2. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  3. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  4. LP1 by FKA twigs
  5. Piano Ombre by François & the Atlas Mountains
  6. Bambi Galaxy by Florent Marchet
  7. Love Letters by Metronomy
  8. Our Love by Caribou
  9. Jungle by Jungle
  10. At Best Cuckold by Avi Buffalo
Loud and Quiet View article
  1. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
  2. Our Love by Caribou
  3. The Hum by Hookworms
  4. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  5. Divide and Exit by Sleaford Mods
  6. Plowing Into the Field of Love by Iceage
  7. Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  8. Remembrance by Suicideyear
  9. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
  10. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
Magnet View article
  1. Rips by Ex Hex
  2. Freeman by Freeman
  3. The Both by The Both
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  6. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  7. Somewhere Else by Lydia Loveless
  8. Singles by Future Islands
  9. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
  10. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
Metal Hammer View article
  1. The Satanist by Behemoth
  2. Bloodstone & Diamonds by Machine Head
  3. Once More ‘Round The Sun by Mastodon
  4. .5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot
  5. Ótta by Sólstafir
  6. Pale Communion by Opeth
  7. Time to Die by Electric Wizard
  8. The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets by Marmozets
  9. Distant Satellites by Anathema
  10. Memoirs of a Murderer by King 810
Mixmag View article
  1. Syro by Aphex Twin
  2. Our Love by Caribou
  3. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  4. The Air Between Words by Martyn
  5. Moodymann by Moodymann
  6. Music For the Uninvited by Leon Vynehall
  7. Reality Testing by Lone
  8. Desire Paths by Technimatic
  9. Wonder Where We Land by SBTRKT
  10. Looking at the Stars by Lenzman
Mojo View article
  1. Morning Phase by Beck
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Divide and Exit by Sleaford Mods
  4. Lazaretto by Jack White
  5. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  6. WayWeather by Steve Gunn
  7. Rooms With Walls and Windows by Julie Byrne
  8. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  9. LP1 by FKA twigs
  10. Angels & Devils by The Bug
NME View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. Syro by Aphex Twin
  5. Our Love by Caribou
  6. Trouble in Paradise by La Roux
  7. After the End by Merchandise
  8. Carry on the Grudge by Jamie T
  9. Divide and Exit by Sleaford Mods
  10. Rips by Ex Hex
NOW [Toronto] View article
  1. Animism by Tanya Tagaq
  2. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  3. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  4. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
  8. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  9. Pink City by Jennifer Castle
  10. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
Paste View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  4. Black Moon Spell by King Tuff
  5. Alvvays by Alvvays
  6. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
  7. Morning Phase by Beck
  8. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  9. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  10. The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas by Courtney Barnett
Q
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  3. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  4. Futurology by Manic Street Preachers
  5. Morning Phase by Beck
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  8. LP1 by FKA twigs
  9. Singles by Future Islands
  10. Syro by Aphex Twin
Revolver View article
  1. .5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot
  2. At War With Reality by At The Gates
  3. Restoring Force by Of Mice & Men
  4. The Hunting Party by Linkin Park
  5. Reincarnate by Motionless In White
  6. The Satanist by Behemoth
  7. Once More 'Round The Sun by Mastodon
  8. Redeemer Of Souls by Judas Priest
  9. Bloodstone & Diamonds by Machine Head
  10. From Parts Unknown by Every Time I Die
Rock Sound
  1. Lower Than Atlantis by Lower Than Atlantis
  2. Disgusting by Beartooth
  3. Lost Forever // Lost Together by Architects
  4. Through Art We Are All Equals by Slaves
  5. Duality by Set It Off
  6. There Is Only You by The Xcerts
  7. Cavalier Youth by You Me at Six
  8. .5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot
  9. I'll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time by Moose Blood
  10. Maybe This Place Is the Same and We're Just Changing by Real Friends
Rolling Stone View article
  1. Songs of Innocence by U2
  2. High Hopes by Bruce Springsteen
  3. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  4. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  5. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  6. Sucker by Charli XCX
  7. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  10. 1989 by Taylor Swift
Rolling Stone (Rob Sheffield) View article
  1. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
  2. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  3. Deep Fantasy by White Lung
  4. Black Portland by Young Thug & Bloody Jay
  5. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
  6. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  7. Torch Song by Radiator Hospital
  8. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  9. Gypsy Pervert by Mannequin Pussy
  10. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
The Skinny (Scotland) View article
  1. Warpaint by Warpaint
  2. Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave by The Twilight Sad
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  5. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  6. Rave Tapes by Mogwai
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Do to the Beast by The Afghan Whigs
  9. Strange Friend by The Phantom Band
  10. DEAD by Young Fathers
Uncut
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
  3. Syro by Aphex Twin
  4. LP1 by FKA twigs
  5. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  6. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar by Robert Plant
  7. Lateness of Dancers by Hiss Golden Messenger
  8. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  9. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  10. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
Under the Radar View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Singles by Future Islands
  4. Atlas by Real Estate
  5. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  6. Our Love by Caribou
  7. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  8. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  9. Shriek by Wye Oak
  10. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
Variance View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. LP1 by FKA twigs
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  5. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  6. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  7. Singles by Future Islands
  8. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  9. Everything Will Be Alright in the End by Weezer
  10. Lazaretto by Jack White
Vibe View article
  1. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. My Krazy Life by YG
  4. G I R L by Pharrell
  5. Cadillactica by Big K.R.I.T.
  6. Under Pressure by Logic
  7. Souledby Jhene Aiko
  8. Journals by Justin Bieber
  9. Oxymoron by ScHoolboy Q
  10. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
The Wire
  1. Syro by Aphex Twin
  2. Nothing Important by Richard Dawson
  3. To Be Kind by Swans
  4. Soused by Scott Walker & Sunn O)))
  5. Ghettoville by Actress
  6. Divide and Exit by Sleaford Mods
  7. Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. Beware the Fetish by Kasai Allstars
  10. Asiatisch by Fatima Al Qadiri
Arizona Republic (Ed Masley) View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  4. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  5. LP1 by FKA twigs
  6. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  7. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  8. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
  9. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  10. Midnight Sun by The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
Associated Press (Mesfin Fekadu) View article
  1. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  2. 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole
  3. LP1 by FKA twigs
  4. Sucker by Charli XCX
  5. Aquarius by Tinashe
  6. Evergreen by Broods
  7. My Everything by Ariana Grande
  8. Montevallo by Sam Hunt
  9. Do It Again by Röyksopp and Robyn
  10. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
Austin Chronicle (Raoul Hernandez) View article
  1. Morning Phase by Beck
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
  4. Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone by Lucinda Williams
  5. Give the People What They Want by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
  6. Tourniquets, Hacksaws & Graves by Autopsy
  7. Comet, Come to Me by Meshell Ndegéocello
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. South of Nowhere by Spanish Gold
  10. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
Boston Globe (James Reed) View article
  1. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  2. Aquarius by Tinashe
  3. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  4. All or Nothin’ by Nikki Lane
  5. Give My Love to London by Marianne Faithfull
  6. Benjamin Booker by Benjamin Booker
  7. Wine Dark Sea by Jolie Holland
  8. Emma Jean by Lee Fields
  9. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar by Robert Plant
  10. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
Boston Globe (Sarah Rodman) View article
  1. Numbered Doors by Lori McKenna
  2. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  3. The Outsiders by Eric Church
  4. Love Without Fear by Dan Wilson
  5. All or Nothin’ by Nikki Lane
  6. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  7. Lightsby Ingrid Michaelson
  8. Do to the Beast by The Afghan Whigs
  9. Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  10. Invisible Hour by Joe Henry
Chicago Tribune (Greg Kot) View article
  1. Food by Kelis
  2. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
  3. Benjamin Booker by Benjamin Booker
  4. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  5. Attica! by Wussy
  6. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Somewhere Else by Lydia Loveless
  9. Blue Planet Eyes by Preatures
  10. Warpaint by Warpaint
Cleveland Plain Dealer (Troy L. Smith) View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. What Is This Heart? by How to Dress Well
  4. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  5. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
  6. The Outsiders by Eric Church
  7. So It Goes by Ratking
  8. Lazaretto by Jack White
  9. Syro by Aphex Twin
  10. My Krazy Life by YG
Cosmopolitan View article
  1. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  2. My Everything by Ariana Grande
  3. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
  4. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  5. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  6. Aquarius by Tinashe
  7. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  8. Food by Kelis
  9. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  10. Beyoncé (Platinum Edition) by Beyoncé
The Daily Beast (Marlow Stern) View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  6. Our Love by Caribou
  7. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  8. Heal by Strand of Oaks
  9. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  10. Food by Kelis
Denver Post (Matt Miller) View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. Singles by Future Islands
  3. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  4. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  5. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  6. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  7. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  8. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  9. LP1 by FKA twigs
  10. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
Entertainment Weekly View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  4. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  5. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  6. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  7. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  8. Morning Phase by Beck
  9. LP1 by FKA twigs
  10. The Outsiders by Eric Church
Esquire (Andy Langer) View article
  1. Morning Phase by Beck
  2. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  3. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  4. The Lights From the Chemical Plant by Robert Ellis
  5. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  6. The Way I'm Livin' by Lee Ann Womack
  7. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  8. Seeds by TV on the Radio
  9. Lazaretto by Jack White
  10. Heal by Strand of Oaks
Grantland (Steven Hyden) View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  3. Heal by Strand of Oaks
  4. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  5. My Krazy Life by YG
  6. LOSE by Cymbals Eat Guitars
  7. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  8. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  9. LP3 by Restorations
  10. Emmaar by Tinariwen
The Guardian View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. LP1 by FKA twigs
  4. Syro by Aphex Twin
  5. Our Love by Caribou
  6. Trouble in Paradise by La Roux
  7. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  8. Morning Phase by Beck
  9. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  10. Divide and Exit by Sleaford Mods
The Herald Sun [Australia] (Cameron Adams) View article
  1. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  2. My Favourite Faded Fantasy by Damien Rice
  3. Caustic Love by Paolo Nutini
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  6. Built on Glass by Chet Faker
  7. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  8. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  9. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  10. There There by Megan Washington
The Herald Sun [Australia] (Kathy McCabe) View article
  1. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
  2. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  3. Walking Under Stars by Hilltop Hoods
  4. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  5. Built on Glass by Chet Faker
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  8. Rose Ave. by You + Me
  9. Caustic Love by Paolo Nutini
  10. Down to Earth by Flight Facilities
Houston Chronicle (Joey Guerra) View article
  1. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  2. Till Death Do Us Party by Adore Delano
  3. Aquarius by Tinashe
  4. TRXYE by Troye Sivan
  5. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  6. The Way I'm Livin' by Lee Ann Womack
  7. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  8. Dream Your Life Away by Vance Joy
  9. Hozier by Hozier
  10. Souled Out by Jhene Aiko
The L Magazine View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  3. Bury Me At Makeout Creek by Mitski
  4. Zentropy by Frankie Cosmos
  5. Common Interests Were Not Enough to Keep Us Together by Various
  6. DSU by Alex G
  7. Love by Amen Dunes
  8. Mess by Liars
  9. Cassette by Viet Cong
  10. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
Los Angeles Times (Randall Roberts) View article
  • Morning Phase by Beck
  • The Blank Project by Neneh Cherry
  • Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  • LP1 by FKA twigs
  • Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  • Pom Pom by Ariel Pink
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  • Manipulator by Ty Segall
  • To Be Kind by Swans
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Piet Levy) View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
  3. Marigolden by Field Report
  4. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  5. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  6. Hozier by Hozier
  7. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  8. LP1 by FKA twigs
  9. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  10. Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
New York Daily News (Jim Farber) View article
  1. Bad Self Portraits by Lake Street Dive
  2. Vari-Colored Songs by Leyla McCalla
  3. Slow Phaser by Nicole Atkins
  4. Morning Phase by Beck
  5. Snapshot by The Strypes
  6. Honest by Future
  7. Tremors by Sohn
  8. Sound Mirror by Syd Arthur
  9. Definitely Now by Liam Bailey
  10. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
The New York Times (Jon Caramanica) View article
  1. Black Portland by Young Thug & Bloody Jay
  2. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  3. My Krazy Life by YG
  4. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  5. Honest by Future
  6. Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo
  7. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  8. Aquarius by Tinashe
  9. Your Old Droog by Your Old Droog
  10. Old Boots, New Dirt by Jason Aldean
The New York Times (Nate Chinen) View article
  1. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  2. Mbókò by David Virelles
  3. Fourteen by Dan Weiss
  4. Lathe of Heaven by Mark Turner Quartet
  5. Floating by Fred Hersch Trio
  6. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  7. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  8. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  9. the imagined savior is far easier to paint by Ambrose Akinmusire
  10. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
The New York Times (Jon Pareles) View article
  1. MultiViral by Calle 13
  2. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  3. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
  4. LP1 by FKA twigs
  5. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
  6. The River & the Thread by Rosanne Cash
  7. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  8. Seeds by TV on the Radio
  9. Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
  10. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
The New York Times (Ben Ratliff) View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. Icons and Influences by George Cables
  3. Soused by Scott Walker & Sunn O)))
  4. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  5. So It Goes by Ratking
  6. Groovy Kinda Love by Great Thunder
  7. Lathe of Heaven by Mark Turner
  8. Turn of Breath by Ian William Craig
  9. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
  10. Electric Brick Wall by Black Bananas
Newsday (Glenn Gamboa) View article
  1. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  2. Do to the Beast by The Afghan Whigs
  3. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  4. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  5. Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  6. Beauty & Ruin by Bob Mould
  7. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar by Robert Plant
  8. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  9. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  10. Everybody Down by Kate Tempest
Newsweek View article
  • Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  • Love by Amen Dunes
  • No Deal by Melanie de Biasio
  • Rips by Ex Hex
  • LP1 by FKA twigs
  • Plowing Into the Field of Love by Iceage
  • Black Hours by Hamilton Leithauser
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  • To Be Kind by Swans
Omaha World-Herald (Kevin Coffey) View article
  1. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  2. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  3. Upside Down Mountain by Conor Oberst
  4. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
  5. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Lazaretto by Jack White
  8. Food by Kelis
  9. Rips by Ex Hex
  10. 1989 by Taylor Swift
The Oregonian (David Greenwald) View article
  1. Mr. Twin Sister by Mr. Twin Sister
  2. Always Room by Diners
  3. Never Hungover Again by Joyce Manor
  4. Wig Out at Jagbags by Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
  5. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  6. Alvvays by Alvvays
  7. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  8. Virgo Indigo by Fog Lake
  9. Zentropy by Frankie Cosmos
  10. At Best Cuckold by Avi Buffalo
Philadelphia Inquirer (Dan DeLuca) View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  4. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  5. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  6. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  7. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
  8. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  9. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  10. 1989 by Taylor Swift
Philadelphia Weekly (Bill Chenevert) View article
  1. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  2. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  4. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  5. Syro by Aphex Twin
  6. Singles by Future Islands
  7. I Never Learn by Lykke Li
  8. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  9. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  10. Nabuma Rubberband by Little Dragon
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Scott Mervis) View article
  1. The Basement Tapes Raw: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 11 by Bob Dylan
  2. Morning Phase by Beck
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  5. Singles by Future Islands
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
  8. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  9. Lazaretto by Jack White
  10. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
The Salt Lake Tribune (David Burger) View article
  1. The Outsiders by Eric Church
  2. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  3. High Hopes by Bruce Springsteen
  4. Lazaretto by Jack White
  5. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  6. Black Portland by Young Thug & Bloody Jay
  7. The Basement Tapes Raw: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 11 by Bob Dylan
  8. Sucker by Charli XCX
  9. A Letter Home by Neil Young
  10. Songs of Innocence by U2
San Jose Mercury News (Jim Harrington) View article
  1. The Outsiders by Eric Church
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. Oxymoron by ScHoolboy Q
  4. Goddess by Banks
  5. Avonmore by Bryan Ferry
  6. Honest by Future
  7. Cadillactica by Big K.R.I.T.
  8. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  9. Redeemer of Souls by Judas Priest
  10. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
Slate (Chris Molanphy) View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  3. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
  4. Our Love by Caribou
  5. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  6. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  7. Sucker by Charli XCX
  8. In Conflict by Owen Pallett
  9. Honest by Future
  10. 1989 by Taylor Swift
Slate (Carl Wilson) View article
  • Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  • The River & the Thread by Rosanne Cash
  • Pink City by Jennifer Castle
  • Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  • The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
  • Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  • In Conflict by Owen Pallett
  • Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  • Shattered by Reigning Sound
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • 1989 by Taylor Swift
  • Animism by Tanya Tagaq
  • Nikki Nack by tUnE-yArDs
  • Attica! by Wussy
The Telegraph (UK) View article
  1. X by Ed Sheeran
  2. Popular Problems by Leonard Cohen
  3. Plectrumelectrum by Prince and 3rdeyegirl
  4. Lazaretto by Jack White
  5. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  6. Carry the Grudge by Jamie T
  7. My Favourite Faded Fantasy by Damien Rice
  8. The Take Off and Landing of Everything by Elbow
  9. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  10. Singles by Future Islands
Time View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  4. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  5. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  6. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  7. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  8. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
  9. Ryan Adams by Ryan Adams
  10. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
Time Out London View article
  1. Trouble in Paradise by La Roux
  2. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  3. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  4. Commune by Goat
  5. Nabuma Rubberband by Little Dragon
  6. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Ibibio Sound Machine by Ibibio Sound Machine
  9. Our Love by Caribou
  10. In Conflict by Owen Pallett
Time Out New York View article
  1. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  2. Morning Phase by Beck
  3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  4. Singles by Future Islands
  5. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  6. Our Love by Caribou
  7. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  8. LP1 by FKA twigs
  9. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  10. They Want My Soul by Spoon
Time Out Sydney View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Our Love by Caribou
  3. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  4. Night Time, My Time by Sky Ferreira
  5. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  6. Jungle by Jungle
  7. Love Letters by Metronomy
  8. Aquarius by Tinashe
  9. About Face by #1 Dads
  10. Blue Planet Eyes by Preatures
Toronto Star (Ben Rayner) View article
  1. Alvvays by Alvvays
  2. Animism by Tanya Tagaq
  3. Turning Rocks by Thus Owls
  4. Kalaboogie by Doomsquad
  5. Warpaint by Warpaint
  6. We Loved Her Dearly by Lowell AND Little Machines by Lights
  7. Wonder Where We Land by SBTRKT
  8. Syro by Aphex Twin AND EX by Plastikman
  9. The Halls of Wickwire by Cousins
  10. 1000 Forms of Fear by Sia
Vancouver Sun (Francois Marchand) View article
  • Opening Band by B-Lines
  • III by BADBADNOTGOOD
  • Indian Ocean by Frazey Ford
  • Singles by Future Islands
  • Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  • Ornithologie, la nuit by Philippe B.
  • Get Back by Pink Mountaintops
  • Do It Again by Röyksopp and Robyn
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966—1985 by Various artists
Other magazines, newspapers, and news sites
Washington Post (Chris Richards) View article
  1. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  2. Montevallo by Sam Hunt
  3. My Krazy Life by YG
  4. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  5. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  6. Tha Tour Part 1 by Rich Gang
  7. Syro by Aphex Twin
  8. Where We Come From by Popcaan
  9. Black Portland by Young Thug & Bloody Jay
  10. Lateness of Dancers by Hiss Golden Messenger
The 405 View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  3. Early Riser by Taylor McFerrin
  4. Gist Is by Adult Jazz
  5. Present Tense by Wild Beasts
  6. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  7. Faith in Strangers by Andy Stott
  8. Total Strife Forever by East India Youth
  9. CLPPNG by Clipping.
  10. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
AbsolutePunk View article
  1. Home, Like Noplace Is There by The Hotelier
  2. Keep You by Pianos Become the Teeth
  3. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  4. Ixora by Copeland
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. Rented World by The Menzingers
  7. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  8. I'll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time by Moose Blood
  9. Strange Desire by Bleachers
  10. Ledges by Noah Gundersen AND You're Gonna Miss It All by Modern Baseball
Antiquiet View article
  1. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  2. The Physical World by Death From Above 1979
  3. Crosses by †††
  4. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  5. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  6. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  7. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  8. Fragments & Wholes, Vol. 1 by Alain Johannes
  9. Antemasque by Antemasque
  10. Monuments to an Elegy by Smashing Pumpkins
A.V. Club View article
  1. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  6. LP1 by FKA twigs
  7. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
  8. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  9. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  10. Cilvia Demo by Isaiah Rashad
CMJ View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. LP1 by FKA twigs
  3. Alone for the First Time by Ryan Hemsworth
  4. Xen by Arca
  5. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Black Portland by Young Thug & Bloody Jay
  8. Bury Me At Makeout Creek by Mitski
  9. DSU by Alex G
  10. Kludge by Pujol
Cokemachineglow View article
  • Gist Is by Adult Jazz
  • Thirst 48 Mixtape by Boogie
  • A Turn of Breath by Ian William Craig
  • LP1 by FKA twigs
  • You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  • The Moon Rang Like a Bell by Hundred Waters
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  • To Be Kind by Swans
  • Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
Complex View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. My Krazy Life by YG
  3. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  4. 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole
  5. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  6. Days Before Rodeo by Travi$ Scott
  7. My Everything by Ariana Grande
  8. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  9. Our Love by Caribou
  10. LP1 by FKA twigs
Consequence of Sound View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  4. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  5. Our Love by Caribou
  6. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  9. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  10. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
Crave Online View article
  1. Lazaretto by Jack White
  2. What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World by The Decemberists
  3. Mariachi El Bronx (III) by Mariachi El Bronx
  4. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  5. Winter & The Wolves by Grieves
  6. Once More ‘Round The Sun by Mastodon
  7. Our Love by Caribou
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. Fragments & Wholes, Vol 1 by Alain Johannes
  10. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
Diffuser View article
  1. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  2. Ryan Adams by Ryan Adams
  3. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. Morning Phase by Beck
  6. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
  7. Lazaretto by Jack White
  8. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  9. Descensus by Circa Survive
  10. Turn Blue by The Black Keys
Digital Spy View article
  1. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
  2. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  3. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  4. Trouble in Paradise by La Roux
  5. X by Ed Sheeran
  6. Caustic Love by Paolo Nutini
  7. Wanted on Voyage by George Ezra
  8. So Long, See You Tomorrow by Bombay Bicycle Club
  9. Jungle by Jungle
  10. Night Time, My Time by Sky Ferreira
Drowned in Sound View article
  1. Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave by The Twilight Sad
  2. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  3. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  4. July by Marissa Nadler
  5. Crosses by †††
  6. Alvvays by Alvvays
  7. Eagulls by Eagulls
  8. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
  9. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  10. To Be Kind by Swans
Dummy View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. Otherness by Kindness
  3. Syro by Aphex Twin
  4. Black Metal by Dean Blunt
  5. Trust by 18+
  6. Under the Skin by Mica Levi
  7. Picture You Staring by TOPS
  8. Because I'm Worth It by copeland
  9. Soft by Dan Bodan
  10. Xen by Arca
Exclaim! View article
  1. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. In Conflict by Owen Pallett
  4. Alvvays by Alvvays
  5. To Be Kind by Swans
  6. Deep Fantasy by White Lung
  7. Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre
  8. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  9. Singles by Future Islands
  10. Animism by Tanya Tagaq
FACT View article
  1. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  2. Parallel Memories by Mr. Mitch
  3. PC Music x DISown Radio Mix by PC Music
  4. Faith in Strangers by Andy Stott
  5. Superimpositions by Lorenzo Senni
  6. My Krazy Life by YG
  7. Where We Come From by Popcaan
  8. Under the Skin by Mica Levi
  9. Super Saiyan Vol. 1 by Sicko Mobb
  10. Butterfly Effect by Shinichi Atobe
Fast 'n' Bulbous View article
  1. Universe by Truckfighters
  2. To the Highest Gods We Know by Colour Haze
  3. Refractory Obdurate by Wovenhand
  4. Shake Electric by Spiders
  5. Foundations of Burden by Pallbearer
  6. Time to Die by Electric Wizard
  7. Digital Resistance by Slough Feg
  8. Mobile of Angels by Witch Mountain
  9. Dude Incredible by Shellac
  10. Blues Pills by Blues Pills
FasterLouder (Australia) View article
  1. The Golden Echo by Kimbra
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. Raw x Infinity by Remi
  5. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  6. Built on Glass by Chet Faker
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  10. Throw Me in the River by The Smith Street Band
Flavorwire View article
  1. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  2. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  3. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  4. The Future's Void by EMA
  5. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  6. Ruins by Grouper
  7. Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything by Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra
  8. Xen by Arca
  9. Sucker by Charli XCX
  10. American Middle Class by Angaleena Presley
Flood Magazine View article
  • The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas by Courtney Barnett
  • Morning Phase by Beck
  • Burnt Offering by The Budos Band
  • Our Love by Caribou
  • Eagulls by Eagulls
  • Singles by Future Islands
  • Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  • Manipulator by Ty Segall
  • Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  • Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
Gigwise View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Our Love by Caribou
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. El Pintor by Interpol
  5. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  6. Lazaretto by Jack White
  7. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  8. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
  9. Hozier by Hozier
  10. Commune by Goat
Gorilla vs. Bear View article
  1. Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  2. Ruins by Grouper
  3. Pom Pom by Ariel Pink
  4. Picture You Staring by Tops
  5. Rival Dealer by Burial
  6. Doss + remixes by Doss
  7. L'Amour / Romantic Times by Lewis
  8. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
  9. Loom by Fear of Men
  10. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
HitFix/Immaculate Noise (Katie Hasty) View article
  1. LP1 by FKA twigs
  2. Dead by Young Fathers
  3. Syro by Aphex Twin
  4. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
  5. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  6. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
  7. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  8. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  9. A World Lit Only by Fire by Godflesh
  10. This Is My Hand by My Brightest Diamond
Idolator View article
  1. Goddess by Banks
  2. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  3. Heartstrings by Leighton Meester
  4. Aquarius by Tinashe
  5. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  6. The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
  7. Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse by Mariah Carey
  8. Sound of a Woman by Kiesza
  9. Dream Your Life Away by Vance Joy
  10. Queen of the Clouds by Tove Lo
musicOMH View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Our Love by Caribou
  4. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  5. LP1 by FKA twigs
  6. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  7. Morning Phase by Beck
  8. Singles by Future Islands
  9. Present Tense by Wild Beasts
  10. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
No Ripcord View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. Benj by Sun Kil Moon
  3. Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr
  4. LP1 by FKA twigs
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. Syro by Aphex Twin
  7. To Be Kind by Swans
  8. Morning Phase by Beck
  9. Our Love by Caribou
  10. Seeds by TV on the Radio
Noisey View article
  1. Tha Tour Part 1 by Rich Gang
  2. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  3. Plowing Into the Field of Love by Iceage
  4. Ruins by Grouper
  5. El Pintor by Interpol
  6. Rented World by The Menzingers
  7. Sell Sole by DeJ Loaf
  8. Montevallo by Sam Hunt
  9. iLoveMakonnen by iLoveMakonnen
  10. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
Obscure Sound View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Pom Pom by Ariel Pink
  3. Our Love by Caribou
  4. Present Tense by Wild Beasts
  5. Syro by Aphex Twin
  6. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  7. Picture You Staring by Tops
  8. Atlas by Real Estate
  9. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  10. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
Okayplayer View article
  1. Black Messiah by D'Angelo
  2. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  3. Dead by Young Fathers
  4. PTSD by Pharaoahe Monch
  5. Wonder Where We Land by SBTRKT
  6. Art Official Age by Prince
  7. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
  8. 36 Seasons by Ghostface Killah
  9. Love Can Prevail by Electric Wire Hustle
  10. If There's a Hell Below by Black Milk
Pitchfork View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. LP1 by FKA twigs
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. Syro by Aphex Twin
  5. Ruins by Grouper
  6. To Be Kind by Swans
  7. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  8. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  9. Pom Pom by Ariel Pink
  10. Our Love by Caribou
PopMatters View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  3. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  4. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  5. To Be Kind by Swans
  6. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  7. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  8. LP1 by FKA twigs
  9. Syro by Aphex Twin
  10. They Want My Soul by Spoon
Pretty Much Amazing View article
  1. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  4. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  5. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  6. LP1 by FKA twigs
  7. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  8. To Be Kind by Swans
  9. Syro by Aphex Twin
  10. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
Punknews View article
  1. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  2. Rented World by The Menzingers
  3. Wasted Years by OFF!
  4. LP3 by Restorations
  5. Metropole by The Lawrence Arms
  6. This Packed Funeral by World/Inferno Friendship Society
  7. M.I. by Masked Intruder
  8. Teenage Retirement by Chumped
  9. The Dwarves Invented Rock 'n' Roll by The Dwarves
  10. Kingfisher by Prawn
The Quietus View article
  1. Unflesh by Gazelle Twin
  2. Soused by Scott Walker & Sunn O)))
  3. To Be Kind by Swans
  4. Total Strife Forever by East India Youth
  5. Angels & Devils by The Bug
  6. Preternaturals by Grumbling Fur
  7. Pipes by Katie Gately
  8. Futurology by Manic Street Preachers
  9. The Power and the Glory by Perc
  10. Meshes Of Voice by Jenny Hval & Susanna
Resident Advisor View article
  1. Faith in Strangers by Andy Stott
  2. Psychic 9-5 Club by HTRK
  3. Submit X by Gesloten Cirkel
  4. Syro by Aphex Twin
  5. Flatland by Objekt
  6. Angels & Devils by The Bug
  7. Minutes of Sleep by Francis Harris
  8. Workshop 19 by Kassem Mosse
  9. After Forever by Joey Anderson
  10. Moodymann by Moodymann
Slant View article
  1. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  2. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  3. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  6. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Goddess by Banks
  9. Hozier by Hozier
  10. Do It Again by Röyksopp and Robyn
Spin View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
  3. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  4. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
  5. Our Love by Caribou
  6. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  7. Singles by Future Islands
  8. Aquarius by Tinashe
  9. Nikki Nack by tUnE-yArDs
  10. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
Sputnikmusic View article
  1. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  2. Home, Like Noplace Is There by The Hotelier
  3. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  4. Holy Vacants by Trophy Scars
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. Promulgation of the Fall by Dead Congregation
  7. Sweven by Morbus Chron
  8. Lighght by Kishi Bashi
  9. Our Love by Caribou
  10. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
State [Ireland] View article
  1. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  2. Hozier by Hozier
  3. Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  4. Morning Phase by Beck
  5. Singles by Future Islands
  6. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  7. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  8. Syro by Aphex Twin
  9. Nikki Nack by tUnE-yArDs
  10. Present Tense by Wild Beasts
Stereogum View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  4. Shriek by Wye Oak
  5. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  6. Deep Fantasy by White Lung
  7. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  8. Nux Vomica by Nux Vomica
  9. LP1 by FKA twigs
  10. After the End by Merchandise
Textura View article
  1. Steel Hammer by Julia Wolfe
  2. Winter Morning Walks by Maria Schneider Featuring Dawn Upshaw
  3. Looking At The Stars by Lenzman
  4. The Brooklyn Rider Almanac by Brooklyn Rider
  5. All My Angles Are Right by CYNE
  6. Tristan Perich: Surface Image by Vicky Chow
  7. Love Fail by David Lang
  8. Balance Problems by yMusic
  9. Uncovered by Maya Beiser
  10. The Great Lakes Suites by Wadada Leo Smith
Thrash Hits View article
  1. Foundations of Burden by Pallbearer
  2. Distant Satellites by Anathema
  3. Never Hungover Again by Joyce Manor
  4. In Humor and Sadness by '68
  5. Contradiction by Schammasch
  6. Poison Everything by Obliterations
  7. Crosses by †††
  8. Clearing the Path to Ascend by YOB
  9. The Joy of Motion by Animals As Leaders
  10. Condemned To Hope by Black Moth
Tiny Mix Tapes View article
  1. Black Metal by Dean Blunt
  2. Ruins by Grouper
  3. Secret Mix by GFOTY
  4. Soused by Scott Walker & Sunn O)))
  5. The Abyss by Kevin Drumm / Jason Lescalleet
  6. A Turn of Breath by Ian William Craig
  7. Dark Web by Giant Claw
  8. MN.ROY by D/P/I
  9. Faith in Strangers by Andy Stott
  10. iLoveMakonnen by iLoveMakonnen
Treble View article
  1. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  4. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  5. Syro by Aphex Twin
  6. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  7. To Be Kind by Swans
  8. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  9. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  10. Singles by Future Islands
Vulture (Lindsay Zoladz) View article
  1. Zentropy by Frankie Cosmos
  2. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  3. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  4. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  5. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  6. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  7. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  8. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
  9. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  10. Syro by Aphex Twin
Wondering Sound View article
  1. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  2. Deep Fantasy by White Lung
  3. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  4. Our Love by Caribou
  5. Here and Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings
  6. Syro by Aphex Twin
  7. LP1 by FKA twigs
  8. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  9. My Krazy Life by YG
  10. Nikki Nack by tUnE-yArDs
Music websites
XLR8R View article
  1. Suzi Ecto by Call Super
  2. Workshop 19 by Kassem Mosse
  3. Music for the Uninvited by Leon Vynehall
  4. Submit X by Gesloten Cirkel
  5. Looking Forward to You by Jack J
  6. Magazine 13 by Barnt
  7. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  8. Flatland by Objekt
  9. Terekke by Terekke
  10. Megatrap by Head High
3voor12 [Netherlands] View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Lobi Da Basi by Typhoon
  3. Moodymann by Moodymann
  4. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  5. LP1 by FKA twigs
  6. Badillac by Together Pangea
  7. Plowing Into the Field of Love by Iceage
  8. Built on Glass by Chet Faker
  9. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  10. Tremors by SOHN
BBC (Radio 6) View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  4. Everybody Down by Kate Tempest
  5. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  6. Our Love by Caribou
  7. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
  8. Lazaretto by Jack White
  9. The Take Off and Landing of Everything by Elbow
  10. Morning Phase by Beck
KCRW (Jason Bentley, Music Director) View article
  1. Supernova by Ray Lamontagne
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Hozier by Hozier
  4. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  5. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  6. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  7. Down to Earth by Flight Facilities
  8. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  9. Morning Phase by Beck
  10. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
NPR (Bob Boilen) View article
  1. Passerby by Luluc
  2. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  3. Cavalo by Rodrigo Amarante
  4. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  5. Familiars by The Antlers
  6. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  7. Morning Phase by Beck
  8. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
  9. LP1 by FKA twigs
  10. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
NPR (David Dye) View article
  • Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn
  • Morning Phase by Beck
  • Turn Blue by The Black Keys
  • Lateness of Dancers by Hiss Golden Messenger
  • Most Messed Up by Old 97's
  • Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  • They Want My Soul by Spoon
  • Sun Structures by Temples
  • Seeds by TV on the Radio
  • Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
NPR (Robin Hilton) View article
  1. Everything Will Be Alright in the End by Weezer
  2. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  3. American Soft by Chris Staples
  4. Guilty of Everything by Nothing
  5. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  6. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
  7. Ruins by Grouper
  8. Sukierae by Tweedy
  9. Atomos by A Winged Victory for the Sullen
  10. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
NPR (Stephen Thompson) View article
  1. Passerby by Luluc
  2. Beyoncé by Beyoncé
  3. Sylvan Esso by Sylvan Esso
  4. Stay Gold by First Aid Kit
  5. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  6. Eons by Mimicking Birds
  7. Brill Bruisers by The New Pornographers
  8. Last War by Haley Bonar
  9. This Is All Yours by Alt-J
  10. Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy
NPR (Ken Tucker) View article
  1. The River & the Thread by Rosanne Cash
  2. Carnival of Souls by Pere Ubu
  3. 1989 by Taylor Swift
  4. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  5. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  6. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  7. Rips by Ex Hex
  8. Benjamin Booker by Benjamin Booker
  9. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
Rhapsody View article
  1. Platinum by Miranda Lambert
  2. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  3. St. Vincent by St. Vincent
  4. LP1 by FKA twigs
  5. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  6. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  7. Nikki Nack by tUnE-yArDs
  8. Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks
  9. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  10. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
Other sources/critics
WBEZ/Sound Opinions (Jim DeRogatis) View article
  1. Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!
  2. Rips by Ex Hex
  3. Cry is for the Flies by Le Butcherettes
  4. Syro by Aphex Twin
  5. Dude Incredible by Shellac
  6. Poor People Are Revolting by The Gotobeds
  7. Glass Boys by Fucked Up
  8. Food by Kelis
  9. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts
  10. They Want My Soul by Spoon
Music stores
Amazon (US) View article
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  3. Strange Desire by Bleachers
  4. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
  5. My Krazy Life by YG
  6. They Want My Soul by Spoon
  7. Sukierae by Tweedy
  8. Tough Love by Jessie Ware
  9. The Outsiders by Eric Church
  10. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
Bleep (UK) View article
  1. Syro by Aphex Twin
  2. Our Love by Caribou
  3. Tayi Bebba by Clap! Clap!
  4. Flatland by Objekt
  5. Reality Testing by Lone
  6. Palm Tree Fire by Slackk
  7. The Seer Of Cosmic Visions by Hieroglyphic Being And The Configurative Or Modular Me Trio
  8. Black Metal by Dean Blunt
  9. Asiatisch by Fatima Al Qadiri
  10. Xen by Arca
The Drift (Devon, UK) View full list
  1. Morning Phase by Beck
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. Syro by Aphex Twin
  4. Manipulator by Ty Segall
  5. Love Letters by Metronomy
  6. You're Dead! by Flying Lotus
  7. Our Love by Caribou
  8. Arranged Waves by Stephen Steinbrink
  9. Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
  10. The Hum by Hookworms
Norman Records (Leeds, UK) View full list
  1. Exist/Resist by Bracken
  2. A Turn of Breath by Ian William Craig
  3. Revelation by The Brian Jonestown Massacre
  4. Last Ex by Last Ex
  5. To Be Kind by Swans
  6. Measures of Joy by Virginia Wing
  7. Morgan Delt by Morgan Delt
  8. Everybody Down by Kate Tempest
  9. More Than Any Other Day by Ought
  10. There Is No Perfect Place by Memory Drawings
Piccadilly Records (Manchester, UK) View full list
  1. The Silver Globe by Jane Weaver
  2. The Seven Movements by Be (Garth Be)
  3. Horsebeach by Horsebeach
  4. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  5. Ibibio Sound Machine by Ibibio Sound Machine
  6. Atlas by Real Estate
  7. The Hum by Hookworms
  8. Commune by Goat
  9. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  10. Warpaint by Warpaint
Resident (Brighton, UK) View full list
  1. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  2. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
  3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  4. To Be Kind by Swans
  5. Morning Phase by Beck
  6. Benjamin Booker by Benjamin Booker
  7. Lese Majesty by Shabazz Palaces
  8. Trouble in Paradise by La Roux
  9. Too Bright by Perfume Genius
  10. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
Rough Trade Shops (London/New York) View full list
  1. Sun Structures by Temples
  2. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  3. It's Album Time by Todd Terje
  4. Love Letters by Metronomy
  5. Nabuma Rubberband by Little Dragon
  6. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  7. Mess by Liars
  8. Drop the Vowels by Mille and Andrea
  9. Colfax by The Delines
  10. Benji by Sun Kil Moon
Sister Ray (London) View full list
  1. Commune by Goat
  2. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  3. Entropicalia by Soundcarriers
  4. Shelter by Moiré
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. Our Love by Caribou
  7. Rave Tapes by Mogwai
  8. NehruvianDOOM by NehruvianDOOM
  9. Sun Structures by Temples
  10. Piñata by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
Waterloo Records (Austin, TX) View full list
  1. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
  2. Samsara by The Well
  3. Jungle by Jungle
  4. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen
  5. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
  6. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco
  7. Emmaar by Tinariwen
  8. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
  9. Love by Amen Dunes
  10. It's Album Time by Todd Terje

 

Comments (31) Back to top
jeffort23
Jan 4, 2015 5:49PM
My humble best of 2014 list.
http://ludditestereo.com/2015/01/04/best-music-of-2014-5-1/
SwanSalt
Dec 23, 2014 3:45PM
1. Stardeath And White Dwarfs - "Wastoid"
2. Mark Lanegan Band - "Phantom Radio"
3. Flying Lotus - " You're Dead!
4. Broken Bells - "After the Disco"
5. Crippled Black Phoenix - "White Light Generator"
6. She Keeps Bees - "Eight Houses"
7. A Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra - **** Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything"
8. Run the Jewels - "Run the Jewels 2"
9. We Were Promised Jetpacks - "Unravelling"
10. Elbow - "The Take Off and Landing of Everything"

Somewhat predictable meta-list, though I am glad to see a few names find their deserved recognition (as well as a handful of artists that have been way over-appreciated) though I am slightly disheartened to see that Crippled Black Phoenix, She Keeps Bees, Mark Lanegan Band, and especially Stardeath And White Dwarfs did not earn a single mention by any of these publications! These albums were absolute amazing and the need more love.
Shiira
Dec 17, 2014 8:51PM
If you like Kate Bush, I highly recommend Lydia Ainsworth's "Right From Real".
sunbear67
Dec 16, 2014 11:16PM
Not one **** put on A U R O R A by Ben Frost wtf bro, and how is To Be Kind not in the top 20?
hl463748
Dec 16, 2014 10:01AM
1.The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream
2.Perfume Genius - Too Bright
3.Marlk Lanegan Band - Phantom Radio
4.Spoon - They Want My Soul
5.Jack White - LazAretto
6.Sharon Van Etten - Are We There
7.Beck - Morning phase
8.Lykke Li - I never Learn
9.Sun Kill Moon - Benji
10.Alt-J - This All Is Yours
Ouas
Dec 14, 2014 7:08AM
I'm going to have to check out some of these artist on this list because this is how I find some of the best music every year, but That Run The Jewels 2 is one of the best Albums of the year, it is sad that most of the reviewers don't eve acknowledge it because they don't consider Hip Hop music in the genre of music they are reviewing for
vincent88
Dec 13, 2014 9:46AM
Could somebody name any lists from publications of non-English-speaking countries. Some good albums may have been overlooked because of language or for whatever reasons.
virtualperson
Dec 12, 2014 6:56AM
1 ) Hundred Waters - the moon rang like a bell
2 ) FKA Twigs - LP1
3 ) Wild Beasts - present tense
4 ) The War on drugs - lost in the dream
5 ) Fear of Men - loom
6 ) Caribouo - our Love
7 ) Alex G - DSU
8 ) Aphex Twin - syro
9 ) Mac Demarco - salad days
10 ) Real Estate - atlas

Was surprised not to see Hundred Waters mentioned much. Their album was beautiful.

Was surprised to see Beck on so many lists. It was ponderous.

Alt-J was one I expected to love but did not.
zaimin92
Dec 11, 2014 11:40PM
1) FKA Twigs - LP1
2) Taylor Swift - 1989
3) Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire For No Witness
4) Beck - Morning Phase
5) Spoon - They Want My Soul
6) Lykke Li - I Never Learn
7) Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels 2
Alvvays - Alvvays
9) St. Vincent - St. Vincent
10) Perfume Genius - Too Bright
11) Future Islands - Singles
12) The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream
13) Caribou - Our Love
14) Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour
15) Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
16) Miranda Lambert - Platinum
17) Ariel Pink - Pom Pom
1 Sun Kil Mon - Benji
19) Eric Church - The Outsiders
20) Flying Lotus - You're Dead
Len-Bright
Dec 11, 2014 5:38AM
10 Best Albums of 2014

1. Swans-To Be Kind
2. Strand of Oaks-Heal
3. King Tuff-Black Moon Spell
4. Sharon Van Etten-Are We There
5. Future Islands-Singles
6. Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial **** off Get Free We Bring Light to Everything
7. Schoolboy Q-Oxymoron
8. The War on Drugs-Lost in a Dream
9. Weatherbox-Flies in All Directions
10. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib-Pinata