With 2015 coming to a close, Scrimshaw looks back at its year in music. While 2015 was filled with hits after hits that expanded the definition and boundaries of modern music and genres, we somehow narrowed it down to our Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2015! With NYE around the corner, we wanted to make sure your musical cognition was at an all time high and your playlists were in peak form. So, turn up the volume, start scrolling, listening, expand your mind, and let the music flow take you into 2016. Happy New Year everyone!
1) "Fantasy"
Alina Baraz & Galimatias
Collaborating via Soundcloud from other sides of the planet, Alina Baraz & Galimatias, created an EP Urban Flora and the world rejoiced. Baraz (a Los Angeles American based songwriter) connected with Galimatias (a Danish producer), and successfully fused their relaxed electronic styles to create not only an amazing EP, but overall eight banging singles! One could say their most popular song “Fantasy” changed their lives, and we think it did just that. The seductive tune lures you in with Baraz’s voice, and boasts a fantasia inspired sound that kept our speakers blaring all year long.
2) "R.I.P. 2 My Youth"
The Neighbourhood
After The Neighbourhood had a monster 2014 with their chart topping song, "Sweater Weather", we were hoping that this California based alt-rock band would continue to create these darker catchy jams. They delivered, and were firing on all cylinders, when "R.I.P. 2 My Youth" was made. Fresh off their 2015 released album, "Wiped Out!" is a must-listen from top to bottom ending with one of our favorite and most played songs this year, "R.I.P. 2 My Youth". Treat yourself, and listen to all of it.
3) "Lit"
Bas feat. J. Cole, K-Quick
Straight Fire. Bas, a Queens, NY based rapper, is on the serious rise to power with his EP Last Winter under his belt. If being J.Cole's protégé doesn't already speak volumes, then his lexicon and lyrical silkiness proves that Bas is meant for Hip Hop. Creating one of our favorite hip hop songs of the year, "Lit" ft. J.Cole and KQuick, is an absolute hit, that should be turned up to maximum volume.
4) "Don't Wanna Fight"
Alabama Shakes
If you haven’t already heard of the Athens, Alabama based quartet, then the actual likelihood that you’ve actually been living under a rock is quite high. The musical powerhouse, Alabama Shakes, has been officially on the scene since 2009, releasing their first full length album Boys & Girls in 2012, they then graced us with their second album Sound & Color this past April, and we are forever grateful. The funky soul-rock blended track “Don’t Wanna Fight” accentuates Brittany Howard’s astounding voice, and provides a great look into how the group has developed into they second feature album.
5) "Real"
Years & Years
There is no doubt that Years & Years has invaded your eardrums this year with their electropop / R&B music and style. This British based trio had a meteoric 2015 combining their insane vocals with beats and sounds that seem to be from multiple generations. "Real" is an incredible example creative genius and why genres and labels are being broken in today's day in music. From the beat to the hook, "Real" is going to have you jamming so hard that it will be impossible not to listen to it again and again. Their album Communion is a must-listen, which is available on Spotify.
6) "Middle"
DJ Snake feat. Bipolar Sunshine
DJ Snake is most known in these past two years for "Lean On" and "Turn Down for What", but in our opinion, this tops them both. "The Middle" by DJ snake is without a doubt the definition of a banger and will make even those who don't dance, bob their heads as the beat drops. Bipolar Sunshine's voice and lyrics are mesmerizing and completely captured and combined with DJ Snake's drop, that is sure to brighten your day. Listen to this song with your window's down, shades on, and volume turned to 10.
7) "Hunger"
Sam Sure
Recording with the London independent based label, Black Butter Records, just as Jess Glynne, Rudimental, and Clean Bandit have done, Sam Sure released his single “Hunger” and his popularity soared! The UK based artist toured with another successful trio on our list, Years & Years, and seems to be having a wild ride. The track “Hunger” loops an addicting melody with fantastic lyrics that begs to be repeated. This tune was made for headphone city-sidewalk cruising, and we can bet that Sam Sure is only to get bigger and better. Make sure to check out his new single “Me & You” also available on his Spotify or Soundcloud.
8) "Simple Things"
Miguel
There are certain artists in every generation that just embody raw talent and sex-appeal; Miguel is one of those musicians. "Simple Things" is the perfect example of R&B and it exemplifies Miguel's swagger and smooth vocals. The more his discography grows, the more Miguel solidifies himself as a force of modern music. His recent album Wildheart is genius and even though this cd was played on repeat, we realized that "Simple Things" is one song that stands out and speaks so truthfully on the important things in life. We implore you to listen to his whole catalogue, but if nothing else listen to "Simple Things" and see why it was on our top 10 list of 2015.
9) "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)"
Jamie xx feat. Young Thug, Popcaan
The talented Jamie Smith has been making a name for himself in the music world, firstly with the group The xx, but has more recently been producing and collaborating with a slew of artists under his solo name Jamie xx. Through his impressive electronic producing skills, and the release of his solo album, In Colour, Jamie xx has received a Grammy nomination for best Electronic/Dance album. The album has a handful of songs featuring other artists, including Young Thug and Popcaan on the mega-track “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times).” If you don’t start moving your body to this song, you might need to get something checked out; the beat begs for dancing and guarantees good times had by all who listen.
10) "Say My Name"
ODESZA feat. Zyra
Arguably the best musical pair to breakthrough into the electronic world, the Seattle based duo, Odesza, took over the past two years, with a long list of singles, two full studio albums, EPs, a bunch of remixes and hearty collaborations. You can’t go wrong with any of their songs, but the track that blew us away in 2015 was “Say My Name” featuring the beautiful voice of Zyra. Catchy lyrics, plus rhythmic drums resulted in a dream-like ballad for the ages, and has kept everyone wanting more. Check out their site to download their personal app, full discography and cities for their 2016 tour!