The 24 Best Albums of 2015

No other group out there sounds like Alabama Shakes, and they followed up 2012's Boys & Girls with an equally brilliant second album. The whole thing is great, but "Shoegaze" is a real standout.

Not only does Tori Kelly have the voice of an actual angel, but her music is also incredibly catchy. From her heartfelt duet with Ed Sheeran to her upbeat track with LL Cool J, you can tell that Tori pours her whole entire heart into her lyrics. Be warned, though; once you start listening to this album, you won't be able to wipe that unbreakable smile off your face.

Let's forget the fact that this mixtape came as a complete surprise (I believe this is now called "pulling a Beyoncé") — it's just so good. You don't even really need to be a fan of Future or Drake to enjoy it (although that definitely helps) because the songs will have you out of your seat and dancing before you even have time to think about it. I'm personally a fan of "Big Rings" (total stadium song) and "Plastic Bag" (an ode to exotic dancers), but the whole thing is like one long turn-up track.

If a bunch of conventionally catchy pop songs walked into a bar, had way too many shots of whiskey, and got in a massive fight with all of their boyfriends, you'd end up with Elle King's awesome, raucous debut album. Tracks like "Ex's and Oh's" and "America's Sweetheart" show off her raspy vocals and bluesy sound, while stripped down songs like "Kocaine Karolina" put her talent on full display. This is one record that's not to be missed.

There's no way you can hear "Shots" on the radio and change the station. (Yes, some of us still listen to the radio.) "I Bet My Life" is also bangin', but one of the most underrated songs on here is "Gold."

I'm not a huge country music fan, but Kacey Musgraves speaks to me — maybe it's her "DGAF" attitude or the fact that she sings about LGBT rights, smoking marijuana, and minding your own damn business (see: "Biscuits"), but Pageant Material had me boppin' and croonin' along this year, and I don't care who knows it.

The second album by Father John Misty (aka singer-songwriter J. Tillman) teeters on the edge of too precious, much like Tillman's chosen pseudonym. But it overcomes its own potential pitfalls by being so damn good, combining bizarrely clever lyrics with catchy-as-hell melodies.

Yes, Fetty Wap had us all on the dance floor this Summer with "Trap Queen," but his debut album has even more bangers where that one came from. Above everything else, Fetty Wap is just so fun to listen to. You can't not get up and shake your ass to "Jugg" or "679," and "My Way" is way too good not to belt out at the top of your lungs. I'm very curious to see if Fetty Wap is a flash in the pan — though I really hope not — and if he'll take home either of the two Grammys he's up for in 2016.

The third consecutive numerical album for Adele, 25 speaks to maturity in more ways than one. On an emotional level, the songs tell tales of a more centered woman — someone who has experienced trauma, learned from it, healed, and moved on. Even on a production level, though, we're getting an elevated new sound from Adele. The rhythmic undercurrent of 25 offers the Adele we've grown to love with a noted pop twist. The record features some of Adele's saddest, most emotional, and yes, even her most upbeat songs to date. It's guaranteed to be a chart-topper well into 2016, and probably beyond.

Mumford & Sons turned me into a die-hard fan with their first two studio albums, Sigh No More and Babel — so much so that I was almost nervous to listen to Wilder Mind when it was released. What would they be like without the acoustic sound and the banjos? Well, turns out I love their new, more electric sound even more, and it's an incredible album to hear live. (Especially "The Wolf" — SO good.)

This album completely punctuated my Summer. It was so perfect to sway along to in the kitchen while cooking with all the windows open, but the songs are just as soulful and romantic for a cozy night by the fire, drinking wine by the Christmas tree. Leon Bridges is definitely one to watch, and thanks to his many music festival gigs and SNL debut, I have a feeling he'll be even bigger in 2016.

You know Family of the Year because they sing "Hero," the breakout hit from last year's Boyhood. You should know them because they're continuing to make beautiful melodies on their 2015 self-titled album. Highlights: "Carry Me" and "May I Miss You."

This was the year that the Weeknd (real name: Abel Tesfaye) got the attention of everyone, based on how widespread his songs were and how incredible it all is. Maybe you saw Fifty Shades of Grey and were seduced by "Earned It," or maybe "Can't Feel My Face" was your Summer jam, or maybe "The Hills" was that sexy radio song that grew on you. Either way, The Weeknd killed it this year with an album that had crazy appeal and instant hits, and was big enough to score a Grammy nomination.

Once you've seen My Morning Jacket live, all of their studio albums sound flat and underwhelming in comparison. The Waterfall is no different, but I'm lucky enough to have heard these songs performed in concert twice this year. So while The Waterfall is one of MMJ's grandest and most multitextured albums, I like it because of what I know they can do with it onstage.

Maybe you too got into Grimes with 2012's Visions, but if not, the Canadian electronica singer's 2015 album is even more accessible for both former fans and those who haven't discovered her yet. Sure, it's still retains her pleasingly weird electronic sound, but there's an unexpected poppiness to the songs (like "Flesh Without Blood" and "Pin") that's utterly addictive.

Need some fresh blood in your boy band rotation? The Vamps are a terrific addition. They're the perfect balance between the pop-happy beats of One Direction and neo-punk lyrics of 5 Seconds of Summer. "Wake Up" is great, but "Volcano" might be better.

Justin Bieber's 2015 apology tour seamlessly integrated his music, but instead of "Sorry" being too on-the-nose, it was the perfect single to reintroduce the Biebs into your life. That is, if you weren't already obsessed with "What Do You Mean?" Bieber surprised us all with his most grown-up album ever, which made it feel OK to be a grown-up and love Bieber's music.

Three words: baby-making music. If you plan on getting busy or just partaking in a heavy makeout sometime in the next six months, you should probably have this album playing, specifically the tracks "Exchange," "Don't," and "Been That Way." Even if you don't have any hanky-panky happening, this album is still great to listen to while hanging out at home and dreaming about your crush (warning: you'll want to text them lyrics).

Troye Sivan has had big name fans since the very beginning of his career, and for good reason. Anthemic tracks on his pulsating, atmospheric debut album like "Wild" and "Youth" are the kind of songs you'll still be singing hours after listening to them, and "Fools" just might break your heart. This polished young artist is no doubt destined for greatness.

Kendrick Lamar still hasn't gotten enough mainstream shine for my liking, but To Pimp a Butterfly was undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year. It was filled with powerful anthems like "i," "King Kunta," and "Alright," which paired perfectly with the sociopolitical events of 2015. In my opinion, Lamar's third studio album is the perfect soundtrack for a revolution.

When Alessia Cara's debut single "Here" came out in April, my first reaction was "Yaaaasss!" Finally, a song about going to a party when you don't at all want to be at a party. Not only does she have an insane voice, but she's only 19 and is basically the new Lorde (yeah, I said it). My favorite tracks from Know-It-All are "Outlaws," "Overdose," and "Stars," but the whole thing is perfection.

Full disclosure: I am obsessed with the Drive-By Truckers. I've seen them in concert at least 15 times, maybe more, and I have a large collection of (legal but unofficial) full concert recordings. That said, this band pours itself into performing with a ferocity matched only by a select few, and this three-disc live album captures the feel of their concerts (three guitars, piano, brass, storytelling, shouting) with some of their best-written songs ("When the Pin Hits the Shell," "Hell, No I Ain't Happy").

It doesn't matter if you don't like One Direction (or you just think you do), this album has something for everyone. Into '80s synth? Check. Forlorn love songs? Check. The boys are coming of age, and their music is maturing while — thankfully — remaining as catchy as ever. Sure, everyone loves "Perfect" (except maybe Taylor Swift), but "History" is the real winner on here.