In a year where hip-hop didn't necessarily thrive as much as previous years, rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer Madlib joined forces to make a modern overlooked classic. Madlib's soulful beats and Gibbs' OG lyricism make an unexpected yet brilliant example of why hip-hop is not dead yet, and both classic and modern hip-hop fans will agree. Also has an all-star collection of featured rappers including Danny Brown, Raekwon, and Earl Sweatshirt. Key Tracks: "High (ft. Danny Brown)", "Shame", Thuggin'"
29. Wen- Signals
UK Grime producer Owen Darby's debut is a perfect culmination of the London Grime sound which dominates the city's club scene. Signals is dark yet dancey, with a sinister feeling looming underneath each song. The production is about as clean as grime has ever gotten, with thumping kicks, deep basslines, and ghostly samples. When listened to with good headphones/big speakers, this album is quite a treat for bass fans. Key Tracks: "Persian", "Vampin'", "Signals"
28. How to Dress Well- What is this Heart?
While the explosion of experimental R&B came in 2012 with acts such as Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, it still remains a prominent genre in 2014. With What is this Heart?, Tom Krell brings forth what is basically a pop album seen through the experimental R&B approach. With heart-melting lyrics, and lo-fi production, this is one of the most interesting pop albums of the year. Key Tracks: "What You Wanted" "Repeat Pleasure" "Pour Cyril"
27. Dalhous- Will to be Well
26. Damon Albarn- Everyday Robots
The Gorillaz/Blur frontman once again shows that he is still one of the most important names in rock music. Everyday Robots is much more straightforward and serious than most of his past works, but it still retains a little bit of his experimental edge to it. Never before has Albarn sounded so into the mature singer/songwriter style, and this seems like his statement where he's trying to say he's grown up. Key Tracks: "Mr. Tembo" "Heavy Seas of Love" "Lonely Press Play"
25. FKA Twigs- LP1
Singer/producer FKA Twigs' first full debut brings experimental R&B to new emotional heights. Twigs' lyrics show a strong sense of feminine pride, while the production (from guests including Arca and Clams Casino) is extremely abstract and unpredictable. Not in a long time has their been a debut quite like this, where the artist seems to know exactly what they want, and FKA Twigs certainly succeeds in executing her vision. Key Tracks: "Two Weeks", "Pendulum"
24. Andy Stott- Faith in Strangers
UK Techno producer continues his chain of incredibly unique releases. With ambient sound textures, ghostly vocals and classic techno style beats, Stott manages to create a sound which others have attempted to recreate, but none have ever quite mastered. Stott truly has a one-of-a kind style, and Faith in Strangers is a perfect example of his flourishing creativity. Key Tracks: "Science and Industry", "Faith in Strangers", "No Surrender"
23. Todd Terje- It's Album Time
Retro/cocktail lounge vibes are plentiful in disco producer Todd Terje's first full length album. Although this technically is electronic music, it is filled with synths and keyboards which sounds a lot like 60's lounge and elevator music. Does this sound lame in theory? yes, but is it actually lame upon listening? no. It's Album Time is like watching the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in electronic music form. It's classy, smart, and most importantly, it's fun. Key Tracks: "Preben Goes to Acapulco", "Delorean Dynamite" "Inspector Norse"
22. Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron
Oxymoron brings L.A. rap-superstar Schoolboy Q another step towards manhood. He's smoked many blunts, done many drugs, and had his moment with many "hoes", now it is time for him to settle down, and he knows this. It's much less of a bragging statement than Habits & Contradictions and more of an internal reflection, which is shown especially on "Prescription/Oxymoron" (which is an incredibly dark track). While this does have a more solemn tune to it, Oxymoron will still make the whole party go nuts when it's put on. Key Tracks: "Man of the Year" "Prescription/Oxymoron", "Blind Threats (ft. Raekwon)"
21. Pink Floyd- The Endless River
This time last year, no one would have guessed that Pink Floyd would ever put another album out, because after all keyboardist Richard Wright is dead, and Roger Waters still hasn't made amends with David Gilmour. However this summer they announced that an album of leftover material from the 1994 Division Bell sessions was mixed and compiled into an album. Since The Division Bell wasn't all that great, expectations weren't too high, but The Endless River is actually a nice send off to a band that has made such a giant impact on music. While almost every track is instrumental (yes, don't expect many Gilmour vocals), it still retains a classic Pink Floyd feel to it, as Gilmour, Wright, and Mason guide the listener down the endless river above the clouds. The music is extremely ambient, and it is crucial that each song is listened to in order from first to last. Key Tracks: "Things Left Unsaid" "Anisina" "Allons-Y (1)" "Louder than Words"
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