We invited artists, labels and publicists to tell us which records or artists they’ve personally enjoyed over the last twelve months. Two members – Eric Garcia and Tripp Shumake – of the power-trio The Heavy Eyes have compiled a list of their 10 favourite albums of the year. The Heavy Eyes’ newest album, He Dreams of Lions, is out now via Kozmik Artifactz.
Dirty Streets – White Horse
“These dudes have been consistently putting out great rock albums for years now and White Horse is no different. There are several moments where they switch seamlessly from James Brown funk to Byrds psychedelia to Zeppelin fury and back again. The excitement of their live sound shines through perfectly on White Horse. They just don’t make power trios like this anymore.”
Leon Bridges – Coming Home
“What can I say, I’m a sucker for a smooth Motown Soul throwback sound, and Leon Bridges is the best in the business. I don’t know what he did to master such a golden age of music, but he writes and records his tracks perfectly. Stick him on a playlist between the Temptations and William Bell and defy anyone to tell the difference.”
Drake – If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late
“For a “mixtape” with damn near twenty songs, IYRTITL has quite a few heavy hitters. Arguably one of the most talked about releases of the year, it lives up to the hype. Aubrey Graham is a machine; the beats, the hooks, the guest spots, it’s everything we’ve come to expect from the Toronto native. Warm synths, big drums, and catchy songwriting. Guilty pleasure music at its finest.” – Tripp Shumake
The Weeknd- Beauty Behind the Madness
“Even after hearing most of the singles a million times, I still find this album irresistible. It’s a fascinating story to boot, homeless dude becomes an R&B champion, called upon by the by the biggest and the baddest in the Hip-Hop world to sing their hooks. BBTM is a masterpiece, like Michael Jackson and David Lynch had a creepy baby.”
Jason Isbell – Something More Than Free
“I love Drive-By Truckers, I love the 400 Unit, and I love Jason Isbell. His new album shows he continues to grow as a song writer. We opened up for the 400 unit several years ago, and I had a big chip on my shoulder that was quickly slapped off 3 songs into their set. He is a great performer, fantastically witty songwriter, and a glowing beacon of holy light shining over the shit show that is modern pop arena country. God Bless Jason Isbell for carrying the torch a little bit further.”
Ratatat – Magnifique
“As a drummer, I am always going to gravitate towards music that makes my head nod and this album damn near knocks my head right off my shoulders. Maybe you’re not into whatever you want to sub categorize this as, but it’s got infinite groove, rhythm, strange chord progressions and hypnotic beats that will pull you in.”
A$AP Rocky – At.Long.Last.A$AP
“You probably didn’t expect to see this on here, but as someone who grew up listening to 90’s hip hop and trying so badly to emulate every drum sample, it really hits home. It also doesn’t hurt that Danger Mouse helped produce this album because everything he touches turns to gold.”
Torche – Restarter
“This album is great for many reasons, but what I love so much about them is they don’t sound like anyone else. They manage to capture what I love about heavy music while also writing really catchy poppy songs that you cannot help but sing aloud to. Restarter brings me back to the sounds of Floor and Torche’s very first release almost 10 years ago.”
Elder – Lore
“Holy shit. This album is epic. These guys continue to push themselves as musicians and songwriters and it really shows on Lore. From start to finish this album takes you on a journey that touch beautiful moments in doom, stoner, psychedelic and progressive rock.”
All Them Witches – Dying Surfer Meets His Maker
“ We were first introduced to our Tennessee neighbors in 2012 when we swapped shows from Memphis and Nashville and since then, these guys have continued to craft their sound. I wasn’t sure what to expect when Dying Surfer Meets His Maker was released, but I am so happy with the direction they took it. With undertones of blues and a very upfront jam-oriented psychedelic rock sound, this album is perfect around the campfire or on long drives – it’s chill.”