10.

Liam Gallagher — Why Me? Why Not.

Top Tracks = Shockwave // Once // The River

As a working class northern lad I grew up on Oasis. Whilst I respect Noel for exploring new creative avenues I still feel a little bit of magic every time I hear Liam's voice. There is nothing game changing or ground breaking about this record, but the nostalgia of the sound and the undeniable swagger of the youngest Gallagher brother had me utterly convinced

9.

Nimmo — The Power

Top Tracks = Place to Rent // Everything I wanted // It's Easier

I am almost certain that I am not the target demographic for Nimmo's music but that is irrelevant when the songs are this good. The first time I heard it I got vibes of M People or a dance-ier London Grammar. The lead vocals just sound so good against the music. Definitely one to check out

8.

Hayden Thorpe — Diviner

Top Tracks = Diviner // Stop Motion // Impossible Object

I was always a big fan of Wild Beasts and Hayden Thorpe's distinctive vocals were one of the key elements that set them apart. Here on his debut solo record he doubles down on his trademark vocal sound and clever lyricism but strips the rest of the music right down to often just a piano and underlying synth lines. The result is a mesmerising record

7.

Gloria Gaynor — Testimony

Top Tracks = Joy Comes In The Morning // Only You Can Do // Day One

This is the music that I grew up on; gospel music blasting out of the cassette player in my Dad's Vauxhall Astra. Who would have thought that the woman who brought us "I will Survive" would make one of the best worship albums of the decade? Alongside a team of respected producers and top notch session musicians she has brought her passion project to life and it is one of the most joyous things I have heard in a long time. Highly recommended

6.

Crazy P — Age of the Ego

Top Tracks = This Fire // Night Rain // Is This ALl It Seems

I feel slightly guilty to have only just discovered Crazy P this year seeing as how they have been going strong since '95. Regardless this was a brilliant introduction. The music bounces, combining electronic and live elements. The vocals and lyrics are great. They effortlessly switch up styles. A few days after hearing the record I found out that I'd just missed them playing a huge show in Leeds a few days beforehand.

5.

Jai Wolf — The Cure to Loneliness

Top Tracks = Telepathy // Still Sleeping // It All started With A Feeling

This is a record that I could imagine myself making, all gated snares and huge guitar leads. I love instrumental music but this is balanced with some well made pop bangers too. Although electronic music is often just thrown through some CDJs when performed live, I have seen photos of his crazy setup of triggers and sample pads against a big circular LED backdrop. I can only assume that it is an awesome live show

4. 

Sam Fender — Hypersonic Missiles

Top Tracks = THe Borders // Dead Boys // Will We Talk?

With the working class lyrical themes and blaring saxophone phrases, I can just about understand multiple sources touting Sam Fender as the new Bruce Springsteen. Whilst I'm not quite on board with that, this is still a very very good record. I like it when people write songs with a bit of depth and there is no shortage of that here. The songwriting and playing is excellent. Excited to see where he takes it next.

3.

Maggie Rogers — Heard It In A Past Life

Top Tracks = Give A Little // Light On // Retrograde

I'll admit when I first came across Maggie Rogers I was sure it was a record label ploy at "going viral". The famous YouTube video of her music leaving Pharrell speechless during a student listening session seemed too staged to be true. Maybe it was, but her debut album more than lives up to the hype that the breakout video generated, whilst ensuring that she remains fully in control of her creative output. I watched her set at Glastonbury (on TV) and she can certainly perform live too. Fantastic record to kick off her career.

2.

Mark Ronson — Late Night Feelings

Top Tracks = Find U Again // Pieces Of Us // Don't Leave me Lonely

They say the best music is born from heartbreak. On this record Mark Ronson takes a step out of the spotlight and instead entrusts an exceptional cast of female artists to sing his breakup songs. I've always respected Mark Ronson as a music producer but I was never a big fan of Uptown Funk and everything that came with it. Because of that I didn't expect to fall in love with this record as much as I did, but everything about it got me. The foil board vinyl sleeve, the huge broken-heart shaped glitterball and most importantly the phenomenal songwriting and production. There simply wasn't a better set of pop songs released this year. Every track is unique and every track is flawless.

1.

Bruce Springsteen — Western Stars

Top Tracks = Western Stars // Chasin' Wild Horses // Sundown

It all started when I watched "Live on Broadway" over the Christmas break last year. Listening to Bruce's life story and hearing the songs stripped back sparked an obsession with his life and career. At the start of the year I listened to his entire studio discography from start to finish, bid for original vinyl pressings on eBay and read his brilliant autobiography. This all set me up quite nicely for the release of what is one of the best records he has ever made. From the first listen I knew it would be something special, especially when set within the context of his wider catalogue. There is a reason why Springsteen is one of the most respected songwriters still alive today and at the age of 70 he has made one of the strongest records of his entire career. On a personal level what gives the songs even more meaning to me is that I would play them to my 1 year old as lullabies to send him to sleep. We must have spent a hundred nights together; me, my son and the boss.