When evaluating lists like this, it’s always important to remember the subjectivity in music. The songs here are not just what I would say are the “best” of 2015 or even necessarily my favorites, but the ones I had the most attachment to for one reason or another. Music is the closest thing we have to time travel in that it can evoke emotions unlike any other and effortlessly bring us back to moments long forgotten. This compilations of songs serves almost as a walk through memory lane, and choosing just 15 tracks to represent my 2015 proved to be a daunting task. Alas, I was able to finally narrow down my choices, so I hope you all enjoy my picks even if you don’t fully agree with them (which let’s be honest, you won’t). Finally, if you are curious about what didn’t make the cut, I’m going to shamelessly plug this massive Spotify playlist I compiled that includes pretty much all of my favorites from 2015.

’Kendrick Lamar – These Walls ft. Bilal, Anna Wise, Thundercat’
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There’s no question that To Pimp A Butterfly is a classic album, so choosing just one standout single was definitely a challenge, but “These Walls” proves to be equally thought provoking as it is groovy.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”
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Speaking of “Them Changes”, Thundercat played an integral part in 2015’s funk revival, with Flying Lotus laying the groundwork for this tune with the Isley Brothers-sampling instrumental.

’Toro Y Moi – Buffalo’
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“Buffalo” is just about as fun as it gets when Mr. Chaz Bundick is shredding on the guitar.

’The Internet – Girl ft. KAYTRANADA’
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As far as love songs go, we couldn’t ask for more from this hypnotic collaboration between The Internet and Kaytranada.

’Alina Baraz & Galimatias – Can I’
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Alina’s mellifluous voice and incisive lyrics combined with Galimatias’s melodic production will captivate your attention from start to finish.

’SG Lewis – No Less Ft Louis Mattrs’
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Featuring two of the most remarkable talents I discovered in 2015, “No Less” makes for one of the smoothest listens of the year, accomplished through a superb blend of dulcet vocals and acoustic guitar work.

’Drake – Hotline Bling’
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The most meme-worthy tune of the year is also easily one of the most infectious. Shout outs to D.R.A.M.

’Jamie XX, Young Thug & Popcaan – I Know (Good Times)’
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The ultimate party anthem of 2015, “Good Times” are undoubtably to be had whenever this genre defying jam comes on.

’Snakehips x Tory Lanez – Dímelo’
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One of the more unconventional pairings of the year, Snakehips and Tory Lanez found an incredibly creative middle ground between their drastically different sounds.

’Mura Masa – Firefly (ft. Nao)’
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Two of our favorite up-and-comers from the UK, Mura Masa and Nao team up to create one of the catchiest songs we’ve heard in a long time.

’Disclosure – Superego (ft. Nao)’
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It’s no mistake that Nao appears twice on this list, as the British songstress lends her vocal talents to yet another addicting tune.

’Skrillex And Diplo – To Ü (Feat. AlunaGeorge)’
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Sorry JB, but Aluna Francis wins the award for the best Skrillex and Diplo collaboration of the year.

’Gallant – Weight In Gold (Louis Futon Remix)’
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Pro Tip: Gallant’s “Weight In Gold” might have been the most heavily remixed track of the year, but I’ve found no version is more apt for shower acoustics than the Louis Futon remix.

’Beach House – PPP’
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Beach House have a gift for crafting music that’s perfect for those times when you need to just close your eyes and drift away deep into your mind’s abyss.

’Tame Impala – Let It Happen’
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Just as the title implies, it’s best to submerge yourself in the Currents of this psychedelic tune and let them carry you away on a new journey.

’Shlohmo – BURIED’
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Shlohmo’s Dark Red serves as the soundtrack for the most epic space voyage you could ever imagine. Lock yourself in a dark room and let the music take hold.

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