Fifteen top albums you probably missed this year

These underrated albums deserve far more attention.

Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear: How this guy was once just known as the drummer from Fleet Foxes is a mystery to us. When he lets rip there isn't a more interesting or pure male vocalist in the world. Morbid and hilarious all at once, his second album is an utterly rewarding listen from start to finish.

Alabama Shakes – Sound & Colour: The Alabama four-piece, headed by dynamo lead singer Brittany Howard, took a slight departure from the successful formula applied to their debut LP on its follow-up and the risk has paid off. Sound and Colour still touches on the rocking roots album that made them famous, but adds a bit of glam and a touch of funk into the mix.

Hot Chip - Why Make Sense?: The electronic veterans haven't disappointed on five previous LPs and this one keeps up their impressive track record. Playful, heartfelt, complex and dance-inducing, Why Make Sense? ensures Hot Chip remain kings of the contemporary indietronica world.

Death Cab For Cutie – Kintsugi: Everyone knows a Death Cab For Cutie fan somewhere, some place. They're one of those bands that have many saying, 'oh yeah, I'll get into them one day'. This album is as good as any place to start. Bright, expansive and moody indie rock that is complex but easy listening.

Brandon Flowers - The Desired Effect: The Killers' front man's second solo album got absolutely no recognition in Australia, which was baffling given the quality of pop-rock music Flowers jammed into its 10 tracks. Leaning on producer du jour Ariel Rechtshaid, Flowers' 80s-inspired pop sensitivities shine through with stunning results.

Vince Staples - Summertime '06: While Kanye West fathered Saint and Drake Hotline Bling-ed his way to meme fame, Vince Staples released what some consider the best rap album of 2015. Too bad you didn't hear about it. A concept album about the summer of 2006, it's a superb debut in a formidable year for hip hop.

Majical Cloudz – Are You Alone: As the title suggests, this is an extremely introspective, personal and dark album. But it is never heavy, thanks to the warm music that backs Devon Welsh's vocals. Ultimately, it is simply a beautiful set of heartfelt pop songs.

Don Henley – Cass County: When you're a founding member of The Eagles, you've got the power to call upon Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and Dolly Parton when you like – so that's what Don Henley did for two of Cass County's tracks. It's classic American heartland country music, highlighted by Henley's superb voice plus the expert strumming of his guitar.

New Order - Music Complete: The seminal new-wave genius' 10th studio album is classic New Order – a dazzling example of rock, pop and electro music colliding. The LP also features guest vocals by La Roux, Iggy Pop and Brandon Flowers.

Carley Rae Jepsen - Emotion: Jepsen is famous for the cheesy pop smash hit Call Me Maybe?, but this album proves she's more than just a one-hit wonder. Once a commercial darling, this pop offering is so good that it appeased even the most ardent music critics. Highlight Warm Blood will have you locked on repeat.

ALPINE - Yuck: Aussie music was strong in 2015 as Courtney Barnett and Tame Impala conquered the world. Yuck is no global game changer, but it is an album that's impossible not to enjoy. Blare Foolish and try not to dance, we dare you.

Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell: Another of the darker albums to impress in 2015, Stevens remembers his mother and stepfather on LP number three. Stevens' mother Carrie died after a cancer battle in 2012, and this album is all about honouring her life. Full of incredible honesty, humour and tragedy.

Kurt Vile – b'lieve i'm goin down ...: The sixth album from the indie-folk rocker is an incredibly catchy offering. Before you know it you're whistling and humming hooks from tracks you didn't know existed until 10 minutes ago. Pretty Pimpin is a fine case in point.

Action Bronson - Mr Wonderful: The former chef's major label album debut doesn't reach the heights of his previous offerings, but Bronson was always upfront about wanting to be different and bigger on this record. That shouldn't scare listeners off - on the quality of its four singles alone, this is a fantastic album.

Jason Isbell – Something More Than Free: Jason Isbell is a proper country music artist and this is a proper country music album. Isbell's iconic southern drawl isn't harsh or contrived, it's genuine and soft. No better is that displayed than on mid-tempo ballad Flagship, which is an album highlight.