Sibling duo Frost Children dropped two full length albums this year – "Speed Run" and "Hearth Room" – but it's the latter that makes this list. The duo breaks free of the somewhat contentious hyperpop genre on "Hearth Room," making a twee- and indie pop-inspired album – a left turn for a band that dealt with videogame sampling and electrifying dance music. It's a surprising but rewarding pivot that shows growth for Frost Children, who sound like a full-fledged band.
4. Club Eat — "Start"
Born out of the New York City nightlife scene, Club Eat popped up at just the right time with indie sleaze making a retro comeback. The new album "Start" is an addictive joyride that turns saccharine pop music on its head. Songs like "Bubblegum" and "Surprise" sound effortless but the duo – producer Chicken, along with DJ and vocalist Ren G – perfectly blend electroclash with early '00s pop, sounding like Kesha produced by Space, Gwen Stefani, and even "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 2-era pop.
3. Bar Italia — "Tracy Denim" / "The Twits"
The somewhat mysterious London trio Bar Italia is one of the more prolific indie bands going this decade, releasing two stellar albums this year, "Tracy Denim" and "The Twits." Composed of Nina Cristante, Sam Fenton and Jezmi Fehmi, the band's minimalist approach to rock music is often playful and sexy while also being incredibly catchy. Tracks on "Tracy Denim" sound like outlines of Sonic Youth songs but "The Twits" finds Bar Italia creating more polished rock songs like "My Little Tony" and "Jelsy."
2. Lana Del Rey — "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd."
Lana Del Rey's ninth album "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" finds the prolific singer-songwriter at her most introspective. The 38-year-old pop star turns inward more than ever, singing about the possibility of marriage and children ("Sweet"), missing family and friends she's lost ("The Grants") and having to sing for the prince of Monaco ("Fingertips"). Teaming up with frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff again, "DYKTTATUOB" offers a number of surprises like the 7-minute "A&W" and the wild "Peppers" but her latest effort is ultimately an open-hearted love letter.
1. Carly Rae Jepsen — "The Loveliest Time"
Nine months after releasing the excellent "The Loneliest Time" last year, Carly Rae Jepsen surprised fans with a companion album called "The Loveliest Time." It's a CRJ tradition to get a B-sides album to accompany her proper releases (songs that were made during the same sessions), but her latest effort finds the pop singer at her most forward-thinking and experimental. Jepsen sounds freer than ever and this collection of songs is bolder and riskier than anything in her discography. Jepsen, who broke through with her massive chart-topping song "Call Me Maybe" in 2012, teams up with familiar producers on "Loveliest Time," and they manage to create some of the most striking songs of her career, including the romantic "Shadow" and disco-infused "Psychedelic Switch."
