Top Albums and Mini-Albums of 2015: Number 8

ALBUMS

8. Ola Salo - Wilderness



The Ark's frontman finally went solo in 2015 with an album that hearkened back to some of his past band's strongest elements, while continuing to uncover more of the complicated psychology that characterizes Salo's persona. It's all wrapped up in some of the catchiest, classic rock music of the year. I had my doubts going in, but the album won me over in an instant.

MINI ALBUMS

8. HongKi - FM302



Another solo project, this time from the lead singer of Korean rock band FTIsland. Breaking expectations, Hongki went for a more dance and electronic influence for this album, which paid off big time. That said, nothing is quite as powerful or awesome as the theatrical, bombastic rock ballad that was chosen as the lead single.

Hongki - Insensible

Insensible is an awkward name for a song, but I love me a big power rock ballad. Hongki is the lead vocal of Korean rock group FTIsland, and because of this I was expecting a straight-up rock sound from his new solo album. To my surprise (and delight), the album incorporates a lot more dance and pop influences than I would have thought. In fact, despite being a ballad, Insensible is probably the rockiest track on the album. It's total bombast, from the squealing guitar solo, to the soaring chorus, to the punctuations of lightning and rain in the video. It helps that the guy's got an amazing voice, and this track really puts that on display. In short, this release was hardly on my radar but I find myself utterly taken with it. Here's to nice surprises!



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