The summer of 2015 had no shortage of noteworthy albums. From the Weeknd to Florence and the Machine, these albums found themselves topping both critic’s lists and summer playlists. Here are the five best albums of summer 2015. 

A$AP Rocky: “At.Long.Last.A$AP.”

A$AP Rocky proved on his first album “Long.Live.A$AP” that he wasn’t just another rapper from the block. He burst onto the scene with the star-studded track “Problems” and continues to make a name for himself in the rap game. 

His follow-up, “At.Long.Last.A$AP” expands A$AP Rocky’s horizon and is able to blend several musical genres to create an album reminiscent of Kanye West’s early work. Kanye makes an appearance on “Jukebox Joints,” and his presence is felt throughout. 

Using elements of EDM, psychedelic rock and indie rock, Rocky explores living life at the top and celebrating his journey getting there, making callbacks to his hometown on “Canal Street” and “West Side Highway.” 

“L$D,” the best track on the album, is the closest thing to a love song A$AP Rocky has produced, and in showing his development as both a rapper and songwriter, proves there is nowhere to go but up for A$AP Rocky. 

Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experi         ment: “Surf”

Many may be unfamiliar with the group Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment, but almost everyone is familiar with Chance the Rapper. 

Chance has become one of the most popular rappers in the alt-rap game and used his success to bring his band into the spotlight. 

As both a songwriter and singer, Chance’s contributions are heard throughout, but this isn’t as much a Chance the Rapper project as a Donnie Trumpet project, with a jazzy sound and happy beats that sound unlike any other artist. 

J. Cole makes a guest appearance on “Warm Enough” and Big Sean stops by on “Wanna be Cool,” but this isn’t just another rap album, as the alternative jazz theme proves to be the most significant. 

“Sunday Candy” combines both elements of rap and jazz into a feel good masterpiece. The beauty of “Surf” is that it proves experimentation is not always a bad thing, and the creativity of Chance is able to shine through. 

Jamie xx: “In Colour”

While not as well-known as many music producers, Jamie xx (real name Jamie Smith) proves on his latest release, “In Colour,” that he is certainly as talented. 

Smith rose to prominence as the producer for indie band The xx, a group best known for its self-titled debut album which chronicled the emotional effects of love and heartbreak. 

Here, the soft spoken Smith produces a similarly soft form of electronic music for introverts who don’t like dancing. 

On “Loud Places,” Smith gets an assist from xx bandmate Romy Madley-Croft, who croons about journeys to loud clubs for the ironic purpose of achieving a quiet mindset. 

 The albums best (and weirdest) track comes in the form of a collaboration with rapper Young Thug, who delivers an entertaining feature on “(I Know There’s Gonna Be) Good Times.” Overall, through his quiet disposition, Jamie xx shines on “In Colour,” and ushers in a new era of electronic music.  

Tame Impala: “Currents”

Kevin Parker might not be the most well-known artist, but he is certainly among the most talented. Following the release of “Innerspeaker” and “Lonerism,” Parker’s band Tame Impala released “Currents” to much anticipation from indie-rock listeners. “Currents” explores heartbreak and longing, with Parker doing his best John Lennon impression. 

Tame Impala appear to shy away from the catchy guitar driven sound of their previous albums, and opt for a more electronic-driven psychedelic sound. Supported by the popular singles “Let it Happen” and “Cause I’m a Man,” “Currents” furthers the underground legend that is Tame Impala and proves to be their best album yet. 

Vince Staples: “Summertime ’06”

Vince Staples made his mainstream debut last year with his “Hands Up” EP and generated buzz with his frequent collaborations with hip-hop collective Odd Future. On “Summertime ’06,” Staples channels his inner Ice Cube upon reflection of his life in Los Angeles.  

On the track “Senorita,” Staples basks in the glory of his fame and his newfound notoriety among the hip-hop community. “Lemme Know,” his duet with Jhene Aiko proves to be the best song on the album, as the two are able to play off each other very well. 

Equal parts violent and poetic, Staples seems poised to take the crown as the king of gangster rap.