Music Lists

Many of our musical favorites released best-of-the-year albums, including Kendrick Lamar, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Fleet Foxes, Strand of Oaks, Big Thief, The War On Drugs, and St. Vincent.

In addition to big releases from Adele, Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Drake, and David Bowie's final album, Blackstar, 2016 was filled with some of World Cafe's most favorite new artists.

Musically, 2015 was a heavyweight champion year: Tame Impala, Father John Misty, Kendrick Lamar, Grimes, Sufjan Stevens, Adele, Drake and Chris Stapleton all released exceptional new albums.

Some of the year's highlights included Hozier's breakthrough debut hit, "Take Me To Church," Spoon's They Want My Soul, and Hurray For The Riff Raff's Small Town Heroes.

Music in 2013 was marked by some popular hits from Robin Thicke, Lorde, Daft Punk, Disclosure, Katy Perry, Drake and more.

We were introduced to new voices like Alabama Shakes, Alt-J, Kishi Bashi and Lianne La Havas. Lana Del Rey released her major label debut, Born To Die, along with Frank Ocean's Channel Orange.

2011 was an exemplary year, with memorable releases by Drake, Radiohead, Adele, PJ Harvey and more.

It was the last year that we were gifted with a full-length album from Sade.

Some of the first truly American music was created by Black voices. In this playlist, pianist Lara Downes offers a broad range of songs that speak to the irrepressible, irresistible sound of hope.

Debut albums by artists like Adele, Vampire Weekend and Lady Gaga — plus albums by established artists, including TV On The Radio, Kings Of Leon and Beach House — made 2008 a great year for music.