Having stepped away from his usual eccentric self, Beck returned this year with a real stripped-back delight. 'Morning Phase', released as an accompaniment to his 2002 album 'Sea Change', 'Morning Phase' was beautifully conceived record, built on transcendent harmonies and rich musical backing.

Having already received cult fame as a political poet throughout the country, the debut solo album from Kate Tempest brought a whole new edge to music this year. Fired up and charged full of tension-cutting prose, the rapper delivered a poignant yet engaging full-length that got people listening.

While he has always been a favourite amongst electronic music fans, producer Dan Snaith relaunched his Caribou alter-ego after four years which exceptional aplomb. Cutting through preconceptions like a knife through butter, 'Our Love' was a true musical journey that soothed as much as it impressed.

Reigniting the outsider interest of Grace Jones this year was FKA Twigs, a new but fascinating artist whose debut album had the whole music press talking. 'LP1' was a beautiful yet dark release that left everyone wanting more by the end. Surely a sign that she is only just warming up.

Never one to disappoint but US producer/vocalist How To Dress Well truly outdid himself in 2014. The release of his third studio album 'What Is This Heart?' became his most high-profile release to date and gave us some of the most heartbreaking and emotionally led music in the process.

It was one of the most over-hyped albums this year and thankfully did not disappoint as Jessie Ware returned to release a stunning sophomore album. 'Tough Love' was packed to the gills with guest collaborators, which gave the record a truly eclectic feel that Ware relished throughout.

Having been wildly overlooked most of her career, Tune-Yards aka Merrill Garbus found her feet this year with her third studio album 'Nikki Nack'. With toe-tapping fun and electronic nuttiness throughout, her latest offering was a true diamond to those that heard it and made her one of the cult favourites of the year.

There was just something nothing to hate on this new record from producer/vocalist Kindness. Taking a strong 80s influence and pairing it with modern production gave this album a nostalgic and familiar feel that you just got instantly. His ability to produce danceable and solemn records was the key to keeping the pace of this album ever moving forward.

Possibly the most overlooked record of the year came from former Massive Attack collaborator Davidge. Delivering his debut solo album at the tender age of 52, it was a truly remarkable piece of work. Taking influences from his trip-hop roots and combining it with winding soundscapes and haunting vocals, 'Slo Light' was the best album of the year that nobody heard.

If there was any album that you just had to hear three times in a row this year, it was 'Run The Jewels 2'. The obviously titled second album from US hip-hop juggernauts Run The Jewels was a vicious but insanely fun record to listen to. Bringing a whole new angle to the hip-hop scene, the variety and distinct sound of this record kept it firmly in people's heads long after they'd finished listening to it.