Our favourite records released this year (voted for by our contributors) - and a reminder of exactly what they are

40. Nadine Shah

Holiday Destination

(1965)

An alt. rock album inspired by Shah’s documentarian brother that takes on the Calais refugee crisis, the Syrian civil war, the rise of nationalism and mental health issues.

Read Chris Watkeys’ review

39. Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales

Room 29

(Deutsche Grammophon)

A piano and vocal collaboration conceived at the mythical Chateau Marmont hotel that celebrates the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Read Stuart Stubbs’ cover feature interview with Jarvis Cocker about the album

38. Ho99o9

United States of Horror

(Toys Have Powers)

The debut noise/rap/punk album from a New Jersey duo who like to get naked.

Read Daniel Dylan Wray’s review

37. Jane Weaver

Modern Kosmology

(Fire)

The sixth album from Manchester’s most cosmic folk singer, who doesn’t make folk music.

Read Stephen Butchard’s review

36. Kite Base

Latent Whispers

(Little Something)

The industrial-pop debut from two bass players (Kendra Frost and Ayse Hassan of Savages) and a drum machine called Alan.

Read Chris Watkeys’ review