As voted for by the contributors of Loud And Quiet, our favourite records released this year, and a reminder of exactly what they are

40. Stephen Steinbrink

Anagrams

(Melodic)

The nomadic singer’s first studio-recorded album of bittersweet indie after a decade of touring the West Coast’s DIY underground.

39. Goat

Requiem

(Rocket)

The third album from the Swedish, clandestine psych band. As cosmic as ever, with slightly less static and beefed up melodies.

38. Warpaint

Heads Up

(Rough Trade)

The LA band’s third album of slinky indie and growing electronic elements, following their more difficult self-titled record of 2014.

37. Poliça

United Crushers

(Memphis Industries)

Social injustice, war, celebrity and what it’s like to live in trigger-happy, modern America go into the RnB dub band’s less auto-tuned third album.

36. Beyoncé

Lemonade

(Columbia)

The singer’s sixth solo album, and second ‘visual’ record, accompanied by an hour-long film broadcast on HBO.