5. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
For the most part, Jon Hopkins has preferred to work behind the scenes with artists ranging from Brian Eno to Coldplay. He is a sonic genius who has an amazing skill at sculpting sound like soft clay. That is why it is always a treat to hear his albums, which are chock full of synthesized sounds that we have never heard before. That is not to say that Jon lacks in the melodic department; that is not the case at all. He builds his songs slowly and assuredly over their runtimes, adding textures, melodies, and then taking them all away. He is not afraid to get your head nodding as well; the kicks bounce and lob off of the other instruments, creating a tight little rhythm that you can dance to. Overall, Immunity is music made by a huge fan of music. There is a sense of play that is abundantly clear, even as you wade through darker territories. It sounds like swimming through a black river in the middle of a galaxy on the most beautiful night you have ever seen.