The National’s top 20 albums of 2015: Another year that Scotland has punched well above its weight

But from our vibrant traditional scene to the more esoteric underground scenes, Scottish music continues to punch above its weight.

Unsurprisingly, choosing our favourite Scottish albums of the year was a tricky task, so we invited Tenement TV’s Nadine Walker, Podcart and Podcart blogger Halina Rifai and radio presenter/columnist Jim Gellatly on to our panel to choose our top 20 albums of 2015.

Here they are:

20 Best Girl Athlete – Carve Every Word

An absolutely spellbinding debut from Aberdeen teenager Katie Buchan.

Though her lyrics spark from youthful innocence, Buchan has a well-developed talent for crafting acoustic pop numbers that will resonate with people of any age.

What we said: “Best Girl Athlete is a 16-year-old who has developed a sound far beyond her years.” (SAMA Awards nominees, September 19)

19 A Mote of Dust – A Mote of Dust

While former Aereogramme accomplice Iain Cook was trekking the world with Chvrches, Craig Beaton went back to his roots.

The result is this gorgeous, minimalist record, as the former rock frontman whispers delicate melodies over haunting piano and plucked guitar.

What we said: “Lead single Wolves In The Valley is a haunting piece that suggests Beaton has gotten more poetic with age.” (Singles round-up, September 12)

18 Girobabies – Who Took Utopia?

Girobabies’ debut LP deserves its place on the list for its great songwriting and irresistible indie-punk melodies.

What we said: “Due to some of the best tracks the band have ever produced, the new record is far from the anti-climax it could have been.” (Feature, October 3)

17 Hector Bizerk – The Waltz of Modern Psychiatry

Written for a play but taking on a life of its own, Waltz might be the most ambitious album on this list.

Hip hop guiding you through a mental hospital in 19th century Paris proves to be a journey well worth taking.

What we said: “With the music industry becoming ever more single-orientated, it is a joy to find an album put together as well as this.” (Review, May 5)

16 Mog – Nomads Land

He may lack the crossover appeal of some of his peers, but Glaswegian veteran Mog remains one of the best hip hop emcees in the country.

His latest album is his finest yet, marrying poignant observation and unsettling instrumentation.

What we said:“Nomads Land sees him at his nihilistic best.” (SAMA Awards nominees, September 19)

15 FFS – FFS

The debut release from the much-anticipated collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks was well worth the wait.

Thumping choruses and Alex Kapranos’ signature wordplay make this a real treat.

What we said: “FFS is overly dramatic, repetitive, confusing and relentlessly poppy... but undeniably brilliant.” (Feature, June 6)

14 Errors – Lease of Life

Errors earned a well-deserved SAY nomination for Lease of Life.

The consistency throughout shows the Glasgow band are still at the top of their game.

What we said: “Lease of life is at once their danciest, grooviest and most progressive album.” (SAY Award preview, May 30)

13 Woodenbox – Foreign Organ

Woodenbox are as playful as ever on Foreign Organ.

Excluding the “post-referendum blues” final track, Scotland, the sextet take a positive approach to their songwriting.

What we said:“Foreign Organ is an exercise in folk-rock merriment… but there’s a richness and depth that is more pronounced than before.” (Feature, June 6)

12 The View – Ropewalk

For their fifth studio album, The View took a big step outside of their comfort zone, and it paid off.

Incorporating elements of pop and R&B, Ropewalk is a more alternative addition to their back catalogue. It demonstrates how much they have grown as a band over the past 10 years.

What we said: “The new sound may be slightly challenging at first, but it seems to have given the band new lease of life.” (Feature, July 25)

11 Vasa – Colours

Colours is a dramatic statement of intent from Vasa.

The post-rock instrumentalists’ have little regard for delicacy, with an emphasis on colossal riffs and frenetic grooves.

What we said: “Where Mogwai apply space and texture, Vasa apply a sledgehammer.” (Feature, October 24)

10 Django Django – Born Under Saturn

DJANGO Django’s second album may just fall short of their brilliant self-titled debut, but it remains a top quality record.

Songs such as First Light suggest their hook-led brand of indie rock shouldn’t be dismissed just yet.

What we said: “[They’re] famed for their alternative style, with quirky but enthralling live shows.” (Live preview, April 30)

9 Belle & Sebastian – Girls In Peacetime Want to Dance

Tracks such as Party Line and Nobody’s Empire have already established themselves as Belle and Sebastian classics.

SAY Award nominated, this was a fresh, interesting foray from Stuart Murdoch and company.

What we said: “Girls In Peacetime has a different flavour to say, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, but the quirky melodies that we all love are still present.” (SAY Award Preview, May 30)

8 Pinact – Stand Still and Rot

Pinact are the prime example of a band who do a lot with very little.

Recorded when the band were still only a duo, the album’s raw grunge aesthetic is established through little more than crashing cymbals and fuzzy guitar riffs.

It’s a testament to the band’s talent that the finished product is as inventive and experimental as it is.

What we said: “Pinact’s … sonic experimentation has given them an edge that many of their contemporaries lack.” (Feature, December 6)

7 Admiral Fallow – Tiny Rewards

Different instrumentation and imaginative song concepts are just the tip of the iceberg – every element of Admiral Fallow’s sound has progressed.

They might sound more earnest than they used to but the move has paid off for this talented band.

What we said: “[One of] Scotland’s best alternative acts.” (Strange Behaviours announced, September 26)

6 Miaoux Miaoux – School of Velocity

Miaoux Miaoux’s School of Velocity was unlucky to miss out on a top five position.

The producer and songwriter’s third album in eight years is a balls-out pop album, with the Prince-esque tone of many tracks giving it a euphoric feel.

What we said: “BBC 6 Music regulars Miaoux Miaoux … are certain to be another festival highlight.” (Wickerman Preview, July 21)

5 Prides – The Way Back Up

It’s been a sensational year for Prides, who opened the main stage at T in the

Park, sold out the 02 ABC and bagged a prestigious slot at Glastonbury.

For those that enjoy a certain brand of 1980s-inspired synth pop, the appeal is obvious.

When you have songs as catchy and well thought out as Messiah or Higher Love, there’s nothing wrong with that.

What we said:“If sugary pop isn’t your bag, then this isn’t for you.” (Album review, July 11)

4 Young Fathers – White Men Are Black Men Too

The follow-up to 2014’s Mercury Prize-winning masterpiece DEAD was always going to be tricky one. You would never have known, based on the quality here.

This triumphant return was more than a decent follow-up – it cemented their place as one of the best acts in the country.

The wailing vocals and infectious drum beats of tracks such as Shame give the album a unique edge.

What we said:“A riotous blend of hip-hop, rock, soul and electronica… they refuse to be tied down by anyone or anything.” (Feature, April 23)

3 C Duncan – Architect

The RCS graduate has managed to produce one of the most special albums to come out of Scotland this year – all from his small Glasgow flat.

From the start, Architect follows a bold path, as intertwining vocals blend seamlessly with the soothing but intriguing instrumental backdrop.

It’s no surprise that Duncan is flying the flag for Scotland at the Mercury Awards this year.

What we said:“One of the most hauntingly beautiful records you will hear all year.” (Feature, July 11)

2 Kathryn Joseph – Bones You Have Thrown Me and Blood I’ve Spilled

Though relatively unknown at the time, Kathryn Joseph’s success at this year’s SAY Awards was less of a surprise to those that had actually heard her.

It’s hard to describe the emotions that Joseph inspires with her vocals, but the word ‘haunting’ is an adjective commonly used.

The album as a whole follows a distinct pattern as Joseph pours out her soul over various atmospheric piano-led arrangements, but the narratives that she crafts and recounts are what makes this record truly overwhelming.

What we said: “There’s a poignancy and naked vulnerability to tracks such as The Bird that helps her stand out from her peers”. (Feature, July 25)

1 Chvrches – Every Open Eye

Every Open Eye is an album that builds on and enhances every element that we were introduced to on the band’s debut record, The Bones Of What You Believe.

The pop trio have produced a second album brimming with confidence and focus.

The synth lines are crisper, the compositions sleeker and the melodies catchier and lead vocalist Lauren Mayberry comes into her own. In only two albums, Chvrches have rewritten the synth pop blueprint and they’ve done it on their own terms.

What we said: “Rarely has a Scottish record sounded so emphatic in its sincerity.” (Review, September 26)

'In only two albums, Chvrches have rewritten the synth pop blueprint and they’ve done it on their own terms'