Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
TOM MISCH | Beat Tape 2
Beyond The Groove (2015)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
Man, did I struggle mightily with this selection. While I very seriously contemplated including Tom Misch’s proper debut album Geography (2018), one of last year’s finest albums without question, I ultimately leaned in toward his earlier project that represented my original introduction to the vast, vibrant and varied charms of his music. Only 20 years of age upon its release back in 2015, the London born and bred multi-instrumentalist showcases his precocious production chops across this ceaselessly listenable, mixtape-like collection, which seizes strength in its genre fluidity, seamlessly navigating jazz, soul, hip-hop, dance and beyond. Beat Tape 2 also exemplifies Misch’s penchant for curating stellar collaborations with his fellow dynamic up-and-coming talents, as Carmody (“Wander With Me”), Loyle Carner (“Nightgowns”), Jordan Rakei (“Wake Up This Day”), Sam Wills (“In the Midst of It All”), Alexa Harley (“Your Love”), Alfa Mist (“Hark”), Bearcubs (“Colours of Freedom”), and Zak Abel (“Beautiful Escape”) all kill it in their own distinctive ways. Many of my late nights in recent years have been lovingly soundtracked by Beat Tape 2, with many more surely to come.
LISTEN & WATCH: