This year brought many new developments in terms of culture. Here are some albums released this year that were immensely popular and were admired across all walks of life.

1. Lorde, Melodrama

Almost four years after the release of her first album, Pure Heroine, Lorde delivered with an album jam-packed with emotions. With "Green Light" as the first single off of the album, she provides a beautiful narrative of a girl in her teenage years. Lorde's music is the perfect soundtrack to those long car rides with friends, or for just staying in alone. The universality of Melodrama is what makes it beautiful, just as Pure Heroine was.

What I Recommend From This Album: Homemade Dynamite

2. Harry Styles, Harry Styles

Styles' debut solo album channels many rock icons of the past. Each of his ten songs on the album features all kinds of rock, whether it be soft (Meet Me In The Hallway) or rowdy (Kiwi). Styles' personality really shines through in this entire album, showcasing a range of emotions. While his love for rock may have shone through in some One Direction songs (Stockholm Syndrome, anyone?) it's refreshing to hear Styles' new music - not as a desperate attempt to shed his boy-band image, but a free expression of what he's always loved.

What I Recommend From This Album: Ever Since New York

3. Trixie Mattel, Two Birds

She's the most famous (and probably only) folk drag musician. After competing in RuPaul's Drag Race, Brian Firkus and his larger-than-life drag persona, Trixie Mattel, go back to their Wisconsin roots in this album. Songs such as "Mama Don't Make Me Put On The Dress Again" and "Bluegrass" are sing-along classics for that niche audience of fans of both country and drag.

What I Recommend From This Album: Mama Don't Make Me Put On The Dress Again

4. Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

Kendrick Lamar's music is poetic and truthful, no matter which of his albums you prefer. His timeless lyrics mixed in with a modern sound make this an album to remember. Especially with the rising popularity of "HUMBLE." , it doesn't take long for his songs to worm his way into your mind and have you thinking about the lyrics for days afterwards.

What I Recommend From This Album: DNA.

5. Ed Sheeran, ÷

After a long hiatus, Sheeran's return with his third studio album was monumental. The mix of hip-hop and pop are so characteristically Ed Sheeran that each song gives the listener a sense of all of the ambition put into this. "Eraser" and "New Man" will have you dancing, while "Dive" and "Perfect" may reduce you to tears. But really, what else would you expect?

What I Recommend From This Album: Galway Girl