The Plastic blog
July 15th
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published



Tame Impala • Currents
Released 15 July 2015 · 12th anniversary
Kevin Parker famously recorded this entire project alone in his home studio, trading his signature guitar fuzz for a lush, synthesizer-heavy palette. The shift marked a pivotal transition from his psychedelic rock roots into a polished, introspective brand of dance-pop that felt both deeply personal and globally accessible.
Production here leans heavily into the glossy, disco-inflected textures of the mid-2010s, blending organic instrumentation with meticulous digital layering. It remains a definitive record of the era, capturing a specific kind of modern melancholy that feels just as comfortable on a late-night drive as it does on a crowded dance floor.

Michael Kiwanuka • Love & Hate
Released 15 July 2016 · 11th anniversary
Cinematic strings and raw, gospel-infused vocals define this record, marking a bold departure from the artist's folk-leaning debut. It feels like a deeply personal excavation of identity and struggle, anchored by the sprawling, ten-minute opening track that sets a haunting tone for the entire journey.
Produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the album leans into a lush, psychedelic soul aesthetic that feels both timeless and urgent. The production layers vintage warmth with modern grit, creating a soundscape that echoes the classic R&B masters while remaining firmly planted in the contemporary landscape.

Neil Diamond • Moods
Released 15 July 1972 · 55th anniversary
Songwriting brilliance shines through here, most notably with the inclusion of the iconic anthem 'Song Sung Blue.' It remains a pivotal moment in the singer's transition from folk-pop roots toward the grand, theatrical pop sound that would define his career for decades.
Production values on this record reflect the polished, lush arrangements common to the mid-seventies pop landscape. The tracks lean heavily into orchestral textures and rhythmic precision, creating a warm, radio-ready atmosphere that perfectly complements his signature baritone delivery.

Sabrina Carpenter • Emails I Can't Send
Released 15 July 2022 · 5th anniversary
Personal vulnerability takes center stage here as the songwriting draws directly from a collection of unsent drafts and private reflections. These tracks navigate the messy aftermath of public scrutiny and heartbreak with a refreshing, diary-like intimacy.
Production leans into a sleek, modern indie-pop sound that balances stripped-back ballads with playful, rhythmic hooks. It captures a specific moment of transition, blending sharp lyrical wit with a polished aesthetic that feels both relatable and carefully crafted.

Black Midi • Hellfire
Released 15 July 2022 · 5th anniversary
Chaos reigns supreme on this record, which plays out like a fever dream of cabaret-infused math rock. It pushes the band's technical proficiency to the absolute limit, weaving dark, theatrical narratives into a dense tapestry of sound.
Recorded with a relentless, high-octane energy, the production captures a band operating at a breakneck pace. It stands as a definitive statement from the London experimental scene, blending jagged rhythms with an almost operatic sense of dread.

Lizzo • Special
Released 15 July 2022 · 5th anniversary
This vibrant collection blends infectious disco rhythms with modern trap beats to create an empowering sonic experience. It highlights themes of self-love and resilience through polished production and catchy melodies that define the contemporary pop landscape.
Listeners encounter a seamless fusion of funk, soul, and hip hop influences throughout the tracklist. These songs showcase impressive vocal versatility while maintaining a high-energy atmosphere perfect for both dance floors and personal reflection.
How to track album anniversaries in your collection
Give the records on your shelf another spin. Plastic helps you organize your vinyl and CDs, sync your collection with Discogs, and discover album anniversaries and the stories behind them. Explore new releases and rediscover something you already own.
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