In Bob Boilen's favorite concert of 2015, Sufjan Stevens turned Washington, D.C.'s Constitution Hall into a place of self-discovery and magic. Bob Boilen/NPR hide caption
It's a "waste a time to have expectations" about Young Thug (seen here performing in Atlanta in October), writes Rembert Browne. Prince Williams/Getty Images hide caption
In January, Mucca Pazza set a Tiny Desk record by fitting 23 members onstage. Colin Marshall/NPR hide caption
Sadie Dupuis calls Dilly Dally's Sore her favorite album of 2015. PAHF/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
The artwork for VHOL's Deeper Than Sky perfectly illustrates the shredded cosmos the album explores. Brandon Duncan/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Viking's Choice 2015: Hear The Discussion And The Songs
Mbongwana Star rose out the remains of Staff Benda Bilili. Florent de la Tullaye/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
What Artist Did You Fall In Love With In 2015?
So Sad Today's Melissa Broder says The Weeknd's songs are "sexy, though not longing-y on his part, because I feel like he is in control." Brad Barket/Getty Images hide caption
Dornik quietly made one of the year's best R&B albums. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Maria Schneider and Rudresh Mahanthappa share top honors in the 2015 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. Briene Lermitte/Jimmy Katz/Courtesy of the artists hide caption