Charli XCX - Sucker

Recommended by Bex:

Following collaborations with Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora, not to mention a big solo hit with 'Boom Clap', Charli XCX has been catapulted into the mainstream. And it's about time, as she had been gnawing at its edges, full of infectious, self-penned songs for no little while.

This is her third album overall, and the first that will really engage with a sizeable audience, but its maker hasn't compromised an inch. Sucker finds that same, singular performer rewriting the rules entirely, never mind breaking any, and beating pop at its own game.

Listen to the excellent predecessor, True Romance, in full here.

Slipknot - .5: The Gray Chapter

Recommended by Bex:

This is the first Slipknot album that has really captured my attention since the Iowa days. The new tracks sounded brilliant live in Cardiff, demonstrating their consistency and continual progression.

Such was the level of fandom in the arena that frontman Corey Taylor was bordering on speechless when the crowd sat down in the middle of 'Spit It Out', no instructions necessary; they knew the old sit down, jump up routine that the band requests in big live gigs. Being a witness to this night of extremes – visual, audible and physical – was incredibly fun.

Ariana Grande - Christmas Kisses

Recommended by Bex:

Who can resist Ariana shaking her thing in a Christmas onesie, anyway? Not me. Here's to a happy 2015.

Azealia Banks - Broke with Expensive Taste

Recommended by Bex:

After some PR missteps and label shenanigans, Azealia's debut LP finally surfaced in November. It takes you on a weird (in a good way) journey through a spectrum of various sounds and genres - from Caribbean and Spanish flavors to deep house, from pop to hip hop.

She delves into many styles and is fearless when it comes to her versatility as an artist. People can hate on her all they want, but if Azealia Banks continues to put out music like this, she won't have to worry about what her critics say. The standout album of 2014.

Taylor Swift - 1989

Recommended by Bex:

The title of an Amazon review says it all for me: 'Will have to play this 1989 times before I get bored of it. Album of the year!'. Taylor has fully transitioned from country to pop, and is a force to be reckoned with.

She wrote and helped to produce all of the songs here, which makes it feel like you're reading her diary. The songs are insightful and fun. The voice memos on the deluxe ('Blank Space', 'I Wish You Would', 'I Know Places'), in particular, give a nice insight into her songwriting.

Here's Taylor, on what looks to be the same NY ferry I took:

Iggy Azalea - Reclassified

Recommended by Bex:

Iggy Azalea, whose real name I just discovered to be Amethyst Amelia Kelly, is a sweetheart when interviewed. For this reason, I've remained fascinated by how opposing her musical style is. Plus, 'Problem' was my summer anthem and really gained momentum here in the UK.

Reclassified is essentially a repackaging of the debut LP The New Classic. It features five new songs, a selection of tracks from the former release, and is substantially more cohesive than her first attempt.

Azalea was recently nominated for six American Music Awards – the most of anyone - including 'Artist of the Year' and 'Single of the Year'.

Ariana Grande - My Everything

Recommended by Bex:

Ariana Grande is a multi-talented, hard-working young girl, trying to find a place in the entertainment business. Critics compare her to greats like Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey, I agree such comparison is justified.

Pop stars have a tendency to shed their clean-cut image, and alienate in the process; the positive image that Ariana fostes seems proof of her good intentions. The follow-up to last year's Yours Truly mixes several genres, appealing to many listeners and showcasing her vocal range.