4. CHVRCHES, “Clearest Blue” [Virgin/Glassnote]
The Scottish electronic-pop trio defied all odds and actually lived up the anticipatory hype set up by 2013 debut The Bones Of What You Believe. CHVRCHES became everyone’s favorite, and even drew praise from the types of people who don’t like electro-pop, crossing over into mainstream territory while not alienating longtime fans of the genre. On stunning new disc Every Open Eye, standout track “Clearest Blue” slams and slices and builds over two minutes before exploding in festival-made modern pop euphoria. Certified J-A-M.