Olafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter (2013)

One of the most recognizable names in ambient-classical fusion, Olafur Arnalds has returned for his third proper album and this he's brought Arnor Dan Arnarson of Icelandic band Agent Fresco with him. Mixing in vocals with this style of music is an unexpected and rather risky move, but Arnarson's sweet, almost Jonsi-like falsetto melts into the songs with ease. Other than the addition of vocals, Arnalds mostly sticks to his guns and delivers expertly crafted, beautiful atmospheric tracks riddled with his trademark icy beats. It's an epic, gorgeous album that, along with the new Ludovico Einaudi record, is sure to be one of the best classical albums of the year and possibly Arnalds' best.
9/10