by Albert Rodriguez and Jessica Price - SGN A&E Writers

Every show is different. Every crowd is different. Every set list and tour is different. From everyone and everything we saw in 2015, these are the five shows that were just better than the rest, in ranking order.

ALBERT RODRIGUEZ's picks:

1. Zedd - Key Arena, September 6 (Bumbershoot)
The only way to describe Zedd's concert at Bumbershoot is explosive. It was the biggest Key Arena crowd for a festival performance I'd ever witnessed with the main floor at capacity 90 minutes before it even started. It was fun and wild with colorful fireworks, strobe lights, smoke bombs, and confetti I wish we could turn back time and experience 'Beautiful Now' from that night all over again.

2. Taylor Swift - CenturyLink Field, August 8
60,000 'Swifties' showed up for the pop superstar's grand spectacle at CenturyLink Field this summer, and she didn't disappoint. She performed all of her big hits, interacted with the crowd, brought out special guests (Fetty Wap, Russell Wilson, Ciara), and kept us entertained with dazzling stage sets and well-choreographed numbers.

3. Death Cab for Cutie - The Crocodile, January 21
DCFC introduced local diehards to music from its then-forthcoming album Kintsugi during a special, intimate concert at The Crocodile (500 person capacity) that also included terrific versions of 'Marching Bands of Manhattan,' 'I Will Possess Your Heart,' 'The New Year,' and 'You Are Not a Tourist.'

4. Ariana Grande - Key Arena, April 14
I was surprised and impressed with how good Grande was in concert. It was a sophisticated show, yet suitable for all ages, with sharp choreography, slick LED graphics, cute costumes, smoke bombs, and the pint-sized beauty singing all the way through. In fact, she hit all those high notes flawlessly during 'Break Free.'

5. Rick Springfield - Neptune Theatre, January 25
The singer-actor's 'Stripped Down' appearance at the Neptune Theatre was an intimate one that allowed fans to see and hear him in a small setting. He sang, shared stories and photographs from his childhood and early days of his career, and then concluded with a Q&A session with the audience.

JESSICA PRICE's picks:

1. Madonna - Moda Center (Portland), October 17
2. Bette Midler - Key Arena, June 1
3. Florence + The Machine - Key Arena, October 27
4. Nikki Lane - Neumos, November 19
5. Chelsea Wolfe - Neumos, September 29

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