-20-11-
20.Rihanna-Unapologetic
19.Kimbra-Vows
18.One Direction-Up All Night
17.capsule-STEREO WORXXX
16.Linkin Park-Living Things
15.Zedd-Clarity
14.Sleigh Bells-Reign of Terror
13.Electric Guest-Mondo
12.Calvin Harris-18 Months
11.Ellie Goulding-Halcyon
As much as everyone seems to dislike Dappy for being the way he is, his music is spot on. He gave us one of the best crossover songs of 2011 with "No Regrets" and continued the trend by getting Brian May (yes THAT Brian May) to a song with him. A break from N-Dubz may have been what the doctor ordered, as Dappy sings, raps, laments, taunts and overall slays existences with this almost cohesive debut album.
Key Tracks:Tarzan,Rockstar,No Regrets,IOU,Yin-Yang,Good Intentions
The album that Justin Bieber’s “Believe” tried to be but slightly missed the mark. The debut from the YouTuber turned full-fledged pop star may draw comparisons from his Canadian counterpart, but not only does this album has a clear direction, more tolerable vocals, and replay value, but doesn’t try come off trying to be a mature or adult. I mean he gave us the best one liner in a song ever in “Vegas Girl” (“Hit the jackpot underneath the covers”).
Key Tracks:Vegas Girl,Turn Around,Glass Girl,Just In Case,Take Off
Literally out of nowhere came Seattle rapper Ben Haggerty with the infectious, "Thrift Shop," a hip-hop song about how you can get fresh at your local consignment shop. As misleading as this single is, the rest of the album carries an amazing amount of seriousness (same-sex relations in "Same Love") and realness ("Make The Money") that has left the rap world in favor of songs about big booty hoes and how awesome there cliques are. Ryan Lewis' ear for production also gave it a sort of freshness that has been missing since trap music was invented.
Key Tracks:Same Love, 1000 Hours,Thrift Shop,Make The Money,Cowboys Boots
Off all the acts (both male and female) to come from the machine that is the UK X-Factor, Rebecca Ferguson is the most genuine. Her debut album gave us more than enough of the soul that she showcased on the show and then some. A dash of Mowton, a pinch of Chaka Khan and a whole bag full of talent is what you get with Rebecca and that's the greatest thing about this album: just talent.
Key Tracks:Too Good To Lose,Teach Me How To Be Loved,Backtrack,Shoulder To Shoulder
Lana (who's genitals taste like that one soft drink) pulled off her gangster Nancy Sinatra alter-ego well with her debut.With help from a team of producers who crafted the album around her tragic vocals with hip-hop, 50s pop, and modern day sadcore, Lana was able to keep this depressing love story going and going and going...for days (depending on how much you repeated the album)
Key Tracks:Born To Die,Summertime Sadness,Radio,Off To The Races,National Anthem
Last year British rapper/singer Eliot Gleave abandoned his normal dance pop stylings for a darker, dubstep influenced route; celebrating being a free spirit, indirectly encouraging recreational drug use and embracing the ‘you only live once’ mindset. This year he dug a bit deeper with that sound but included some grunge rock influences for this depressing, vulnerable, musical equivalent to a therapy session. What came from that was one of the of the year’s most relatable albums, even if you have never touched any of the stuff a day in your life.
Key Tracks:Say Nothing,Queen of Your Dreams,Someone To Die For,The Evolution of Man,All My Lows
The soundtrack to the movie of the same name, Strickland Banks got left at the door and a more hardened and socially-focused Plan B emerged. Most of the album talks about life on the streets from different perspectives and he did it without being overwhelmingly depressing, but maintained a sense of "you need to hear what I have to say even if it is about stuff you should care about and not about YOLO and all that". It hasn't been the most popular thing in rap nowadays to do songs criticizing the government or the way people live their lives, but Mr.Drew took it there and hopefully others will follow in his footsteps.
Key Tracks:ill Manors,Playing With Fire,Deepest Shame,Falling Down,Lost My Way
With his Tumblr coming out letter released back in July, Odd Future member Frank Ocean extends it a bit more on his mainstream debut. Another album where social commentary and personal back story are the foundation, Mr.Ocean keeps the listener interested with 9 minute opuses about strippers, heartwarming, yet pain-filled love stories via movie metaphors and taxi cab confessions. Just think of it as a Ocar-winning film without all the pretentiousness.
Key Tracks:Thinking Bout You,Lost,Forrest Gump,Pyramids,Pilot Jones,Pink Matter
The Seattle based Korean singer/rapper brings a diverse set for his first full length LP. The album navigates the plains of top forty electropop, hip-hop and 90s era R&B almost flawlessly, with each song being a springboard for the next. Jay’s foreign rapping oozes more confidence than his American counterparts while rapping on tracks like “Enjoy the Show” and rivals the hypersexualization of Trey Songz and Usher on cuts like “Turn off Your Phone.” New Breed is far from the most original album, but it does give some insight of what Mr.Park could do when he is working on album #2.
Key Tracks:Carefree,Know Your Name,Up and Down,Girlfriend,Turn Off Your Phone,Go
People may be praising Miguel for bringing back real R&B with his song “Adorn” but UK based Jessie Ware should be applauded for tapping into the power of 80s soul and quiet storm for her debut album. The album takes pride in the fact that is focuses on subdued production to allow Miss Ware’s voice to take center stage rather than relying on big booming production to do all the work for her. It doesn’t hurt that Jessie knows her way around a Big Punisher sample either (listen to “110%” and fall in love). Jessie's debut may have not been the commercial success that it deserved to be but it easily trumps most mainstream releases with ease.
Key Tracks:Running,Devotion,Sweet Talk,110%,Something Inside,Night Light
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