Top 11 Albums of 2011
AdamScheuering I decided to create an unranked list of my favorite albums of 2011. It became too much of a chore trying to rank this music; and ultimately I decided that while lists are awesome, ranks can be somewhat worthless. Click on the blue heading to read a brief review of the album. I've also included music videos for your viewing pleasure.
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Fleet Foxes“ Every bit as magical and transportive as their first album. The addition of new instruments and more lush orchestrations make this an even more dynamic listening experience. „ -
Section.80
Kendrick Lamar“ One of the more important hip hop albums I've heard in quite some time. Lamar claims on the album, "I'm not the next socially aware rapper," but it's difficult to overlook the fact that even despite his rhyming abilities and production, what's really catching is his meaningful lyrical content. „ -
Beyoncé“ I'll admit it: This is my most played album of 2011. Am I embarrassed? No. Surprised? A little bit. Beyonce sounds all grown up and better than ever. 4 has the ability to sound incredibly personal while at the same time being relatable to anyone who has experienced the pure bliss and hell of being in love. „ -
St. Vincent“ St. Vincent is sounding more funky and self-assured than ever before on this album. For me, this is also her most fluid album to date. The entire thing flows seamlessly and the instrumental breakdowns are incredible. „ -
Father Son Holy Ghost
Girls“ This album is a portrait of what it means to be lost. and then found for a moment, and then lost again. Christopher Owens has a way of conveying raw emotion with his voice that is deeply moving and at times heartbreaking. He also has a keen ear for melody and song structure that gives this album a classic feel from the first listen. „ -
Take Care
Drake“ Intensely personal and staggeringly well-produced. This is one of the biggest surprises of the year. This album sold me on Drake as a serious artist. I wasn't much for his first record, and apparently neither was he. This album boasts an attention to detail and over-arching theme that hasn't been heard since Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. In fact, the albums almost seem like spiritual siblings in a way. „ -
It's All True
Junior Boys“ This was my "Coming to Japan" album. Its sometimes strange electronic sound was perfectly fitting for my transition into a sometimes strange electronic city. After landing at the airport, I was listening to the track 'The Reservoir' while I caught my first glimpse of Tokyo from an express train, and that moment will forever remain burned into my brain. Pure magic. „ -
Mylo Xyloto
Coldplay“ Hey! Look! Coldplay made it on my list! I must suk at musix. „ - Bon Iver“ This album sounds like home. If Junior Boys was my 'coming to Japan' album, Bon Iver was the soundtrack for occasional homesickness. There's something very classic about Justin Vernon's voice and the way he composes songs. Self-reflective moments abound on this album and songs like 'Calgary' offer the type of life-affirming stuff that only comes along once in awhile. On the beach, in the mountains; just walk, listen and love. „
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Parallax
Atlas Sound“ Deerhunter was the first concert I went to in Japan. And judging by Bradford Cox's last Atlas Sound release, there was no way I wasn't going to love this album. It's mood-setting music. For whatever mood you might be in. Another (not surprising) brilliant installment from one of the most creative and original Indie musicians alive. „ - Kanye West, Jay-Z, The Throne“ The most excessive album of the year, which is both good and bad. But mostly good. While this album may not match up artistically to other albums on this list, (or to Kanye and Jay's past works for that matter) it is still an infectious album and necessary at the same time. It's like the hip-hip equivalent of watching a Jason Statham movie. It may not be Oscar-worthy, but holy s**t it's fun. „
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