Honestly, I think 2011 has been one of the best music years in awhile. Usually I have to stretch to find 10 albums that could contend for album of the year rights in August. This year, I've had to make difficult decisions that will undoubtedly be made more difficult when the "marquee" releases of the year hit in the Fall (see: Drake).
So here they are, my top 10 of 2011 (so far):
So here they are, my top 10 of 2011 (so far):
Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch The Throne One of the best things about hip hop is that it can not only exist as a solo exercise of self-expression, a derisive battle of words and wit, but also as a collaborative piece of art and music. Although both Jay-Z and Kanye can't claim that this album is better than their respective solo efforts, they can claim the throne as the best album of the summer. This album screams summer, at least everything good about it - bbqs, day drinking, sunny drives, and most of all great times. From the Otis music video that forces you to grin from ear to ear, to the infectious throwback beats on Gotta Have It and Who Gon' Stop Me, Watch The Throne reminds us that sometimes life can be fucking great.
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light I know it is cliche to say that a single album can save rock and roll, but I firmly believe that Wasting Light does that. There is a deep sense of authenticity, originality, of pure love and respect for music that permeates the entire album. Perhaps it is the fact that they recorded on tape instead of with pro-tools, or that they recorded the album on their own time, with their own team, or maybe it was the fact that in a sea of musicians looking for the easy single with the dance beats and the pop hooks, they just wanted to do what felt right in their hearts. And I'm glad they did.
Adele - 21
There is not much to say about Adele that hasn't already been said. So I'll just say the first three things that come to my mind when I think of this album: gorgeous, shockingly emotional, and absolutely perfect.
Alkaline Trio - Damnesia
The most important thing to know about Damnesia is that this isn't just an acoustic album. It is not a vehicle to re purpose old songs. The album should stand on its own as a reminder that this is a trio that writes amazing songs rooted in punk rock, drinking, and lost loves. It recaptures the raw, bitter honesty and the unparallelled imagery that can sometimes be lost in production. Matt Skiba's vocals have never sounded better and he definitely shows he is the personality of the band (see: Olde English 800), but it is Dan Andriano that steals the show with his classic Every Thug Needs A Lady. I think the strongest testament to this album is that it has made me want to listen to all the old albums. Here's hoping there will be a Damnesia Pt. 2.
Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers
Sometimes you find comfort in the most unlikely places. Rolling Papers is that album for me. Haters take notice, this is an album about pushing back, proving people wrong, taking a step back and celebrating all the work and the spoils that have come from it. It's an anthem for anyone who has ever had someone try to discredit and trivialize their passions. With a swagger and an attitude that reads "I don't give a fuck" Wiz Khalifa won't go down as the best rapper in history (or even come close) but he has created an extremely enjoyable album with a message that can be taken to heart. Fuck the haters, you'll be just fine.
The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
There's a reason why Dave Grohl tweeted that The Joy Formidable wrote one of the best songs of the year with "Whirring". Beautifully intricate with haunting, stir-causing vocals, with the pop sensibility of Metric, The Big Roar is conceptually strong and deeply layered. This is an album to be played loudly, the type that would be best heard cutting through a dark, late summer night, where only you and the crickets can hum along. It's the kind of album that you don't want to share, you want to have it all to yourself, hear it in your own way, use it as your own soundtrack, or at the very least, let it sing you to sleep.
Lupe Fiasco - Lasers
Lasers is incredibly enjoyable. A bit uneven, with a couple misses (i.e. the awful State Run Radio), Lasers succeeds because of Lupe, and Lupe only. Extremely gifted and a true talent, he carries the album with his flows on Words I Never Said, Til I Get There, and The Show Goes On. MDMA and Trey Songz contribute good hooks, but at the end of the day, it is lines like "Wanna see a real change, look in your mind/Your brain look like Hemingway brother?/Overgrow, overload, broken soul" that prove that true lyricism is still alive.
Moving Mountains - Waves
The first time I heard this album I knew that this would become one of my favorites. Atmospheric, post-hardcore with similarities to Thrice, Circa Survive and Armor For Sleep - on paper this would be a no brainer. However my tastes had strayed away from the genre as of late and I didn't know how I would react. After the first song I knew that this was still where my heart lies. Beautiful and utterly personal, Waves is an album through and through. I could keep it on repeat for hours and never get tired of it. There are moments that are akin to Thrice's haunting "Beltsville Crucible", moments where you feel like your heart is screaming along even if your voice isn't. Thanks for reminding me of where my roots are.
Foster The People - Torches
I'm not a hipster. But I love this album. Catchy as hell, quirky and fun, no other way to describe it. If I danced, I would dance to this, it's just way to much fun.
The Weeknd - House Of Balloons / Thursday
Electro-indie R&B with Drake's stamp of approval, The Weeknd is an unlikely addition here. After releasing 2 mixtapes, I still love House of Balloons (more melodic, vocal-driven than Thursday),
but I do love both in their own way. Haunting to the point of chilling, melodic and intriguing at the same time, The Weeknd's best work is building an atmosphere of uncertainty and restlessness. You never know what is going to happen, and that's what makes it so interesting.