2011 was undoubtedly a great year in music. Many indie artist surfaced the scene and stole the spotlight, while some legendary artist collaborated and brought their best. The year was filled with record breaking hits after hits.A few underground artist also made their way to the top with their viral mixtapes taking over the web. 2011 brought the world a lot of amazing new talents with new sounds and gave us extraordinary albums from veteran talents as well. We can only hope to see the same in 2012, if not better. Take a look at some of the most exceptional albums/records of 2011. (Listed in no particular order).
Adele - 21
Adele, with out any doubt, deserves recognition for her magnificent contributions to the music industry last year. The crooner moved the world with her breathtaking voice and profound lyrics. Adele's second studio album, 21, is a rollercoaster ride of anger, dismay, revenge, forgiveness, and self-acclamation. The singer is able to accurately reflect the issues of every broken heart through her songs. The emotion expressed is real, the tone in her voice is real, and it translates so effortlessly with each pitch. For these reasons, Adele, was able to captured the attention of over 20 million listeners world wide in 2011, alone, and become the top selling artist of the year.
Kendrick Lamar - Section 80
When it come to story-telling and pure lyricism, Kendrick Lamar is right on track. The new comers, stole the show with his viral hit, Section 80. The Compton native, has already received major head-nods from some of hip-hops greatest. His style and flow is so intricate and different from most rappers. Lamar reinstates poetic techniques in the rap industry. He stays true to his personality. Lamar manages to find a common ground between expressing his views on society and having fun with the music. Just as well, he hold so much versatility; knowing how and when to speed his style up or slow it down.
Foster the People - Torches
Who doesn't love a dope indie band that is able to get people dancing to a song about a shooter on the loose. The L.A band, Foster the People, isn't afraid to speak about issues the may seem odd to ordinary perception. What makes this band so amazing? Probably, the fact that they can cunningly take alarming stories and add an upbeat tempo to it, without you even realizing the eerie nature of the song. As expressed in their song, "Call it What You Want", Foster the People is all about breaking free of categorization and living life rather than worrying about it. Lead singer, Mark Foster challenges societal classifications singing "You say, now what's your style and who do you listen to?" later stating, "Who, cares?" in response. They're blunt, carefree style and upbeat nature work quite well.
SBTRKT - SBTRKT
Dubstep made a big mark in music this past year. However, no one seemed to grasp a broader spectrum on the the sounds of dubstep and twist it even more than SBTKRT. SBTRKT finally captured the attention of the world with his funky self-entitled album. The UK sound mixer, fittingly intertwines pop melodies with heavy bass tempos and garage music. Even more exceptional, are the vocal features on the album. SBTKRT taps Little Dragon, Roses Gabor, Jessie Ware, and Sampha to lend their voices to the tracks. The rugged and soulful nature of some of the vocals, surprisingly, blends well with the DJ's beats and melodies. His ability to mix such different sounds so smoothly, deserves honorable mentions.
Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne
Watch the Throne was one of the most anticipated albums of 2011. The world surely could not wait the hear what the two "Roc" legendaries, Jay-Z and Kanye West, had in store. No one knew what to expect from the artists, who happen to always bring surprising, yet, phenomenal performances. The two definitely delivered heat for the world to hear. The combination of both of their lyrical styles worked perfectly. The production was awesome and the lyrical content was brilliant. Although few features are made on the album by Beyonce and Frank Ocean, the two manage to keep the attention on them, with their commanding lyrics. They find a middle ground between discussing lavish lifestyles and political concern. Only these two, among other can turn a song, that many are hesitate to pronounce, into such a hit. "That s**t" cray".
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
There is so much to be said about this folk band, that made headway into the public eye after being featured on Kaye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. However, Kanye West had no influence on their success, their undeniable talent had everything to do with their launch to the top. In fact, their talent has landed them 4 nominations for this year's Grammy. The headliner of the group, Justin Vernon, gravitates ears with his soft spoken and high pitch voice. Their track are very melodic and tranquil.
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Frank Ocean - Nostalgia,ULTRA
Frank Ocean has to be one of the biggest breakthrough artist of the year. Ocean achieved so much in the span of less than 12 months after the release of his mixtape turned album, Nostalgia, ULTRA. The crooner brought a new sound to the music industry along with fellow newcomer The Weeknd. Although many would consider Ocean to fall under the category of R&B, his musical style is so transverse, that it is not one to be categorized. The genre crossing musician had the world in his hands in 2011, while receiving applause from some of the most prominent artist in music. He is not only a singer, but an extraordinary producer and songwriter as well. Nostalgia, ULTRA gave the world new sounds to hear and to build on.
The Weeknd -House of Balloons
The Weeknd is another genre breaking artist that has taking the nation by storm. The musician's viral mixtape, House of Balloons, is unlike most tracks people have heard before. One would expect that many would reject The Weeknd's eerie and unorthodox approach to music, but the singer is able to execute his style and attract a varied audience. The Weeknd has earned respect among crowds from an influence of R&B and hip-hop to rock, making him one of the most profound new artist out.
Drake - Take Care
Take Care, was yet another, highly anticipated album to be released in 2011. Drake expressed the fact that he put his heart and soul into the album, and the album reflects exactly what he proclaimed. Drake surely did not disappoint. Even with an unfortunate early leak of the album, Drake still manged to obtain big numbers in album sales. Although, Drake expressed a more contemporary soulful style of rapping for his sophomore album, he still managed to keep the respect of the hip-hop community and earn the same respect from other genres as well. Drake is so emotionally open when it comes to his music, and that is what happens to make him stand out from fellow hip-hop artist.
Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials
Florence + The Machine is a mystical band destined to be heard. Lead singer, Florence Welch, gravitates every ear to her voice with her strong, domineering vocals. The album is like an auditory carnival, with gargantuan drums and voluminous chords streaming back and forth. Welch's high pitch murmur may, at first, seem unpleasant, but it works so well against the vigorous chords and makes the tracks more powerful as a result.
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Coldplay always comes with amazing hits, so this pick should be no surprise. The UK band laid low on the scene for three years before releasing their fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto. In usual Coldplay fashion the songs express a highly optimistic outlook on life. The album is a bit different from their previous albums, but exceptional nonetheless. Few features have ever been made on Coldplay records, but the band opted to approach Rihanna for their track, Princess of China. The tracks are so vivid and grand. You can not help but picture a spur of bright light moving through your mind.
Lykke Li - Wounded Ryhmes
Lykke Li is at last receiving the recognition she deserves. Li gained much exposure from her song "Possibilities" which appeared on the official Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. Her fan base has grown since then, but her talent has always been grand. Lykke Li's first studio album, Youth Novel, could capture one's mind in a instant. Her voice is quite unique and withholds so much innocence. The production on each track is noteworthy as well. Lykke Li appeals to a young audience and brings a different element to music with each of her tracks. In result, she earns major respect for her musical abilities.
Beyonce - 4
Beyonce was the greatest topic of discussions in 2011. Although much attention steamed from her highly publicized pregnancy, the star also made many headlines with her chart topping album, 4. The singer, seemed to open up more about her private life, without giving to much away. The album was extremely more intimate than her previous albums. Like, Adele, the star happens to touch every subject from heartbreak to happiness and self-assurance. Although, Beyonce is give insight to her emotions, she still preserves her uptempo songs made for dancing.
The Roots - Undun
The neosoul/hip hop group, The Roots, opted to tell a story through their thirteenth studio album, Undun. Undun gives a semi-fictional narrative of a character referred to as, Redford Stevens. The album provides retrospect on choosing to live a life ruled by greed and crime vs. a clean one. The records tell the story in reverse, first expressing the fate of Redford's life and slowing gravitating listeners towards the decision Redford could have made to change up his circumstances. The Roots' knack for storytelling through their music keeps them ahead of the game and provides more meaning to their songs.
J Cole- Cole World
The Roc Nation newcomer deserves so much respect for his lyrical content and expressive flow. J. Cole released his debut album , entitled Cole World after putting out a series of mixtape throughout the year. Cole generated a loyal fan base from his mixtape, and proved to not disappoint them with his album. Cole, is so well versed on the tracks, and his delivery is appropriately executed throughout the album. Cole knows how to keep his fans connected to his words, as he carries so much emotion through his songs. Cole tells his life story and journey from good to bad. He also sheds light on issues that are prevalent through most relationships. One noteworthy track on the album would have to be "Lost Ones", where Cole expresses the emotional trial a man encounters after getting a girl pregnant. Cole rhymes extremely animated. As a result of his vivid delivery he stands out as one of the best "Rookies of the Year".
Cults - Cults
The Cults are yet another viral sensation that hit big. The group's catchy tunes are hard to resist. The synths, guitars rifts, and soft child-like vocals capture your mind and make you want to sing along. The cults reinvent the sounds from the 70's Woodstock era perfectly.
The Black Keys - El Camino
After gaining major high rise success from the last album, Brother, the american blues rock band, the Black Keys, never came back down. They released their seventh studio album last month and have already managed to have two chart topping singles. Their latest single, "Lonely Boy" is currently the number one single on Billboard's list of top 100 Rock Songs. The rock duo preserve the sounds of classic rugged and blues inspired rock music.
Common - The Dreamer/ The Believer
Common - Celebrate
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