1. Adele: 21
Released: January 21st, 2011
I am relieved that I don’t receive the “who” question about her anymore. For years I had been saying her first album “19” was one of the best albums of the decade. It seems with her sophomore album the world took notice. Adele set a Guinness world record for most weeks at number one in the U.K. She also made number one in the U.S. and appeared atop the Billboard chart for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Even more amazing she has spent 33 weeks in the top ten on the charts with no fall in site. You know the thing that is strange about greatness? It takes people a long time to recognize it. At some point we all have to embrace Adele as we embraced the singers of old and celebrate her true artistry. This is the only cd on the list to receive a 10 on our volume meter which designates something that is timeless. This is an album to keep in rotation for many months to come.
Volume Meter 10 out of 10
2. The Weeknd: House of Balloons
Released: March 21st, 2011
Ok, I know we are going to have trouble with this one. He is a new artist fresh out the box this year. Although, I think we all will know his name pretty soon. Despite being named top album of the year by “Complex Magazine”, being featured on HBO’s “Entourage”, and continuing to build a ridiculous following via youtube “The Weeknd” still remains unknown to many music fans. That’s why we are here to get you ahead of the curve. As you listen to “House of Ballons” you will quickly realize he is very different from anything we have in the game today. Its gotta be a mix between “Drake” and “The Dream” but I have yet to find a space to categorize him. Whatever this brand of R&B, funk, rock, is it feels good. Let’s just call it alternative for now. Even when you become a fan of his you will rarely see him anywhere. I have yet to see an interview or a clear live performance but that mystic seems to be fueling his movement. So for now we will let the music speak for itself and “House of Balloons” does just that. You won’t need to hit your skip button at all on this one.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
3. Eric Roberson: Mister Nice Guy
Released: October 25th, 2011
The King of R&B Soul is back! This is something soul fans have been waiting on for a long time. Fresh off his classic release “Music Fan First”, Erro returns with “Mister Nice Guy”. By the time you read this the album may not be available in the US. Following a disappointing trend Erro released this effort in the U.K. first in September. But I had my copy shipped straight from London. Maybe if music fans in the U.S. would support good music then true artist won’t need to release their albums overseas first, but I’ll digress. Although it does not match his last release “Mister Nice Guy” is a solid effort from one of the best in the game. There are some great moments on this album and the infectious “Summertime Anthem” should have been one of the hottest singles this year. That’s the downside to being on the underground but I’m sure true Erro fans won’t mind one bit.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
4. Marsha Ambrosius: Late Nights & Early Mornings
Released: March 1st, 2011
It seems like music fans were waiting forever on this one. One of the most anticipated albums of the year did not disappoint. Fans were pleasantly greeted with the soulful and sultry vocals from one of the most unique voices in music. This one is sure to keep the candles and incense burning. I’m sure fans will be clamoring for her next album very soon.
Volume Meter: 8 Out of 10
5. Beyonce: 4
Released: June 24th, 2011
Lots of mixed feelings on this one since B took a detour from her usual approach to album making. More ballads and a softer approach made some fans turn away but there was enough party moving materials to keep true Beyonce fans. Top notch production also helped move this one on the list. Sure to get the party moving if there is a dull moment.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
6. Chris Brown: F.A.M.E.
Released: March 18th, 2011
A lot of people slept on this one or maybe Chris has lost some fans with his tumultuous year. In either case Chris still delivered on this one and showed that he will be a force in the game for many years to come. What is especially pleasing is when Chris moves into the pop arena as with “Beautiful People” and “Yeah 3x” you start to get a sense that there is nobody better in that lane.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
7. Ledisi: Pieces of Me
Released: June 14th, 2011
This is what you call a bounce back album. Ledisi will always be beloved by soul fans and she can do no wrong after her debut album. But many fans were disappointed in her sophomore album. But fresh off the sophomore jinx Ledisi has returned with a solid effort. There are plenty of memorable moments on “Pieces of Me” and many reasons to keep this one in rotation. Standout cuts like “So into you” and “Shut up” give you a reason to get excited about music again. Soul fans around the world just made a sigh of relief as they can safely say they still have their girl to count on.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
8. Brian Mcknight: Just Me
Released: July 12th, 2011
You know the bad thing about being consistently great is that people come to expect it and somehow that bores them. Strange things about humanity but in any case old faithful returns with one of the best albums of the year. Although, his last few efforts were overlooked by many, if you give them a listen you will be pleasantly surprised. Mcknight is a true artist and a veteran in the game which is reflected in the consistency of this album. All the reasons that made you like him in the 90’s are still present but surprisingly fresh and new. And “Just Let Me Know” is one of the best songs of the year by any artist. Give this one a try and you will be happy you did so.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
9. Noel Gourdin: Fresh: The Definition
Released: April 12th, 2011
For years Noel has been a favorite amongst underground soul fans. With his latest album Noel may have hit the mark. The album reminds of you how R&B used to sound. No rapper cameos or hip hop beats just straight smooth music for you to enjoy.
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
10. The Weeknd: Thursday
Released: August 18th, 2011
Yes folks, its him again. The Weeknd proved he is not only a genuine artist but that he is also good to his fans. Building upon his major buzz The Weeknd released a second album to critical acclaim. You still don’t have to hit the skip button on this one either and surprisingly if you listen to this in the bedroom it will certainly kinky things up. I don’t know I’m just saying, lol. And the best part about The Weeknd, you can download both albums totally free via his website. Enjoy!
Volume Meter: 8 out of 10
Honorable Mentions:
· Musiq: Magic in the Music
· Lloyd: King of Hearts
· Dream: 1977
· James Morrison: The Awakening
So there it is folks. Be sure to check back with us next month as we will have reviews for all the big releases in November; Torae, Wale, Black Milk, Pusha T, Mac Miller, Drake, Rihanna, Yelawolf, Mary J. Blige, and many more. Now you have a lot of downloading and listening to do, hope you enjoy!
Holla,
Craig G.
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