TTE Awards: Music Edition – Top 10 Albums of 2011
0
0
Read Time:4 Minute, 42 Second
Top 10 Albums of 2011
1. Nothing But the Beat, Deluxe Edition, David Guetta: David’s album takes the number one spot because it is pretty much the least flawed album I’ve heard this year. That’s not to down play the fantastic roduction values, maximization of all star cameos, or fun instrumentals. It’s just that with the rest of these albums on the list, the songs I don’t like, I skip. Even the lesser songs on this album are worth giving a listen to. And I dare you to listen to this in the car on your way some place and not be hype by the time you get there.
Best Songs: Little Bad Girl ft. Taio Cruz, Turn Me On ft. Nicki Minaj, Sweat ft. Snoop Dogg, I Can Only Imagine ft. Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, Repeat ft. Jessie J, Toy Story
2. Book of Mormon, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez: This hilarious album is filled with offensive lyrics, incredibly foolish cameos…and some of the best musical references one will ever hear in a Broadway score. Following the story of two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda, Trey, Matt, and Robert poke fun of everything from religion, historical figures, to even Broadway musicals (see if you can spot the Wicked, Lion King, and Busby Berkeley references)This score will make you realize why musicals have a special place in Americana.
Best Songs: Hello, You and Me (but Mostly Me), Hasa Diga Ebowai, Turn It Off, Tomorrow Is a Latter Day
3. Talk that Talk, Rihanna: My friends know I affectionately call Rihanna “Satan’s Mistress” for her dark lyrics, strange videos, and not so spectacular voice. And up until this album, she hadn’t made me a believer in her “talent”. But man this album is fire. There isn’t a bad song here and Rihanna more than earns her nickname with the dark, sexual tone and songs. But the biggest strength of this album is that it relies more on her persona and incredible production value (that Red Lipstick Beat!) to offset any issues Rihanna may have.
Best Songs: Where Have You Been, Farewell, Birthday Cake, Cockiness
4. 21, Adele: There are sad songs that make you cry and then there are songs that will have you sitting on the floor, in the dark, rocking back and forth, contemplating whether to quit your existence. Adele’s album is filled with the kind of heartachingly honest music that will make you do the latter. Proving that all you need is a voice (and some catchy lyrics), this album is a great mix of revenge, love, and heartbreak that reminds us of the bygone era.
Best Songs: Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Lovesong, Rumor Has It
5. Duets II, Tony Bennett: I was plesantly surprised that this album was as fun as it was. WHile many consider Tony Bennett part of the old guard, he proves here that he has plenty of energy left and the cache to round up some mega talent on these records. I love how every cameo is put in the perfect song to have maxium impact for the listner.
Best Songs: Body and Soul ft Amy Winehouse, That’s All I Ask ft. Josh Groban, Yesterday I Saw the Rain ft. Alejandro Sanz
6. Born This Way (Special Edition), Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga is definitely an acquired taste and she grew on me a lot. And then she released this album and my like grew to love. This is pop/club/synth perfection with the right amount of political idealism thrown in to give the songs some weight. This album would be higher were it not for the strange track ordering; listening to this album on shuffle provides just as good an experience as listening to everything in order.
Best Songs: Judas, Fashion of His Love, Government Hooker, Schibe
7. Lioness: Hidden Treasures, Amy Winehouse: Following her tragic death, Amy Winehouse’s family and close producer friend Mark Ronson, created this hodgepodge album for us fans to get one last listen to a talent that was gone to soon. I enjoyed this album for it’s revamping of Amy’s old standards as well as giving us some new songs. Most of all, this album is a great representation of the tragic genius of an artist gone too soon.
Best Songs: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, Wake Up Alone, A Song For You
8. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Original Broadway Cast: How could a musical about 3 drag queens travelling through Australia featuring disco and Madonna classics not make this list? The production of this album is great, the songs are fun, and the voices of the cast members really compliment each of their songs.
Best Songs: It’s Raining Men, Go West, Like A Prayer
9. Stone Rollin, Raphael Saddiq: This is a great throwback record to 60s and 70s while being fun and modern. His mega hit single Stone Rollin is pure fire and the rest of the album is just as good. If you love the earlier days of funk and soul, you’ll like this record.
Best Songs: Stone Rollin, Radio
10. Watch the Throne (Deluxe Edition), Jay-Z and Kanye West: While I love the production values and the inclusion of Frank Ocean on a few songs, this album is almost here by default. It has plenty of weaknesses (track order, lack of chemistry on certain songs, and the need to throw a strange beat at the end of every song) the power and talent of Kanye and Jay-Z really shines through and fights off other contenders.
Best Songs: Otis, No Church in the Wild, New Day, Niggas in Paris
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %