Top Albums of 2011
Ryan Adams - Ashes and Fire
I admit it, I pray at the alter of Ryan Adams. I think as an artist, this man can do no wrong. Ashes and Fire is alt country at it’s best. Deep and mellow, wonderfully written and produced. Favorite Song: Dirty Rain
Adele - 21
There is a reason this young lady has everyone buzzing; she’s the real deal. Her voice is powerful and haunting. She captures everything we love about power soul singers and her lyrics are perfectly articulated. Favorite Song: Rolling In The Deep (there’s a reason it was played so much)
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Great energetic and fun album. It lacks some of the depth of previous releases, but it’s still all Foo Fighters with great beats and catchy lyrics. A must have for any music lovers library. Favorite Song: These Days
Will Hoge - Number Seven
Will has always toed the country line, but he goes full-fledged country/alt country in Number Seven. “Too Old To Die Young” and “Fool’s Gonna Fly” remind me of his previous work, but when you move into “Trying To Be A Man”, Hoge shows maturity and depth as an artist while “Illegal Line” sparks thought and compassion about a controversial sociopolitical topic. And of course, no Will Hoge album would be complete with a soulful ballad from this powerhouse and this albums “When I Get My Wings” is one of his best. Favorite Song: Goddamn California
Jack’s Mannequin - People and Things
Andrew summed up this album perfectly “this album may not be life or death, but it’s about life”. Singer and songwriter, Andrew McMahon, was able to put the drama of The Glass Passenger and cancer behind him and write about life and living. The album shows a lot of growth and maturity from Everything In Transit without having to be burdened with his past. The only real glimpse is the morbid sounding, but completely hopeful “Hey, Hey, Hey. We’re All Gonna Die” (and Keep Rising for those with the Best Buy edition). Catchy, emotional and grown-up; their best work yet. Favorite Song: Platform Fire
Jay-Z, Kanye West - Watch The Throne
Hands down the best Hip Hop CD I’ve heard in years. I’ve been a loyal Jay-Z fan since the beginning and I’m hit or miss with Kanye, but this took the best the both of them have to offer and made a rap masterpiece. Fun, catchy, honest and real. This album will be talked about for years. Favorite Song: Made In America
Lady Gaga - Born This Way
I admit it, I spent the past couple of years wondering what everyone saw in her; I didn’t get it. This album, I got it. Yes, it’s catchy and over the top, but her message is still there and it’s one of tolerance, acceptance and learning to love yourself. While I’ll never be a hardcore Gaga fan, this album definitely spoke to me. Favorite Song: You And I
Matt Nathanson - Modern Love
Matt is one of the most underrated songwriters out today. Yes, he’s a master at catchy, sexually charged pop lyrics, but when you dive into a song like “Kiss Quick” or “Kept” you see his true brilliance. What Matt also does well is tell a complete story with an album; each song leads into another like chapters in a book. Nathanson offers one of the most fun and yet beautifully raw albums of the year. I am absolutely in love with every track on here. Favorite Song: Room At The End Of The World
NEEDTOBREATHE - The Reckoning
After falling in love with their previous release ‘The Outsiders’ as much as I did, I was excited and nervous about the release of ‘The Reckoning’. Could it be even half as good? Fortunately for me and all of the other NTB fans, it wasn’t only as good, but better. I believe we are looking at band that is on the brink of becoming one of the biggest bands out there. Relatable/heartfelt lyrics, outstanding musicianship and an unparalleled energy are just a few of the things this group has going for it. Favorite Song: Tyrant Kings
Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels
I have to thank Will Hoge for introducing me to this album. It was during a Twitter Q&A that I asked what album should I be listening to and he replied with Pistol Annies. I’m not a country music fan, but these ladies are sassy, talented and did I mention sassy. Great harmonies, catchy lyrics and that “no apologies” attitude make this a brilliant release. Favorite Song: Housewife’s Prayer
Album Of The Year: NEEDTOBREATHE - The Reckoning
There really wasn’t much debate for me on which album was my favorite of 2011. While my beloved Jack’s Mannequin and Ryan Adams released outstanding work, it is NEEDTOBREATHE’s ‘The Reckoning’ that I cannot tire of. Capturing the intensity of energy of their live shows (and they have the best live shows), this album is from start to end the best album I’ve heard in years. Every track has purpose and meaning and like a great book, leads the listener into the next with anticipation. It’s an inspirational masterpiece bringing the audience on a wonderful ride of hope, love and faith. This album doesn’t matter if you’re religious or secular; it moves you and that is the beauty behind the writing of Bo and Bear Rinehart. Their writing and the music of NEEDTOBREATHE is transcendent and universal.
