Its the last day of the year 2012. Its been quite a year with lots of ups and downs, joy and sorrow. Its also been quite a year for music with quite a number of impressive new artists and debut albums, crew collections, return of legends, new directions, and some pleasing evidence of acceptance and advancement in some genres.
Heres the run down of my Top 20 Albums for the year.
Fave Track - In The End
Fave Track - Girl On Fire (Inferno Version) Ft. Nicki Minaj
Fave Track - This Can't Be A Crime
Fave Track - Home Again
Fave Track - Refill
Fave Track - Feel So Close
Fave Track - Birthday Song Ft. Kanye West
Fave Track - Don't Wake Me Up
Fave Track - The Morning
Fave Track - Diced Pineapples Ft. Wale & Drake
Check out my top 10 albums are after the cut, and lets hear your top 5.
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10. EME - Empire Mates State Of Mind
The EME crew come together for the well received Empire Mates State Of Mind. Chock full of upbeat hits like Baddest Boy and Roll It, the EME sound was a staple at Nigerian parties, clubs and events this year. Banky W, Wizkid, Skales, Shaydee, Niyola, and DJ Xclusive impressed with this one.
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9. Labrinth - Electronic Earth
Fave Track - Treatment
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8. Jessie Ware - Devotion
British songstress Jessie Ware stepped into the scene this year captivating our ears with beautiful songs like the feel good 110%, and smooth joint Devotion. Devotion comes across as a mix of genres, sometimes leaning towards R&B, and at other times towards indie, but definitely pleasing at all times. Jessie Ware proves that there is still a place for strong vocal powered music in today's over processed world.
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7. Lana Del Rey - Born To Die
If you still don't know who Lana Del Rey is then you've been living under quite some rock. Ok maybe not, but the American songstress garnered so much buzz and dominated the online music world earlier in the year with her retro styling, music and videos,...and some controversy. Her debut album Born To Die proved she was deserving of the hype around her with idyllic and sometimes melancholic songs.
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6. Emeli Sandé - Our Version Of Events
Yet another debut album that impressed this year was Emeli Sandé's Our Version Of Events. First single Heaven set the pace for a very consistent R&B album. Emeli shines on her stripped ballads like Breaking The Law and Clown, wrought with emotion that conveys personal experience on the subject matter of the lyrics.
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5. G.O.O.D. Music - Cruel Summer
Ok let me start by saying Cruel Summer did not live up to the crazy hype. Notwithstanding it was a dope album with faves like Clique, Mercy, and Creepers. Kanye West's talent of being adventurous with his music and bringing different sounds together is evident through out the album. Also all the G.O.O.D. music members get some face time, creating a varied yet cohesive collection. Personally I think albums and movies shouldn't be over hyped really.
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4. Nas - Life Is Good
Nas returned to the music scene this year with Life Is Good. The Hip Hop legend goes personal, letting us into his life in tracks like Daughters and Bye Baby. We also get to hear Amy Winehouse one more time on their dope collabo Cherry Wine. Life Is Good was a mature rap album in a sea of 'noise', and maintained Nas' position as one of the most respected rappers of our time.
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3. Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream
Miguel flipped the script in 2012 with Kaleidoscope Dream. I mean he was already known for putting out quality R&B joints, but this year he raised his personal bar, entering a more Neo-R&B sound. Kaleidoscope Dream moves smoothly from track to track, taking you on a sensuous journey as Miguel explores his more mature sound. And yeah he does channel Prince in places...and it works.
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2. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
2012 was definitely Frank Ocean's year. There were fears that his revelation about his personal life would have a negative impact on the success of his eagerly anticipated debut album Channel Orange considering his genre; but that was far from the case. Channel Orange went on to be a huge success as listeners accepted Ocean for who he was, or just didn't care, or just focused on the music. And boy it sure was some music. Raw, emotional, and revealing, Channel Orange cements Frank Ocean's position in the forefront of Neo-R&B.
I should admit that a couple of songs, Pilot Jones for example, had to grow on me. Thats the thing about Channel Orange, your favourite track changes on repeat listens and based on your mood.
I should admit that a couple of songs, Pilot Jones for example, had to grow on me. Thats the thing about Channel Orange, your favourite track changes on repeat listens and based on your mood.
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1. Kendrick Lamar - good Kid, M.A.A.D.City
Ok so this is probably the 10th list you are seeing with good Kid, M.A.A.D.City taking the top spot. Well that says something.
Last year Kendrick Lamar impressed with the highly rated Section 80; and thus the hype machine began for his major label debut. He could have gone the easy route stuffing his album with features from popular radio friendly artists and one or two "electro" laced joints, but he stayed in his lane delivering a very solid and cohesive "Rap" album.
good Kid, M.A.A.D.City is Kendrick's story. A reflective story of his experience growing up in South Central L.A. The story comes alive through the lyrics of every track and skit, particularly on the 12 minute "Sing About Me, Dying OF Thirst".
good Kid, M.A.A.D.City definitely impressed, and the work Kendrick Lamar put into it is evident. Looking forward to his releases in 2013.
Fave Tracks - Swimming Pools (Drank) & Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe
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