Top 11 Albums of 2011 Continued

5.  Lil' Wayne Tha Carter IV
One of the most highly anticipated rap albums of the year met it's expectations.  With at least 6 hits, Lil Wayne brought the flow and the head banging beats.  Collaborations with Bruno Mars, T-Pain and Drake highlight this stellar effort.  The world of rap in 2011 belonged to Weezy.

4.  Young The Giant Young The Giant

Young The Giant came out of nowhere to be one of the best new bands of 2011.  YTG knows how to do indie rock.  With big sounds and fun hooks galore, it is a good, easy listen.  Hopefully you read my blog in March and knew that these guys would be big.  If not, check it out for now.

 

3.  Adele 21

Adele had this year's biggest album.  Packed with power ballads, 2011 was the year of Adele.  It is not often that a second album blows away a debut album, but there would be no sophomore slump for this female crooner.  Good job Adele, keep bringing it!

2.  Foster The People Torches

FTP almost made my album of the year.  #2 is not a bad showing for these fast rising stars from California. Their debut album has a cool sound, upbeat tempo and big hooks.  Part Euro, part 70's, part electronic, part indie, there is something for everyone here.  Although I like the whole disc from top to bottom, "Pumped Up Kicks" may be my favorite song of 2011.  I was thoroughly impressed by their performance at Coachella.  If you read my March blog about these guys, you were way ahead of the curve.  I hope their follow-up effort comes close to the debut.  By the way, they are playing at Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 10 2012 (my anniversary).  See you there!

1.  Foo Fighters Wasting Light

David Grohl is "The Man".  Musically gifted with a comedic sense and amazing stage presence, he has taken Foo Fighters where few bands even dream of going.  How many people can play drums, truly amazing drums, for one of the best rock bands of all time, Nirvana, and then play lead guitar for one of the best bands playing today?  He has a gift and he's not afraid to show it.  I was fortunate enough to see FF play at the Verizon Center this year, but if you were not there, you owe it to yourself to watch their concert at Wembley Stadium on Paladium.  You will not be disappointed.  Recorded in David Grohl's garage, Wasting Light is another great album from Foo Fighters and I am honored to have them atop my list for Albums of the Year 2011.

I hope that you have enjoyed my list.  If you have any additions or omissions, please feel free to comment below.  Happy New Year.  Rock On in 2012!

Top 11 Albums of 2011

While nothing "floored" me musically this year, there is a plethora of solid albums to choose from in 2011. It was very difficult to omit some really good music including releases by Airborne Toxic Event, Beastie Boys, Bon Iver, Coldplay, Danger Mouse and Daniele, The Decemberists, Manchester Orchestra, Mat Kearney, Pitbull, Radiohead, Sleeper Agent, The Strokes, Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Grouplove, Cults, Theophilus London and Rihanna.  I fully encourage you to check out these other albums if you have never heard of them.  Without further ado, I present to you my favorite albums of the year.
11.  David Guetta Nothing But The Beat
Guetta in his typical fashion put together a truly solid collaboration effort.  He is paired with superstars Akon, Usher, Snoop Dog, Nicki Minaj and others.  The biggest song, "Without You" anchors the album, but if you have not listened to the entire disc, you are missing out.  If you have a dance party coming up, you could put Nothing But The Beat on and play it straight through.

10. My Morning Jacket Circuital

One of my biggest musical disappointments of 2011 is that I was unable to see My Morning Jacket when they came to Merriweather Post Pavilion.  I have heard that they put on a great show.  Jim Jones is the mastermind here and he puts out another great album.

9.  Tune-Yards WHOKILL

This is my off the wall pick of the year.  You have probably never heard of them but they have a really cool sound.  Kind of a combination of Sleigh Bells and Vampire Weekend.  Lots of African beats and funky vocals.  Seems like it would be a fun group to see live.

8.  Wye Oak Civilian

Catonsville, Baltimore, and Maryland should be proud of Wye Oak's latest effort.  A wonderful piece of art that is simple, yet refined.  Andy Stack is very talented and Jen Wasner's soulful, complex voice are paired together nicely.  The whole album just "works".

7.  Gary Clark Jr. Bright Lights Big City

Although short in length, this album is tall on talent.  Gary Clark Jr. is one the best blues guitarists alive according to many music aficionados including Eric Clapton.  Just try not to tap your toes to this album, it is impossible.  Gary recently came to Baltimore and his show was sold out.  He loves playing small venues, it is where he honed his craft.  Check him out for yourself.

6.  Kanye West and Jay-Z Watch The Throne

This album started a little slowly for me, but eventually grew on me.  Not the best effort from Kanye or Jay-Z but a decent showing nonetheless.  After seeing their performance live in Baltimore I liked the album even more.  In addition, Niggas in Paris has become an anthem for the Dean of Ball So Hard University, our Raven star linebacker Terrell Suggs.  I am sure you have heard the songs, but here they are again for your enjoyment.

TO BE CONTINUED...