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!
No comments:
Post a Comment