In an age that brings us closer to the retirement of the “album” concept, it seems that many artists have been focusing on the honing of their “singles” rather than full-fledged albums. Avid music-worshippers will probably never let the “album” die, however mainstream and corporate-backed music will continue to see a drop off in quality in favor of quick releases over the next few years. The indie movement continues to produce intellectual, emotional, and unique music however, and the Dubstep revolution that started in the UK, produced a refreshing injection into American pop music. I was impressed with several albums this year, more than in 2010, and I’d like to share them with you…however I found that I had more issues and criticisms of the majority of music released this year, rather than compliments. I’ve decided to make two separate lists this year: 1. The top five albums of 2011, 2. The top 6 overrated albums of 2011. Enjoy!
5. Wilco – The Whole Love
After their underwhelming release “Wilco,” “The Whole Love” sees the Americana band returning to form.
4. Eliane Elias – Light My Fire
She is a class act and her latest is a wonderfully playful Bossa Nova romp.
3. Tori Amos –Night of Hunters
The brilliant composer manages to pull inspiration from several well-beloved Classical composers on this latest effort including Satie, Bach, and Debussy. The best part is the piano and string work: vivid, emotional, and raw.
2. Feist – Metals
I love this record. It is so present and vulnerable, crafted with great care. Feist has truly created a masterpiece.
1. Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know
There is not much that I could say to do justice to this incredibly written record. Laura matures with every effort; Creature could’ve been written by someone 20 years older, 30 years ago. I can listen to this album over and over and learn new things.
6. Junior Boys – It’s All True
Dull. Dull. Dull.
5. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
Reverb and harmony does not a good record make.
4. Beirut – The Rip Tide
Zach’s records are quickly becoming exercises in theme and variation, minus the theme and variation. In short, he keeps writing the same song and calling it something else. The consolation is, it’s very pretty.
3. Bon Iver – Bon Iver
The eponymous release is repetitive, self-serving, and emotionless; basically the exact opposite of his debut. It is well produced (minus the fact that you can hear only 5% of the words) and it’s beautiful tonally, however it’s sonic art, and I can’t connect in the slightest.
2. Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
What they had going with Viva la Vida (even if it was somewhat put-on) they’ve managed to kill with Mylo. 5 of the songs sound exactly alike, they rely too much on nonsense syllables (like the rest of the pop world this year), and there was no material here that was slightly interesting after the first listen.
1. Adele – 21
Adele’s voice is phenomenal, and like most phenomenal singers being represented by a money hungry label, all the attention is given to showcasing the voice. Overall I appreciated some of the production, and two of the songs feature excellent songwriting. “Fire to the Rain,” “Someone Like You,” and “Rolling in the Deep” are some fine songs. My issue is that she didn’t do nearly enough to sustain an entire album, that’s to say she had way too much filler. “21” to me was a very lazy record, meant to captivate easily swayed listeners by showcasing a powerful voice and catchy songs. Believe me, I get why certain choices were made, the bottom line is not an unfamiliar concept to me, I just wish there was more variation here. Adele needs to stop resting on her laurels. I have yet to see a personality from this artist. She is the most overrated recording artist of the year.
Let’s hope 2012 sees more originality, less repetition, and bigger steps to improve the way that more diverse music is delivered to more people.
