CulturePop.Me TOP Ten Records of 2011

I don’t normally do a top ten for the year end past, but felt the need to just put on together. So click it below and feel free to tell me to bugger off.

1. Adele – 21
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
There is NO denying that this is the record of the year. However many records she may have sold this year it doesn’t really matter, the fact is, this record is flawless from start to finish. The production, the lyrics, the voice, the everything. People just need to be reminded they can’t be this flawless. BUT they can try… So carry on. I saw her play four times last year and every single time it was original and incomparable.

2. Mary J Blige – My Life II
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
This was supposed to be the second coming from Mary J. Let’s not get it twisted, it is not a My Life continuation, it is more so, a reinvention. It doesn’t flow off the ear canals the same way its predecesor did. Instead, it holds a solid foundation of its own. You can’t argue that MJB is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, if there is even such a genre, she is the tops. This record should not be undersold, it is pure soul music & if you have one… well you get the picture. (Amazon link is $5).

3. Rihanna – Talk That Talk
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
I’m not going to lie, I thought Rihanna’s last record was ok, not great, just ok. I know it did major numbers and spawned out major hits, but it was not MY favorite. Talk That Talk has completely changed all that for me. It is a perfect combination of all her past songs on steroids. I actually wished she wasn’t so overplayed already so that everyone could really embrace the perfection that is this record. (Amazon lists it as a $5 Download).

4. Kelly Clarkson – Stronger
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
All republican thoughts from the past week aside, this IS my favorite Belly Clarkson record. She managed to make a record that not only works for her impeccable vocal arrangements she also kept the rocking riffs that she wanted to on her sophomore record. It’s hard to listen to it now that I know she supports such a radical conservative. I guess I can’t control everything I would like to, but I am a bit disappointed in her belief system right now. Regardless, the record is pop-rock 100% goodness all the way!

5. Katy B – On A Mission
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
This is still one of the most UNDERRATED records from the last year (next to #6). Katy B has made an awesome debut dub-step-electronic-pop debut. She came out of nowhere and dominated a very tough genre overseas. I am not sure why it didn’t crossover to the US after it was embraced so much overseas and after the US embraced so much other UK rubbish this year. Don’t let this one slide as she is coming stateside to promote it soon.(Amazon links is for $5)

6. Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
The premier launch to Woons’ record was an acoustic version of his debut single, Lady Luck on a canoe, somewhere in South America, with nothing but a guitar. Loved it, Loved him, Right then and there. About a month later I heard the plugged in version and could NOT wait to hear his debut, it did not disappoint in the least bit. Once again, America did not embrace it, yet. He will be coming your way soon. (Get it now, Amazon link is for $5).

7. Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx – We’re New Here
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
Last year, we lost legendary Gil Scott-Heron but his music and his words live on. Jamie xx remixed his ridiculously awesome record, I’m New Here from the year past. It was Gil’s first record in sixteen years and it was infectious. What Jamie did to it the year after, was untouchable. It was, in my experience, the first time ever something so raw was turned into a master craft groove-oriented artform. Its no surprise to me that the xx is one of my favorites over. You should listen to this record, yesterday, if you haven’t already and be a part of a real movement.

8. Beyoncé – 4
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
This was, and is, her least commercial record to date. It is NOT traditional pop. It is NOT traditional urban. It is NOT traditional R&B. It IS traditionally stunning. Her voice is strong, her songs are fierce and her vibe was just outstanding. Unfortunately the traditional pop consumer can not see past the traditional song structure and completely looked this one over. Don’t do the same, its got a million hidden gems, and I am not talking about her fake baby bump.

9. Sade – Soldier of Love
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
Its hard to fathom that Sade Adu & team have only released 6 records in their short career, not counting Greatest Hits and Live Records of course. This one is another sleeper in comparison to their historical records. I think its hard for audiences to connect the Jazz & Pop fusion the way they have in years past. Its hard to ever comprehend Sade doing anything wrong in my eyes, and this is not one of those ‘wrong’ moments. If you want to gag over of a perfect record this is it. Press Play and pour yourself a nice glass of wine & soak it in..

10. The Belle Brigade – The Belle Brigade
(iTunes) HERE (Amazon) HERE
My last record on my Top 10 is somewhat of a real unknown record this past year. LA natives and grandkids to the legendary composer, John Williams, this brother & sister duo (Barbara and Ethan Gruska) have managed to write & co-produce a record that is reminiscent of one from a 70′s throwback folk-pop record. If you hear any influences from Fleetwood Mac, Simon & Garfunkel, and even some Beach Boys in there I don’t think that is a surprise. I feel like they pulled from everything they listened to as a child and mulched it together through a spectrum of white magic. I love IT! You should too…

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