Still needing some rockin’ tunes for that Christmas or New Years party? On day 10 of Listmas, Reply Magazine invites you to jam out to the best albums of 2011. Dick Clark, eat your heart out. And in case you missed it, be sure to check out our top 5 über-pop jams of 2011 here.
Adele — 21
The ubiquitous songstress was hard to avoid this year. From soccer moms to hip-hop hopefuls, Adele caught the attention of people around the world with her heart and soul. For producing a record that could balance passion with popular success, she easily makes our list.
Frank Ocean — nostalgia,ULTRA
An innovative hip-hop outing from Frank Ocean spells the beginning of what we hope will be a long recording career. The sound is fresh and the artist is new — everything the world of hip-hop needs to move beyond the stale machismo it’s settled into.
The Rapture — In the Grace of Your Love
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include something danceable. The Rapture has only matured over the years, and with one of the funkiest, funnest sounds we know, we certainly hope they continue to grow, both musically and in popularity.
Beirut — The Rip Tide
The gypsy-folk meets pop-rock sound of Beirut is undeniable, and with a globally-sourced songbook and instrumentation that feels both ancient and modern, we strongly recommend this newest outing for your next evening amongst friends.
Mayer Hawthorne — How Do You Do?
Soul music never died. It just took a very long break. The white boy rapper turned soul singer delivers on an album thick with over-the-top sensuality and perfectly pop-ish R&B. As neo-soul artists continue to sell well, we strongly recommend Mr. Hawsthorne’s paricular brand of blue-eyed nostalgia.
The Decemberists — The King is Dead
The kings of lit-rock returned this year, with a folsky, country-y, all around lovable record. Fans of their previous work will be thrilled with the continued depth of their songwriting prowess, and newcomers with relish their thoughtful, fun, polished sound.
Bluebrain — The National Mall
Say hello to the world’s first self-aware album. A welcome fusion of technology and spirit, Bluebrain’s groundbreaking album is designed for visitors to Washington, D.C.’s national mall. The album is designed to be played on an smartphone, a location aware electro-mashup that changes based on the listener’s position.
Fleet Foxes — Helplessness Blues
The haunting sounds and lyrical depth of Fleet Foxes is overwhelming on their newest release, a mix both warming and cool, complete with the folksy charm and timelessness we’ve come to expect.
Red Hot + Rio 2 — various artists
An absolutely astounding constellation of stars united for this follow up to the original album, a dual effort at charity and art. At litany of terrific, Brazil-inspired songs flow effortlessly from this array of artists, all contributing to an album we could hardly recommend more.
Rafael Saadiq — Stone Rollin’
Another soulful offering, this laced with Mr. Saadiq’s particular breed of raw but well put-together sexuality, all mixed with bluesy shades of Detroit mo-town and Memphis twelve-bar. A massive success from a talented artist.
HONORABLE MENTION: Ocote Soul Sounds — Taurus
BONUS: Most Disappointing: Childish Gambino — Camp
