There was so much great music to listen to this year, so
let’s look back at some of my favorite albums!
10.) Usher – Looking
4 Myself
This one is probably one of the most underrated albums of
the year (and certainly in Usher’s catalog). From the cooing falsettos, the
electronica influence, and not to mention to classic R&B stylings we’ve all
come to love from Usher, he gave us such an eclectic and versatile album this
time around.
Favorite Song:
“Twisted”
(Funky, fun, and very
different from the rest of the album.)
9.) Justin Bieber – Believe
The Biebs came back into the musical spotlight more mature
and with a deeper voice and sound to bring us ultimate pop and R&B music
for the radio. Hit after hit comes on this album, whether it’s the sweet love
songs, the thumping club jams, or even the heavy dubstep, Justin Bieber was
bigger than ever with this album.
Favorite Song: “Die In
Your Arms”
(Michael Jackson
sample at its best, it has a sweet feeling and a great hook to go with it.)
8.) Rihanna – Unapologetic
I wasn’t too ecstatic about this album from listening to the
samples prior to its release. Needless to say after giving the whole album a
listen to more than once, it has easily become one of my favorite Rihanna
albums (after Rated R and before Talk That Talk). It may be a little more
scaled down from the dance pop we’ve come to love from RiRi, but it has a
sexual, seductive, chill vibe that plays from beginning to end.
Favorite Song: “Stay”
(Beautiful, poetic,
and so poignant, Rihanna’s vocals have never been stronger.)
7.) Melanie Fiona – The
MF Life
I’ve been rooting for this girl since 2009 when she came out
with The Bridge. And here we are finally with her highly anticipated sophomore
follow-up that didn’t fail at all. It had an interesting mixture of hip-hop,
R&B, 70’s funk, and new-school vibes with guests like NaS, J Cole, Snoop
Dogg, B.o.B, and John Legend. Her sultry voice goes all out from high to low
and never fails to amaze me.
Favorite Song: “I Been
That Girl”
(A somber warning to
the next girl in line, this song is slow-paced but so memorable.)
6.) Haley Reinhart – Listen
Up!
I have to show much love to my girl Haley Reinhart (the one
who SHOULD HAVE won American Idol her year). I was head over heels with that
husky voice from that tiny frame ever since she sang “Bennie and the Jets”.
Since then I was eager to hear what an album from her would sound like, and it
looks like my expectations were met tremendously. She has a great throwback to
retro 60’s-70’s summer music and there is certainly not a single weak spot on
this impressive debut.
Favorite Song: “Now
That You’re Here”
(A fresh, funky
throwback that builds to its strongest point in the killer chorus and hook.)
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