5.) P!nk – The
Truth About Love
My love for P!nk grows stronger and stronger through the
years and with every album it seems. She came back from a brief hiatus with
this blockbuster album that gave her a first #1 album. It has all of the great
elements of P!nk that we’ve all come to love: the feisty breakup songs, the
harsh vulgarity, the pain in love songs, the somber and beautiful vocals, and
the classic fun “don’t give a f***” element. P!nk delivered through and
through.
Favorite Song: “Just
Give Me A Reason”
(Arguably one of the
strongest efforts from this album, this bittersweet duet with fun.’s Nate Ruess
is epic and beautiful all at once, and my oh my those harmonies in the second
verse and chorus!)
4.) Bruno Mars – Unorthodox
Jukebox
Bruno Mars’ very short but certainly memorable second album
has so much to offer. From the pop lyrics, the mixing of so many different
genres, and the incredible range this man has, this album was sweet, epic, and
overall bloody brilliant.
Favorite Song:
“Treasure”
(A funky, 70’s-80’s
classic throwback that gets you into the perfect groove.)
3.) Alicia Keys– Girl
On Fire
Marriage and motherhood certainly made Alicia Keys more
strong and independent than she ever was. She comes out ready to fight and
prove that she has changed and improved for the better, never losing sight of
her enchanting melodies, the ease of her piano-playing skills, and not to
mention her memorable hooks. With guests like Nicki Minaj and Maxwell along
with songwriters John Legend, Babyface, her hubby Swizz Beatz, and a memorable
track from Frank Ocean, this album was another shining example of how relevant
and long-lasting Alicia Keys is in the music world.
Favorite Song: “Fire
We Make”
(This sensual duet
with falsetto crooner Maxwell hit all the right spots with its 5 minute length,
making for a very memorable night for anyone that takes a listen intensely.)
2.) Miguel – Kaleidoscope
Dream
As mentioned many times before, I have loved and respected
this guy’s musical style since I saw him open for Usher and Trey Songz back in
2010. He mixes R&B vocals with overly sexual lyrics and a sick electronic,
Prince-influenced beat. His eclectic style is making him more memorable than
anything else out there right now in R&B and is an evolving style that will
surely influence anyone to follow. It’s certainly a mesmerizing trip that lasts
roughly around 50 minutes, but it’s worth every minute.
Favorite Song:
“Where’s the Fun in Forever”
(This thumping,
bumping song co-written by Alicia Keys comes towards the end of the album, but
it is still a memorable moment nonetheless that kicks it old school for 3 ½ minutes.)
1.) Frank Ocean – channel
ORANGE
Much like ADELE’s 21 album last year, was it any surprise
that this was my #1 pick for the year? Frank Ocean is mesmerizing and a wonder to
the ears. His incredibly strong range and hauntingly honest lyrics will entice
and relax you all at once, bringing to mind a new era of R&B that is making
the sometimes humdrum and too familiar genre relevant and interesting again.
Favorite Song:
“Thinkin Bout You”
(Just listening to
this first single says it all, from the wide range jump from verse to chorus,
and the honesty in the lyrics, Ocean takes us on a beautiful journey from
beginning to end.)
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