My 2011 Music review (by LemonieSnicket)

Hello guys, the name’s Kebeh. Wole asked me to feature on here and I was quite pleased (lol). However I’m not just here to yarn dust, I was asked to review the albums that were released this year.

Disclaimer: This is a matter of opinion. My Opinion. I do not speak or rather write for anyone but myself. If you agree “Yay!” if you don’t, oh well I respect your opinion as well. Also, any album that isn’t on this means I didn’t listen to it or didn’t know it came out or I wasn’t bothered to listen to it.

All right, let’s get down to the bizniz.

The first album I shall be talking about is 21 by Adele. Boy did people go crazy about this album. I don’t blame them; it was a pretty awesome piece of art. Although lyrically I prefer her debut album, 19, this album was her spilling out her heartbreak, which I actually loved. The songs “Someone Like You” and “Set Fire To The Rain” are my personal faves off the album. The album was quite soulful. This young woman knows her art!

The second album I’ll be on about is Gutter Rainbows by Talib Kweli. First of all, I love this man! I just love music with message and sincerity and that is what I got from this album. I’m not going to stress more on this. I really love this artist and I really enjoyed this album.

The next album I’ll be talking about is L.A.S.E.R.S by Lupe Fiasco. I’m a big fan of Lupe but this album disappointed me. It was so bad that I gave the album to a friend. First of all what was Trey Songz looking for on that album? Sigh. It was way less than average. But my baby John Legend was beautiful on the chorus of “Never Forget You” (*happy tears*).

The next album is F.A.M.E by Chris Brown. I liked this album. With songs like “Deuces”, “She Ain’t You” and “Look At Me Now” it was impossible for me not to like this album. It also included my sexy song “No Bullshit”, Yum. Ignoring the likes of Big Sean and Wiz Khalifa, he did a pretty decent job on this album.

The fifth album I’ll be on about is Femme Fatale by Britney Spears. I love this woman, honest to God I do. She is, to me, one of the few unadulterated pop artists. Like straight up pop. With singles like “Till The World Ends” and “Hold It Against Me” that make me do my little dance, I really can’t say anything bad about this amazing woman.

The next album I’ll be on about is Rolling Papers by Wiz Khalifa. Mr. Wiz, the king of catchy choruses. I do not like this guy, I really don’t. His idea of the art or rather what I get from his music just makes him seem like a pathetic waster. I cannot lie that I sing along to “Black And Yellow” when I hear it but with this face (-__-).

The seventh album I’ll be on about is Stone Rollin’ by Raphael Saadiq. Love this album! Love it! It’s all jazz and soul. Just had me grooving from the beginning to the end. “Heart Attack” my favourite song off the album. It’s a really good album; I’ll suggest you get it.

The eighth album I’ll be on about is Goblin by Tyler, The Creator. Well, I don’t get this guy but I don’t mind the guy really. I like the song “She” with Frank Ocean and ‘Tron cat”. I don’t get why people say he’s demonic and all, I just think he’s a sad person. I’m sad as well, nothing horribly wrong with that.

The next album I’ll be on about is Wasting Light by the awesome Foo Fighters. Oh how I love this piece of art. My awesome David Grohl did not disappoint me. Love the songs “These Days” and “Walk”. Also the awesomeness that is “White Limo”. Great Album.

The next album I’ll be on about is Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 by the Beastie Boys. These guys just make me want to bust a move. With songs like “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win” featuring the awesome Santigold and my fave song off the album “Crazy Ass Shit”, these guys can do no wrong in my eyes.

The next album is Torches by Foster The People. Oh how I love this band. I mean what’s not to love? With songs like “Pumped Up Kicks”, “Helena Beat”, “Call It what You Want”, “Houdini”; c’mon these guys are awesome.

Hell The Sequel, Bad Meets Evil. Need I say more? The wonder that is Marshall Mathers. I also really like Royce Da 5’9. It was such a good listen. “The Reunion” and “I’m On Everything” were my favourite tracks off the album. The fire that Slaughterhouse brought on “Loud Noises” was unreal. Ignoring the grenade catcher, it was a REALLY good album.

Next is 4 by Beyonce. I didn’t like it the first time I listened to it. Kinda liked it a few times after that. Right now I love it. Okay I love most of it. Songs like “1+1”; “Love On Top” and “Schoolin’ life” put me in a great mood. I really enjoy listening to this album, especially “1+1”. It reminded me of the love I have for her songs “Dangerously In Love”, “Halo” and “Flaws And All” all of which I’m sure she wrote for her husband. Just simple stunning love songs. This woman’s vocals are nothing less than magnificent. The key changes in “Love On Top” were one of a kind. It’s still a love-hate relationship between Beyonce & I, but we’re working on it.

Oh the next album I’ll be on about has Beyonce’s man on it. WATCH THE THRONE. My baby, Kanye West and Jay-Z. This duo is awesomeness. I LOVE this album. I LOVE it! C’mon “Gotta have it”, “Otis”, “No Church In The Wild”, “Niggas In Paris”. Jammin’ in Isah’s (my friend, Ignore) car. Kanye’s verse on “New Day” made me want to give him a big warm hug and tell him I love him! I mean they got people stuck with the phrase “That shit Kray” for ages. This album was just great fun to listen to. And somewhere on this album our beloved Don Jazzy part produced the track “Lift Off” which Beyonce featured on. Good stuff!

The next album I’ll be on about is Relax by Das Racist. I love these guys. No, I love one of these guys. Victor Vazquez aka Kool A.D; The third love of my life. I won’t get into that. Someone very close to my heart introduced me to them and I’ve been hooked. These guys are just crazy. They are odd and I love it. This album is great. It includes songs like “Happy Rappy”, “Michael Jackson”, “Brand New Dance”, and “Booty In The Air”. My favourite is “Happy Rappy” most especially because of my love’s awesome first verse. These guys are just nuts.

+ by Ed Sheeran. This was his debut album and he did a wonderful job on it. I’m very happy for him. With the hit singles “The A Team”, “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” and “Lego House” all reaching number one, he is doing pretty well. My favourites are “Small Bump” and “Wake Me Up”. I’ve seen him live and I can say his vocals are just as good. Good album.

Velociraptor! by Kasabian was seriously disappointing. I really wasn’t feeling it. Normally they have me drumming on things round my room but this album was just a let down. I mean the singles “Days Are Forgotten” and “Re-wired” are great but the album as a whole flopped.

Soul Is Heavy by Nneka. I was never a fan but this album was great. Very emotional and had a jazz and reggae feel. My faves “Restless” and “Do You Love Me now”. And she didn’t forget to be political as usual in the title track “Soul Is Heavy”. Great album.

The next album is Biophilia by Bjork. I love this woman. I love this album. She does her thing easily. “Thunderbolt” and “Crystalline” are my favourite songs off the album. I listen to this album to relax. Beautiful craft.

So Coldplay came back with Mylo Xyloto. Funny as they don’t even know the meaning of the album title but ah well it didn’t take away from the greatness of the album. They seemed to be happy this time, happy for them. It wasn’t their best album, I mean I was wondering how they were going to top Viva La Vida but it was sure a good one. They added two of the songs from their Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP, which are “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” and “Major Minus”. The album turned out to be great with the singles “Paradise”, “Princess Of China” with Rihanna, “Up In Flames” and my favourite “Charlie Brown”. Loving the new sound.

The next album is Take Care by Drake. The first time I listened to this album I slept off. Not a good thing at all, but maybe I was tired. I probably was but it isn’t as great as everyone is making it out to be. Okay, let me rephrase, I didn’t get what I expected from it. My number one problem with Drake is his delivery. What was that all about on “Underground Kings”? “Over My Dead Body” and “Lord Knows” are great but yeah that’s about it. Lil’ Wayne’s presence obviously caused more harm than good. Kendrick Lamar absolutely murdered Buried Alive. I like Drake’s singing but it was a little too much on a rap album. Okay I’ve said too much. That’s that.

The next album is Beautiful Imperfection by my favourite female artist, Asa. This album was beautiful. I preferred her first album Asa, but this still got me. With singles like “Bamidele”, “Questions” and “Baby Gone”; oh this album did wonderful things for me. She’s had a good year, her position on the billboard charts and her successful tour. Really happy for her.

Hello Fear by Kirk Franklin. You may feel this is out of place, I don’t. I loved this album. I haven’t listened to a full gospel album in years. I listen to this anytime I feel really down and I feel a lot better. The song “I Smile” just makes me happy. It’s a really good album.

The next album is The Light of The Sun by one of the queens of neo-soul Jill Scott. I may be the one person on this planet that loves her the most. Her description of lovemaking is incredible. I love how she takes her time with her lyrics. The songs “Missing You” and “So Gone” easily get me in the mood (: -x). She had the wonderful Anthony Hamilton on the feel-good track “So In Love” and she also did her usual poetry skit in “Womanifesto”. My favourite off the album is “Hear My Call”; I love it. Incredible woman, great album.

Cole World: The Sideline Story by J.Cole. This was a good album. I like this guy a lot. I can’t wait for more stuff from him. I want him to become a lot more appealing and recognized. Was happy to hear Missy Elliot again on “Nobody’s Perfect”. “Lights Please” my favourite track on it. Enjoyed this album.

Now Talk That Talk by Rihanna. This young lady needs to chill. It was “just there”. I think there is something deeply up with her but maybe I’m wrong. I love that “Birthday Cake” song. “You Da One” is alright as well. Not a fan of hers but I think she’s doing well for herself. I mean if we were judging sex appeal she’s right up there for me, but as for music nyeeh nah.

Undun by the amazing The Roots. This album is just art. Really love the song “Lighthouse”. This album was great to listen to. The Roots are legendary. Love this album love this band.

Evanescence by Evanescence. Not sure I was expecting anything less than amazing and they gave me amazing. This is why I have a healthy relationship with this band. With songs like “Made Of Stone”, “Sick” and “My Heart is broken” why won’t I love them? Amy Lee remains an incredible vocalist. Great album.

Ambition by Wale. Uhm, well… Okay it wasn’t as exciting as Attention Deficit. But it can’t be argued that this guy is a poet. Liked the songs “Focused” and “Sabotage” with Kid Cudi and Lloyd respectively. Love the title track “Ambition” although I don’t like Meek Mill’s voice (I think it’s weird, ah well), Rick Ross and Wale did a good job to me. “DC Or Nothing” was a good song as well. Good album.

I almost forgot Superheavy by Superheavy. The super-group that consists of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A. R. Rahman and Damien Marley. I mean with these people in one group what else could they have named the group? I was mega excited about his album but it didn’t come as correct as I expected. At times I felt too much was going on, most especially the title track “Superheavy”, a lot was going on. I like the songs “Common Ground”, “Miracle Worker”, “Beautiful People” and my fave “One Day One Night”. It was a good album.

Finally my award for best album of the year. CEREMONIALS by FLORENCE + THE MACHINE. Boy where do I begin? Ignoring the fact that I absolutely love this band and have a little obsession with Her Royal Awesomeness and goddess, the lead singer, Florence Leontine Mary Welch. I love her, I really do. This album was beautiful. The vocals, the instrumentals, the vibe, the spirituality, the lyrics. Wonderful. Everything was centered on a ceremonial feel. I love every single song on this album but the songs that stood out the most are “Only If For A Night”, “Leave My Body”, “Shake It Out”, “No Light, No Light”, “What The Water Gave Me” and “Seven Devils”. I basically mentioned almost all the songs on it right? Sigh. Amazing is too little a word to describe this album. Words actually can’t describe. If you haven’t listened to this album, please do with an open mind and you most likely will feel the same way.

Well, waiting for The Dreamer, The Believer by Common to be released, but as for now these are all the albums I listened to this year. I hope I did a decent enough job.

Toodles. X

Editors Note:

Many Thanks to Kebeh for helping out. Obviously music tastes are highly subjective so I’ll just ask: what was your personal favourite album this year?