Merry Christmas to everyone! Hopefully you get everything you wanted this year, whether you have been nice or naughty these past 12 months. Honestly, I prefer if you were the latter. Be a good sport and give me a small gift by checking out the next five albums on my year-end list. Wishing you the best day of the year!
#20. Flo Rida's "Wild Ones":
#19. Crunk Witch's "Faith in the Thief":
This year I was lucky enough to come across Maine duo Crunk Witch and was given an advanced listen of their second studio album, Crunk in the Thief. The project dips its feet into the rock, dubstep and dance genres and succeeds in all that it tries to do. The album showcases impressive songwriting and production skills from an act that deserves more recognition than they have received so far. Tracks such as “Scream Love” and “Lightning Bolts Aligned” have the potential to be huge, radio crossover hits and more surprises are included for the listener. Yes, the album does have some missteps, such as “Fear the Golden Dawn” and “Glocktopus”, but the good definitely overcomes the bad. Every song on the album is a new experience, a different journey, and I commend that quality. Normally, the music found on the album would not be the sound I would usually gravitate towards, but the duo certainly won me over with this diverse release. The vocals are top notch, dare I say perfect, and the songs are something fresh and new, not the generic pop trash crowding the airwaves as I type this. Looking forward to what they put out next.
#18. Owl City's "The Midsummer Station":
Owl City’s previous album did not fly off the shelves like he may have hoped, so work quickly began on his fourth studio album released back in August. The Midsummer Station is similar to the artist’s previous efforts, but here the production is over the top and perfected. Preceded by the top ten hit, “Good Time” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, the album is filled with light, carefree tracks that will transport any listener to a tranquil state of mind. “I’m Coming After You” is the brightest and cutest moment on the project while other track such as “Shooting Star” and the rock and roll inspired “Dementia” deserve more than one listen. The album has its low points, see “Gold” and “Dreams and Disasters”, but the finished product showcases great songwriting abilities and the talent of crafting incredible and memorable hooks and choruses. Adam Young’s work may be looked down upon, and let’s face it, he may never have a hit as big as “Fireflies”, but there is something about his voice that I love and I could listen to his story-like songs over and over no matter how childish they may sound at times. The album may not have been the greatest of the year, but it represents growth.
#17. Pitbull's "Global Warming":
I will always be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Latin rapper Pitbull, but somehow we got me to listen to his latest album, Global Warming, over and over for at least two weeks this year. The artist is known for his loud party anthems so why would he deviate from the plan that has worked for him all these years? The finished product includes amazing collaborations with a wide range of artists including Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, The Wanted and Usher. These collaborations are certainly memorable highlights, especially the upcoming single “Feel This Moment” featuring Aguilera, but other surprises are also tucked away. Chris Brown appears on “Hope We Meet Again” and it is actually a slow, sober track. It blew me away. Elsewhere, Pitbull just does what he does best: command the dance floor and make sure everybody is having a good time. From beginning to end, the energy never stops and is packed full of great tracks that will be blasting through club and car speakers for the next year. Pitbull’s rap skills are mixed with pop-like choruses to create a critically-acclaimed yet commercially disappointing effort.
#16. SIRPAUL's "The Horse":
SIRPAUL got overlooked by me for some reason, even though he has been creating music for the last twelve years, but his recent release, The Horse, thankfully grabbed my attention and has not let go of it all year. The power of the new album lies in the artist’s songwriting and his abilities to tell stories with his words in a carefree, fun sounding way. SIRPAUL discusses important topics of love, empowerment, acceptance and independence on some amazing tracks such as “King of the World”, “Glow” and “Lay It on Me” which have been stuck on repeat since the first time I came across them. There are a couple of bumps along the way, but no album is without some flaws. The artist has found a way to create hooks and choruses that thankfully do not get boring or too repetitive, they are what pop music should be. To be honest, the track list may have been a little too long, a few songs could have been cut to make a stronger effort, but I will take what I am given. SIRPAUL is giving attitude, sass and strong sex appeal were needed and tones it down for the emotional pieces that literally came from the heart and other life experiences. As an independent artist, I absolutely love what he has created.
Another day, more great albums. 10 down, only 15 more to go. Have a Merry Christmas! Maybe you will get some awesome albums as stocking stuffers! :)
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