Being in D.C. this weekend was a once in a lifetime experience. The feeling in the city was nothing short of electric. I’m still trying to figure out how to attach words to my feelings, to properly convey the emotions running through me. The special people may have had tickets to the Balls and other events, but being amongst those who came from thousands of miles away to sit on a lawn- simply to say they were there- was priceless. No matter what your political affiliation, seeing how one man can galvanize a country and truly inspire it’s people must inspire you. Here’s to four years of growth and progress….
John Jegend – Evolver: After JL’s last album (which I also mostly enjoyed) everyone recognized he was becoming more Tony Bennet that Marvin Gaye. John then set out to wake us up, and boy did it work out well for him. The album contained a contender for Song of the Year (“Green Light”) and diverse and inspired production and songwriting. For good reason, fans are once again excited about John Legend.
Ne-Yo – The Year of the Gentleman: Ne-Yo’s songwriting has long been recognized as above average, but his singing and album craftmanship abilities have been questionable at best. The is undeniably Ne-Yo’s opus. The album is full of exceptional song writing, great production, and is even throughout. Ne-Yo singing is even stronger and more convincing. Though I feel a little weird about that Album of the Year Grammy nomination, this album is the best mainstream R&B album this year.
Lil Wayne – The Carter III: Talk about having a breakout year! Lil Wayne turned his mixtape success in album sales with an album that contined material that appealed to the masses. From the radio ready hits (Ms. Officer, Comfortable) to the club bangers (A Millie, Got Money, Lollipop) to the plain ol weird (Phone Home), Wayne gave the people what they were waiting for. The album suffered from songs that sounded more like a compilation of new and old tracks than a complete album, but its effect on Pop culture will endure into 2009 and beyond.
Al Green – Lay It Down: Sometimes it’s not about teaching an old dog new tricks, but teaching him the value of his old ones. Al Green called in ?uestlove of The Roots to produce this modern masterpiece, which pays homage to Al Green’s illustious career and the modern soul movement simultaneously. From picture perfect production to exceptional guest appearances (John Legend, Corrine Bailey Rae, Anthony Hamilton) the album succeeds at every level.
Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords: This is a case of life imitating art vs. art imitating life- or just a good ass album. While poking fun at everything from beautiful women around the world, to first dates, to robots, the album succeds in making you laugh and making you groove. Though they clssiafy their music as folk, the elements of soul, R&B, hip-hop, rock, and indie are undeniable. Imagine how good these dudes would be if they weren’t joking around.
Young Jeezy – The Recession: On November 4th, when the announcement came in that Barack Obama would be the next President of the United States, the first words out of my mouth were, “Jezzy is a prophet.” Maybe I exaggerated with those exact words, but Jezzy took a huge strid toward becoming the voice of his people with The Recession. Jeezy put the “bird play” aside for much of the album, choosing to speak of the current state of his hood: foreclosures, layoffs, and an air of hopelessness. But unlike many who attack these issues, Jeezy uses his charisma to inject hi songs with hope for the future, evident most profoundly on “My President” featuring Nas. We can only hope that this evolution of Young Jeezy can continue.
T.I. – Paper Trail: The best albums ever made all came from personal struggle and strife. On T.I.’s last album, there was a definite lack of hunger. Impending jail time and inner-city beef lit the fire that inspired this outstanding effort. T.I. is one of the few hip-hop artist who can go from completely singing for a radio smash (Whatever You Like) to demolishing haters (I’m Illy, What Up, What’s Happening), and do each convinclingly. This album brings together that hungry, angry T.I. we grew to love and the superstar he has become. Paper Trail is the comeback that T.I. fans were waiting for.
Fall Out Boy – Folie à Deux: If Coldplay had not released a masterpiece, Fall Out Boy would have the top Rock/Alternative album of the year. That is a huge accomplishment for a band that got it’s break as MTV TRL Pop poster-children. Fall Out Boy refused to be boxed in, using their skill for creating stadium-ready hooks and driving rhythms to create a exuberant, catchy, and poignant album. Combining elements of hip-hop, R&B, folk, and many other unxexpected flourishes to take their music beyond the Pop and Alternative worlds, proving that they are true musicians, here for the long haul.
James Morrison – Songs For You, Truths For Me: James Morrison’s first album, Undiscovered, debuted prior to the British fascination with 60’s soul, yet it contained that very vibe before it became popular. For his second release, Morrison could have sought sales by succumbing and making himself into the male Duffy, but he instead chose to make an album true to himself. The result is still an extrmemly soulful album that relies on Morrison’s voice and songwriting to give it a more honest soul sound than horns ever could. Morrison’s songs sound extrmemly current and individual while paying homage to Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, and other legendary crooners. When the fascination with the 60’s subsides, only the true artist will remain standing, and this album shows why James Morrison will be among them.
