Top 6 Albums of 2014
Here's the list of my top 6 albums from this past year. Just 'cause. Top 6 because I have a 6 CD changer in my car so it seemed fitting. And yeah, I'm probably one of the few people you know who still buys CDs. Just know that these are based on my personal preferences so of course there is a lot of bias. And I'm no expert. No exhaustive reviews either. I chose these mainly based on artistry and impact. I understand that I am very selective with the music I choose to listen to and there are some genres that I just don't touch (sorry country people). Plus there are plenty of great albums that I still haven't listened to or sat down with so I can't include those on my list. But go ahead and give me suggestions and I'll check them out. Enjoy.
1. Black Messiah - D'Angelo and The Vanguard
Favorite tracks: Betray My Heart, Another Life, Really Love
D'Angelo is a prime example of quality over quantity. After a 14 year hiatus, he returns with this timely surprise without losing a step. It's basically all I've been listening to for the past couple weeks and I don't think that'll change for a while. He brings a very fresh and soulful sound, which is what R&B and music in general definitely needs today. To be honest, I don't even know what he is saying half the time without reading the lyrics. But his voice is still amazing and this mix of R&B/Soul/Funk and production with live instruments brings a great vibe with a revolutionary spirit, with tracks having to do with love as well as tracks that address issues we face in the world. The only thing I don't like about this album is that it isn't longer. This man is a genius and a true musician.
2. School of Roses - Christon Gray
Favorite tracks: Roses 102 - Burning House, Hello Goodbye, Arena (The Final Hour)
Since I first heard Christon I really liked him and this album was something I was highly anticipating for a long time. It is nothing short of phenomenal. He is incredibly versatile, from his vocal range to his ability to both sing and rap well, and that is displayed clearly on this album. Primarily an R&B album but not your typical lovey dovey one as he leads us on a journey through the joys and struggles of relationships, approaching the topic of love with a high level of seriousness and vulnerability, telling stories with each song. Very smooth and soulful. I can put this on and listen to it all the way through at any given time; I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. One of music's best kept secrets.
3. Anomaly - Lecrae
Favorite tracks: Welcome To America, Dirty Water, Nuthin'
One of my favorite artists since I was first introduced to him. It's been cool to see his evolution as an artist and what I like about him is how he engages culture from a biblical worldview. This album is great on many levels, from production to his honesty to the way addresses social issues (even more on this album than he's done in the past) to the overall message of embracing who God made us to be. Plus, he's one of few rappers who makes songs for his wife. He brings a sense of authenticity, seriousness, grittiness, and vulnerability on this album. Lecrae is breathing life into a dying culture and genre.
4. 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole
Favorite tracks: January 28, Love Yourz, Hello
I'm all about substance when it comes to music. In a genre that is currently lacking that on the mainstream level, J. Cole is one of few rappers who brings it. He is socially conscious, talks about real life, and is a great storyteller (which I think is an underrated aspect of rapping). With good production, strong lyrics, and his flow, this album also brings a raw and personal feel to it. It's heartfelt and honest. The crazy thing is, as skillful as he is on this album, I know it's still not a full display of his talent and ability. What's unique about this album is that there are no features; just Cole. I appreciate his perspective and admire his realness. He is one of my favorites in the game right now.
5. Crimson Cord - Propaganda
Favorite tracks: Three Cord Bond, Bored of Education, How Did We Get Here
Propaganda has been one of the biggest influences in my life, helping to shape my understanding of faith, race, and culture. I feel like he's always teaching me something. His style is a unique mix of rap and poetry and he does not shy away from addressing important topics such as race and education. I appreciate his willingness to do that along with his attitude and choice of words. I really enjoyed the theme of this album, as he reflects on parts of his life that made him who he is. As usual, he packs this album with substance and at times I refrain from listening to it because it's so heavy. But that's what makes it/him good.
6. In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith
Favorite tracks: Restart, Lay Me Down, Stay With Me
I kept having to rethink where this fit on my list because it's hard for me to listen to. Not that it isn't good, but it's just so dang sad! This is the perfect breakup album. Or maybe not since it'll just intensify the emotions. Sam Smith's voice is unique and very powerful. When my friend first told me to check him out, I looked him up on YouTube and my initial reaction was, "Really? This dude looks funky." But I gave him a listen and was thoroughly impressed. This album is a display of great vocal ability filled with emotion and soul. Strong debut album.
Honorable Mentions:
Sinema - Swoope: One of my favorite lyricists, with his wordplay and storytelling. I liked the theme of the album, depicting the struggle with sin while pointing us to Christ.
1989 - Taylor Swift: Say what you want, but I like how she has fun with what she does. She's growing on me and I enjoyed this album.
Rise - Trip Lee: Another strong album from an artist who has grown a lot on me since I first heard him. I liked the production on this as well as Trip's lyrics and flow as he highlights the hope we have in Jesus.
1. Black Messiah - D'Angelo and The Vanguard
Favorite tracks: Betray My Heart, Another Life, Really Love
D'Angelo is a prime example of quality over quantity. After a 14 year hiatus, he returns with this timely surprise without losing a step. It's basically all I've been listening to for the past couple weeks and I don't think that'll change for a while. He brings a very fresh and soulful sound, which is what R&B and music in general definitely needs today. To be honest, I don't even know what he is saying half the time without reading the lyrics. But his voice is still amazing and this mix of R&B/Soul/Funk and production with live instruments brings a great vibe with a revolutionary spirit, with tracks having to do with love as well as tracks that address issues we face in the world. The only thing I don't like about this album is that it isn't longer. This man is a genius and a true musician.
2. School of Roses - Christon Gray
Favorite tracks: Roses 102 - Burning House, Hello Goodbye, Arena (The Final Hour)
Since I first heard Christon I really liked him and this album was something I was highly anticipating for a long time. It is nothing short of phenomenal. He is incredibly versatile, from his vocal range to his ability to both sing and rap well, and that is displayed clearly on this album. Primarily an R&B album but not your typical lovey dovey one as he leads us on a journey through the joys and struggles of relationships, approaching the topic of love with a high level of seriousness and vulnerability, telling stories with each song. Very smooth and soulful. I can put this on and listen to it all the way through at any given time; I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. One of music's best kept secrets.
3. Anomaly - Lecrae
Favorite tracks: Welcome To America, Dirty Water, Nuthin'
One of my favorite artists since I was first introduced to him. It's been cool to see his evolution as an artist and what I like about him is how he engages culture from a biblical worldview. This album is great on many levels, from production to his honesty to the way addresses social issues (even more on this album than he's done in the past) to the overall message of embracing who God made us to be. Plus, he's one of few rappers who makes songs for his wife. He brings a sense of authenticity, seriousness, grittiness, and vulnerability on this album. Lecrae is breathing life into a dying culture and genre.
4. 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole
Favorite tracks: January 28, Love Yourz, Hello
I'm all about substance when it comes to music. In a genre that is currently lacking that on the mainstream level, J. Cole is one of few rappers who brings it. He is socially conscious, talks about real life, and is a great storyteller (which I think is an underrated aspect of rapping). With good production, strong lyrics, and his flow, this album also brings a raw and personal feel to it. It's heartfelt and honest. The crazy thing is, as skillful as he is on this album, I know it's still not a full display of his talent and ability. What's unique about this album is that there are no features; just Cole. I appreciate his perspective and admire his realness. He is one of my favorites in the game right now.
5. Crimson Cord - Propaganda
Favorite tracks: Three Cord Bond, Bored of Education, How Did We Get Here
Propaganda has been one of the biggest influences in my life, helping to shape my understanding of faith, race, and culture. I feel like he's always teaching me something. His style is a unique mix of rap and poetry and he does not shy away from addressing important topics such as race and education. I appreciate his willingness to do that along with his attitude and choice of words. I really enjoyed the theme of this album, as he reflects on parts of his life that made him who he is. As usual, he packs this album with substance and at times I refrain from listening to it because it's so heavy. But that's what makes it/him good.
6. In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith
Favorite tracks: Restart, Lay Me Down, Stay With Me
I kept having to rethink where this fit on my list because it's hard for me to listen to. Not that it isn't good, but it's just so dang sad! This is the perfect breakup album. Or maybe not since it'll just intensify the emotions. Sam Smith's voice is unique and very powerful. When my friend first told me to check him out, I looked him up on YouTube and my initial reaction was, "Really? This dude looks funky." But I gave him a listen and was thoroughly impressed. This album is a display of great vocal ability filled with emotion and soul. Strong debut album.
Honorable Mentions:
Sinema - Swoope: One of my favorite lyricists, with his wordplay and storytelling. I liked the theme of the album, depicting the struggle with sin while pointing us to Christ.
1989 - Taylor Swift: Say what you want, but I like how she has fun with what she does. She's growing on me and I enjoyed this album.
Rise - Trip Lee: Another strong album from an artist who has grown a lot on me since I first heard him. I liked the production on this as well as Trip's lyrics and flow as he highlights the hope we have in Jesus.
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