As an opening, 2006 has been a SURPRISE for music this year. Many artists, old and new, came out and SMASHED it with new sounds, fresh vocals, relatable lyrics, and remarkable performances. Many of my choices contributed to the continuation of last years emotions into empowerment and a blueprint of how to deal with such emotions. Usually, 10 would be sufficient, but I had to bust it up to 15 because it was THAT good, and here's my list:
15.
Ne-Yo
In My Own Words
Released: February 28th, 2006
Label: Def Jam Records
Genre: Contemporary R&B
Ne-Yo broke out in late 2005 with his ambiguously danceable single "Stay" featuring under the radar artist Peedi Peedi, but it wasn't until he dropped the midtempo heartbroken "So Sick" that his recognition shot through the roof in early 2006.
In My Own Word is full of mellow sounding ballads and upbeat cuts, but what's deeper is the penmenship, as Ne-Yo has shown for many other artists (Mario, Rihanna, Beyonce). It's his ability to connect with the listener that keeps them coming back for more.
This albums' connection to me was overwhelming.
Choice tracks: "Sexy Love", "Time", "When You're Mad", "Mirror"
14.
Sukima Switch
Yukaze Blend
Released: November 29th, 2006
Label: BMG Japan
Genre: Rock/Pop
Sukima Switch has been in the game for a little bit, but it wasn't till they released their soundtrack single "Garana" that their audience began to pick up on their jazzy-acoustic rock style. Almost comparable to Maroon 5 minus 3 guys and whole bunch more orchestra, their songs are a controlled set of JPop-rock love. Whether you understand the lyrics or not, you'll find your head bopping and swaying to their easy-listening tracks.
I was turned on to this albums downtempo acoustic sound.
Choice tracks: "Garana", "1+1", "Boku no Oto"
13.
Snoop Dogg
The Blue Carpet Treatment
Released: November 21st, 2006
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
From the slew of guest appearances on others' albums, Snoop drops his latest banger set with, what seems to be the newest trend, guest appearances galore. But no worry, Snoop's swagger isn't to be overlooked as every track showcases his smooth delivery over 808-infected beats. "That's That" featuring R. Kelly, the current single, sounds like a take out of a vacation commercial where as "LAX" gives off a late 90s sound with quirky synths and an assortment of sound effects.
Definitely loved this album for it's banger-after-banger tracklisting.
Choice tracks: "That's That", "Candy (Drippin' Like Water)", "Psst!"
12.
Fergie
The Dutchess
Released: September 19th, 2006
Label: Interscope/will.i.a.m
Genre: Pop/Hip-Hop
The sole female member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, Fergie's ladder to solo-dom has been a long ride, as she's gone through many musical outlets to get to where she is now. "London Bridge", contributed by Atlanta-based producer Polow da Don gave Fergie the solo hit she needed to boost this very eclectic album off the ground. Viewed as either a love or hate album amongst the masses,
The Dutchess displays Fergie's versatility over various sounds, those including hip-hop ("Fergalicious"), reggae ("Mary Jane Shoes"), and even powerpop ("Velvet").
The variety in this album's sound kept me turned on to it.
Choice tracks: "All I Got (The Break-Up Song)", "Glamorous", "Velvet"
11.
Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco presents Food & Liquor
Released: September 19th, 2006
Label: Atlantic Records
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Born and bred out of Chicago, the politically insightful and lyrically brilliant Lupe Fiasco emerges out of the flames of fellow Chicagoan Kanye West's "Touch The Sky". This album serves as a wake-up call to he masses, as many issues within the minority communities are addressed through hypothetical and empowering responses.
This album kept me in deep thought about the realities of the world.
Choice tracks: "Real", "He Say She Say", "Sunshine", "Kick, Push"
10.
Basement Jaxx
Crazy Itch Radio
Released: September 12th, 2006
Label: XL Recordings
Genre: Electronica/Dance
Always on point with sickening dance joints, Basement Jaxx comes back for more on their newest album,
Crazy Itch Radio. Led by the bouncey "Hush Boy", led by robust vocalist Vula Malinga, Basement Jaxx delivers both poppy and dark sounding electronic dance songs with guest vocals from Lily Allen, Robyn, and Martina Sorbara.
This record's high energy had me replacing my wig on every play.
Choice Tracks: "Hush Boy", "Lights Go Down", "Smoke Bubbles", "Hey You"
9.
John Legend
Once Again
Released: October 24th, 2006
Label: Columbia/G.O.O.D.
Genre: R&B
Off of his triple Grammy sweep, John Legend returns with with the 70s sounding
Once Again. Though too early in his career to be choosing an era theme for an album, as his own sound isn't yet established, he pulls off the plan as he whispers raspily over each track and gets into each every track as it takes the listener back to the time of high maintenance afros, bellbottoms, and bass guitar heavy performances.
This album's 70s-era sound allured me all too well.
Choice Tracks: "Save Room", "Show Me", "Maxine", "Again"
8.
Diddy
Press Play
Released: October 17th, 2006
Label: Bad Boy Records
Genre: Hip-Hop/R&B
It's been years since Diddy has put out a solo record, as he's been focused on extracting and exploiting new talent (MTB3's Danity Kane, Cassie, Young Joc). It's no wonder that he titled the album as such, because that's all he wants the listener to do, 'press play' and listen to the homage to 80s hip-hop in a contemporary fashion. The good parts start at the lead single "Come To Me" as Diddy continues the fashion of guest heavy accompaniment.
In reality, this album just has Diddy as a 'guest artist' as the real ones take over on each track, which is why I like it so much, it shines on other artists talents more than Diddy's himself; humbleness must be an exuding Diddy factor.
Choice Tracks: "Wanna Move", "After Love", "Thought You Said", "Last Night"
7.
Game
Doctor's Advocate
Released: November 21st, 2006
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
After the many beefs between teet 50 Cent and the G-Unit entourage, Game comes out on top with his project, separate from any major entities of the last album. Full of shoutouts to those who've supported him and West Coast love, Game delivers over a slew of sampled instrumentals, spilling his innermost feelings about everything from the 50 Beef, fake friends and his departure from Dre on the project. In fact, the strongest track on the album is the self-realization title track, with a feature from Busta Rhymes, as a drunken Game spills his true feelings about his idol.
Game's confessional lyrics really touched me, as most rappers would rather talk about bling and possessions over personal feelings, Game sealed the vote for my thumbs up on this record.
Choice Tracks: "Doctor's Advocate", "Scream On 'Em", "Why You Hate The Game", "One Night"
6.
Amel Larrieux
Morning
Released: April 25th, 2006
Label: Blisslife Records
Genre: R&B/Soul/Funk
Amel never fails to deliver good 'ol funky tunes filled with high pitched melismas, things to make you say 'hmm', and jazzy sounds. "Weary", the album's lead track, finds Mrs. Larrieux reminiscing on daily life woes where as the opening track "Trouble" showcases her build-up dolphin call (heard in her last album's hit "For Real").
Experimental touches with a solid sound and thought provoking words yield this albums position on the list.
Choice Tracks: "Unanswered Question", "No One Else", "Gills and Tails"
5.
Justin Timberlake
FutureSex/LoveSounds
Released: September 12th, 2006
Label: Jive Records
Genre: R&B/Pop
Fueling super producer Timbaland's 2006 comeback, Justin Timberlake returns with his second effort filled with electrobeatbox compilation, with its infectious summer hit "SexyBack", which leaves Justin's effort on the tongues of many celebrities that claim "sexy never left", but indeed if you retort to this track, it's presence wasn't very prevalent.
Every track has either a memorable sound or a memorable lyric and it's delivery is on point.
Choice Tracks: "FutureSex/LoveSounds", "LoveStoned", "Until The End Of Time", "SexyBack"
4.
Kelis
Kelis Was Here
Released: August 22nd, 2006
Label: Jive/Zomba
Genre: Contemporary R&B/Hip-Hop
Kelis has never been one to sell albums, but her consistency in change has become a common point in her music, and for that, fans and onlookers look for that. Filled with a slew of sounds, Kelis starts of in party mood and ends in a mellow, with the pinnacle of the album being the spacey-tribute song "Trilogy". Kelis' former 'hook girl' title leaves her gracing many of the genres featured on in full on this album.
Her no-fail stance to continue evolving with her music, instead of cookie cutting her genre, finds me loyal and proud to call myself a Kelis fan.
Choice Tracks: "Circus", "Trilogy", "Bossy", "Lil' Star"
3.
Fantasia
Fantasia
Released: December 12th, 2006
Label: J Records
Genre: R&B
3rd season winner Fantasia has been through a lot since the release of her 4x Grammy nominated debut, with admitting her illiteracy as well as having such story made into a rating-shattering Lifetime movie, Fantasia's raspy singing technique exudes on her self titled sophomore effort, that displays a Motown-esque sound over contemporary deliverance. Many tracks convey a message of self-empowerment and self-confidence, as many women Fantasia's age could use when feeling down.
Fantasia's consistency on a new sound that compliments her unique voice captured my ear more than anything.
Choice Tracks: "Uneligible", "Baby Makin' Hips", "When I See U", "Sunshine"
2.
Beyoncé
B'Day
Released: September 4th, 2006
Label: Columbia Records/Music World
Genre: Contemporary R&B/Pop
Quickly rushing this ear candy from her schedule of filming the (soon to be) Oscar nominated "Dreamgirls", Beyoncé doesn't fail as she stated "the album's inspiration is due to the character Deena (from Dreamgirls)", not to mention releasing an album on your birthday adds a big of pressure to avoid putting out a sophomore slump. This album is straight up party, with the exemption of the final two and hidden tracks. Though short,
the album is quick and to the point with its purpose to get you shakin', bouncin', and groovin' to the beat.
Choice Tracks: "Freakum Dress", "Irreplaceable", "Green Light", "Get Me Bodied"
1.
Nelly Furtado
Loose
Released: June 20th, 2006
Label: Geffen/Mosley Music Group
Genre: Pop/Hip-Hop
After going to into her folk roots on her last effort, Nelly flips the switch on her recent release from downtempo acoustic girl to hyper sex bunny, as Timbaland leads this 'loose' and out of control album. The call and answer smash "Promicuous" leaves little to the imagination as Timbaland and Nelly work off each others flirtatious swagger, and served to be receptive to the world as well, as we all have a baiting personality from time to time.
But what makes it for me is that this album's creativity shoots through the roof as the subjective tracks are laced with equally mind numbing vocals with Danja-assisted production, truely a break out album of 2006 to be praised.
Choice Tracks: "Say It Right", "Showtime", "Maneater", "All Good Things"
