[minho]

#32

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Jessie Ware - Devotion
Released - August 20, 2012



With Sade vocals and beautiful lush productions, its no surprise that Jessie captured the magic of R&B with this album. Its generally just a relaxing yet compelling listen with intricate sounds and beautiful poetic lyrics.

"Running" sounds straight out of the Sade catalogue, a brilliant piece with soft nostalgic moments. "Taking In Water" is a poppier sound where Jessie's vocals shine. "Swan Song" is another proud vocal moment that captures you right away. And "Night Light" has a dark yet uplifting feel.

[minho]

#31

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Grimes - Visions
Released - January 31, 2012



Its a bit of a weird album but its definitely an interesting album. There are so many cool influences that come into play from electronic, dark wave, to even elements of medieval music (?!). Its a grand collection of enchanting tunes and Grimes' high pitched vocals takes it to the next level.

[Giliap]

Tove Lo best of decade? I don't want to sound condescending but I truly don't get it.

Devotion and 4

Visions.

[minho]

Originally posted by Giliap

Tove Lo best of decade? I don't want to sound condescending but I truly don't get it.

Devotion and 4

Visions.

I definitely think I'll be coming back to Tove Lo a lot so I thought I'd mention it!

Glad to see you liked the others though.

[holyground]

4 is so good, I don't get why a lot of people hate it.

I need to listen to Devotion soon, I love Tough Love.

[Bloomers]

4 is my favorite Bey album by far. It's so meticulously crafted and had Love, on Top, Countdown, 1+1, and Schoolin Life.

Flying Lotus and Grimes also I think I still may prefer Cosmogramma (FlyLo is an albums artist but he hasn't topped ...As The World Laughs or German Haircut -I'm a sucker for an eerie sax line - as stand alone cuts for me) but You're Dead! is growing on me.

[Eeveelution]

Devotion.

Visions is cute too, and 4 has some great songs.

[MP2K]

Lol Tove, hey I can dig it.

Visions and Devotion - I'm so glad to had hosted that 2012 rate I would ave overlooked those great albums.

4nomenal

[minho]

Thanks for your comments! I'm about to do 5 more.

I'll also try to get back on track with commenting on everyone else's countdowns.

[minho]

#30

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The Weeknd - House Of Balloons
Released - March 21, 2011



So technically a mixtape but I'm including anyways. I was also conscious not to include the entire Trilogy release because even though I do like the other two mixtapes, only the first one was 'decade' worthy. A long long time ago The Weeknd's style was this enchanting mix of soft R&B productions with equally subdued lyrics. That's a lethal combination that has admittedly been watered down over time, but I still consider this mixtape to be among the best examples of the PR&B trend.

[minho]

I will also take this moment to mention that, to be completely honest, the rankings of #40-4 are meaningless since I love all of the albums. I ranked them randomly one night but already I'm seeing some changes I'd make, so they pretty much are on the same level.

Its just the top 3 that can't change, that for sure is my top 3!

[minho]

#29

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Beach House - Bloom
Released - May 15, 2012



Bloom plays up on the strengths of their earlier album Teen Dream but also offers its own fresh take on dream-pop. The album is lush and ethereal and a very ambient listening experience. Its ultimately one of the most addicting listens of its respective year however it had to take some time to grow on me.

Sorry about not having as in-depth write-ups...

[minho]

#28

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M.I.A. - Matangi
Released - November 1, 2013



Now i'm always down for M.I.A. She's one of the first artists that I actually enthusiastically followed way back when around the time of Kala. Since then I've enjoyed most of her music but felt that Matangi was a nice return-to-form for her. Its full of fresh ideas and concepts but still carries some of her essentials. The lyrics are amazing and pretty much every song is dynamic in its own right. I love the amount of bangers on this but I like that there are more introspective spiritual moments as well.

[minho]

#27

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Boards Of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest
Released - June 5, 2013



I looooooove downtempo music, especially when it has a wonderful atmospheric feel like this album does. The imagery that this music creates is magical and its just such a fulfilling listen.

This was a case of discovered the next year where I found this album in 2014 but it left a huge impression on me.

[minho]

#26

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Janelle Monáe - The Electric Lady
Released - September 6, 2013



Tons of great influences and an overall cool funk-influenced nostalgic feel. This album is basically filled with tons of really great jams that touch upon many different styles which helps keep the whole thing interesting. I love the concept too with the whole 'android' stuff and its very well executed lyrically and sonically.

Even though the first half is a little more immediate, I've grown to prefer the second half.

[Giliap]

I haven't listened to House Of Balloons in a while but from what I remember, I really liked it.

Bloom is just The guys at work play it often and I swear it's like listening to a new masterpiece every time.

Matangi is just as amazing tbh.

I really like The Electric Lady too. "What An Experience" is my absolute favorite from it.

I've tried to get into Boards of Canada several times but I just never click with them.

[backtoback]

The Electric Lady is awesome
I'm glad Electric Lady was a single
Janelle is so underrated

[minho]

Next update is all about the female singer/songwriters! First time you'll see Taylor too

[Superpower]

The Weeknd, MIA, Janelle

[Giliap]

fiona?