Journal Entry 5-3: Albums
I should start by mentioning that this years top 5 albums were quite some distance ahead of the rest, and all 5 would have challenged 2009 and 2010's number one had they been released last that year.
5 Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia
Patrick's first studio album since the incredibly brave and powerful Bachelor in 2009 become one of my 3 most anticipated albums of the year (the other two follow respectively in this update). Time Of My Life generated about as much excitement in me as I thought was possible, until The City and House were eventually released as singles, by which point I could have kicked the bucket in waiting. I remember at one point I considered cancelling my Summer vacation to Nerja as it would clash with the album release (I didn't though). I never imagined that he would create such a commercial again since the release of 2007's The Magic Position, but I'm thankful that he did. While he may not have made the breakthrough chart-wise that he so fully deserves, he managed to create an incredible record without losing any of his credibility and brilliance.
4 Britney Spears - Femme Fatale
Back at the very start of 2011, I thought it was set in stone that Britney Spears 7th studio album would be the years number one album. For it to finish in 4th, is not in any way, shape or form a sign of disappointment, just a testament to how strong the year has been. So far, all 4 singles released from the album have reached #1 in my personal chart, and based on the tracks left on the album, if a 5th single were to be released, that too would most likely get there. I can only dream. This era has definitely been one of two halves; on one side we have a fantastic album. That alone makes this era amazing. On the other side however we have her promotion, her chart performance, her lackluster dancing, and let's not forget the meet and greet pictures... I forgive all those things though, as they bare no relevance to the material on the album, which is incidentally her second best only to Blackout in my opinion, and is arguably even more cohesive and consistent.
3 Mary J. Blige - Mary J. Blige - My Life II.. The Journey Continues (Act 1)
I've always believed that Britney Spears was my absolute favourite artist. This year I realized that Mary J. Blige is if not her equal, her superior in my favor. Her back uncatalogue continues to grow on me every time I venture into it, and all the while she provides me with brand new material which I fall in love with instantly. Mary has attacked and overrun my playlists from two fronts this year. Many of Mary's albums could do with a sequel, but My Life really was the right one to be provided with one! Obviously 25/8 and Mr Wrong are among her finest up-tempos, and best singles in years, while tracks featuring Busta Rhymes and Beyonce provide some killer album cuts! My favourite track on the album however, is neither a single, nor an original song, but a cover. Need Someone is my favourite track from the Matt Morris album (where it is called Someone To Love You), but Mary's version is a lot more stripped back and unplugged, and is suited to her voice perfectly. I strongly suggest people pay attention to the lyrics as Mary oozes the chorus line 'you need someone to love me' before she pours her broken heart out with 'it doesn't have to be me'. That sh*t cuts real deep! For me anyway. If this isn't released as a single in 2012, the world may very well be ending as my rage causes mass destruction! Bring on Act 2 is all else I have to say!