Music plays the most important part in my life... sorry to all the fashion heads out there... and obviously at this time of year with the Grammy's coming up etc. people are dwelling and mulling over who can be crowned artist of the year.
Unfortunately for me, if i may say so, the music scene all around has just fallen short in comparison to that of 2013. with the drop of Yeezus, Watching Movies with the Sound Off, My Name is Pusha T, Brand New Machine, Feel Good, Settle, Magna Carter Holy Grail, Born Sinner and many more, we were treated to an epic display of musical fire and 3rd degree burns which would take serious work to be healed... But mistaken as usual! 2014 saw the likes of come-up artists completely shit on the game (sorry not sorry).
Below are a list of albums that I believe deserve album of the year and honourable mentions.
1. Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
Producer for some of 2013/2014's biggest tracks, Flying Lotus took to the scene on his ones to produce a vastly instrumental album. With some glistening vocals from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Captain Murphy, we were treated to musical brilliance in the form of new experimental jazz. I'm a jazz fan and I can honestly say that 'FlyLo' showed no signs of amateurish knowledge.
8.5/10
2. Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour
With a chocolate vocal base, a bitter lyrical filling topped off with sweet innocence icing, Sam Smith produce a story telling album worthy of a arthaus film. Through simplistic chord proggresion and raw vocals, we were able to travel through Sam's honest emotions as he mulls over unrequited love and his experiences. After working with brotherly duo 'Disclosure', Sam was in the public eye for brief moments throughout 2012/2013 with the release of the single 'Latch' but with the release of his own personal album, Sam soared to new heights and was crowned with countless best single awards for 'Stay With Me', 'I Know I'm Not The Only One' and 'Lay Me Down'. With numerous nominations for Grammy awards (including best album), in my opinion, Sam Smith deserves all the awards he gets.
10/10
3. SBTRKT - Wonder Where We Land
From being a SBTRKT fan from day one, When I heard that the young Producer was releasing his debut album, I almost fell into a coma due to the excitement. Harking back to his original roots and material, SBTRKT teams up once more with long time collaborator Sampha in this epic album to produce the unique raw electronic and vocal combination. With further collaborations with A$ap Ferg, Denai Moore and Raury, SBTRKT combined the latest musical talents of the year with his material to create a flawless record. My first interest in this particular album came when he dropped the single with Ezra Koenig on his Soundcloud 'New Dorp, New York'. the progressive drumming and raw bass guitar presented us with a bubbling sensation within our stomach and a constant dirty face as we listened to Ezra flow over the uniquely composed tune.
9/10
4. Jessie Ware - Tough Love
Following the mellow success of her debut album 'Devotion', young Londoner Jessie Ware brought to us a strong body work as a sentiment to 2014. As she sings love songs and songs about love, Tough Love reminds us of early 90's r&b slow jamz. with this album, it is not hard to understand why she has for many years been associated with the likes of SBTRKT, Sampha and more recently, Sam Smith and Miguel. alongside her album release, social media expanded and with a barrage of tweets, i saw countless people say that this was a love making album...
8/10
5. J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hill Drive
A late entry from Jermaine Cole: With mixed reviews and heavy criticism from some big music reviewers, J. Cole's '2014 Forest Hill Drive' has had a extreme split between love and hate. Personally I love the reminiscent and reflective album. Featuring some lacklustre beats, the album is ready for criticism but with pinpoint flow and intellectual lyrics, J.cole still retains his credibility.
7.5/10
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