5. Destroyer – Kaputt
What’s going on over the course of 50 minutes on this album? I’m not really sure. The lyrics seem like they were patched together in a diary in a stream of consciousness type of way. Words strung together to sound nice, not to just follow a linear narrative. An abstract story that seems like nothing while at the same time sounds like it’s all that matters. Daniel Bejar’s album is pretty easy to jump right in to and get lost, carried away in a see of saxophones, dreamy guitars and synths. The album is a perfect companion to late nights as the day winds down.
4. Drake – Take Care
The Toronto rapper’s second album was one of the most hyped events of the year. After getting shut out of both the Junos and Grammys last year, Drake came out unfazed, not having to prove anything because of his confidence in his music speaks for itself. The album brings in a couple guest spots with the year’s biggest new R&B sensation The Weeknd in on a few songs to help out. Rihanna, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Andre 3000 and Nicki Minaj all lend a hand as well, adding to the grandiose of the album. Sometimes the themes of riches and success can be eye-roll inducing, but on Take Care, Drake is able to seem quite human. Songs such as “Marvins Room” show an open and honest side of the rapper , somebody who seems to still be looking to find his way in the world. He isn’t quite gloating about his position of fame and wealth even when he is singing about spending millions and enjoying excess riches. It is hard to ignore how catchy the album is, verses and chorus that can get stuck in your head for days on end.
3. Jon Mckiel – Tonka War Cloud
After hearing frequent rumours of a new album every year for the past few years, Jon Mckiel came back with fists flying in 2011. In March, he released the Confidence Lodge EP, revealing a new direction. Moving on from the sounds of Nature of Things, Mckiel has moved to a darker and grittier sound, revealing more honesty and vulnerability in his lyrics. Tonka War Cloud thrives on tension not lyrically and musically. Songs that sound like they’ll burst apart like “Confidence Lodge” to tracks about a fist fight. He also shows the ability to paint beautiful pictures out of dark and gloomy images, making a song about a dead body being taken away an intimate experience and not repulsive.
2. Hey Rosetta! – Seeds
The third album from the Newfoundland band shows a band constantly in motion. Always touring, travelling and spending time together are revealed throughout the album. Seeds showed us that Hey Rosetta! don’t just need to stick to their successful formula to make good music. While their previous albums were built around slow build ups that climaxed into an explosion of instruments, Seeds is full of songs where the band cut to the chase and rock out right from the get go. With layers of strings, guitars, keys and vocals, the album is full of variety and complexity. The type of album where you can hear new things with each listen and not grow tired of the songs.
1. Daniel Romano – Sleep Beneath the Willow
The best album of 1961 goes to Daniel Romano with his album Sleep Beneath the Willow. If it sounds like somebody listens to a lot of George Jones and Hank Williams, well it is because Romano does, and it shows on this album. The album carries a nostalgic drenched AM radio country sound throughout the 11 songs. Sounds of slide guitar, strings and fantastic backing vocals from Misha Bower (Bruce Peninsula). This album sounds like somebody had their heart pulled out and trampled on. It is full of inner struggle, trying to move on from old relationships but not quite being able to. What makes this album stand out is the honesty and conviction that Romano pours into his vocals. Anybody can pick up an acoustic guitar and sing about heartbreak, but it takes a special talent to write songs that can connect with listeners on such an intimate level. Listening to a song like “Louise”, where he sings about a man sleeping lots because it took him to dreams where he could see his wife who passed away, is enough to make even a coldhearted person reach for a tissue. Music that connects with the heart, music that entertains and music that is timeless. What more could you ask for from an album?
