I know, it's actually 11 this year. I just couldn't decide between the two number tens.
10 (tie). St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Half the City - I first hear this and thought, "Who in their right mind would recreate Booker T and the MGs back Otis Redding?" Then I saw the video and it is a bunch of awkward, white guys, very respectfully doing their version of Memphis soul. The passion they bring to is makes it fresh again.
10 (tie). James Bay - Hold Back the River - I know, I am a sucker for anthemic rock and this album hit right in the middle of everything I love. It is new and different and I enjoyed it.
9. Real Estate - Atlas - While we are on the topic of things I love, I really enjoy these guys. They play a quiet, ambient form of music that I find really calm and relaxing. I originally though that my copy of The Meadowlands would be enough, but I needed this one too.
8. Jessie Ware - Tough Love - I love Jessie Ware's voice and her approach to music. Everything I read refers to her as a dubstep singer. I don't really understand what dubstep is. I just thinks she has a great voice and does a great job projecting the emotion in her songs.
7. Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin - Common Ground (Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy) - It's the Alvin brothers doing Americana and doing it better than anyone else. These are traditional folk/blues songs and they do it with the proper respect while bringing them to life.
6. Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour - It's actual pop music that is actually played on the radio and it is actually on my list. This was the go to album of the summer when we sat outside. It is difficult to find something that everyone enjoys and this was it. I know it was everywhere, but, fortunately, I only listen to those stations when my children are in the car.
Cool! I'm not always so good at looking for new music on my own. This is a good start. The Sam Smith I'm a tiny bit familiar with. I want to look more into the Alvin Brothers and Jessie Ware.
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