In Case You Missed It: Top Albums of 2010
by Janessa Demeule
As the year comes to an end it is time to look at some standout albums of 2010. If you haven’t picked these albums up yet, there is still time.
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
The Suburbs was released Aug. 2, 2010. It topped the charts at number one worldwide and received positive reviews from listeners. The concept is about growing up and out of the suburbs. The more mature themes, such as failure to reach potentials and the reality of life, create poignant lyrics, while beautifully orchestrated music propels the message home. The Suburbs is a well-created work of art that deserves all the accolades it has received.
Suggested Tracks: “Empty Room,” “Modern Man,” and “City With No Children”
Eminem – Recovery
Even Eminem admits his last album was sub-par, but he made up for it with this year’s release of Recovery. Released in June, Mather’s latest is more emotionally-driven than his work in the past few years. Though convoluted at times, remnants of the Eminem that sang on “The Marshal Mathers EP” shine through, with such force that confirms his return to form.
Suggested Tracks: “Not Afraid,” “Won’t Back Down,” and “Almost Famous”
Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles (II)
Crystal Castles released a new album on May 24th of this year. As their second self titled album it is also referred to as Crystal Castles II. This album has dark themes contrasted by light electro-pop beats that melds together to make a unique electronica album. It is more propulsive, explosive and self-expressive than their previous album. While the shift in content differs vastly from their previous album, it enhances instead of detracts from their sound.
Suggested Tracks: “Not in Love,” “Birds,” and “Suffocation”
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh
Released in March, this album is a hit in every sense. Female R&B singers are no strangers to the game, but none can keep up with Badu and New Amerykah is proof of that. The album was propelled into public eye with Badu’s music video for “Window Seat,” where she stripped slowly as she walked and then was slain by an unseen assassin. Despite the negative views about the video, her album sings with raw emotive power and an evolution of her sound. If you’ve never heard soul before, Badu is the artist with which to start.
Suggested Tracks: “Window Seat,” “Out My Mind (Just in Time),” and “Umm-Humm”
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
The third album from the Gorillaz was released Mar. 3 of this year. Fueled by clever lyrics and a plethora of guest artists, the album is a stand out for 2010. With light environmental undertones the album shifts between the light and darkness within humanity and in our consumption. With hooks from the likes of Mos Def, Snoop Dogg and De La Soul, this is their most driven album to date and one of the more poignant albums of the year.
Suggested Tracks: “Stylo,” “Rhinestone Eyes,” and “Melancholy Hill”