The 20 Best ALBUMS of 2011
We all know I hate Best of Lists that come out before the year is over so nearly 4 weeks into 2012 I finally present my best albums of 2011! (Still a day faster than last year!) Below are the top 10 albums from my 2011 followed by 10 honorable mentions. The list was compiled by weighing total play counts along with longevity. Not only did I listen to it a lot, but was I still reaching for it months after the honeymoon phase. These are those albums.
Since I can’t be bothered to rank these bad boys I went for alphabetical. Enjoy, and of course, drop your thoughts in the comments. Hearing your agreements/disagreements is always the most fun part of these lists!
♫ = Click to play & right-click to download
Click album titles to see original review
Das Racist – Relax
♫ Das Racist – Rainbow in the Dark
When they want to these guys can be amazing. Unlike anything else out there.
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Drake – Take Care
♫  Drake – Take Care (Feat. Rihanna)
This album is still growing on me more and more. Â The man in onto something special here.
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Frank Ocean – Nostalgia, Ultra
♫ Frank Ocean – Songs for Women
Heart and soul. And damn catchy hooks.
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Holy Ghost! – Holy Ghost!
This one just kept getting better and better. Each listen uncovers a new favorite.
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Hooded Fang – Album
♫ Hooded Fang – Straight Up The Dial
I don’t care that it came out in 2010. It made my 2011. An insanely delightful album that any sane person should love.
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Jhameel – The Human Condition
The sound on an amazing artist getting even better.
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Motopony – Motopony
Tender hearts never sounded this good.
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Penguin Prison – Penguin Prison
♫ Penguin Prison – The Worse It Gets
The long wait could have turned out sour but instead  we got an album that blew away all my expectations.
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Walk The Moon – I Want! I Want!
♫ Walk The Moon – Lisa Baby
From an awesome single to an awesome live shot to an awesome album, 2011 the year of Walk The Moon. Every song is perfect.
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Wildlife – Strike Hard Young Diamond
♫ Wildlife – Stand in the Water
Is anyone else out there loving this as much as me!? This album has it all! Stellar.
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HONORABLE MENTION
ANR – Stay Kids / ♫ ANR – Stay Kids
Civil Civic - Rules / ♫ Civil Civic – Street Trap
Gotye – Making Mirrors / ♫ Gotye – Eyes Wide Open
James Blake – James Blake / ♫ James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream
Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne / ♫ Jay Z & Kanye West – Niggas In Paris
Generationals – Actor-Caster / ♫ Generationals – Ten-Twenty-Ten
Monarchy – Monarchy / ♫ Monarchy – Gold In The Fire
Peter Bjorn & John – Gimme Some / ♫ Peter Bjorn and John – May Seem Macabre
The Weeknd – House of Balloons / ♫ The Weeknd – House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls
When Saints Go Machine – Konkylie / ♫ When Saints Go Machine – Kelly
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Brandon, once again some absolute gems I discovered here. Thank you!
Great list, aboslutely love Walk The Moon’s album. Great list!
Thanks Jason!
Yeah, such a great album. Thanks mc!
 I agree! I love their new video for Anna Sun :) http://www.vevo.com/watch/walk-the-moon/anna-sun/USRV81100083
This one has been out for a while but is awesome!
Have you seen this webisode of the Walk the Moon guys talking about performing live? They’re so genuine!Â
http://bit.ly/yWTULa
Cool list… Certainly some bands I’ve never heard of. I’m guessing you haven’t heard Youth Lagoon’s 2011 album, The Year of Hibernation… It’s literally in my top 10 of all time, and it’s his very first album.
Hmmm, a lot of people promoting this one… Thanks Jen!
I caught it after new years so there are few posts up on TBE but not in time for a best of list. Jams that mellow rarely make my top of the year lists anyway, although it is a great album!