The Top 4 Albums of 2011

4. Watch The Throne- Jay-Z and Kanye West

Probably the most hyped album of the year, rap superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West have again collaborated, this time for a surprisingly good album. Featuring plenty of funky, experimental and sometimes electronic beats, the hard club banging rap lines that Jay-Z and Kanye are known for, will be stuck in your head for hours.

With popular songs such as, "N***** in Paris," and "Otis" the duo prove that they are still capable of producing international hits, but in my opinion the less popular songs off the album are the real reasons for listening. "No Church in the Wild," or "What you need," are two excellent examples of extremely underrated tracks off

of the super release. The Album was created by popular producers RZA and Swizz Beatz, and featured vocal samples from numerous popular, up and coming acts such as: Bon Iver, La Roux, Frank Ocean and even features a beat sampled from dubstep artist Flux Pavilion. Overall a fantastic album from two rappers who together represent almost a decade of hip-hop/rap success and fame.

3. Junk of the Heart- The Kooks

Despite receiving Mixed Reviews online, Junk of the Heart, the kooks third studio effort is truly one of the best albums of the year. With the same harmonically pleasing, acoustic driven Brit-pop sound the band has again satisfied listeners with their soft rock ballads and "beatlesesque," sound. Upbeat drumming and fuzzy guitar lines layered over lead vocalist Luke Pritchard's catchy lyrics blend together to complete the album.

The title track starts the album with an infectious chorus that will have the listener singing along in minutes, and the record does not let up through the rest of the 36 minutes of listening time. Another solid release for the kooks.

2. Take Care- Drake

If Watch the Throne was the most hyped album of 2011, Take Care was right behind it. If only by a fraction. Canadian Rapper Drake's sophomore release surpassed expectations and quickly became the best selling hip-hop album of 2011. Drakes's uncanny flow and skillful rhyming is backed by many familiar faces: Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Stevie Wonder, Birdman, Rick Ross and Just Blaze to name a few.

The album covers so much ground that it is difficult to surmise in a review. The record opens with the soothing piano/synth tracks of "over my dead body," a proud, mellow track that is centered around Drake's career and his longevity in the music business. the album progresses with radio hits such as "Take Care," "Headlines," and "Marvin's Room." The later tracks prove that Drake is still lyrically capable of going in on harder, more aggressive beats. "Underground Kings," "We'll be Fine," and "HYFR," are great banger tracks. A solid number two spot for Drake as he continues to mature as an artist and explore new musical opportunities.

1. Bon Iver- Bon Iver

With the Number one album of 2011, Justin Vernon, a bearded songwriter from the backwoods of Wisconsin, has taken the mainstream alternative/folk music scene by a storm. Whether its his early acoustic driven wailing on his first release, "For Emma, forever ago," or his catchy hooks on rapper Kanye West's recent albums, it would be hard to call Vernon an, "indie" artist anymore, however entrancing his music may be.

Where Bon Iver used to impress with his minimalistic, acoustic musical lines and auto-tuned, harmonized vocals, he expands his sound with a more full band approach. Additions include more electric guitar, numerous keys, organs, synths and prevalent strings, horns and percussive sections that beautifully accent this record of epic proportions and scheme. Vernon paints soundscapes of beautiful, almost orchestral songs and sings his introspective and thought provoking lyrics over them in a way that is completely original and musically revolutionary. His sound is relaxing, creative and new. A fabulous album for all.

In addition to the top 4 albums, honorable mentions of 2011 include:

Rolling Papers- Wiz Khalifa

21- Adele

El Camino- The Black Keys

Lasers- Lupe Fiasco

Mylo Xyloto- Coldplay

Finally Famous- Big Sean

All 6's and 7's- Tech N9ne

Random Axe- Random Axe

Nostalgia, Ultra.- Frank Ocean

The Weeknd- House of Balloons

The King of Limbs- Radiohead

Angles- The Strokes

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming- M83