10 favorite music purchase of 2011

[glencro]

I haven't made one of these lists in years, probably because I haven't purchased 10 cds in a year in a long time. Coming from someone who has over 1,000 cds and used to spend my last on music before food. Music has changed and quality music hasn't been released as often but I made moer music purchases this year than I have in years. Here are my 10 favorite purchases in no particlar order:

1. Bruno Mars/ Doo-Wops & Hooligans- This cd is pop enough to be pop yet Mar's smooth tone and vocal ability sprinkles just enough soul to give the music an extra umph. Songs like "Grenade", "Just The Way You Are", "Count On Me" and "Talking To The Moon" makes this one a winner.
2. Teena Marie/ "First Class Love: Rare Tee"- This collection of unrealeased songs of Teena Marie before she became a household name is a breath of fresh air. This collection shows how genuis she really was. Disc 2 is raw and acoustic and pleasure to the ears.
3. Eric Roberson/ "Mr. Nice Guy"-The very underated yet overly talented Eric Roberson comes witha collection of great songs, intelligent lyrics and a groove that does not disappoint
4. Dorinda Clark Cole/ "I Survived"-This member of the muliple Grammy winning Clark Sisters proves once again that she can hold her own with her 4th solo offering. When she's churching, she's churching hard. The band is on fire, she's a powerhouse and the accompanying background creates a handclapping footstomping good time. She's equally effective on the ballads as she is on the uptempos. You will definitely wave your hands, stomp your feet and say amen. This cd does what gospell music should do...UPLIFT.
5. Rahsaan Patterson/ "Bluephoria"- With guest appearances from Faith Evans, Jody Watley, Lalah Hathaway and the Andrae Crouch singers, Rahsaan delivers a collection of quality music that unfortnately radio has overlooked but sometimes that comes with being true to your art. The guests are just that because it is definitely the Rahsaan show and what a good one it is. His vocal acrobats and crazy range is the icing on a cake full of good songs
6. The Roots/ "Undone"- It's not just rap, hip-hop or rock but a mixture of solid songs with exceptional musicianship. So many standout tracks on this cd and it flows like a 12 foot wedding train. The cd tells a story and was strategically made that way. If you have an ear for great musicianship, this is the one for you
7. Andrae Crouch/" The Journey"The legend proves that he is still relevant in gospel music. He has suffered some health issues over the years and you can hear the strain in his voice but with a supporting cast that includes Tata Vega, Marvin Winans, Chaka Khan, Sheila E & Rance Allen this is a winner. The production is top notch and the song selection is superb. Let the church say AMEN
8. Beyonce/"4" I'm surprised at myself for listing this one but I must admit that I love this cd. HATE, HATE, HATE the first single of "Who Rule The World" but this project is filled with solid songs, great beats and Beyonce the vocalist is sounding better than ever [[check out 1+1). I think I've played this so much in my photo shoots until I was tricked into loving it.
9. Kelly Price/ "Kelly"- The voice released a heart felt project this year that's vulnerable, powerful and tells the story of a woman not only in and out of love but a woman loving herself. This is by far Kelly's best recorded effort and proves that she is as strong a song writer as she is a vocalist
10. Robin Thicke - "Love and War"- This cd was just released and I've only had it for a week but this is his best effort to date and has quickly become a favorite this year. A great mixture of blues, neo-soul, r & b. Too many to pick a favorite but just put it in and push play.