As we come to the end of 2011 people always like to reflect on the year just passed - the good, the bad and the ugly. However people always focus on the highlights, what about the hidden gems that people don't take notice of, or don't appreciate?
I've decided to blog about my favourite album tracks of 2011 - the filler, the diamonds in the rough, the tunes that the record labels didn't feel deserved any promotional release (at least not as of yet....). So I dedicate this blog to anyone who feels they have been overlooked and underappreciated in the year 2011 - this blog is for you.
15) Made In America - Jay-Z, Kanye West & Frank Ocean
From their duet album 'Watch The Throne' this track is the best highlight of the album, fusing classic and contemporary beats to bring about this sentimental partnership with Frank Ocean, definitely a highly underrated moment on the album.
14) Everybody Hurts - Avril Lavigne
Think whatever you like of Ms Lavigne as an artist, but her songwriting abilities are pretty much spot on - I think she's the perfect example of an artist being pulled apart by her record label trying to achieve commercial success at the risk of honing her craft - little ditties like this track, show that there's much more to her than meets the magazine cover - (and no I'm not referring to her self-branded perfume).
13) I Can Only Imagine - David Guetta, Chris Brown & Lil Wayne
This next track was a major standout for me on David Guetta's 'Nothing But The Beat'. The bridge that leads into the chorus is quality, with Weezy's rapping hinting at the sheer genius that could be achieved if only G-Dawg and him would hook up more often.....
12) Abracadabra - Jessie J
Having recently been confirmed as the best-selling debut of the year, Jessie J is in high demand both in the UK and globally. Abracadabra is a great feel-good track that really shows off her musicianship. One of the best on the album.
11) Microphone - Example
Example - the rapper-come singer has seen his music turn mainstream in 2011. Microphone is such a well-written song, a ballad completely throughout which helps to balance his street cred against credible musicianship.
10) Bad Kids - Lady GaGa
When Gag-Gag first came onto the music scene, she was interesting and quirky - now she's become something of a novelty act. She has taken the 'shock' out of 'shock factor', but when you look past the preachy sermons she calls songs, you can remember the reason why she maintains success over her contemporaries - because at the heart of it all, she's just a talented songwriter.
9) Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
The unexpected success story of 2011 comes in the form of short, ginger couch-hopper Ed Sheeran. Already having released 4 EP's on iTunes before his signing to Warner Music, Ed Sheeran has followed in the footsteps of Adele and SuBo by defying convention and achieving massive success. Give Me Love is one of my favourite songs on his album... of many more to come, I hope. Good on ya ginge!
8) Oh My Love - Chris Brown
2011 saw the first 'proper' return of Chris Brown musically since THAT INCIDENT which abrubtly stunted his chances of becoming a legend for all the right reasons. Nevertheless this song is a highpoint of his album F.A.M.E. - if people can just look past the ginormous elephant in the room.
7) Hard To Get - Katy B
The closing track of 'On A Mission' this is a song that Katy's voice is perfectly suited for - showing that her abilities as a vocalist are in top notch condition! All that Brit-School training has certainly paid off.....
12-katy b-hard to get by tiger2801
6) Love Is A Suicide - Natalia Kills
Sadly one of the major flops of 2011 - Natalia Kills is a British artist mentored by Will.i.am through his interscope hybrid record label. Kills uses the same glam-pop-shock-factor method as GaGa, although her efforts weren't met with nearly as much success.... bad times 'talia.
5) Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
Coldplay - the marmite gods of music, you either love them or hate them - I myself have become a turned believer. This track is more upbeat than Coldplay's previous offerings, but carries the same euphoric feelings as 'Viva La Vida' or 'Every Teardrop'. Classic.
Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven by DJ ERM
4) Teach Me How To Be Loved - Rebecca Ferguson
There will be those people who will have felt themselves visibly shiver when I mentioned a former 'X Factor' contestant - never mind a RUNNER-UP. However unbiased or not - this track is undeniably an excellently written/performed song. Her voice is fantastic and having co-written every track on the album could it be that the X Factor ACTUALLY FOUND some real genuine talent?... I hope so....(btw Glitter & Gold, is also a tune.)
3) Brixton Briefcase - Chase And Status Ft. Cee-Lo Green
Such an unlikely pairing that works absolutely BEAUTIFULLY. Chase & Status really are musical geniuses. Nothing more to be said. Brilliant, just brilliant.
2) I'll Be Waiting - Adele
The Woman of the year, and what a year it has been. This track is my a personal standout on the album and really shows the more upbeat side to Adele, beyond the darker sadder tales - but tbh, every track on that album is a standout.
Adele - I'll be Waiting by apohllionaire
1) I Was Here - Beyonce
4 was probably one of Beyonce's most understated albums released - although there was a lot of hype around it. This track is the musical highpoint on the album, written by Diane Warren - why it wasn't released as a single is beyond me. Definitely the most overlooked track of 2011.
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