I haven’t been posting for a long while, mainly due to studies. Didn’t know that I would be that busy in my final year of university education. Not sure if I have listened to enough albums to make a list of ”Favourite Albums of 2010″, but for now I am just going to combine albums of both International and Chinese artistes. So, here we go:
1) Loud – Rihanna
I really like her latest album. It’s very current, upbeat and it’s just a very enjoyable album to listen to. I thought her previous album was her best yet, but this definitely tops that, in that it’s less dark. On the album, you also have the number 1 hits “What’s My Name”, “Only Girl in the World”. She’s definitely singing better now, and has really evolved as a singer and performer since her first album “Music of the Sun”. I can’t wait for her future releases!
2) Merry Christmas II You – Mariah Carey
No favourite list of mine can be complete without an entry by the lovely and talented mom-to-be, Mariah Carey! Even though it’s a holiday album, I think I can play this album the whole year round. It’s just an amazing album by an amazing singer, writer and producer. On one hand, you have the Christmas Classics – O Holy Night, All I Want For Christmas Is You – and on the other, there are new songs like “When Christmas Comes” and “Oh Santa!”, both of which are definitely my favourites on the album, alongside many others. Also, there seems to be songs for all occasions, whether you are at a party, with family etc. Get this album in time for the holiday season!
3) Bionic – Christina Aguilera
Alright, critics may have panned her latest album and the sales of her album may have flopped in comparison with her previous ones, but there is no denying that she has an amazing voice. Personally I think this album is really one of the albums out there this year, the only problem may be that it’s just too eclectic in a way. The tracks don’t flow too well somewhere near the middle and at the end. Also, she has a movie that she has to promote as well, and hence affected the promotion of her album. Was really looking forward to her summer concerts, which she unfortunately cancelled or rescheduled. Oh well, maybe next time. Anyway, other than her singles “Not Myself Tonight” and “You Lost Me”, one of the gems on the track would have to be “I Am”. Go listen to it!
4) Unbroken – Katharine Mcphee
I have been a fan of Katharine Mcphee since she appeared on American Idol. It’s been 3 years since her previous album, and I was worried if she were going to release any more music. Thankfully she did! And she released 2 this year – Unbroken and Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You! Katharine must have had some voice lessons because her voice has really grown and become much better. So anyway, you must have heard “Terrified” already, since it became an overnight hit for her when a certain American Idol finalist performed it. In addition to that, there are also awesome tracks like “Say Goodbye”, which is a personal favourite of mine, as well as “Surrender”. Hopefully she will not take another 3 years to release her next album!
5) To Hebe – Hebe Tien
This has got to be my favourite Mandarin pop album of the year. Hebe always been known to be the one that sings the best in S.H.E., the Taiwanese girl-band she belongs to. This solo effort attempts to demonstrate just that, with her tackling various genres of music. There is really a great selection of songs on this album, something which I haven’t really heard in quite a while, especially for a Mandarin album. Among my favourites of the album include “寂寞寂寞就好”, “Love!”, “你太猖狂” and “超级玛丽”. Alright I really like a lot of tracks in this album. However, I still feel she still has some way to go as a solo artiste, and definitely a lot of room for improvement. I mean it’s definitely easier in when you’re singing in group, but as a solo artiste, there’s definitely more that is demanded. to Despite this, it is definitely a great effort!
6) Myself – Jolin Tsai
The dance diva of the Mando-pop industry, Jolin is the probably one of the most hardworking female artistes, and it really shows in every album that she releases. With every album, she tries to pick up a new type of dance, and to bring out a different sound. And while many other artistes get carried away by the other aspects of the album promotion, like having good music videos and costumes for the album, Jolin still focuses more on the music than these aspects. Also, she has also become so much better as a singer compared to when she started out, and I would say she is really in a class of her own. Alright, so on this album, I am really wow-ed by the first single, “美人计” , because it has an international vibe to it. Most of the tracks are uptempo and catchy, and interspersed with interludes. Of course you have the ballads “无言以对” and “小伤口” as well to complete the whole album. Can’t wait for her Asian concert tour!
7) Wake Up! – John Legend & The Roots
Alright, I listen to guys as well. I am really a fan of John Legend, and was quite disappointed that I was overseas when he came to perform here in, and hence missed his concert. Firstly, I have to say that I have no idea where these songs came from – I read that they are covers of artistes which I personally haven’t heard before, so pardon my ignorance. However, they sound really current, so I guess they have probably brought a new life into these music. Also, you can really feel the emotions coming through in John Legend’s voice, and together with the amazing talents of “The Roots”, this album almost like it was recorded “live” and not in the studio. I should think that all the instruments are “live”. And unlike many albums out there that are overproduced, this album really comes through as being very “true” and “real”. My favourite tracks for the album include “Hard Times” and “Wake Up Everybody” and “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free”. I really hope they pick up some Grammys next year (think they are nominated for 5, including Best R&B Album).
More to come!
