Monday, December 29, 2014

Top 10 Albums of 2014 Part 1

 So 2014 is coming to an end in a few days as we're all well aware. It has been quite a busy year for music. Many artists both old and new have come out with albums within the past 12 months. Some good, some bad, some just so-so. What I am going to be doing here at Young Ears, Fresh Perspective over the next few days is a list of what I feel were the ten best albums that came out this year. Each day will have two or three of the albums, so you'll have to wait till the next day to see what comes next. That being said, let's get this party started!

 
10. Turn Blue, by The Black Keys

Now I will admit that it took me some time to warm up to this album. However, eventually the atmospheric and experimental nature of the songs won me over. I still don't consider this an actual Black Keys album (as unlike the music they were originally known for at the beginning of the band, there is virtually no rawness or blues to it whatsoever except at maybe one or two brief points), but nonetheless I still like the music on it.

Most of the songs have the same general vibe and overall it makes for good night time driving music. Turn Blue kind of helps you relax, unwind, and maybe get a little more introspective as you travel to whatever destination the road ahead leads you to. This album isn't for everybody but if you want to listen to something a little different and maybe expand your mind a little you have come to the right place.


9. Lazaretto, by Jack White

Jack White has certainly made a musical departure from the raw semi-simplistic garage rock sound of The White Stripes, which broke up back in 2011. However, his abundance of talent is still as prevalent as ever in this eclectic record. The sound ranges from blues, to rock, to country, to alternative, and beyond. I have to applaud White for his efforts in expressing the other facets of his musical tastes and skills and being completely original about it. Some times when an artist goes solo they end up just sounding like their old band, but maybe with one or two subtle differences.

Many of the songs seem more like compositions and don't focus on any one instrument in particular. The way all of the vast multitude of musicians White brought in work together is simply extraordinary. That being said, there really is something for everyone on Lazaretto including old White Stripes fans. Chances are you will find at least one tune on the record that catches your interest and stays with you for quite some time.

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