Jordan Stone
A list of the top 10 albums released since 2008.
21 will long be remembered as one of the greatest albums of my generation. Track after track Adele delivers a masterpiece of modern music. Possibly the first album of my lifetime that was only viable option for album of the year at every awards show -- no other artists even had a chance. Best deep track: "I'll Be Waiting"
The are very few albums released in the 21st century that deserve the distinction of being "classic," and Tennessee 4-piece Kings of Leon's Only By The Night (2009) is the greatest rock record of at least the last 10 years. Best deep track: "Revelry" (also the best overall KoL song)
"+" is the debut album from 22-year-old British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran. "+" is one of those albums that after the first listen you know that it is one of the best albums you have heard in a very long time. He is one of the most talented songwriters in popular music right now and he has the talent to write great music as long as he wants to. "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" is a perfect example of his range, and "Give Me Love" is one of the best songs released in recent years.
Teenage Dream produced 5 number one singles, a feat only reached by one other artist in history: Michael Jackson (Bad). The title track, "Teenage Dream," features one of the best hooks in pop history. Perry released two new songs on the re-release of Teenage Dream, "Wide Awake" and "Part of Me," which further solidified this album as one of the great pop records of all time. Best deep track: "Hummingbird Heartbeat"
Kendrick Lamar is the rapper that the genre of hip-hop has been waiting for. He's from Compton, which instantly legitimizes the raw nature of his music. His voice is unique and almost indescribable. "good kid, m.A.A.d city" could have been released in 1991 and it wouldn't sound any different. This is one of the most important hip-hop albums released in the last 20 years. Best deep track: "Backseat Freestyle"
Bruce Springsteen is still going and doesn't seem to be slowing down. It is extremely rare that an artist can not only stay relevant, but has the ability to release good music consistently for 4+ decades. "Wrecking Ball" is his best album since 2002's "The Rising." Best deep track: "Land of Hope and Dreams"
"Wasting Light" was recorded in Dave Grohl's garage, to tape, and engineered/produced by Butch Vig -- what is this? 1992? Butch Vig was the producer of Nirvana's "Nevermind," for those taking notes at home. Do yourself a favor and listen to the Foo Fighters. They're a constant reminder of what real rock 'n roll sounds like. Best deep track: "I Should Have Known"
"Fearless" is one of the great anomalies in popular music history. Not only polarizing among music critics and fans alike, people forget that "Fearless" did win the 2010 Grammy for Album of the Year, arguably the biggest prize in all of musc. This album deserved it. She wrote the entire album while still in high school, but from the first track, "Fearless," you stop caring that a 17-year-old girl is singing from the speakers. People seem to selective forget that Alanis Morissette was 21 when "Jagged Little Pill" was released. Best deep track: "You're Not Sorry"
"I and Love and You" is The Avett Brothers' "Abbey Road." It is the most important album of their career both sonically and from a songwriting perspective. Mumford and Sons are a shitty, British version of The Avett Brothers that release the same goddamn song over and over. The Avett Brothers have a consistent sound, but each song is its own. Best deep track: "Laundry Room"
I would think that this is the most controversial album on this list ... could be wrong. Drake started from the bottom, you guys, as the disabled kid on Degrassi. Yes, he was a Canadian child star. Regardless, "Take Care" is a very good rap album. Best deep track: "We'll Be Fine"
