Since 2006 is finally behind us, I figured I’d put together my annual list of the ten best albums of the year. It’s a decent mix of albums that really hit me last year. Some albums were albums that I’d put on when I wanted to chill out. Others where albums that I had to consciously not listen to in an effort to give other albums a chance, but to me they’re all the best of the best. So, with no further ado; The Best of 2006 (in alphabetical order as usual.)
Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury
Rare is the album that after sitting in limbo for years not only lives up the hype but also sounds cutting edge. Well, this is it. Sure Malice and Pusha haven’t expanded their subject matter, but with their deft wordplay you barely notice. The production by the Neptunes reminds you how dope they can be (and makes you forget about Pharrell’s dismal solo outing.) It’s a dark and brooding album, but it’s ironically one of hip-hop’s few bright spots of the year.
Ghostface Killah – Fishscale
You’d think that an album with twenty-four tracks, including numerous skits, would feel bloated and full of superfluous material. But Ghostface makes it work and manages leave you wanting more. Ghostface is always in top form, whether it’s his frenetic flow on “Shakey Dog” or playing well with others on “Dogs of War.” Featuring production by the always off kilter MF Doom, a reenergized Pete Rock and late J Dilla, among others the album sees Ghost’s flows matching the beats various tones perfectly. This album is a suitable follow up to 2004’s The Pretty Toney Album.
Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins – Rabbit Fur Coat
I really stumbled across this album. I happened to catch the video for “Rise Up With Fists!!” during my quarterly attempt to watch videos and I was smitten, musically. I ran out, bought the album and kept it in heavy rotation. It’s a touching, occasionally biographical document that just grabs you by the ear and demands a listen. This album completely satisfied both my alt-country and female singer/songwriter fixes in one fell swoop. Plus it’s got a Traveling Wilbury’s cover. What more could you ask for?
Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor
I’ll admit to being so much of a old jaded hip-hop fan that debuts rarely impress me. Lupe impressed me. Lupe is one of the few MC’s where the rewind button is required to fully appreciate his skills. His rhymes are layered and full of nuance. He’s unafraid to make a statement or hold a stance. Food & Liquor is without a doubt the most refreshing release of 2006. Lupe makes you believe that maybe hip-hop isn’t dead.
Mos Def – Tru3 Magic
Released with the lack of publicity usually reserved for albums by movie stars (wait?) Tru3 Magic barely made it into stores for 2006 ended. Despite that, it’s still one of the year’s best releases. This album sees an angry Mos lashing out, at his wife on the seemingly autobiographical “U R the One” or at George Bush and Bono on “Dollar Day” his reaction to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Just as he did on controversial “The Rapeover” from his previous album, Mos flips a classic beat and rips it, this time around it’s Gza’s “Liquid Swords” on “Crime and Medicine”. It’s not a cheery album, but Mos’ passion really takes his considerable skills to the next level and certainly puts this album near Black on Both Sides in the Mos Def pantheon.
Nas – Hip Hop is Dead
For his Def Jam debut Nas finally lived up to the expectations of his fans. Nas managed to provide a worth follow up to both Illmatic and It Was Written; it shows the most growth since the later and is his most cohesive and thematic since the former. Nas is introspective and critical, poetic and gully and he seems to finally have filled out in his position as “elder statesman” in hip-hop. Despite the pessimistic title this album not only makes me optimistic for the genre but for my favorite MC too.
Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers
This album really snuck up on me. “Steady As She Goes” was catchy, but the more I listened to the album the more every song became a favorite. Maybe it’s hearing Jack White with a lush sound produced on non-vintage equipment. Maybe its’ the kismet having a low profile supergroup. Maybe it’s just because the album is bloody fun. I can’t call it. All I know is that this album provided the soundtrack to most of my summer and stayed in rotation until the fall. I just love this album.
The Roots – Game Theory
On their Def Jam debut The Roots knock it out of the park. It’s an epic album who’s only flaw is it’s brevity. Several of the tracks come in under three minutes long yet leave a resonance that bounces around the eardrums for days. If hip-hop is looked at as part music, than Game Theory is the day after the party, the sobering reminder of repercussions for actions. This is hip-hop for grown folks and the tribute to Dilla is just bittersweet icing on the cake.
Thom Yorke – The Eraser
For an album that features sparse production, it’s very easy for a listener to get lost within The Eraser. Given that it’s very reminiscent of Radiohead’s most recent work, some might label this album a redundant solo offering. But they’d be wrong. York’s songs of paranoia and isolation hit much harder when you know he’s truly going at it alone. This is the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day.
Pete Yorn – Nightcrawler
On this third album, Pete Yorn doesn’t really break any new ground, but that’s cool because he’s really good at what he does. His “pained sensitive guy” rock really hits the spot. He writes lyrics and melodies full of melancholy and regret that fit me to a “t.” Even his oddly up-tempo “Georgie Boy” works. Nightcrawler is one of those albums that makes you feel good about feeling sad.
