I haven't listened to every album that was released last year. Who has the time? I have, however, listened to quite a few of the 2010 releases over the year, both out of personal interest and for the local community radio station where I volunteer.
There were quite a few surprise favorites among the bunch. Surprise in that I didn't expect I'd like them, much less become obsessed with them and continue to listen with great pleasure months later. So, with that, I bring you the top unexpected favorite album of 2010.
Dan Black - ((un))
Released in the UK last year, the album made its way to US shores in February this year. I saw the press releases due to my work with Blogcritics, but nothing about them made me think this would be an album I'd enjoy. However, when I saw it on the "to be reviewed" shelf at the radio station in April, I gave it a cursory listen and decided it might be worth giving more attention.
Eight months later, I'm still listening to it, and count it among my go-to albums for when I need energy and a happy mood. Black has successfully melded synthpop, creative lyrical songwriting, and addictive hooks. This is no flash in the pan album/artist — there's potential for longevity and continued freshness in Black's sound.
Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels
Marina Diamandis released her debut album in March, but I didn't notice it until a friend sent me a link to the video for "I Am Not a Robot." This sparked my interest enough that when I had the opportunity to review it for the radio station, I gave it a few spins. It's still spinning on regular rotation in my personal library now.
The album is chock full of pop hooks, delivered by a woman whose vocal range and technique is impressive in this age of female pop stars who are more popular for their paparazzi photos than their musical talents. She frequently belts out higher notes that make my cats cringe when I attempt to sing along. Marina can hit them with ease. I cannot. This is probably why she's a huge UK pop star and I'm some shmuck writing music reviews.
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