MOBO Top 5 Albums of the Month!

Drake - Thank Me Later

It’s been one of the most eagerly anticipated debut albums of the last few years, but Drake’s debut Thank Me Later is finally here. Over the last two years drake has become one of the most hyped new artists in music, earning comparisons with Snoop in 1993 and 50 Cent in 2003. He has worked with some of the industries most influential artists including Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Eminem and Mary J Blidge. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards as well as MTV, VMA, and BET Awards. So the question is, does his first full studio album offering live up to the hype? Our answer is an emphatic YES!

Bursting out of the starting gate with an Alicia Keys duet “Fireworks” is a pretty strong way to open an album. Drake’s sensitive delivery combined with Alicia’s unmistakable vocals sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the album. However, one of the standout tracks on Thank Me Later is the Swizz Beatz produced “Fancy”. Drake knocks it out of the park on this one with a killer hook that is impossible to get out of your head.

Reading the list of artists featured on this album reads like a who’s who of hip hop. Kanye West, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, T.I, Young Jeezy, Niki Minaj, Little Wayne and The Dream, not to mention Miss Keys and Miss Mary J Blige. Other standout tracks include “Over”, “Up All Night” (Ft Niki Minaj) and the title track “Thank Me Latter”.

Janelle Monae – The Archandriod

Janelle Monae is one of the most exciting artists to emerge in the last few years. A throw back to old skool funk but with a modern twist, Janelle has earned comparisons with everyone from James Brown to Little Richard. However, Janelle proves on her debut album that she is far more than just a retro tribute artist. The Archandriod is conceptually as interesting as it is musically. As a four part concept album set in the mega city of Metropolis 709 years in the future, the album follows the life of a rock & roll singing android. Musically the album is predominantly up tempo finger clicking funk, 60’s inspired Motown and the odd traditional folk ballad. Standout tracks include “Cold War”, “57821 featuring Deep Cotton”, “Dance or Die” and the huge hit “Tightrope”.

M.I.A - MAYA

Sonically experimental, visually shocking yet utterly compelling! M.I.A’s long awaited third studio album MAYA pushes the boundaries of contemporary music. Setting the tone with her banned video for the single “Born Free” the album further delves into themes of racism, political corruption and police brutality. Over an onslaught of industrial production – provided by Diplo, Switch, Blaqstarr and Rusko – M.I.A delivers her unique style of social commentary and political observations. Combining elements of electro, dubstep, and drum & bass, MAYA is a high octane incendiary of an album. Standout tracks include, “XXX0”, “Steppin Up” “Illygirl” and the “Born Free”.

Sia - We Are Born

We at MOBO first encountered Sia back in 1997 when she was runner up in the MOBO Unsigned competition. Since then she has gone on to become one of the most critically acclaimed artists of recent years in both her solo career and her work with Zero 7. Sia’s new album We Are Born combines elements of soul, ska, pop and alternative styles. Combined with Sia’s unmistakable vocal delivery and distinctive songwriting, We Are Born is a surprisingly upbeat and feel good album. Of course there are a few of Sia’s trademark ballads such as the emotive “I’m In Here” and her beautifully melancholy version of Madonna’s “Oh Father”. A great album that blurs the lines between urban, trip-hop and alternative!

Eminem - Recovery

With “Not Afraid,” the confessional single which drives Eminem’s new album Recovery, the MC alludes to a change which has steered him in a new direction. Not only does he call himself out, admitting that last year’s Relapse was mediocre (“And to the fans, I’ll never let you down again, I’m back/I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact/Let’s be honest, that last Relapse CD was eh/Perhaps I ran them accents into the ground/Relax, I ain’t going back to that now), but he also showcases a new, refreshing perspective. After reintroducing himself with “Cold Wind Blows” the MC lays down a series of lyrics in “Talkin’ 2 Myself” that erase any doubt that he has lost his touch. The album covers various issues including the effect of his drug abuse, jealousy, retribution and self reflection. Stand out cuts on the 16 track album include ‘Almost Famous’, ‘No Love’, ‘So Bad’ and ‘You’re Never Over’.