Year End Favorite Albums:

Here are my top 5 favorite albums for 2010. While many releases came out with regards to Soul music, the following 5 were my favorites.

1.  "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" - Kanye West

While hip-hop has become a component within soul music with the emergence of neo-soul which often combines a hip-hop backbeats, there has never been a mainstream rap album that truly crossed the lines into soul music in my opinion. While many artists sample soul music songs, few rappers grasp the essence of soul music as Kanye West has on his latest album. Standout tracks include "Runway", "Blame Game", "Lost In The World", and "All Of The Lights".

2. "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" - Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu shocked the world with the video for her first single "Window Seat", where she strips to her birthday suit.  New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) though is a standout which pits Badu back to her neo-soul roots. Personal favorites include "20 Feet Tall", "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)", "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long", "Love", and the amazing "Out My Mind, Just In Time".

3. "Back To Me" - Fantasia

In an industry seemingly full of pretenders and imitators, Fantasia stands alone as a unique singer who wears her heart and soul on her sleeve. On her third album, Fantasia shows growth as both and artist and a vocalist. While a strong album in it's own right and well deserving of the Best R&B Album Grammy in 2011, one can hope that Fantasia will continue her artistic and vocal grown into the creation of more classic material more inline with her unparalleled voice. Lead single "Bittersweet" is one of a number of standouts including the retro "Collard Greens & Cornbread",  "I'm Doin Me",  "The Worst Part Is Over", and "The Thrill Is Gone" featuring Cee-Lo Green.

4. "Soldier Of Love" - Sade

2010 brought the comeback of smooth soul legend Sade. With the release of Soldier Of Love, which was Sade's first release in 10 years the group proved that beyond a doubt they have staying power. While Sade doesn't stray from her original sound, their music is more then welcome in an era where lyrics, vocal ability, and composition have taken a backseat to image, auto-tunes,  and catchy hooks. Standouts include the title track "Soldier of Love,  my personal favorite "The Moon and the Sky",  and "Babyfather". Here's hoping that it won't take another 10 years for more new music from Sade.

TIE

5. "Love Letter" - R. Kelly

2010 was just not a comeback year for Sade but also for R. Kelly. His studio album "Lover Letter" reestablished R. Kelly at the top of his game and showed both fans and critics why they were enamored with him in the first place. His retro record, showcased Kelly's unmatched vocals and his amazing songwriting skills. Standouts include single "When A Woman Loves",  "Love Letter", "Lost In Your Love", and "Love Is" featuring K. Michelle.

5.  "The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)"  - Janelle Monáe

Janelle's debut studio album offered her more buzz, exposure, and acclaim that her debut EP started back in 2007. Standout tracks include the first single "Tightrope", "Cold War", and my personal favorite "BabopbyeYa". 


Honorable Mention 


"Love Me Back" - Jazmine Sullivan
"Intimacy: Album III" Kem
"The Lady Killer" - Cee-Lo Green
"Let Freedom Reign" - Chrisette Michele 
"Lost In Time" - Eric Benet
"Wake Up!" - John Legend and The Roots