My Top 10 Albums of 2013

Picking my favourite records of 2013 was by no means an easy feat - hence it taking some time for me to publish it. Most of the albums that made the shortlist were based on the element of what I will call leaving a legacy - pushing the boundaries of music and leaving a long lasting impression on the listener.

My top ten albums of 2013 are as follows:

10. Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

Probably my favourite album from Ms. Monae and featured the likes of Prince, Miguel, Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding & Solange. The album backs the features with a great collection of songs. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.
Favourite tracks : Q.U.E.E.N, Dorathy Dandrige Eyes, Primetime, Givin Em What they Love, We were Rock & Roll & What an experience.

@JanelleMonae

9. Kerbside Collection - Mind The Curb

I reviewed the brilliant album from the Jazz instrumental collective from Brisbane back in June. These lads are definitely ones to watch in the future.

Favourite tracks: jelly belly, red stripe, 41 Bernhard, Sweet Like Nectar

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8.  Maysa - Blue Velvet Soul

With the release of her 10th studio album, Blue Velvet Soul, Maysa is finally getting the recognition she deserves with a Grammy award nomination for the single, Quiet Fire. I was fortunate enough to see her perform live last year when she embarked on a mini tour - definitely one of my gigs of 2013.

Favourite tracks: Be there, Love Me Good, Good Morning Sunrise, What Can I Do, Put It On Me, Inside My Dream, This Much.

@maysaleak

7. Don-E - Little Star

This was probably one of the most slept on albums of last year. Don-E never seems to disappoint with every album release and features one of the singles of 2013, Spiritual ft. 'the collective' - some of UK's Soul legends - Omar, Carl McIntosh(loose ends), Noel McKoy, Junior Giscombe etc. Look out for an album from the Collective later this year. 

Favourite tracks: spiritual, little star, slave to the rhythm, this is it, love has found it's way, it just don't stop.

@atomicdread

6. The Foreign Exchange - Love In Flying Colors

Love In Flying Colours, is probably my favourite FE album to date. The album features the usual FE affiliates ( Eric Roberson, Carmen Rodgers, Jeanne Jolly, Sy Smith, Carlitta Durand etc.)

Favourite tracks : Listen to the rain, call it home, better, Dreams Are Made For Two

@FEofficial

5. Dianne Reeves - Beautiful Life

I remember buying this album after hearing Satiated (been waiting) ft Gregory Porter and the album definitely lives up to the hype. The song, satiated is probably one of the best duets i've heard for a long time. Album also features the likes of Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, Lalah Hathaway, George Duke, Nadia Washington etc.

Favourite tracks: 32 Flavors, Satiated(been waiting), Waiting In Vain, Dreams, I Want You, Wild Rose

@DianneReeves1

4. Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirit

My introduction to the very talented Gregory Porter came when listening to soulandjazz.com a while back and I haven't looked back ever since. His 3rd album,  Liquid Spirit is simply a masterpiece. I have since purchased his previous LP's, Water & Be Good and they are equally as good as his latest effort. We have been blessed to have Gregory's music in this lifetime and can't wait to see him on the road this year.

Favourite tracks: Musical Genocide, No love dying, Hey Laura, Liquid Spririt, The 'In' Crowd, When Love Was King.

@I_GregoryPorter

3.  Snarky Puppy -  Family Dinner Volume 1

Family Dinner - Volume 1 is my favourite Snarky Puppy album to date. This record will be on my playlist for years to come. They are possibly one of my favourite live bands at the moment - look out for their UK tour in the next few months.

Favourite tracks: Something, Gone Under, Too Hot to Last, Deep, Amour T'es La, I'm Not the One.

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@RealSnarkyPuppy

2. Omar - The Man 

After a mini hiatus, Omar returned with yet another masterpiece, The Man. He's been making great music for 20+ years and has kept the quality/standard of music quite high. I was fortunate to see him last year- definitely worth seeing live if you haven't already.  

Favourite tracks: Simplify, Come On Speak to Me, The Man, Bully, Treat You, Eeni Meeni Myni Mo, When You Touch We Touch, Fuck War, Make Love.

@omarlyefookMBE

1. Jose James - No Beginning No End

No Beginning No End by Jose James has been my favourite album since its release and it gets better with every listen. The record always sparks a different reaction every time I listen to it. I believe No Beginning No End will be relevant for a few years to come. 

Favourite tracks: Make It Right, Sword + Gun, Heaven On The Ground, Vanguard, Trouble, It's All Over Your Body, Come To My Door, Do You Feel.

@josejamesmusic