The Grammy Awards were handed out Sunday night, and like our top “good” movie list we put a little Tonic twist on our MP3 players to create a list of the best “good” music of the year.
The music world is just so big, and surely there’s a ton of good stuff happening everywhere. We can’t possibly listen to all of it, so we’ve kept our list somewhat manageable by limiting it severely. To get on our list, and in spirit of awards season, an artist had to also be nominated for a Grammy. And while that may not be the best methodology, we’re sticking to it.
Let us know about other good acts (and leave your complaints) in the comments, and also let us know who we missed from your favorite Grammy-nominated artists.
“Paper Planes” — MIA
Why it’s good:
MIA’s album Kala is one of the more progressive dance/hip-hop albums to come out in years. The singer forced fans to think about global politics and the third world (she and her family are Sri Lankan) by combining tough and smart lyrics, and killer beats, many of which were recorded live and locally around the world. “Paper Planes” is particularly hot because it combines all of what MIA is known for, adds a dash of gangsta militancy, and is mixed over an awesome Clash loop.
“N… (The Slave And The Master)” — Nas
Why it’s good:
“N…” is not the name of this album, and the fact that I can’t write the real name is just one of the reasons he made it. Nas’ rhymes and beats are amazing, and the subject matter of this album is nearly untouchable. Probably the strongest statement made all year. The fact that his album makes people so uncomfortable (and is at the same time so enjoyable) is exactly what art is all about. If it’s worth talking about, then it’s certainly worth recognizing.
It’s Bad For Ya — George Carlin
Why it’s good:
OK, comedy isn’t music (sorry Flight of the Conchords), but this album was up for a Grammy. And if there was ever a year we needed a laugh, this was probably it. Carlin has supplied so many timely jabs over so many up and down years. The man was a revolutionary, and his death last June drove home the fact. The world was a better place with Carlin on it.
In Rainbows — Radiohead
Why it’s good:
Music fans either love or don’t understand Radiohead, but there was no doubting the impact the band’s latest album had on the music business. When Radiohead released In Rainbows on the Internet as a self-leaked experiment in consumerism and as a sort-of slap in the face to the record industry, it made everyone take notice. Trent Reznor with Nine Inch Nails has also done its part by releasing albums for free online, but suddenly the whole music world is a different place. Pay what you like, and off you go. Thankyouverymuch.
Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends — Coldplay
Why it’s good:
Because Chris Martin and crew continue to crank out the hits, and there’s really no way to define just what it is that they do. Is it rock? Is it pop? Is it alternative? It doesn’t matter, because people everywhere are snatching up this album, and you can’t get the title track out of your head. Coldplay also does plenty of good things, like being a huge supporter of Oxfam and its global mission of ending poverty and injustice.
X — Kylie Minogue
Why it’s good:
Australia’s reigning pop queen has sold a kajillion albums worldwide over the years and has made even more money. But this was Minogue’s first album after beating breast cancer, and that’s just plain awesome. Congrats Kylie — your fans were rooting for you and are glad to have you on the scene.
“Rise” — Eddie Vedder
Why it’s good:
Full disclosure: Pearl Jam is one of my favorite bands of all time and Vedder’s Into the Wild soundtrack — his first full solo album — is still on heavy rotation on my iPod. With that out of the way, let’s talk about how good this haunting, introspective, lone guitar and voice effort is. I saw Vedder on his brief West Coast tour in 2007, and he had 2,000 people in an auditorium dead silent when playing/singing this song by himself. The man, who also remains fully committed to environmental and justice causes, deserves to be recognized for his work.
“Spotlight” — Jennifer Hudson
Why it’s good:
Hudson is arguably the most talented “Idol” ever (sorry Carrie Underwood fans), and could have the most illustrious career ahead of her of anyone to come off the TV show. And I don’t care if Hudson lip-synched the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl last month. She nailed it. The woman has come back from the tragic murders of her mother and brother, and these were her first Grammy nominations. Who’s not rooting for her?
Death Magnetic — Metallica
Why it’s good:
Can heavy metal be good? Of course it can, especially considering that Metallica was practically done just a couple of years ago. After their last couple of sub-par albums, most people were wondering if they should just hang it up. But singer James Hetfield got sober, the band became re-inspired and dedicated to each other again, and Metallica released their best album since the ’80s. Everyone needs to vent and bang their head every once in a while, and the guys who invented a genre only continue to define it. Recently, Metallica met an exiled Iraqi metal band here in the states who couldn’t play at home. Rock transcends politics, war and cultures.
Raising Sand — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Why it’s good:
Forget the talk of a Zeppelin comeback. Plant, together with Alison Krauss, is just fine by us. This shockingly good, soulful, haunting and mesmerizing album is just about perfect in every way. Roots music to the core, we can only hope they follow it up with another great album.
Jah Is Real — Burning Spear
Why it’s good:
This is not Burning Spear’s best album by any stretch. But Winston Rodney and his band continue to churn out great reggae, year after year. If you need a pick-me-up, reach for any Spear album, turn it up, and let your soul be filled with positive vibrations. With Spear, there’s never anything not to like. Conscious reggae, positive message.
Rokku Mi Rokka (Give And Take) — Youssou N’Dour
Why it’s good:
N’Dour is probably the best way to wrap up this list. The Senegalese legend has won Grammys before, but his work has touched hearts and souls all over the world, year after year. He’s one of the most recognized artists on the planet, and is almost certainly the most popular African star on earth. But he’s gone far beyond life as a musician. He’s a leader, attaching his name and personality to so many causes, from UNICEF, to fighting malaria and ending the conflict and strife in Darfur.