This milestone year has produced some of the most high quality, innovative and refreshing music. Some of the artists and musicians have restored our hope that real and pure music is still very much alive. As much as there is a lot of the hyped up, watered down drivel that has been fed to us by many, there are still those that care enough to give us the original, soulful, heart-felt and awe-inspiring sounds.

Over the year I’ve had a pleasure of listening to this kind of music and every time afterwards I would say, “this is one of my favourite albums of 2010“. It was this very assertion that has resulted in my putting together this list of YEAHBO.NET‘s Top 20 Albums of 2010. The selection is motivated by albums that I listened to and felt the urge to do so over and over and over again.

These albums come from different parts of the world, mainly from here in Mzansi as well as in the US. Although that’s the case, some of the musicians from these albums originate from different corners of the globe. The music genres covered ranges from jazz to hip hop, R&B to Afrosoul, house to funk, and everything in between. It should also be noted that this list is taken from the music I was able to listen to this year, so there may be other great albums I didn’t get to listen to.

So, we present to you our Top 20 Albums of 2010:

The hype surrounding Kanye West‘s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has been as rife as his past outbursts since he began his promo trail with the G.O.O.D Fridays campaign whereby he posted a new song every Friday until the album was released. Praises for his latest project were coming left, right, and centre. I mean, even Rolling Stone magazine gave the album full marks, a rare feat for the music trends magazine in its long-running history. When I finally got the album last week, I couldn’t wait to get home and listen to it within a relaxed environment where the focus would be implicitly place on the experience. As I listened, I couldn’t believe how accurate most of the reviews I had read about it were. I was blown away by the music instantly. The album comprises all the elements that make a masterpiece hip hop album. From the beats (production) to the rapping, from the story telling to the delivery, from the punchlines to the flow, and so on.

It is also commendable that Kanye keeps the music fresh with his creativity. Having listened to the album a few more times ever since, I haven’t been able to compare any song to his past work. His musicality is remarkable; from the way he fuses different musical instruments, to the impeccable manner in which he interprets the samples, to his carefully handpicked guest features. The subject matter may be something else, but My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is definitely at the top of the list of albums released this year. After all, the title says it all.

I believe the two statuettes Simphiwe Dana‘s latest offering Kulture Noir picked at the recent Metro FM Music Awards is just the beginning for the songstress. This third album from the Afrosoul songstress is a vast improvement from her dismal sophomore effort, One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street. I’m undoubtedly convinced that reprising the role of Thapelo Khomo as the principal producer has everything to do with this achievement.

Initially, I instantly fell in love with the tracks Mayine and Inkwenkwezi. But as I listened to Undishiyile, which features Mthwakazi, I was taken by the maskandi guitar it is laced with. Then followed Ndim Nawe Part 2 with the same type of infectious melody. Soon, I found myself discovering different elements from each song that grabbed my attention. Before I knew it, I was listening to the album from start to finish, repeatedly, without skipping one song. Her effortless vocal prowess is at its highest level as she belts out the notes in different ranges. Roping in different producers from our African continent results in a culturally assorted yet wholesome sound. Kulture Noir is a brilliant album worthy of all the praise. Please the review we did HERE. And it is our number 2 on the list.

This duo, simply known as Liquideep, is taking the dance music scene by storm. Their sophomore album Fabrics Of The Heart is stamping their presence in the music industry. Although I can’t say I remember by name any other song from their debut album beside Fairytale, this latest offering has made me fall in love with their work. With Ziyon doing most of the writing, half of the production and single-handedly performing the vocals, and Rayzor providing his mixing and production skills, Liquideep brings out the punches on Fabrics Of The Heart. It also clinched two Metro FM Awards last month, a sure sign of its eminent bigger success.

On my previous REVIEW, I mentioned that one of the best songs for me has to be the Fairytale (Reprise) that is added as a bonus track. I simple cannot get enough of this soulful track. From its mellow tempo to Ziyon‘s exceptional vocals that on the second verse fooled me into thinking it was John Legend on the first listen, it just shows how versatile and flexible the boys are with their skills. Of course there are many songs that have become staples in dance floors and airwaves throughout the country. These include the likes of Angel, BBM, Alone as well as Something About You, to name a few. Again, this is another album that you can listen to from start to finish without skipping any track because it just flows so perfectly. It makes it to our number 3.

Following the success of their double Grammy-winning collaboration Road To Zion, rapper Nas and dancehall artist Damian “Jnr Gong” Marley embarked on a full project together. From a distance you could be duped into thinking that this concept is just another Jamaican and American repeated feature guests spot, but boy did the two influential and prolific artists in their own rights brilliantly pull off a musical expression of note. Naming their project Distant Relatives, they fuse their two styles so seamlessly. Adding socio-political commentary to tight beats and music, the result is an explosive collaboration that doesn’t only provoke thoughts and arouse debate, but prides itself in its entertaining value.

The songs that instantly stood out for me include Dispear, a high energy drum-heavy jam with a tribal feel; and Patience, a ballad with a chorus that laments mournfully. Each and every song has its own individual sound and feel, yet the common thread is the content highlighting the need for tolerance, peace and unity throughout the world. Damian‘s brother Stephen adds his midas touch on some of the production and on some vocals. Distant Relatives is an amazing body of work, one that adds to already impressive catalogues from the respective artists. It’s at number 4 on our list. Check my previous review HERE.

At number 5 is the soul crooner Will Downing with his latest offering aptly titled Lust, Love & Lies (An Audio Novel). I remember when he was in the country a few years ago. He was billed to only perform in Durban so I made sure that I traveled down to the banana city to witness that experience. I was more than happy to have sacrificed my finances and time because he gave us a sterling performance.

The follow up to Classique, a refulgent piece of work on its own, sees Will Downing tell a story from the very moment a young man sets his eyes on his subject of affection until later in their years. Things are not ever-glorious in love, so he paints the reality of relationships so colourfully and vividly in between. It’s something that we can all relate to. I loved the concept of attaching a story to every situation, at the same time unwaveringly maintaining the flow thereof. The 20 track album features full length songs as well as intimate conversations in between that piece the tale together. Do You Know is by far my best song from Love, Lust & Lies. Also noteworthy is the feature of David Hollister in the gospel-tinged Safe In His Arms. Will Downing has another winner in his hands. He is his usual charming and engaging self as he croons his way into any romantic’s hearts.

At first I kicked myself for not listening to former NBA star and smooth jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale‘s album called Way Up that I’ve had since its release in 2006. On the other hand, I’m glad that I didn’t listen to it because I would have compared his previous work to his latest project titled The Fonk Record, a work spanning 12 years and released over a year after his untimely death. However, perhaps that would also not been a point because this album is totally different to what he’s been doing before.

When I first listened to The Fonk Record, I found myself nodding my head and tapping my feet. The horn sections on the songs are so funky. The way he played the bass also has that bouncy swing. The very same funk and swing you would expect from the likes of George Clinton, Sly Stone and even Prince. Actually, Tiz (as he was also known) features George Clinton on This Fonk Is For You, as well as another funk extraordinaire, pianist George Duke on Let’s Ride. As if that’s not enough, he enlisted the help of the late The Temptations‘ Ali Woodson on Been Here Before, my most favourite song from the album. And you know it doesn’t get any funkier than Motown. What I also immensely enjoyed about The Fonk Record is Wayman‘s playful approach to all the songs. You can clearly hear that he was really having fun. His personality permeates from each and every string he strummed, and every word he uttered. This is definitely one to add to your collection if you are a jazz or funk lover. It comes at number 6 on our list.

Illustrious Grammy-award winning pianist Herbie Hancock assemblies a bevy of musicians from all over the world for The Imagine Project, inspired by John Lennon‘s groundbreaking classic Imagine. From the very beginning with the Imagine Intro where P!NK and Seal hauntingly sing the beginning of this jam to India.Arie and Oumou Sangare battling it out on vocals on the rest of the tune, you are given just a taste of what to expect in this melting pot of sounds and ideas.

With musicians and singers like Jeff Beck, Konono No.1, John Legend, K’Naan, Chaka Khan, Lisa Hannigan, Toumani Diabete, Tinariwen, and Anoushka Shankar, you are transported into a world of wonder and mystery as they all add their unique and indigenous bits to makes this a colourful, cultural exchange experience. Hancock carefully selected these musicians to carry out his vision, thus crafting a piece of art that transcends geographical boundaries. It is once again proven on The Imagine Project that music is the universal language. It takes the 7th position. I previously reviewed HERE.

Taking the 8th spot is another concept album, courtesy of singer-songwriter and piano player John Stephens (aka John Legend) and hip hop band The Roots. They interpret the classics that spoke of social, economic, political and environmental ills in our societies way back in a collective they call Wake Up.

Decked with top notch production from ?uestlove, James Poyser, and John Legend himself, coupled with beautiful musicians from the live band, Wake Up is both an important and musically satisfying project. John Legend is at his prime doing vocals on songs like Bill Withers‘ I Can’t Write Left Handed, a song where The Roots‘ bassist Owen Biddle also gets to shine on a solo; Donny Hathaway‘s Little Ghetto Boy, a track where another member of The Roots, Black Thought, excels in his rap delivery; as well as Wholy Holy, a tune with a gospel mite by Marvin Gaye. THIS is where I reviewed it.

This is Eminem‘s unmistakable comeback album. He’s leading the pack in the nominations for next year’s Grammy Awards, with 10 nods attached to his name. Recovery has also sold millions of albums since it came out earlier this year, making him the biggest selling rapper in recent history. And he deserves all this glory because this is undoubtedly a great album, and his most honest to date.

Dr Dre‘s ostensible production, paired with Eminem‘s powerful delivery, are sure a winning combination. On vocals, Eminem is stronger and more gluttonous than ever. Besides the few features from the likes of Lil Wayne, Rihanna, P!NK and Kobe, it’s his time to shine here. This is explicity one of the best rap albums to come out this year. The only negative about the album is the excessive use of profane language. Definitely not one to play in front of kids or randomly blasting it whilst driving in public avenues. It is sitting at number 9 on out list.

Rounding up the Top 10 is Freshlyground‘s Radio Africa. The 11-track album sees the 7-piece band fuse their signature sound with courageous and voracious messages. From the very beginning with Moto, they capitalise on their infectious melodies. These results in most of the songs contending for possible radio play, particularly the smooth and catchy Baby In Silence.

One song that took my breathe away is the album closer Waliphalal’ Igazi. It’s traditional and chant-like nature resonated with my affinity for isicathamiya. The choir accompanying Zolani on this brisk tune complemented her vocals so well. Other noteworthy songs include the Les Nubians-featured Big Man; the inspirational Vula Amehlo and the slightly impudent Chicken To Change, calling Robert Mogabe to order. Freshlyground once again stamp their authority as representatives of African culture with their eccletic indigenous sounds. This is definitely one of the albums to have that came out this year. We also reviewed it HERE.

HERE is the second part of the Top 20 Albums of 2010.

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