The year 2011 will be over in less than two weeks. As we may all have witnessed, this year produced some wonderful music; and those responsible for flying that musical flag need to be praised. Last year, we started a feature whereby we charted our Top 20 Albums Of 2010. Artists like Simphiwe Dana, Wayman Tisdale, Stimela, Herbie Hancock, Kanye West, and more, made it to the list. We would like to continue this tradition.

Again, like we did last year, the selection was derived from music of different genres, and from the albums that we have a physical copy of, therefore were able to listen to throughout the year. I know there are some really great albums that came out this year that we didn’t get to listen to; we shall mention some of those at the end of this feature.

With that said, we have compiled the Top 20 Albums Of 2011. Here it is:

When MLU released the single Do You Right over 3 years ago, it was a breath of fresh air for South African R&B music. We waited and waited for more from the Umlazi native, who was based in Australia at the time. That was until late last year when I got my hands on his official debut offering Music Lovan Unity (for Music, Love, And Unity. Notice the play on his name). I could have included the album in last year’s Top 20, but the album was to be released officially early this year.

Music Lovan Unity undoubtedly deserves the top spot for many reasons. Firstly, MLU’s voice is incomparable. His vocal range rivals the best in the R&B, soul and jazz music genres. There are many moments where his rich and powerful voice is allowed to shine, like in the piano-impaled So Beautiful; the funky, yet soulful In Love, complete with delicate horns; and Different Melody, sung in accappella. Other stand out tracks includes Stay Alive, Do You Right, Crazy Love, Could This Be, and United. The production of the music is top notch and wholesome, thanks to powerhouse producers like Alexis Faku and RJ Benjamin. Equally impressive is the song writing for Music Lovan Unity. And the marrying of his voice with music is palpable.

Moreover, when was the last time you listened to a 19-track album, from the beginning to the end, without skipping any song? Covering different styles and sounds also works in his favour, displaying his versatility as an artist and vocalist. This is definitely the best album of 2011 for me.

When Pebbles named her album, it’s as if she knew exactly how it would sound. Perhaps that’s an exact thought that crossed her mind after listening to the completed body of work. And she couldn’t have described it any better.

I loved Phenomenal so much, I reviewed it for 7 (former City Pulse), the supplementary magazine for City Press newspaper. Below is what I had to say about it.

Singer Pebbles offers her sophomore album simply titled Phenomenal. Oozing with scintillating soul, it also boasts an array of double-clutching rhythms.

With the first track’s bass and horns intro, the listener is set in the mood for a musical journey pregnant with infectious melodies.

Pebbles has roped in powerhouse producers like RJ Benjamin, Amu and Tebogo Moloto. She also sits on the production chair on 3 of the 12 tracks. Amusingly, all the 3 tracks possess jazz elements, from the bass guitar to the horns and grand piano; delivered with delicate sensibility to the genus. Even the way her striking, yet well-controlled voice soars and swoops over the smooth arrangements, is reminiscent of the distinguished works of Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Gloria Bosman. The vocal features are equally impressive, employing the services of singer Nothende and rapper Zubz on the title track.

Phenomenal is the accurate title for this album. The top notch production, coupled with strong vocals makes it a gem.

Looking at the above review, I’m sure many would agree that it deserves the second position on my Top 20 Albums Of 2011.

Third on the chart is Rahsaan Patterson’s Bluephoria. Now, I’ve had access to the music contained herein since late last year. A friend of mine who works for Sheer Music made a copy from the master for me so I could listen, thereafter help him with promoting the album in South Africa.

Bluephoria is Patterson’s 6th studio album, a follow up to his 2008 Christmas offering The Ultimate Gift. Although I liked the opening track, upon my first listen, it was the third track titled Crazy (Baby) that caught my attention. The crazy thing about this song is that nobody at Sheer knew whose female voice was featured on this up-tempo groove. I figured out that the voice belongs to Faith Evans. However, towards the end of the song, I could hear that there was a different voice. And this one was Shanice Wilson’s. I then remembered chatting to Rahsaan at the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz; and him telling me about the guests on his then untitled upcoming album. And he did mention these two ladies. But I had no idea that they would be featured on the same track.

Anyway, Bluephoria contains 13 tracks of musical bliss. My absolute favourite songs are Miss You and Goodbye. When I listened to these two tracks, they told a continuous story that resonated with me on an abyssal level. That’s probably why they follow each other on the track listing. Whenever I listen to them, especially Goodbye, I can’t help but think of a very close late blood brother of mine whom I didn’t get to say goodbye to when he left this earth in August of 2000. The kind of emotions the song evokes on me are heartfelt and profound.

Other songs that I can listen to repeatedly for hours include Mountain Top, a gospel-tinged, melodious tune that features the legendary Andrea Crouch and his singers; the potent Insomnia; and an ode to the maker of all things, God. Actually, God was not included when the master was copied for me. When I listened to the final product, just before it went out to the music stores, I instantaneously fell in love with it. Even though I feel it could have still worked without the tiny bit of auto tune programming in the bridge, it didn’t harm the song.

Rahsaan’s extensive understanding of his craft is laudable in these times. The fact that he not only wrote (and co-wrote) and produced (and also co-produced) all the material on Bluephoria, but also played the synth bass, keyboards and did the drum programming, is certainly an admirable and meritorious one.

Although this is not new material, Bab’ Caiphus Semenya deserves all the accolades for packaging some of the best material he has ever done in this live CD from a live show he did at Carnival City last year.

The 2-disc album, which is also available on DVD, features staple Caiphus Semenya classics like Play With Fire, Nomalanga, Ndiphendule, Ziph’ Inkomo, Matswale and Angelina. In addition to the impeccable manner in which the band plays and the exceptional vocals from Semenya and singers, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories accompanying some of the songs. Like the romantic story of how the song Nomali (which is Mam’ Letta Mbulu’s other name, by the way) was conceived; as well as how his relationship with, Victor Ndlazilwana, the composer of Umfana Ijongwana (which features Thandiswa Mazwai), came about.

I know Semenya’s vast body of work extends beyond the boundaries, including his time with Quincy Jones, but this project should give one an idea of his fecund career. And even better is the fact that it is a live presentation of his iconic and ground breaking productions. It takes the fourth spot on our Top 20 Albums Of 2011.

As far as Vusi Khumalo is concerned, he’s a legend in his own right. Even though I don’t remember owning an album of his prior to Reasons For Seasons, I’m very familiar with his music through listening to the radio and from other projects he has done with other musicians.

Reasons For Seasons also consists of two discs. The first set contains a sound with worldly, modern appeal, because of the guest features and the dynamic Afro soul and pop elements, what with artists like Lebo Mashile, Xolile Dlamini, Steven Molakeng, and rapper Tala, making appearances. The latter however, speaks more to Khumalo’s signature sound, with a more traditional jazz feel.

Khumalo has roped in the best instrumentalists to give this album the lustrous sound it possesses. Amongst them are the likes of percussionist Tlale Makhene, Eric Pilane and Kunle Ayo on guitar, Fana Zulu and Jimmy Mngwadi on bass, and Victor Masondo on upright bass. Amongst the singers blessing these audio paintings with vocals are Khanyo Maphumulo, Mimi Mthenjwa, and Nduduzo Makhathini; who are all famed in their session work for some of the biggest jazz names in the country.

Reasons For Seasons in one of the best jazz albums to come out this year. Khumalo’s compositions and arrangements are fresh and solid. It’s rare for a drummer to release a full body of work, let alone an outstanding piece like Reasons For Seasons.

Making it to 6th position is Jill Scott with her latest attempt, Light Of The Sun. With this album, she stayed true to her objective to take it back to her roots. Jill Scott pairs up with Lee Hutson Jr, aka J.R. Hutson, to remind us why we fell in love with the soulful lady from Philly.

The opening track, a Dre and Vidal production, is reminiscent of how she delivered A Long Walk from her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1. As for the hit So In Love, a duet featuring Anthony Hamilton, it is even more enjoyable towards the end when the live drums are broken down, with Jill and Anthony playing out with their voices. There are so many outstanding songs to mention, but there are a few that stood out more than others. For example, the legendary Doug E. Fresh doing his magic on All Cried Out Redux; Le Boom Vent Suit where Jill switches things up (or down in this instance) in a 2-part tune, just like she did in I Keep/I’m Still Here from her album Human. Amongst the highlights are the two Warryn Campbell-written songs, the playful Quick, and frank and raunchy Until Then (I Imagine); the retrospective, piano-laced Hear My Call (strings arranged and conducted by Larry Gold) where Jill earnestly prays; as well as the album closer Rolling Hills.

Jill Scott and J.R. Hutson have done a sterling job as executive producers and creatively producing a balanced body of work. Hutson lends more of his talents and skills by playing keyboards on a number of tracks, and in some, all the instruments. The only let-down comes from two tracks that feature rappers. The first one, the Eve-assisted Shame (also featuring The A Group), and the other, So Gone (What My Mind Says), containing a rap verse from Paul Wall. I don’t really have a huge issue with Shame, it’s only that I wish they featured that rap battle showdown dome by Black Thought (of The Roots), Yameen Allworld, and Meek Skills, they featured in the video on the album version. As for the latter, I’m not too sure if Paul Wall was the right fit for this song.

Overall, Light Of The Sun is a brilliant album that stamps the longevity of what is dubbed neo-soul music.

The band that has become renowned for creating completely original music is back with their 7th studio album, aptly titled 7. And what a coincidence that Mint Condition makes it to number 7 of our Top 20 Albums Of 2011.

Stokley Williams and his boys stay true to their sound by infusing soul, R&B and rock elements into the latest project. Songs like Caught My Eye, Walk On and Can’t Get Away appeal to the mainstream, quiet storm radio formula, whereas I Want It and Mind Slicker are more risky in their tone but effective in their presentation. Not shy to veer away from the mould, Mint Condition show their flexibility in a more jazzy number that features no vocals, titled Bossalude.

The first time I listened to the title track, as soon as the thumping beat started, I thought to myself, “this would sound so dope with a rap verse”. Low and behold, a voice starts rapping. The flow is immaculate, the lyrics poignant, and the blend of the voice to the music well-synchronized.

My absolute favourite song from 7 has to be Unsung. The haunting vocals by Stokley and a lady called Tonia Hughes-Kendrick make this an instant classic. The stirring nature in which it is delivered enhances its wholesomeness. Another stand out track is Not My Daddy, the 2012 Grammy-nominated tune featuring and co-written by Kelly Price (co-written with Warryn Campbell). Equally appealing is the album closer Twenty Years Later where Stokley dapples a vivid picture of his life doing what he loves.

Mint Condition have, once again, produced a stunner of an album, in 7. It may contain only 11 tracks, but it packs a punch with each one.

The second live album to make the list, and Top 10 at that, is William Sejake’s live album which was recorded at The Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City in the last quarter of last year.

Anyone who knows me and my music would tell you that I love this kind of gospel music, the contemporary type. It is no surprise, therefore, that I immensely enjoyed listening to this album. I may not have been exposed to William Sejake and his music before, but when I listened, I was rather impressed. His voice is totally amazing. It is striking and powerful, yet unassuming in pitch. Even when he sings the hymns, he presents them in his own style and demeanor.

The album features 11 tracks (the 11th track a medley of 2 songs) of simple, unadulterated gospel songs. The messages in the songs are clear. The praise and worship contained herein is masterfully ministered. It is no surprise that he earned himself a nomination at this year’s Crown Gospel Music Awards in the Best Male category. William Sejake’s Live (Volume 1) comes in at number 8.

Last year the house music outfit that made it to the list was Liquideep. This year Mi Casa takes a spot with their self-titled debut album, also in the Top 10. It’s safe to say that the trio consisting of vocalist J-Something, trumpeter Mo-T, and producer Dr. Duda, are the breakout artists of the year.

Their first single, These Streets, has been heating up the airwaves, televisions, and club floors since it came out. This song sets the tone for what is presented in the 14-track album. Although songs like Heavenly Sent, My Oh My, Change My Life and Fly Away are some of the best songs from the album, All The Glory speaks to me in a profound way. Have you ever heard someone say, “this song takes me to church”? That’s a precise effect it has on me. And it doesn’t even have anything to do with the coincidental gospel hue lyrics it has.

This album is packed with all the right ingredients to make it a hit. And these ingredients are expertly and adequately mashed up. Even more impressive is the fact that Mo-T doesn’t play the trumpet in all the songs, which would have been overkill. And when he does, it’s the right dosage and perfectly timed or arranged. My only gripe was the remake of Sade’s Smooth Operator. I appreciate the different approach, but I believe that a Sade song cannot just be touched by anyone; if at all.

Otherwise, this is a very strong offering from the threesome. And it deserves to take the 9th position on our Top 20 Albums Of 2011.

Closing out our Top 10 in the first part of our Top 20 Albums Of 2011 is another jazz album, this time from the prolific saxophonist Boney James. The award winning sax player makes Contact album number 13, including his 2 Christmas projects.

Boney James has collaborated with many R&B and soul vocalists throughout his career. Eric Benet, Philip Bailey, Angie Stone, Bilal, Faith Evans and Dave Hollister are just a few. In actual fact, I’ve enjoyed all his collaborations with Dwele. Therefore, looking at the guest list on Contact, particularly R&B singers Mario and former Destiny’s Child member LeToya Luckett, I was a bit skeptical about how the songs would sound. However, when I listened to When I Had The Chance and That Look On Your Face, featuring LeToya and Mario, respectively, my mind was changed. Although not your traditional jazz vocalists, they did a good job. On the other hand, the other half of vocalists, Heather Headley and Donell Jones, brought a sense musical understanding to their respective songs.

The songs without vocals give Boney James a spotlight to showcase what he does best when he plays tenor, alto and soprano saxophones. Each of these songs is a gem on its own. Still, I have to pin point Deep Time and Everything Matters as the standouts.

Boney James has produced another sterling project with Contact. He is certainly one of the jazz musicians who remain prominent with his work in the modern or soft (as some may call it) jazz spheres.

That, ladies and gents, is the Part 1 of our Top 20 Albums Of 2011. Once more, this is based on the music we got a chance to extensively listen to this year. The second part of the chart will follow in about a week. Please be on the look out for it. Hope it features some of your favourites. In the meantime, let us know if you like any of the albums above. Or let us know which albums made an impression on you this year.