(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Up for a good long listen Here is a selection of Mesfin Fekadu's top albums
In the Lonely Hour Sam Smith: Sam Smith’s album was an emotional roller coaster — a ride you couldn’t get off of even if you tried. The songs anchored by his piercing voice had the power to make you cry smile shiver and even dance. Tracks like the radio hit Stay With Me and Leave Your Lover are intense and emotional making for an honest beautiful album that soothes the soul. There can only be only reply when he sings “Oh won’t you stay with me” That would be a resounding “Yes.”
2014 Forest Hills Drive J. Cole: Another honest man: J. Cole. The insanely talented rapper captures so much on his third album tackling various topics from losing his virginity to growing up in Fayetteville North Carolina to contemporary rappers who should take note. His rhymes are smart and he is a powerful storyteller that at times echoes rap king Nas.
LP1 FKA twigs: FKA twigs’ ethereal and eerie album is heavenly. The English singer’s soft vocals layered over weird beats make this 10-track set a must listen thanks to addictive tracks like Two Weeks Numbers and Lights On.
Sucker Charli XCX: Let’s boom clap for Charli XCX and her top notch album Sucker. The mix of rock and pop songs are confident and catchy and prove that although Charli XCX was the side chick on songs like Iggy Azalea’s Fancy and Icona Pop’s I Love It she’s the real leading lady.
Aquarius Tinashe: Tinashe who is also part of the alternative R&B movement delivered an album that moved the needle this year. Though she had a huge hit with the addictive 2 On the singer proves she’s much more than a one-hit wonder on Aquarius. Her whispery vocals glide over the songs’ beats so nicely you’ll constantly hit repeat. Just Like Vegas is only one of the many standouts.
Evergreen Broods: The parents of brother and sister duo Broods should be proud. The New Zealand group’s album Evergreen is a winner with instrumentalist Caleb Nott shining on the eclectic alternative production giving Georgia Nott a platform to showcase her calming vocals especially on Killing You and Mother & Father.
My Everything Ariana Grande: Ariana Grande has already launched four Top 10 hits from her second album but there’s so much more that bangs beyond Bang Bang on My Everything. The powerful vocalist nails it with a cool blend of R&B and pop songs that’s almost as good as her revering 2013 debut.
Montevallo Sam Hunt: Props to singer-songwriter Sam Hunt for blending country music with elements of R&B electronica and hip-hop. It might sound wild but it works on his debut album mainly thanks to Hunt’s swagger and sexy sing-talk vocal delivery. Sam Smith isn’t the only Sam stealing hearts.
Do It Again Robyn and Royksopp: Swedish singer Robyn and Norwegian duo Royksopp 5-song dance EP is oh so good and a tease. Full album please
1000 Forms of Fear Sia: From Chandelier to Elastic Heart to Eye of the Needle Sia’s latest album is just another laudable effort in her rich catalog which is worth exploring if you’ve just discovered the gem this year.