10. Jake Bugg - Shagri La
This snarley Brit is equal parts Lennon and Lydon. His writing is beyond his years.
9. Booker T - Sound the Alarm
This modern album from the Soul legend proves Booker T will be funky forever.
8. Bob Marley - Legend Remixed
The smart remixes hint at a sound the always trailblazing Marley would have been making now had he not left us too soon.
7. Charles Bradley - Victim of Love
Mr. Bradley is one of the greatest living Soul singers, and shows true talent can't be stopped.
6. Tricky - False Idols
An edgy, dark dream of Hip-Hop beat poetry, reflecting London's dangerous underbelly.
5. Jose James - No Beginning No End
D'Angelo meets Nat King Cole in this well written modern crooners latest.
4. Tunesmiths - Derby City
The album captures the intensity of the Tunesmiths live shows with anthems for the local favorite's hometown.
3. Boxer Rebellion - Promises
Dreamy, driving, intelligent, spacious. I've listened to this album for entire days on repeat and I'm still interested.
2. Peaking Lights - Lucifer
Husband and wife team make a stew of downtempo styles into a coherent brew. Brilliant from the first note to the last.
1. Elastic Bond - Real
My favorite new band that has the country buzzing. Hailing from Miami, and reflecting the beauty of their beach city's diversity. Livian Hernandez sings in English and Spanish and the music contains elements of Soul, Reggae, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Dub, Chill Wave which is so effortless blended classification is irrelevant.