Camiele’s Top 25 Albums of 2014

15. José James – While You Were Sleeping

This man is quickly becoming one of my favorite jazz artists of all time. Everything José James releases has just this added piece of… something that will forever differentiate it from all the jazz artists that have come before him or since. With 2013’s No Beginning, No End one of my favorites of that year, I was wondering exactly he could bring to the table that was different than what I’d already heard from him, and While You Were Sleeping didn’t disappoint. It’s a bit grittier, a dark edge to the music; however, it doesn’t lose any of its smoothness or warmth. In fact, what he offered in 2013 pales in comparison to the sleekness of his latest offering.

14. The Barberettes – Barberettes Mini-Album #1

K-pop last year gave us so much to look forward to in 2015. The Barberettes is one such group. With a sound wrapped up in the doo-wop of the 60s, their first mini featured gorgeous harmonies and composition tinged in the nostalgia of franco-jazz. It was a beautiful piece of work from a group of women who defy the standard of female beauty and music in South Korea by providing a retro sound that’s both classic and refreshing.

13. FKA Twigs – LP1

This was an album that came up as a suggestion at Xiami. Knowing my love for the likes of Björk and SingerSen, I can understand why. FKA Twigs is a… I’m not quite sure. Enigma perhaps to those not accustomed to the sonic dissonance in her sound. She’s definitely unique; there’s no doubt about it. She has a soft voice that makes way for some truly explosive music that’s got a creep and twine to it that both caresses and scratches at the skin. She’s a visceral artist, never going overboard vocally, but allowing that softness to cushion her lyrics and almost shield them from the confrontational electric plow of the music.

12. ILLAP – ILLAP

This was definitely one of my favorite hip-hop albums of last year. Their first and only release (the DJ and producer went off to fulfill his military duties shortly after its release), the self-titled debut of this hip-hop duo completely blew me off my feet. It’s gritty, confrontational, strange, and elegant all wrapped into a warped and twisted package. The throb and bass of tracks like Smoky Grills and title track ILLAP are countered with softer pieces of brilliance like Work or Love and Calm. I can’t wait to hear more from this duo. They are a drop of something special in Korea’s hip-hop scene.

11. Luis Fonsi – 8

In my desire to improve my Spanish, I decided to start watching Telemundo while I worked. One day, a commercial came on promoting a contest in which the winner would win tickets to a concert held by this gentleman right here. Luís Fonsi has a voice that just shocked the hell out of me. It’s got so much soul, yet it’s so completely soothing. I felt my heart ache and need at times while listening to 8, his first album in three years. It’s a truly beautiful piece of work that blends pop, soul, and bachata into something purely fantastic.