2010 has been a year of major change, extreme highs and lows, and breathtaking progress. As such the albums represented here are a diverse bunch that cover everything from sexy house to experimental hip-hop to straight up soul! These were the albums that impacted me on first listen and then stayed in rotation throughout the year. Enjoy and please support these excellent pieces of work! - Norman Mayers, Editor in Chief, Nu-Soul Magazine 1. Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma Genre: Hip-Hop/Electronica/Experimental A masterpiece that defies genre classification, Flyng Lotus’ Cosmogramma defined the unlimited possibilities of 2010. Sitting at the cross section of Dilla-inspired hip-hop, stream of consciousness jazz, and the new dubstep beat culture, this was one album that truly bridged many boundaries and opened up doors to new explorations in sound. 2. Robyn – Body Talk Genre: Pop/Electronica Robyn’s 3-part album created a new model for releasing music that is sure to change the industry but her music itself is a true landmark in modern pop. Using the true sounds of the underground to surround her heartfelt and emotional lyrics, Robyn created a sound that was both unique and instantly appealing. 3. Zo! – Sunstorm Genre: Soul/Hip-Hop/Electronica An instant classic! A truly cohesive piece of work drenched in real soul and musicianship that radiates with positive energy and features some of the best vocalists in indie soul including Sy Smith, Monica Blaire,and the Foreign Exchange family. 4. Black Milk – Album of the Year Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul Black Milk delivered next level hip-hop that looked both backwards and forwards. Chunky live drums, futuristic funk, poignant storytelling, and straight up swagger combined for an album that definitely lived up to its title. 5. Afta-1 – Form Genre: Hip-Hop/Electronica/Experimental Afta-1′s sound is the embodiment of an entire movement. Elegantly produced beats wrapped in spiritual energy that speak volumes without any words. 6. Kelis – Flesh Tone Genre: Soul/Electronica/Pop Kelis shed her shackles and embraced her dance diva future with this strong, powerful, and intoxicating electronica album that found her embracing motherhood and freedom over dance beats produced by David Guetta, Benny Benassi, and Boys Noize. 7. Blue Six – Noesis Genre: Soul/Electronica/Downtempo Sexy lounge house at its very best, this return from Naked Music’s head honcho is pure unadulterated bliss. 8. Yahzarah – The Ballad of Purple St. James Genre: Soul/Electronica/Alternative An album of striking range, depth, and complexity, Yahzarah delivered the goods. 9. Eric Lau – Makin Sound Genre: Hip-Hop/Soul/Instrumental Straying from his vocal heavy debut, Eric Lau proved that his beats alone are enough to make everyone sit up and listen. 10. Dwele – W.w.w. Genre: Soul/Hip-Hop Dwele’s latest incorporated everything we love about the singer from hip-hop swagger to socially conscious lyrics to gorgeous sexually charged ballads. Easily one of his best albums. Honorable Mentions: Avery*Sunshine Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid Jose James – Black Magic 来源 http://nu-soulmag.com/musings/?p=7763 --

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