Cream of the Crop

Cream of the Crop is a list of my favorite albums that I compile every year since 2006. I don't have a particular criteria on what makes a great album, but what I look for in an album transcends beyond the music. What makes it stand out among the thousands of records released every single year? Is it groundbreaking? Is there a backstory? Is there a interesting theme behind it? Whatever it may be, these are the kind of things I look for in an album.

The ones that I considered as "The Cream of the Crop" are my absolute favorite album for that particular year. I chose these albums because I believe that each of them are unique and memorable in their own special way. These are the ones that stood among the rest.

Here are Cream of the Crop selectees from the previous years.

2006's Cream of the Crop: Kezia by Protest The Hero

A conceptual album based on the death of the heroine, Kezia, the story is told through the eyes of three people; the priest, the guard and herself. Protest The Hero, who are were barely the age of 18 at time, crafted an album that is dynamic, fast-paced and beautiful all at the same time. With influences ranging from mathcore. thrash and metal, this album truly highlights the band's keen and technical musicianship and I consider this album to be an alternative masterpiece.

2007's Cream of the Crop: Person Pitch by Panda Bear

The first time that I listened to this record, it felt as though I was having a life-changing experience. The third solo effort from Panda Bear, aka Noah Lennox of Animal Collective, Person Pitch is a reflection of all the special moments that happened in his life. This psychedelic, experimental pop record is captivating and stunning to the ears and provides the listeners a listening experience unlike any other.

2008's Cream of the Crop: 
Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust by Sigur Ros

The title translates to "With A Buzz In Our Ear, We Play Endlessly" and this clearly suits the overall nature of the album. Unlike their previous works which were more minimal and atmospheric, Sigur Rós decided to make an album that is more pop friendly and folk oriented. A true representation of love, happiness and joy, this is one of the most beautiful albums I have ever listen to in my life.

2009's Cream of the Crop: Aim & Ignite by fun.

With major influences from big band and broadway, fun. has beautifully crafted an album filled with infectious melodies and witty lyrics so catchy you can't help but sing along. The wide array of instruments on this album is absolutely stellar and gives the listener the feeling of being in marching band. The bandhas live up to their name and pop music is at it's finest with this fantastic effort.

2010's Cream of the Crop: Diamond Eyes by Deftones

During the record of their album Eros, tragedy struck their friend and fellow bandmate, Chi Cheung. In light of this, this caused them to put Eros back on the shelf to record an entirely brand new album. Diamond Eyes not only captures the band's ferocity and intensity that they were always known for, but it showcases the band in it's purest form. It is album that not only the band would be proud of but Chi would be proud of as well. It serves as their conviction that one day their friend would join them on stage once again.

2011's Cream of the Crop: House of Balloons by The Weeknd

A mere mixtape, House of Balloons, recorded by Abel Tesfaye (also known as The Weeknd) is a shining example of the evolution of the R&B genre. Along with sampling a variety of artists including the late Aaliyah, he incorporated other genres such as ambient, pop and hip-hop. At the same time, Tefaye's soulful pipes is reminscent to the glory days of 90's R&B. All these elements blends together beautifully and helped redefined a genre in modern way.