This year has produced a TON of good music. There are jams here that I won’t be able to get out of my head. After listening to 135 albums this year (the most ever for me.). I have whittled it down a bit to bring you the top 50 albums of 2011.

50. Hugh Laurie – Let Them Talk

Stop shaking your head, or doing that double take. Yes, the guy that plays Gregory House on TV did put an album out this year. If you have watched House or heard his playing in Banned from TV, you know that Laurie can play. On Let Them Talk, Laurie brings us his interpretations of standard classics which include “St. James Infirmary,” “Battle of Jericho,” and Robert Johnson’s “They’re Red Hot.” Most of all, this album is just fun, and it’s been a while since you’ve seen a man had fun with the blues.

49. Arctic Monkeys – Suck It and See

With AM’s last album, Humbug, the perception was that they band had almost given up. They’re sound was completely different, more commercial, per say. But with Suck It and See, the band wanted to go for a more “vintage” sound; hearkening back to their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. The album title was inspired by a piece of graffiti in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (adding further to that vintage sound). If anything this is a return to form for one of the best new bands of last decade. Kudos boys!

48. Bayside – Killing Time

After three years, and the departure of the band from Victory Records, Bayside came back with Killing Time. This Gil Norton (The Pixies, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World) produced album features that classic Bayside sound, but is brought to you in a more mainstream fashion. Most may think this a bad thing, but this album shows the wonders of mixing, and what it can do for an album. Like Rick Rubin did for The Avett Brothers, Norton didn’t mess with the sound too much, just brought it to you in a different way. Bayside is certainly back, and better than ever!

47. Cage the Elephant – Thank You Happy Birthday

Cage the Elephant’s greatest attribute is that they’re an American band that somehow sounds English. And when I mean American, I mean Kentucky. This album started out in 2009, producing 80 tracks that apparently sucked! CTE scrapped it and decided to delve into music that was saved for side projects and came up with this album. TYHB was invariably, the hardest record that any band have produced this year, and it suffers a little bit from that. However, the finished product is one of the best albums of the year.

46. Cold War Kids – Mine Is Yours

Despite the fact that it looks like a child drew the cover for this album, it’s really good. The Kids have come a long way since Robber’s and Cowards. Not to mention, the sloppy Behave Yourself. Here, there is stronger songwriting complete with a nice glossy shine, enough to rival veteran bands. Now there is more Kings of Leon, and even U2, than there is uninspired drivel. For those critics with a negative mind, listen again, you may be surprised.

45. Dia Frampton – Red

The Voice did Dia Frampton, from Meg & Dia, a lot of good. It also did this album a lot of good; Frampton’s greatest quality is that you can’t not like. She is like the girl next door of your dreams complete with smokey vocals, a great pop sense, and an eclectic group of songs. Some may say that the album suffers from it’s lack of a central focus, but I think it makes it better and more fun to listen to. Red runs the gambit of Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Pop, you name it, the album has it. If you liked The Voice, check out what happened to that shy girl who came in second!

44. Eric Church  – Chief

This country album has made more waves than any of them. It garners the award for highest selling album for an opening week, according to Billboard. Church’s sound borders on the country/rock avenue, similar to Jason Aldean, but with more of a raw feeling. (For a better explanation, listen to “Homeboy.”) This outlaw has stated that his chart topping success this year has restored his faith in music, and has done it in a different way. This may have contributed to his new headlining tour, happening in 2012. All we can say, is welcome to the big time, and thanks for the tunes.

43. O.A.R. – King

The follow up to the commercial success, All Sides, King manages to bridge O.A.R.’s pop aptitude with their jam band prowess. There isn’t a radio station that hasn’t played “Heaven” on there station and with good reason, it’s really good. However, this band with always sound better LIVE, and while studio albums for jam bands tend to hinder more than help, King is the exception. O.A.R. asks “Am I Coming On Way Too Strong, Have I Scared You Off,” I say nay, you’ve only made it better.

42. Real Estate – Days

 I don’t think that critics have quite known how to receive this album. Every review I read of it ranges from above average to five star barn burner. With that said, this album is summed up by the band itself: “I’m not OK, but I guess I’m doing fine.” With their second album, the band refines what it means to be Real Estate, tightening the screws and throwing some lacquer on there. The product is less rough and more enjoyable to the ear, ah the sweet sound of victory!

41. The Script – Science & Faith

The band that struggled with God in last year’s smash hit “Breakeven” came back this year with Science & Faith, and are still struggling with it. (I mean, come on, look at the title). This year’s hit is “Falling for the First Time,” and if you haven’t heard it, you’ve been living under a rock. It’s hard not to like The Script, their songs speak to everybody’s vices, whether it be lost jobs, drinking problems, depression, they’re a therapy that’s relatively cheap. Seriously, fuck retail therapy, just throw this record on.

40. Vince Gill – Guitar Slinger

It’s been five years since Gill’s last album, and with Guitar Slinger, it was well worth the wait. Despite the album title, the guitar skills take a back seat to the masterfully crafted country songs. Gill’s greatest ability has always been to take the traditionalist country avenue by way of the modern country artist; a feat rarer and rarer these days. The most amazing feat Gill pulls off is his amazing range; from traditionalist, to bluegrass, to contemporary, he does it all!

39. Warren Haynes – Man In Motion

Keyword on this album is Soul. Haynes’ bleed it on this record, his first solo record since 1993. Aside from Soul, the Blues also dwells on this album, and despite having only ten tracks, it’s a double album. The album is complete with an all star cast including, George Porter, Jr., Ivan Neville, Ian McLagan, Raymond Webber, Ron Holloway, and Ruthie Foster; legends! Being Haynes’ first real attempt at a solo project, it succeeds on all levels, proving that he can really hold his own.

38. We Are Augustines – Rise Ye Sunken Ships

Part Arcade Fire, part The Killers, this hot new band still manages to sound different, through subtler delivery than the aforementioned bands. Such delivery adds tension to the record throughout, which Billy McCarthy used to influence the writing, after his mother and brother were diagnosed schizophrenic. (His brother, James, later committed suicide.) If it wasn’t such a good year for releases, this would have been ranked much, much higher.

37. The Wilderness of Manitoba – When You Left the Fire

This Canadian chamber folk group hit the scene earlier this year with When You Left the Fire. Their debut is powered partly by banjo, partly by lush and fragile harmonies, and by elemental images. This is the perfect album to listen to out in the woods, camping with your buddies. The serious camper that is, none of this RV stuff. This is one of my stumble upon’s and boy am I happy with it.

36. Tedeschi Trucks Band – Revelator

This album is so good, but it’s ultimate triumph is that it feels so effortless. I guess that’s what happens when you stick 11 of the best musicians together, which includes two drummers, some keys, bass, flawless guitar, and one hell of a horn section. Revelator ranges from blues, to 6o’s and 70’s rock, soul, funk. You’ve got it all here and it sounds very fresh, not to mention that Susan Tedeschi’s vocals really make this album standout.

35. Elbow – Build a Rocket Boys!

I have a habit of discovering bands, but apparently I really missed the boat with Elbow. 10 years later and I picked up Build a Rocket Boys! Listening to it will remind you of your childhood, which is what frontman Guy Garvey was influenced by in writing the record. It’s amazing how universal this album is, it can connect with everyone if you allow it. This album also shows how creative problems can  rear their ugly heads when your mundane subject is now successful. Despite that, this album still succeeds in being relevant to Elbow’s crowd.

34. Four Year Strong – In Some Way, Shape, or Form

Maturity for the up and coming punk bands is never an easy thing, but for Four Year Strong, they succeed tremendously with their fourth full length album In Some Way, Shape, or Form. The synths are largely gone from the picture, the hinges are tightened, and the energy of the band is still there, including the multiple vocals which make the band unique. The album is not without it’s flaws, but with punk, what album isn’t.

33. Mastodon – The Hunter

With a new producer (Mike Elizondo), Mastodon has evolved into a more serious band. Sounds strange to say, but Mastodon gave up the riff heavy stuff for more accessible music. It’s not really more mainstream, it’s just simplified. We all remember the concept album geeks of a few albums ago, but now they bring serious metal to the table.

32. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games EP”

The self-described “gangsta Nancy Sinatra,” Del Rey released her first EP back in October. It’s hard to describe her sound, but her influences lend a bit of a hand (Britney Spears, Thomas Newman, and Bruce Springsteen). Her voice is smooth, and lends itself to a smokey speak easy back in the 50’s, but in modern day with the use of sampling and a small chamber orchestra. Del Rey’s highly anticipated album Born to Die drops early next year, and a trip to SNL is going to make for a big year for miss Grant. (P.S. I have one of her first demo CD’s and she was brilliant back then as she is now!)

31. The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain

For those that thought The Lonely Island were going to be a flash in the pan, guess again. These viral video stars added to the lexicon with Turtleneck & Chain. For a band that doesn’t take itself very seriously, there is some serious tracks mixed with the funniest vocals you’ve ever heard (case in point “Jack Sparrow.”). Guests on this album range from Akon, Beck, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and even Michael Bolton, where he shows of his…well…just listen to it.

30. Bright Eyes – The People’s Key

This album is one of the strangest, but beautiful experiences I’ve been through in my tiny life. The album fights with spirituality and religion, but does it with hush vocals and murmured tones. The People’s Key does it’s best not to stick out like a sore thumb, being one of Oberst’s weirder records, and does a good job of it. The spoken word portion of “Firewall” sounds like it was taken straight out of a David Icke book. Despite this albums goodness, I’m still conflicted about it.

29. Barefoot Truth – Carry Us On

Thanks to the one, Patrick “Half-Rounds” Dugan, I was introduced to Barefoot Truth, much to the chagrin of my wallet. For an unsigned band, they have put out a number of records, along with this years Carry Us On. All parts jam band, including the best parts of O.A.R. and Dave Matthews Band, this very original band is one you can get lost it. The peaceful, easy feeling melodies engulf you and you can’t help but smile as their records spin.

28. Gary Clark, Jr. – “Bright Lights EP”

If you’ve ever seen the film Honeydripper you may remember young Gary Clark, Jr. If not, this is a fantastic introduction to one of the greatest new guitarists of this age. Dripping with blues and R&B, Clark has played a stint on Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. The world anticipates his first full length next year, which can’t come soon enough.

27. My Morning Jacket – Circuital

Everything that MMJ touches is like gold. This album feels like they hit the reset button, similar to the way Radiohead did over ten years ago. The result is some of the best stuff that My Morning Jacket has released to date. You will find all of the usual MMJ tricks to like the 70’s rock, piano power, and trips to Motown. MMJ have definitely moved on, from their rabbit in the hat tricks, to their best impression of Chris Angel.

26. Drive-By Truckers – Go-Go Boots

The band of last decade released it’s second album of this decade with Go-Go Boots. This album, like Brighter Than Creation’s Dark focuses on the country and soul influences that run through this band. That’s not to say that the classic story-songs are without; “Go-Go Boots” and “Used to Be a Cop” are among the best story-songs that they Truckers have released to date. While this isn’t the strongest Trucker’s release, their weakest is better than any bands best.

25. The Boxer Rebellion – The Cold Still

To slow it down a bit, I was introduced to The Boxer Rebellion last year with the song “Semi-Automatic.” Early this year they returned with The Cold Still and they continue to show us how delivery is one of the forgotten gems of songwriting. TBR is the band in most recent memory, that knows how to use strings effectively, not to overwhelm, but to add to the environment of the record. Low key, never sounded better.

24. Dum Dum Girls – Only in Dreams

Wow, from their first record I Will Be to this one, there is a more defining band in the Dum Dum Girls. There is just a better band here, one that is more trusting and more focused than the last effort. The guitar is pulled back a little bit here, and the rhythm section is turned up a notch. There are catchy as hell songs on here, done in a retro 60’s style that is to love. They’re not just any chick band, they’re the real deal now.

23. R.E.M. – Collapse Into Now

I know people want to put this record on their list because of their demise this year, but this album is really good. R.E.M. captured all the best parts of their past albums and put them together in this album. That’s the easiest way to explain it. It’s not a re-crafting of songs its more a refining of skills put to record. This record also serves as the next step in the bands evolution from Accelerate, which started to put the band in it’s right place. R.E.M. went on top, releasing their best album since New Adventures in Hi-Fi, and if you thought that album sucked, well you don’t know music.

22. Radiohead – The King of Limbs

If you’ve ever wanted to know what Radiohead would sound like doing Jazz music, this would probably be the best bet for you. Written in the same style, brought to you by Amnesiac, Radiohead did a major U-Turn from In Rainbows to deliver this ethereal, sublime, dreamy album. It’s not a bad thing, but It was the last thing you think to see from Radiohead, as much of a surprise as the announcement for the record. But, If you want some Amnesiac Jazz, give it a shot, you may be surprised.

21. Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials

I half expected to hate this album, the first single, “Shake It Out,” but its so hard to hate Florence Welch. She writes phenomenal music. This album is produced so well, with that wall of sound effect, and stunning vocals, Welch amped this album up to eleven. With bigger a bigger sound, you can smell Phil Spector all over this record, and that’s not a bad thing at all. I guess the English know how to do it better, they always seem to stun.

20. Wilco – The Whole Love

Critics have been making a big deal about this being the first self-released Wilco album and I say who gives a shit, it’s not like Wilco would have gone to hell had they stayed with a label. However, the band took an interesting direction with this album, combining Yankee Hotel Foxtrot  with Being There to deliver a startlingly unique album. It seems like the band has fit into place now, after lineup changes that rocked it’s previous album. Whatever it was, Wilco delivers their best album in quite some time.

19. The Decemberists – The King Is Dead

Well kiddos, if you loved this album, don’t expect more for a while. Colin Meloy has announced that the band with be going on a “multi-year hiatus.” With that said, they are going out with one of their best albums to date. You can hear the R.E.M. inspiration in these songs. (Hell, Peter Buck played guitars on a few tracks). This is The Decemberists most accessible work to date. There are real pop tunes here (“Down by the Water,” “Calamity Song”) and of course there are real Decemberist’s cuts (“January Hymn,” “June Hymn”). If you’ve ever wanted to get into The Decemberists but never knew where to start, The King Is Dead is a perfect place.

18. Tom Waits – Bad as Me

Tom Waits has come back to us with his first new material since 2004. Co-written with his wife Kathleen Brennan, Bad as Me cuts down on the experimentation a bit, and delves into blues, rockabilly, rhythm & blues, and jazz. This has to be one of Waits’ shortest albums, coming in at approximately 45 minutes. This strange album, stranger by Waits’ standards works really well. Whatever it is here, I’d go for another.

17. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Here We Rest

We all knew that, during his time with DBT, he was one of the best songwriters there. His solo albums always prove this to be the case. This album focuses on country ballads and blues numbers. Isbell’s greatest ability is allowing tears to roll down the listeners face with beautiful and heatbreaking lyrics (It’s hard not to be affected by songs like “Codeine,” and “Tour of Duty.”). The 400 Unit is also one tight nit group, adding to the heartbreak and emotion captured in these songs. For such sad songs, these are funny guys (just follow them on Twitter, and prepare to be lol’ed.).

16. Bobby Long – A Winter Tale

Despite the fact that Mr. Long owes a little of his career to Robert Pattinson, this dude comes to fucking play with his stripped down acoustic folk. Long owes a lot to 60’s icons like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Johnny Cash; Dylan most of all. To those who want to say it’s nothing but a rehash, think again, this have never sounded so fresh before. You also get great country flourishes, indeed the kind that Cash made famous, but well placed in acoustic folky songs. This is the only thing I will thank Pattinson for, so thanks for bringing us Bobby Long.

15. The Features – Wilderness

I owe Josh Mauthe on this one, I had no clue about The Features, but discovery is half of why I do this. You never know what to expect from a band who’s lead single is entitled “Rambo,” but shitbox, this kind of indie rock/noise pop is soothing to the soul. These Tennessee natives have been plugging a long since the mid 90’s. Wilderness features some of the best guitar licks of the year, and the organ playing doesn’t feel like it would fit, but works surprisingly well with the dynamic of this band. In short, they’re an enigma worth listening to.

14. Dawes – Nothing Is Wrong

You’re damn right nothing is wrong, especially if you enjoy trips back to the 70’s to the times of CCR and The Eagles. Heartland music is  something you make for people, but when you make it your own, like Dawes has, it makes it fresh and reassuring, that you’re not being selfish. You also can’t go wrong with a pedal steel guitar to set the mood off right and imperfect vocals to make you appealing. What isn’t there to like about Dawes, there may not be much of a deviation from their previous album, but who cares, this shit is good!

13. Das Racist – Relax

Who wasn’t waiting for the debut of this phenomenal rap group after hearing “hahahaha jk?” Das Racist is the most original rap group out there today, and this album captures the playfulness that they exhibited on their first two mix tapes. You’ve never had fun until you’ve walked down a dark street at 3 in the morning blaring “Rainbow in the Dark” through your Beatz Audio. I don’t feel my words would do this group justice so, just listen.

12. The Civil Wars – Barton Hallow

 It’s stupid to say, but this feels like Lady Antebellum done right and less annoying. The close harmonies that Joy Williams and John Paul White bring to the table are so romantic, and for a non-dating couple add depth here that is unbelievable. The music sounds so organic that you almost feel like you could pluck it from a growing field. In the music that made me speechless category, this took the cake. So cut a piece, and eat it.

11. Foo Fighters – Wasting Light

Easily, the best Foo’s album to date. This is some straight up rock kids, in its raw and stripped down form. The strangest thing here is Butch Vig’s production 20 years after Nevermind was released. It’s almost a reciprocity thing going on, as Kurt Cobain is the subject of a few songs on this album. The fact that it was recorded in Dave Grohl’s garage makes that Nirvana influence more prominent, though Queens of the Stoneage are also influential here as well.

10. Aaron Gillespie – Anthem Song

Since departing with Underoath last year, Gillespie has been busy with other projects, chief among them the Anthem Song album. Most will be turned off by these songs, as they are for a select crowd (I’ll let you figure out which crowd.). Song content aside, this is just a beautifully produced/written set of songs to rejoice in. Even if the content is not for you, the music alone makes this a must buy, and if you like his Aaron Gillespie’s other side project, The Almost, it’s a must

9. Fleet Foxes – Helplesness Blues

Three years after Fleet Foxes wowed us with their self-titled debut, they returned to add more to their vocal harmonic masterpiece. Helplesness Blues picks up right where Fleet Foxes left off. Building upon such greats as Simon & Garfunkel and the Beach Boys, there is on one making records like this right now. The musicianship and vocals are practically unmatched, and everything is in it’s right place. This year’s perfect record.

8. Burlap to Cashmere – Burlap to Cashmere

This is another stumble upon, this time from iTunes. Burlap to Cashmere have been a band for a long time, they released their first album in 1998. This is the sophomore effort, 13 years later. Drawn largely from a scene occupied by Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons. The acoustic folk scene has been gaining momentum the last five years, however, these melodies manage to sound brand new and uninfluenced by those such bands around them. If anything, this band has more in common with Simon & Garfunkel, than they do their contemporaries, connecting through the years.

7. The Black Keys – El Camino

The Black Keys didn’t really need help, but they enlisted famed producer Danger Mouse, to bring them closer to the arena rock that The Black Keys so desperately desired. The album has produced instant classics, tighter songs, and a music video that is reminiscent of Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice.” This album also produced the years best song in “Little Black Submarines.” I mean, seriously, have The Black Keys ever let you down?

6. TV on the Radio – Nine Types of Light

After the three year hiatus, TV on the Radio came back with a vengeance and its most widely appealing set of songs yet. The focus of the album has changed as well, cashing in their emo chips for sunnier skies, with themes of love more prevalent than on previous albums. It’s clear that time off did them well, focusing their efforts into some of the best tunes that have come out of the TV on the Radio catalog.

5. Around the World and Back – Big Beat

Yeah, you may not have heard of ATWAB, but you’re going to regret it. With their unique sound, part ambient rock, part indie pop, if the scientists in watch men had to set the doomsday clock on them it would be two minutes to midnight. This band is on the verge of their big break, and Big Beat has the power to grant them this attention. Already, this year, they have played gigs with The Features and The Head & the Heart. The most stunning thing about this band is their musicianship, which is of the highest caliber, and their maturity in song writing. You will find no band like them out there, and they will quickly become your favorite. Big Beat has also been picked as my prestigious album of the year (if you want a good package, go for the $19.99 package, so so worth it.). They’ve also won in the best band you don’t know yet category, seriously guys, eat this stuff up, it’s gourmet quality.

4. Young the Giant – Young the Giant

This is the oddest band on Roadrunner Records, talk about the odd kid in class. I found YTG through an iTunes free single of the week. I was blown away by this album, YTG writes the smoothest and most beautiful melodies in indie rock today. “Cough Syrup” will blow you away, and force you to take a look back and take stock in all that is your life. “Strings” will take you to Hawaii, to relax on the lush beaches and vast oceans. YTG can evoke moods so easily and so well that they make it look too easy, and to quote Jerry Seinfeld: “not that they’res anything wrong with that.”

3. Paul Simon – So Beautiful  or So What

Easily the best Paul Simon album since Graceland, here we see the return of traditional songwriting for Paul Simon, instead of the wrap around beats that have been responsible for many-a Simon album since Rhythm of the Saints. Regardless of song writing techniques, the recording process has remained the same, and you still get some of those highly rhythm based songs. If anything, this album exposes Simon’s ability to create the most unique and best sonic textures you’ve ever heard. “The Afterlife” is worth the purchase alone.

2. Adele – 21

Yeah, I know, you’re shocked. Seriously?! Adele number two? This was the highest grossing album of the year, I forget the figures, but it was a lot of albums. Adele is the most stunning singer in music today, she takes Dusty Springfield and leaves her behind in her wake. Adele has the ability to capture pure human emotion in the simplest melodies. Among the heartbreak and beautiful vocal delivery, Adele manages to remain sexy in every way. I don’t know what else I can honestly say about this record that hasn’t already been said. It’s a beautiful statement on the human experience that affects us all, love.

1. The Roots – Undun

Adele had the top spot this year, until this album dropped on December 6th. The Roots have become a band with something to say as of lately. Last year, they, along with John Legend, brought us the sprawling social statement Wake Up! This year, especially after the Michelle Bachmann incident. Since then, the Roots have produce the album of the year, a sprawling commentary about one man’s struggles through New York inner-city life. The album opens with the death of our main character, Redford Stephens, and retraces the steps and choices he made that lead him to his death. The album includes a unique guest spot from Sufjan Stevens. The last album saw a remix  of Monsters of Folk’s “Dear God,” leading you to believe that anything goes with the roots. This 40 minute masterpiece transcends all genres of music, you need to own this album!