Countdown Friday! End Of Year List Predictions

I love this time of year, the month before Christmas when lights go up and look forward to seeing family.  I  love it because in about a month the best albums of the year lists are going to start coming out.  I have some hypothesis es about what will be on that list.  Just a quick note, I would put Them Crooked Vultures on my list, but these are my predictions for what other critics are going to do.

1. Kanye West - Runaway.  So it doesn't come out until Tuesday, but if the G.O.O.D. Music Friday free downloads are any hint this album will not disappoint.  Also I know I shouldn't hold so much stock in Rolling Stone, but they gave it five out of five stars. We know if Rolling Stone loves it other critics will love it too and will include it on their lists as well.

2. Janelle Monae -  The ArchAndroid.  This is a concept album that has done really well commercially.  Critics love that.  Also it's an amazing album you can listen to over and over again and still pick up new things.  One of my major disappointments of the year is that I missed seeing her live in Chicago. 

3.  Elton John and Leon Russel - The Union.  Leon Russel was one of Elton John's idols in the 60s before he even played in the States.  Then Leon Russell fell into obscurity, but Elton John remembered him, found him, and they together put out this record. Add a guest spot by Neil Young, and Cameron Crowe filming for a documentary, and you've got one of the top albums of the years.

4. Yeasayer - Odd Blood.  I actually thought this album would get bigger than it has.  I thought they would be the MGMT of 2010, but I guess when MGMT puts out an album of their own that's a little difficult.  Still the Brooklyn band has made a name for themselves and put out their first album that I am sure critics are going to love. 

5. The Roots - How I Get Over. I have not heard anyone say a bad things about this album.  Impressive considering how busy they're been.  They are the house band on Jimmy Fallon, played around the country when they could, and put out another album with John Legend.  They are the biggest live band in hip hop, and critics love them.  Expect to see this on loads of top ten lists.

6. M.I.A. - Maya.  Another album with lots of buzz.  Everything I have heard said this is her best album yet.  I have not listened to it enough to really form my own opinion, but with what people are saying and how good the first two are, I can't imagine not seeing this on critics lists in December. 

7. Vampire Weekend - Contra.  Another band breaking the curse of the sophomore record.  This record is one of the inspirations to start this blog. This record blended so many genres of music and just puts the listener in a good mood.  Also inspired people to find out what "Horchata" is. 

8. Broken Bells - Broken Bells.  I loved this album, not so much the live show.  Critics loved this album, I don't know how they felt about the live show.  It's a haunting and soothing album at the same time.  There is no doubt this will be all over top ten lists. 

9. Sade - Soldier of Love.  This might just make the list because it's been 10 years since Sade's last album.  when this came out in February it was huge news.  Plus it's Sade.

10.  Eminem - Recovery.  This is the album on 2010.  You can't go a week without hearing "Love the Way You Lie" played somewhere.  Eminem got clean and came back with a vengeance.  I have heard a few critics say that his cultural references are outdated, but I can't imagine this not being on top ten lists.