Find out what had me tapping my foot and humming along this year.
http://www.ranker.com/list/best-albums/federicozamora,
Quadron, "Avalanche"
Robbie Williams, "Swings Both Ways"
“This refreshingly retro album mixes Robbie Williams' traditional method of writing biting lyrics and infuses that contemporary social commentary with old-school beats and a big-band sensibility--not to mention the handful of lateral covers of classics like "Dream A Little Dream" and "Putting On The Ritz." This album is brash and without subtlety yet it holds a syrupy, old-timey center within its glossy, candy-coated pop shell.” ― Rico
Favorite tracks: "Swings Both Ways (feat. Rufus Wainwright)" and "No One Likes A Fat Pop Star"
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra, "The Great Gatsby Jazz Recordings: A Selection of Yellow Cocktail Music"
Steven Price, "Gravity (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)"
Sara Bareilles, "The Blessed Unrest"
“The surprise Album of the Year nominee at this year's Grammys is definitely worth a listen. It's jam-packed with well-written and slickly-produced pop fare that touches on subjects of love, loss, transcendence and being 'Brave.' Sara has a way of writing about big subjects without making pretentious music, yet she is also able to scale things back while avoiding thudding clichés (for the most part.)” ― Rico
Favorite tracks: "Chasing the Sun" and "I Choose You"
Lorde, "Pure Heroine"
“This is one of those rare albums that I can listen to from start to finish without skipping a single track. In fact, I'm compelled to not touch the 'pause' or 'skip' buttons by the entrancing nature of each song. It's incredible to think that--out of nowhere, seemingly--this 16 (now 17)-year-old girl pops up and delivers one of the year's best offerings in pop music, with such aplomb and a maturity that belies her age. Pretty much every song is single-worthy; each one of them being beautifully written, arranged and produced. It's great to hear someone so young singing about seemingly cliché subjects, like body-image issues, hometown pride, and aversions to celebrity and fame with such conviction and whole-hearted abandon. I can't wait to see (and hear) what Lorde has to offer the world in the many, many years to come.” ― Rico
Favorite tracks: "Buzzcut Season" and "Team"
Kacey Musgraves, "Same Trailer Different Park"
Beyoncé, "Beyoncé"
The Civil Wars, "The Civil Wars"
Julieta Venegas, "Los Momentos"