Vampvamp's Top 15 Artists of 2011 [COMPLETE!!!!}

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:15 am

Hello everyone

I hope you'll join in on my recap of my top artists of 2011. Most of these artists had releases this year (or singles) and some are the most important figures in the music industry right now (though not strictly mainstream.)

I will be posting three a day! I hope you enjoy this, if anyone even visits. Don't feel embarrassed to throw in your opinion at anytime! Everything is welcomed from predictions, comments, hate, love etc!

Top 15 Artists of 2011:

#15

#14

#13

#12

#11

#10

#09

#08

#07

#06

#05

#04

#03

#02

#01

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:24 am

#15 : Adam Lambert

Why? : Adam Lambert started the year out by letting the pubic get a taste of his successful world wide tour, which nearly sold out almost all 100 of its shows. Being one of the few idols with an international fan base speaks of his likability. He released a live album, titled Glam Nation Live, in March which included some kick ass tunes not featured on his interesting debut album. Songs like "Voodoo", "Down The Rabbit Hole" as well as brilliant covers like "20th Century Boy" and "Ring of Fire."

2012 is looking promising. His new single "Better Than I Know Myself" premiered towards the end of 2011 and showed off his big range and powerful voice. With some pop perfection editing and some very relatable lyrics, his sophomore album is looking to be a smash.

Check Out: "Better Than I Know Myself"

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:00 am

#14 : Björk

Why? : Bjork has never had anything to prove. Always one to follow her musical intuition she has yet again unknowingly proven that her work is light years ahead of anyone in the business. Her artistic vision is as clear as it was on Debut and her relevancy is shown by her grasp on technology while her out of this world visuals have shown that a strong concept can take you further than anything.

Biophilia is one of her best works. It has layers rarely seen in todays musical releases. Its an album that truly needs to be absorbed multiple times. From the haunting "Hollows" to the soaring "Cosmogony", the album will keep your brain drained.

Check Out: "Cosmogony", "Crystalline", "Mutual Core" as well as earlier albums like Homogenic and Post.

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:01 am

#13 : Zola Jesus

Why? : Though relatively unknown, Zola Jesus is a strong presence in the music scene. 2011 was a big step for her as she leaped from her hazy and somewhat near impossible to understand lo-fi sound to a sleek, electro influenced sound. Her Siouxsie-esque vocals are still emotionally charged but this time they're more focused and have stronger production. Conatus is just the beginning for Zola Jesus. I wouldn't be surprised if we got some more offerings from her, since she releases something yearly (sometimes multiple releases.)

Check Out: Zola Jesus in general

I'm sure a lot of you aren't aware of her. "Vessel", "Seekir" and "Shivers" are probably some of the strongest on Conatus.

by **Tiger** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:01 am

#15 : Adam Lambert

Agreeing on potential not to what he did so far

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:09 am

Tiger wrote:#15 : Adam Lambert

Agreeing on potential not to what he did so far

Yeah I understand. I just really liked his Glam Nation DVD/CD. It had some killer performances. Im anticipating his next release. I hope its more coherent than For Your Entertainment was, even though it was a fantastic pop record.

by **Loveguru** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:53 am

Tiger wrote:#15 : Adam Lambert

Agreeing on potential not to what he did so far

Website · by **Shorty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:24 am

Ok, massive wooooooooooooooo for my boy Adam

He can't be rated highly on a chart for 2011 as she didn't release anything new except BTIKM, but I'm glad he's there anyway

I loved Glam Nation Live, I bought it the day it was released, and BTIKM is gorgeous and I love it.

I wish I loved him when he toured, cos he came here!

by **VoReason** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:52 am

Oh whey for Vampvamp making a countdown!

But boo for 2 of the 3 so far (15 and 14)

Although, I do like the song 'For Your Entertainment'! I haven't listened to your number 13 yet, but I look forward to doing so later!

Great chart! Looking forward to the rest of it for sure

by **Vampvamp** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:32 pm

#12 : Drake

Why? : Drake is one of the most important figures in hip hop right now. The way he doesn't stick strictly to hip-hop makes him relevant to the time. His way of infusing R&B into his work is brilliant. His production is sleek and almost empty at times which sets the mood for his sophomore album Take Care. It outshines his debut in almost every way. His partnership with The Weeknd is probably the most exciting partnership in a long while and it shows a lot of promise for 2012.

Check Out: "Crew Love", "Doing It Wrong", "The Real Her"

by **Vampvamp** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:20 am

#11 : Lights

Why? : Though popular mainly in Canada, Lights should be on any pop enthusiasts iPods. Her electro based pop is infuriatingly catchy and her lyrics don't suffer an ounce. Her sophomore album Siberia came out in 2011 and the growth she showed is astounding. Fusing some dubstep in with her icy vocals and beautiful melodies was a genius move. She's offering so much more than a lot of the artists in pop are right now.

Check Out: "Toes", "Timing Is Everything", "Where the Fence Is Low"

by **Vampvamp** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:20 am

#10 : Rihanna

Why? : This doesn't need much of an explanation. 2011 had the benefit of both LOUD and her new album Talk That Talk. While LOUD didn't have much substance it was pop perfection. The way she understands what's current yet also has a clear idea of what her sound and the fields she can explore is are unmatched right now. She's truly the chameleon of pop and is the definitive sound of radio.

I could go on and on about Talk That Talk. It is the second brilliant offering from her (Rated R being the first) and shows that there is so many sides to her. It exudes raw sexuality and power yet packages it up in a commercial and melodic way. 2012 will be a good year for radio if Rihanna has anything on it and lets face it she will be.

by **abi** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:36 am

Drake & Rihanna! 8-)

by **Loveguru** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:19 am

abi wrote:Drake & Rihanna!

Last FM <3 · by **nickf1** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:10 am

Loveguru wrote:
abi wrote:Adam & Rihanna!

by **Play** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:11 pm

Drake's album is fine as hell!

by **CrazyCrazy** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:37 pm

Big wooooooooo for Bjork!

by **Tiger** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:27 pm

#10 : Rihanna

Why? Why not!

by **Vampvamp** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 4:54 pm

#09 Beyoncé

Why? : Well first off it's JUST a coincidence that she also happened to give birth today

I finished this list days ago.

Beyoncé truly had a wonderful year. She went in the opposite direction of the mainstream with her fourth album 4 and shone more than any of her previous works. Her voice has never felt this raw, real or smooth. Beyoncé did retro better than anyone last year because it didn't even feel retro. It felt real. Every CD since her debut has been an improvement so from here on I expect nothing but the absolute best.

Check Out: "I Care", "Love On Top", "I Was Here"

by **VoReason** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:12 pm

Beyonce YES! Also YES for Rihanna and I like Drake

by **Vampvamp** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:29 am

#8 : Amy Lee/Evanescence

Why? : 2011 was a great year Amy and the band. Coming back with a bang after another long absence built anticipation amongst their fan base, which is still very strong. They delivered their self-titled album in October which brought back some of their older sound. It was harder than ever yet still had some beautiful melodies. Though not really experimental in any way it was still a solid effort.

I put Amy because in recent interviews she has been more confident about the possibility of her solo work. In my opinion that would be perfect. At this point the band "Evanescence" is just holding her back creatively as shown by their abrupt 180 from the electro Bjork/Portishead influenced path they were originally going to take with this record.

I'm hoping for a bright future!

Check Out: Their new self-titled album Evanescence

by **king_oxymoron** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:28 am

Drake and Rihanna have definitely had great 2011's. I had the pleasure of seeing Rihanna live and it was a very hit heavy set and lots of fun. Funnily enough though it's her Drake duet that I rate most highly (Take Care, not otherwise

)

But really Beyonce has slayed this year. I saw her too at Glastonbury and it was the best night EVER. Interesting and valid point about it not feeling retro when she does it!

by **Vampvamp** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 4:25 am

#7: Robyn

Why? : Robyn is a mystery to me. She makes music that would blend perfectly in with Top 40 radio right now but hasn't really broken into the top yet :/ Regardless her music is sensational. Dance pop beats with some easily relateable lyrics. What else would you want? "Call Your Girlfriend" is easily one of the best singles this year. The music video was simple yet amazing! It had the same feel as Beyonce's "Single Ladies" but took it in a more dance club path.

I think Robyn's icy vocals and androgynous look is whats maybe putting people off but I couldn't care less because she does what she does brilliantly. Her Body Talk albums are some of THE best works (released in 2010) in pop.

Check Out: "Call Your Girlfriend", "Indestructible", "In My Eyes"

by **VoReason** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:30 pm

Yes yes yes to Evanescence! No to Robyn.. For some reason she just seems far too hyped (in the most unhyped way possible as she gets little recognition haha).. I don't know how to explain what I mean so I'll give up

by **VoReason** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:33 pm

Yes yes yes to Evanescence! No to Robyn.. For some reason she just seems far too hyped (in the most unhyped way possible as she gets little recognition haha).. I don't know how to explain what I mean so I'll give up