200 RECOMMENDED ALBUMS. Today: #82. Continues next week.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#82

THE HEIST: 

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS

 

 [2012] 

The 3 major hits from 'The Heist' best illustrate the depth of talent possessed by the duo. Rapper Macklemore had already released a solo album prior to this- his first joint project with DJ Ryan Lewis. In the future, it's highly likely that this release will mark a line in the sand for hip hop. The duo borrow much from Eminem's approach to song craft. They too use lyrics to make a comment on various issues. The difference here is that they infuse their music with heart, intellect and a strong sense of responsibility. Even those that dislike hip hop / rap can't deny the power of the album's crowning glory: "Same Love". Not one word is wasted here. Macklemore spells out the injustice of homophobia and those opposing same sex marriage. It is one of hip hop's best compositions. "Thrift Shop" is an innovative song. "Can't Hold Us" defies feet to resist its seductive beat. There's more social commentary on tracks like "Ten Thousand Years", "Gold" and "Jimmy Iovine". The diversity continues on "Bombom", a pleasant instrumental;  "White Walls", about cadillacs, and the rousing "Wing$". 'The Heist' shows that music can still be intelligent, confronting and relevant in today's context.

Highlight tracks: Same Love; Can't Hold Us; Thrift Shop & Gold.