The 19 “97” Albums of 2015

[jarrylf]

In 2015, we saw the return of Adele, and Janet Jackson; two of music’s most absent divas. Following in the footsteps of the now beloved Sam Smith, we also saw gay singer-songwriters like Troye Sivan and Steve Grand become more accepted among pop music fans. Pop stars like Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and Jordin Sparks returned and shed the glossy pretense of their youth’s past. Meanwhile, new forces entered the pop world in Halsey, Tori Kelly, and crossover R&B star The Weeknd. R&B saw the return of some of its most beloved acts, old and new: Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Tamar Braxton, Tamia, and Miguel. Quality hip-hop had an exciting year too, with releases from Lupe Fiasco, Drake, and King Kendrick. But, whose album was the best?

At EST. 1997, we chose the 19 “97” albums of 2015, which simply means the 19 best albums of 2015. If you’re familiar with the way we review songs/albums, then you know that “97” is our top score. We love every album on this list, ranked them according to how much, and weighed in with a few thoughts about each. Please feel free to comment with your thoughts, as well! We’d love to hear from you and engage in any discussion. Now, without any further adieu…

(Check out the rest of the list here:http://www.est1997.com/music/the-19-97-albums-of-2015/  )
The most important part is....

01. Unbreakable by Janet Jackson (October 2nd)

When deciding what the year’s best album is, it is important to not only consider the quality of the album and its success among fans and the general public, but also the relevance of its content, to society and culture. We won’t pretend that Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable was a cultural phenomenon that sold 5 million copies in a month; no, that was Adele. We won’t pretend it was the most critically lauded album of 2015; that was probably Kendrick Lamar. However, if any album released in 2015 best represents the year’s events, on a global scale, it is indeedUnbreakable.

The foundation of the album, its concept and namesake, is the notion that love’s bonds are unbreakable in all forms, whether it be romantic, familial, friendship, or something greater.Unbreakable was Janet’s way of starting a conversation about the state of the world today, like she did back in 1989 with Rhythm Nation.  The album’s title track introduced its theme, and “Dammn Baby” speaks of said conversatiom. Naturally, most of the album was likely recorded prior to 2015, however, its themes and sentiments rang all too true. The year, it seemed, was more troubled than others, but there were also some notable highs. One of said highs, in the United States, was the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. Janet’s “The Great Forever” is not only a defense of her own marriage to a Muslim man, but of marriage equality in general. On the track, she questions why anyone else should be concerned with the object of others’ affections. It is subtle, yet perhaps one of the best (and not forced in our face; looking at you, Gaga) anthems that exists for the LGBT community in regards to marriage equality.

Such socially conscious sentiments are continued on “Shoulda Known Better,” a reflective song about the way history seems to repeat itself. It is a general song that could be applied to multiple situations, but she refers to casualties of war, racism, and the need to cure social ills and abuses that exist in the world today. On the song, she encourages us all to have open minds to help make the world a better place. Later in the album, she reflects on her travels and displays her own openmindedness, singing about the beauty of all the different cultures and races around the world (“Well Travelled”).

One of the songs that became particularly relevant in light of the terror attacks in Paris, and the world’s reaction to Muslims and Syrians following it, is “Black Eagle.” It is a song about racism and inequality, and its message of acceptance and compassion is a much needed lesson for many. Other songs, like “Promise of You” speak of the value of self-worth and judgment; a message that the gunmen of the year’s many shootings might’ve needed to hear. With so many victims of hate this year a song of love and loss like Janet’s dedication to her brother Michael, “Broken Hearts Heal,” is another anthem that the family and friends of such victims might relate to. Meanwhile, on “Take Me Away,” Janet yearns to escape to a peaceful place, no doubt a yearning we all can relate to after so many saddening events this year. However, the album does end on a positive, hopeful note with “Gon’ B Alright,” ala Kendrick Lamar.

Janet may have decided to remain silent even after the album was released, but that’s because she let the songs she put together be the topic of discussion. Unbreakable is her way to reconnect with a fanbase that felt the need to hear from their idol again and she chose to do it in the most precious way, by giving them herself on record. Reuniting with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also made the experience even more special, because it brought back the team behind the classic music she’s delivered in a career spanning almost three decades.

She may have not gotten into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Janet’s worth this year has been cemented and her contribution to Pop music is very much evident.

–Vincent & Mario

 

[Rock & Roll Hall of Game]

 

[jarrylf]

THAT GAGA SHADE THOUGH LOFL!!!! That was funny, but I agree, and really look at TGF as a anthem to all who are being their true selves.

Also that last paragraph about her silence, 100% Remy Indian TRUTH. It's nice to see there's others who recognize that.

Edited January 1, 2016 by jarrylf

[Aquaria]

 

[jarrylf]

 

Dont even pretend it's not funny or true Lil Monster 

[RedSimba]

The top 2 is exactly correct. 

[Utopia]

Reality Show should be #2

[hotboy06]

The acclaim won't stop.  Just like her impact.

[JJATL]

Nice write-up. However, the shade at Gaga was unnecessary.  Like it or not, Born This Way was a "moment" for LGBT culture.  She was asked once why she was so blatant with her approach in that song, and she basically said that time for subtlety was over. She was just "saying what the f*** needed to be said." ??

[Aquaria]

Nice write-up. However, the shade at Gaga was unnecessary.  Like it or not, Born This Way was a "moment" for LGBT culture.  She was asked once why she was so blatant with her approach in that song, and she basically said that time for subtlety was over. She was just "saying what the f*** needed to be said." ??

Exactly! She wasn't pussyfooting and alluding. And I believe she helped to usher in the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell and the legalization of gay marriage