As 2011 comes to a close, there is never a more cliche, yet gratifying way to end the year than to reflect back on the albums that shaped its entirety.
While some albums get lost in the shuffle of becoming an old favorite, others leave more of an impression on our all-time collections.
A fusion of both personal opinion and thoughts of the music connoisseurs within the West Virginia University student body, this list is the compilation of a few noteworthy, must-hear albums of 2011.
M83's "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming"
Aside from the fact that "Midnight City" became an inescapable synth-pop mega hit that flooded television screens with dancing Victoria's Secret models, M83 may have produced one of, if not the, best albums of the year.
Of the two-disk album, you can't help but feel like you are quite literally in a dream – one of a loudly electronic, slightly ambient and emotionally unattached variety.
Plus, who knew the saxophone could be used to sound so cool?
Bon Iver's "Bon Iver"
On the self-titled follow up to their 2007 release of "For Emma, Forever Ago," the boys of Bon Iver left their depressive Wisconsin cabin to put together a more mature, yet still beautiful and charming compilation of chilled out Indie folk tracks.
It is geographically crafted mood music at it's finest, and if you aren't walking through a snowy forest by the end of this album, you're probably at least thinking about it.
Jeff the Brotherhood's "We Are The Champions"
Nashville brothers Jamin and Jake Orrall are thinking about your mom, and have captured and seemingly perfected college rock with their album released this summer.
JTB, who performed at 123 Pleasant Street back in September, gained some well-deserved exposure this year after performing "Diamond Way" on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."
While the album has an almost all-too-obvious ‘90s Weezer influence, it arguably triumphs practically all other alt-rock albums of its kind this year with confidence.
The Black Keys' "El Camino"
This album was released just this week, and I would ordinarily frown upon placing a brand-spanking new album alongside a catalog of tracks you've grown to love.
However, the Black Keys have become the exception. The generally chaotic and blue-sy garage rockers have possibly produced their catchiest and cleanest album of their career without losing spunk.
The album's first track, "Lonely Boy," is perfectly upbeat and edgy, making it easy to lead into every track thereafter.
By and large, I feel this album has an aesthetically pleasing appeal that will make it a success well into 2012.
is a member of the 
2 comments