Tyler Fedeli's Top 5 Albums of the Decade
Tyler Fedeli is the lead vocalist of Philadelphia-based progressive metal band, Lör.
The Devin Townsend Project - Ghost (2011)
Devin Townsend has been known for a wide array of styles within the realm of metal, but an album so mellow and serene was something he had never done before. “Ghost” was released alongside probably his most technically and thematically ambitious album “Deconstruction” so it seemed quite obvious that “Ghost” was supposed to contrast that. This album was the backdrop to countless nights trying to fall asleep, but it wasn't just music to sleep to. This album takes the listener to another world, especially with the help of Kat Epple on her various exotic woodwinds and flute, and Katrina Natale on vocals alongside Devin. While there are surely favorites of mine on “Ghost,” like 'Fly' and 'Feather' it is more notable as a complete album experience that takes you through tranquil landscapes that it so beautifully paints.
Hozier - Hozier (2014)
Hozier broke into the music scene taking many by surprise with his warm, strong vocals and bluesy style of guitar, but most importantly was his storytelling. When his first big single “Take me to Church” came out, you almost couldn't avoid it if you tried. He managed to capture a wholesome folky feeling that I haven't gotten from popular music in a while. Tracks specifically like “Jackie and Wilson” and “Work Song” standout with their clever lyrics and beautiful metaphor that help him achieve a unique vibe that I think is solely his own. Subtle time signature changes, rhythmic shifts, and key changes are all over this record making it not only an album for the masses but one pretentious people like me could even enjoy.
Agent Fresco - Destrier (2015)
Agent Fresco was a band that was recommended to me time and time again and one I saw in various Spotify playlists and radios that I never seemed to check out. Until one day I stumbled on their music video for “Howls” and “Dark Water” and they instantly became one of my favorite bands. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I liked them so much either. Their singer is very talented, but had far from my favorite voice. Their guitar work was good, but didn't stand out to me much. I ended up pinpointing it on to three things; their hooks, their rhythms, and most importantly their songwriting. They are no stranger to keeping a song short, even under 2 minutes on this album, though there are other up to 7 minutes. This album displayed their amazing ability to not only write a great rhythm and hook, but they never overstay their welcome on a song and knew when and how to call it quits on something. If any 'prog' musician is struggling to finish songs or trying to avoid the trap of 15 minute prog epics, then I would strongly recommend “Destrier.”
Anderson .Paak - Malibu (2016)
If you still don't know who Anderson .Paak is by know, stop reading this and go listen to “Malibu.” I was never someone too into hip hop or rap, but it was something I was attempting to challenge myself at to enjoy. I took the recommendation to check him out and I'm not sure if it was the raw talent he displays at singing and drumming or the fact that he oozes with confidence and charm, but “Malibu” is far beyond just those characterizations. Anderson .Paak effortlessly takes you through through soulful ballads, bluesy jams and inspiring anthems as his words create a portal into his life. His unique style of rapping is very melodic and became a true mark of his brand. Whether he is singing while whaling away on the drums or rapping in the face of the crowd, no one can deny that Anderson .Paak is not only a brilliant entertainer but one of the most impressive artists in hip-hop today.
Tigran Hamasyan - Mockroot (2015)
In the deep genre void, there is a perfect equilibrium between metal and jazz and that is Tigran Hamasyan's “Mockroot.” It contends in heaviness with any metal band, but is set apart from the rest by Tigran's unique ability to weave beautiful melody through complex rhythms. His Armenian folk influence shines in both heavy and more mellow songs and each style brings forth a different sense of character to his music. This album solidified for me a transitional phase out of listening to primarily metal, to almost none at all. “Mockroot” is the jazz album for metalheads.