Blur

By Falice Chin

For more than a decade, Blur has amazed fans and critics alike with every transformation they have made. After a four-year break, with singer/songwriter Damon Albarn focusing much attention on his side project Gorillaz, the band produced yet another great album. Even though guitarist Graham Coxon quit the band after disputes with album producer Fat Boy Slim, the final product, Think Tank, was still very true to the band’s code of conduct.


Blur never strayed from their Brit-pop indie rock roots, but the influence of Dan the Automator echoes in some of the songs, Morrocan drum solos from Albarn’s other side project, insight, also make a cameo and the singer’s voice is even more bittersweet than his last act in the album, 13.


Through interesting and daring experiments, Blur has become more mature and confident in their production, and their talents never fail to shine through on every track. Think Tank is an emotional piece of music that can make one’s heart leap and dive, and that is definitely not just a cheesy comment.


Runners-up:


Outkast–Speakerboxxx/The Love Below


DJ Craze–Rugged Radio Saturday