The Best Non-Single Album Tracks of 2011

Published on Tuesday, December 27 2011

Written by Guest Contributor

2011 has been a great year for music, and I, in particular, have enjoyed a number of great albums spanning across genres, such as pop, R&B and hip-hop. A lot of year-end lists countdown the songs that have been given the "single" treatment, but I’m going to pay tribute to the songs from five of my favorite albums of the year, that may not even have any intention of becoming singles, but are brilliant in their own right.

1. Born This Way (Lady Gaga)

"Heavy Metal Lover" 

This track is quite possibly the best on the Born This Way album. With Gaga’s breathy vocals, a toe-tapping beat, and some rather raunchy lyrics, I think this song deserves a video, regardless of whether it becomes an official single or not.

"Government Hooker" 

The title is definitely eye-catching, but the song is also rather good. The operatic intro is unexpected, yet somehow works. It gives way to a grimy beat and with lyrics such as "Put your hands on me John F. Kennedy", it’s also a tad controversial. Just how I like it!

"Bloody Mary" 

This is quite a dark track, yet also quite catchy. It’s one of the more down-tempo tracks on the album, yet somehow it keeps the momentum going.

"Schiesse"

With its-faux German monologue and themes of female empowerment, it doesn’t sound like the most conventional song, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Born This Way album is full of amazing beats, and this is no exception.

2. 4 (Beyoncé)

"Rather Die Young"

This song starts with the lyrics "Boy, you’ll be the death of me / You’re my James Dean / You make me feel like I’m 17", which should definitely tell you what this song’s about, with or without the title. A true hidden gem, which showcases her already amazing vocals to the fullest.

"I Was Here"

A song that is pretty much the big power ballad of the album, and it was written by the great Diane Warren. It’s epic and moving and it would have been the perfect album closer -- sorry, "Run The World"!

"I Miss You"

This is a pretty minimalist track in terms of its production, but it still has a big impact, as Bey laments her broken heart. This was written by hot new R&B star Frank Ocean, and although it may seem more like an interlude than a "proper" track, it’s still welcome nonetheless.

"I Care"

Beyoncé goes into full diva mode in this track, and thank goodness for that! The intro starts pretty quietly, but then the beat starts, and the anger Bey feels towards the person who did her wrong is there for us to hear. But check our her harmonizing with the guitar -- outstanding!

3. Watch The Throne (Jay-Z and Kanye West)

"Lift Off" ft. Beyoncé

Jay and Ye are completely upstaged by Beyoncé on this song, even though she is essentially just singing the chorus. Regardless, this is a great, upbeat track that could do wonders commercially, and the beat change in the last 30 seconds or so is trademark Kanye.

"That's My B****"

A more risqué track here (I mean, look at the title!), which could be a club banger, if it isn’t already. The beat is very '70s funk-inspired, yet still very contemporary and full of the boasting that we know and love these two for.

"Who Gon Stop Me"

Jay and Kanye spit bars over a dubstep-inspired beat, on a track that I reckon could be an anthem.

"No Church in the Wild"

Frank Ocean makes an appearance in this, and this is the perfect opening track. Unrelenting, dark beats, and lyrics concerning drugs and religion may not seem like the cheeriest of songs, but it shows that these two aren’t always about the bling and the women.

4. Take Care (Drake)

"Lord Knows" ft. Rick Ross

Backed by a gospel choir and The Boss himself, Rick Ross, this track is quite reminiscent of the hip-hop from the first part of this decade, and Drake shows that this is one of his best rapping performances on the album.

"Crew Love" ft. The Weeknd

The Weeknd shows why he is hotly tipped for success in 2012, as he outshines Drake on this track, which he also produced. Still, Drake isn’t totally lost, as he pays tribute to his crew. How nice of him!

"Doing It Wrong"

Drake’s singing skills are used to their full capacity about a break-up, and it works to a 'T'. Using a broken relationship as inspiration isn’t the most original of premises, but this song features the one and only Stevie Wonder on harmonica, so it’s doing something right! (See what I did there?)

"Over My Dead Body"

The opener to the album sounds like a reflection of Drake’s success, and its sparse production works well among all the shout-outs and boasting and a haunting female chorus. It also works as a cautionary tale about the perils of fame.

5. F.A.M.E. (Chris Brown)

"All Back"

I think Chris’s slower songs are quite underrated, as he is such an amazing dancer. This song recounts the tale of a lost love, and his vocals are on point.

"Say It With Me"

A more up-tempo track that I think is at least screaming out for a video to showcase Mr Brown’s fancy footwork. He performed this at the American Music Awards, so it may be known to some of you. This is a song that I think should be put on your New Year’s Eve party playlist.

"Should've Kissed You"

This is a nice mid-tempo track in which Chris’s vocals are a winner. We hear Chris sing about a lady in his life who he doesn’t quite get to express his feelings for the way he wants, and I reckon some people may be able to relate! A hidden gem.

What are some of YOUR favorite unreleased tracks of the year?

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