Back to The Best Albums of 2011

21. Drake, 'Take Care'

Amazon

Drake’s major-label debut made too many concessions, but provided the clout to record this quietly triumphant return to form. With its dark, often drum-less soundscapes putting the Canadian star’s inner turmoil on wax, a more-emo-than-ever Drake raps and sings about coming to terms with the unhappiness that money can buy. -- J.O.