Hot 16: SoulBounce's Best Albums Of 2013

Bilal A Love Surreal [Review][Amazon][iTunes]

The ever-eccentric Bilal returned in 2013 with the much anticipated A Love Surreal, his first release since 2010's Airtight's Revenge. A Love Surreal explored love, lust and longing through funky, upbeat numbers like "West Side Girl" (despite its questionable video) and "Back To Love." But it was during the introspective, somewhat somber moments on standouts "Never Be The Same," "Butterfly" and "Astray" that Bilal truly shone. The upbeat first half of the album contrasts with the decidedly darker second half and helped to create a solid work of aural art that showed just how complex and profound Bilal's talent is. -- Kitten Jam