Monday, February 22, 2010

Ear Candy Overload: Top 10 Albums of 2009

2009 brought out some of the best music I've heard in some time. It took me a while to narrow this list down to only ten albums and once I finished, I changed my mind many many times. So, before it happens again, let the countdown begin...

#10: Noisettes ~ Wild Young Hearts

I discovered the Noisettes as a fluke, I had some credits to Amazon's Music Store that were soon to expire and began searching their mp3 section for something new. The cover image to their single Never Forget You caught my eye and I took a listen. It was love at first listen, Shingai Shoniwa's voice is a throwback to sixties soul with a hint of Amy Winehouse. Wild Young Hearts is a fun ride, whether you're getting ready to club it up or looking to relax this album has a little something everyone and definitely worth the listen.

Candy for the ears: Never Forget You; Every Now and Then; Beat of My Heart; Don't Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)

#09: The Bravery ~ Stir the Blood

This album would have easily been higher up in my list if not for two reasons; it was released in early December and I didn't pick up my copy right away. None the less it is a great album and reignited my love for the band. A return in sound to their debut album, a great mixture of modern alternative rock and classic new wave this is definitely an album to watch in 2010.

Candy for the ears: Slow Poison; Adored; The Spectator; Hatef*ck; I Have Seen the Future

#08: Yeah Yeah Yeahs ~ It's Blitz!

Now I was never a fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I did like Maps and Cheated Hearts but never gave the band a real chance. Then It's Blitz came out and I fall in love with the band and Karen O. Yes, this album is a departure from their previous style, but I love the electronic feel this album has and Karen O's voice is not only incredible but haunting on the down-tempo numbers.

Candy for your ears: Zero; Dragon Queen; Runaway; Heads Will Roll; Skeletons

#07: Lily Allen ~ It's Not Me, Its You

Oh Ms. Allen, how I love thee. Now, some of my friends didn't like this album as much as her debut, I on the other hand fucking loved it. Lily's voice is beautiful, mature, and amazing. I feel she's evolved as an artist and moved to the next step. She's still dirty, this time around its more sugar coated. I am sad to hear she'll be retiring from music, hopefully she'll return because she has a lot to say and I want to hear it.

Candy for your ears: Fuck You; Chinese; Not Fair; 22; The Fear - And check out her cover of Britney Spear's Womanizer, it's brilliant

#06: La Roux ~ La Roux

La Roux is pure electronic joy, a great get up and dance album. I consider them to be a modern day version of the Eurythmics, Ellie Jackson's voice is unique and mesmerizing. Their music videos just enhance their sound and are fun to watch.

Candy for your ears: Bulletproof; Cover My Eyes; In For the Kill; I'm Not Your Toy

#05: Depeche Mode ~ Sounds of the Universe

This list would not be complete without Depeche Mode. I will admit I am bias, DM has been my favorite band since I was 19 and have a soft spot in my heart for these boys, no matter my mode they are my go to guys for tunes. Now, Sounds of the Universe didn't whoa me right away, it wasn't until I listened to the album a few times on repeat before I let it in. Dave Gahan's voice on the lyrics of Martin Gore is what makes this band phenomenal.

Candy for your ears: Wrong; Perfect; Comeback; Truth is/Miles Away; In Chains

#04: Blake Lewis ~ Heartbreak on Vinyl

American Idol alumni, Blake Lewis's sophomore album is infused with pop, new wave, and electronica; what more could I boy ask for? I was a fan of Blake during his time on Idol and really only rooted for him because I thought he was a cutie, but his voice won me over and wasn't surprised that he came in second to Jordin Sparks. Like most Idol contests Blake's debut album didn't quite make me jump for joy, there was a lot going on in that album. Heartbreak in an evolution of an artist, from it's title track which pays homage of record stores of old to Sad Song a throwback to the anthems of the 80's. This is one not to miss.

Candy for your ears: Heartbreak on Vinyl; Sad Song; Binary Love; Rebel without a Cause

#03: Glee: The Music volumes 1 & 2

GLEE makes me happy, 'nuff said!

Candy for your ears: All of them!!!

#02: Lady GaGa ~ The Fame Monster

GaGa was casted her spell on me and I am a devoted little monster. This 8 track E.P. companion to her smash hit debut album shows a progression of a songwriter and artist. Her songs are catchy as hell, her videos push the envelope, and her style gets you talking. She is an ICON already and the bitch is only 23! I can't wait to she what she has in store for 2010.

Candy for your ears: Bad Romance; Dance in the Dark; Speechless; So Happy I Could Die

#01: The Gossip ~ Music for Men

The Gossip is the best band you are not listening to. Beth Ditto is a GODDESS! Her voice is enchanting and simply beautiful. Music for Men is a fantastic album that breaks down walls and gets people moving. I highly recommend you add this album to your library, you will not be disappointed.

Candy for your ears: Heavy Cross; Four Letter Word; Love Long Distance; Men in Love; Pop Goes the World

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment
Allison Iraheta - Just Like You
Carrie Underwood - Play On
Florence and the Machine - Lungs
Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
Little Boots - Hands
The Lovemakers - Let's Be Friends
Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much
Muse - The Resistance
Owl City - Ocean Eyes
Rihanna - Rated R
White Lies - To Lose My Life

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