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Albums of 2009

Does anybody remember the Mid-Year report card article that I’ve done earlier this year in June??? Well, it’s back as the Year-End report card to sum up the best albums that is released this year!!! Would your fave album end up in my Top 10 list?? Read on to find out!!!

Remember, mine’s more towards the critic’s choice. Don’t expect the whole list to be filled with mainstream albums. I’ll provide substantial evidence on why these 10 albums are being chosen. If there’s any views, feel free to comment. =) HERE GOES!!! (Albums are in no particular ranking order, alphabetical though)

1. Alicia Keys – The Element of Freedom [15th December 2009]

Fresh out of the oven, this album was released mid this month. What makes it deserves to be on my list even though its only roughly a week old is that the contents of this album is filled so much with soul. The vibe of this album is modern and contemporary, yet it doesn’t follow any current Pop/R&B trends. Alicia makes her own rules. =)
Read album review here

2. David Guetta – One Love [25th August 2009]

Truthfully, before “When Love Takes Over”, David Guetta was relatively unknown in the mainstream scene. The collab with Kelly Rowland paid off big time, making the song one of the biggest hits of 2009 and propels David towards the mainstream dance crowd. The album is an catchy and addictive effort by David, making it his most mainstream album yet while true to the dance/club culture. Plus the number of well-known collabs adds hype to this album.
Read album review here

3. Gossip – Music For Men [23rd June 2009]

This is the first of 2 albums that I didn’t review. The reason is that these 2 albums are rather alternative and not your typical albums floating around in the mainstream chart, hence there might a conflict. Sure, they didn’t chart well, but both albums sorta represents me too.

Now for this album, it’s rather indie-punk with a little garage rock. Beth Ditto has a gifted voice that nobody can deny. It makes me wanna rock on, sing out loud and just feel liberated. Listen to the album and u’ll know why.

4. Kish Mauve – Black Heart [30th March 2009]

The 2nd of 2 albums that I didn’t review. I’m sure most would know Kylie’s “2 Hearts” right??? Well, Kish Mauve are the writers and producers for it. The sound of Kish Mauve is Electropop, more on the electro side though. Power-packed yet poised, I would consider this album as the soundtrack of my life. It’s very me. So, if anyone could handle this album, they pretty much should be able to understand me. =)

5. Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster [18th November 2009]

Only 8 tracks and it’s an EP, yet it’s on this list!!! I’m sure nobody would disagree that this EP could rival a LP release. Named as Women of the year by various music media sources, Gaga’s pretty much maintained her standards since “The Fame”. Only that this EP is better. A must have for every music listeners out there in general.
Read album review here

6. La Roux – La Roux [29th June 2009]

Ah, the British invasion is still going strong this year. Last year’s was more to soul music (Adele, Duffy) and this year is Electro’s turn to be in the spotlight. This self-titled debut album by La Roux channels the 80’s new-wave electro-pop sound and amped it up, making it relevant to the current sound of Brit-pop, or focasting a sound of the future even. =)
Read album review here

7. Little Boots – Hands [8th June 2009]

Being the winner of BBC’s sound of 2009, this album intrigues me as Little Boots (also known as Victoria Christina Hesketh) is able to link the electro-pop vibe, lyrics and the concept of love all packed into it. Little Boots’ sound is easier to adapt to as compared with La Roux. La Roux’s stuff is heavier on the syth. Both is equally as addictive. =)
Read album review here

8. Rihanna – Rated R [23th November 2009]

Ah, it seems like this album has generated a huge buzz, but it generated little impact at the end. Statistically, this album has generated Rihanna’s highest sales on it’s debut week. While critically, it sees Rihanna moving towards a new direction, darker and edgier. Going to somewhere that no one has gone before. Most people seems to like her mainstream sound on GGGB, but this album has certain cuts of mainstream effort too. So stop judging and listen each detail!!!
Read album review here

9. Shakira – She-Wolf [12th October 2009]

The long awaited album from Shakira, 4 in the number of years. This album is Shakira’s at her most creative yet. Willing to experiment with different genres and sound without over-doing it, shows that she ain’t afraid to push boundaries musically. This is what makes her successful. Sure, She Wolf is weird, but it’s new material and not recycled.
Read album review here

10. Utada – This Is The One [24th March 2009]

Saving the best for last. Haha. Ain’t surprising that this album is both in the mid-year and year-end list. This album is beautifully produced and written, that I can’t deny. The problem is that it’s so underrated, maybe due to the lack of promotion. It deserves some success I guess. Hands down as one of the best album of the year.
Read album review here

So, what are your fave albums for the entire year of 2009??? Any albums that I’ve missed?? Feel free to comment and discuss. =)