Top 10 Albums of 2009

Posted on 25. Dec, 2009 by Cheryl Frances in Entertainment, Music

2009 saw a barrage of album releases from the eagerly waited returns of such artists as Eminem, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Jay–Z, Britney Spears and Maxwell, to newcomers on the block like La Roux, Mr Hudson and Adam Lambert.

Music is such a personal thing so it’s never easy to pick the ‘best’ of anything musically related as it’s just so subjective. However based on my own humble opinion and a bit of research among my peers….

Here are the Top 10 albums of 2009.

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10. BLACKSummer’snight – Maxwell

This album was eagerly anticipated by me as I am a huge fan. I have to say I was slightly, make that majorly disappointed by the length of the album, only 9 tracks, come on Maxwell! However it still makes the top 10 as Maxwell never fails to come up with the goods; smooth, melodious and altogether ‘grown’ melodies and lyrics make ‘BLACKSummer’snight’ a winner.

My favourite tracks: Bad Habits, Pretty Wings and Playing Possum.

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9. The Ecstatic – Mos Def

Eastern infused invigorating beats, conscious lyrics and the ‘dope’ flow you would expect from Mos Def. ‘The Ecstatic’ sees Mos back to his ‘Black on Both Sides’ best.

My favourite tracks: Quiet Dog Bite Hard, Supermagic, Casa Bey and History.

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8. Ready – Trey Songz

I’m the first to say that R&B has really gone downhill since the 90s so I was pleasantly surprised by Trey’s ‘Ready’ album. Overall this is a really solid album I can listen to every track without skipping which says a lot. Creative and sexy, Trey’s vocal ability shines through. He has definitely stepped up his game and ‘Ready’ is probably the best R&B album of the year.

My favourite tracks: Jupiter Love, Neighbours Know Me Name and Ready to Make Luv.

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7. Lungs – Florence and the Machine

Hailing from Camberwell, South London, Florence and her band (the machine) released their debut album in 2009. The reason ‘Lungs’ makes the top 10, is that it’s just so different and that’s a good thing. Highly emotive and extraordinarily instrumentally varied, by far one of the best albums of the year.

My favourite tracks: Between Two Lungs, You’ve got the Love, Dog Days are Over.

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6. La Roux – La Roux

This is probably my third most played album of the year. Once I heard ‘In for the Kill’ I was addicted. Fun, electro pop with an immense 80s vibe, yet lyrically rounded enough to provide you with a Kaleidoscope of emotions. Elly Jackson’s voice and the electronic sounds create the perfect refreshing alchemy, I absolutely love this album!

My favourite tracks: Cover My Eyes, Tigerlily, In for the Kill and Quicksand

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5. Deeper than Rap – Rick Ross

To be honest with you Rick Ross is not my cup of tea. However from the rave reviews of all my friends, I knew ‘Deeper than Rap’ had to make the top 10. The instrumentals on this album are probably the best out of all the rap albums released this year and tracks like ‘Maybach Music 2’ have an almost orchestral feel to them. In addition to this Ross’ flow is easy and compliments each of the beats he flows on.

My ‘friends’ favourite tracks: Maybach Music 2, Magnificent, Valley of Death and In Cold Blood.

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4. Addiction – Chico DeBarge

When I saw Chico DeBarge back on the scene, I thought ok why’s he trying to make a comeback? So when I popped in his album I was actually quite shocked. ‘Addiction’ with its sultry and smooth lyrics, a clearly evident jazz influence and a smoky neo-soul twist, is my second most played album of 2009.

My favourite tracks: Slick (addiction), Nefertiti/Centre of the Universe, I Want You and Do My Bad Alone.

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3. The Blueprint 3 – Jay- Z

I was a bit sceptical about Jay- Z’s 2009 offering as I definitely prefer him before he took that semi –retirement, break, sabbatical, thingy and then came back…? ‘Kingdom Come’ for example was not a fave of mine so I was unsure of what to expect with ‘The Blueprint 3’, but I actually really liked it especially after I saw him performing the tracks at Alexandra Palace in London, he’s such a great performer he probably has the ability to make me like any track if I see it done live. It’s definitely not his best but good enough to remind me why I love him and still one of the best albums of 2009.

My favourite tracks: Empire State of Mind, Already Home, A Star is Born and Venus vs. Mars.

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2. Music Fan First – Eric Roberson

It was hard for me to put ‘Music Fan First’ as number 2 as this is my most played album of 2009. Mr. Roberson excelled himself in terms of both his lyrics and voice. As I said in my review this album is effortless, harmonious, soulful, creative and real and the fact that I had the chance to see him perform some of the tracks live makes it all the better. ‘Music Fan First’ is not only one of the best albums of 2009 but one of the best albums period. So who did it out loose out to…?

My favourite tracks: A Tale of Two, Borrow You, Further, Power that Kisses Hold, Howard Girls and Break it Down.

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1. Loso’s Way – Fab0lous

I’m a fan of all Fabulous’ albums and ‘Loso’s Way’ did not disappoint. This album drew me in from the first time I listened to it. This felt like a more personal album from Fab, and the reasons it is my number 1 are the beats were still banging, the lyrics were on point (my personal faves ‘We in this b*tch like an unborn baby’ and ‘My attitude is virgin still don’t give a f**k’) and in my opinion not only was there not a bad track, every track was great (even Eric Roberson didn’t manage that). This album is hot! ‘Loso’s Way’ is number 1 as it is ‘The best all round’ album of 2009.

My favourite tracks: Imma Do It, Money Goes, Honey Stay, Everything, Everyday, Everywhere, Salute, Pachanga and Stay.

Tags: Highlight, List