My Top 10 Albums of 2009 December 28, 2009

After much thought and consideration, I now present to you the top 10 albums of 2009, as chosen by me. Stay tuned, because I’ll also be posting my Top Tracks of 2009, and my Top Albums of the Decade in the days ahead!

10. Mariah Carey – Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

This album is NOT my favorite Mariah Carey album, but as a whole it ended up being my number 10 choice. I listened to a couple of the songs from the album A LOT this year, and really enjoyed them. I think this is very classic Mariah Carey, but still think some of her lyrics and dying whistle tones kept me from loving it.

9. David Archuleta – [self titled]

This album was released late last year, but it still was one of my favorites all the way through February and March. It has a lot of catchy songs, and I always find myself putting it in my car’s CD player ever now and then. I hope his next album is a little more riskier and less bubblegum tween pop.

8. Owl City – Ocean Eyes

I haven’t listened to Owl City in a few months, but I really liked this album when I first heard it. I jumped on the Owl City bandwagon about a month before they took off and dominated the Billboard charts. I was excited to find a new artist that I could tell other people about, but before I had a chance to think, “Fireflies” was No.1 on every chart. Great album and reminds me a lot of my fall semester.

7. Sam Sparro – [self titled]

A friend of mine did a dance routine to Sam Sparro last fall for his dance recital (to Black and Gold) and I thought it was a great song. I went and downloaded the album and realized it is a work of genius! Nearly every song is funky, danceable, catchy, and matched with great vocals from Sam Sparro. If you don’t have this album, you’re going to want to buy it…if anything for your party mix.

6. Alicia Keys – The Element of Freedom

This album has only been out for a little over a week, but it has been enough to really effect me on a variety of levels. It almost seems that she wrote this entire album with me in mind. I don’t think it’s as great as 2007′s As I Am, but then again it’s a completely different vibe. Either way, definitely check this one out, and really give it a couple of listens before you judge.

5. Lady Gaga – The Fame

This album was also released late last year. I had the leak when I was in Italy in June 2008, and didn’t listen to it much. However, once Poker Face was released as a single earlier this year, I immediately realized what kind of jewel I had in my iTunes library. I am now one of the biggest Gaga fans I know, and really love playing this album no matter what mood I am in: a sign of a true classic.

4. La Roux – [self titled]

It seems like every time I hear of a new artist or song, I get really in to them, and then a month later they blow up. Same thing happened for me with La Roux. This album is full of fun, techno beats that are sure to keep your feet moving.

3. Ingrid Michaelson – Everybody

Ingrid Michaelson could release an album reading the phonebook and I would think it was the greatest album of all time, and I admit that. However, her songwriting, and lyrics can not be denied. She is a true talent, and I have a very intimate connection with her music. I saw her tour this album in Pittsburgh this fall, and it was fantastic, as expected. Check this one out for sure!

2. Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster

Give this album a month more and it probably would have been my No.1 for 2009. I’ve played the hell out of this CD, even weeks before it was released, and I am still not over it. Every song is on another level of electro pop, which is an experience in itself. Hopefully I am seeing her on my birthday, in New York City!

1. Beyonce – I Am… Sasha Fierce

This album came out late November of 2008 as well, and for the last year has been one of my most played albums week in and week out. I NEVER get sick of this album, and that is a very rare feat for me. I usually end up falling in love with music for a couple of weeks and then not listening to it for a very long time (Janet’s “Discipline”, Danity Kane, etc.). Beyonce hits gold with me with everything that she releases, and this album was definitely the album of the year for me. It has a beautiful mix of dance tracks and ballads that all really seem to stick in your head.