2009 is coming to a close, which means that it's time to check in on what the favorite albums, artists and songs were among the fine folks in the MTV Newsroom. Be sure to check out James Montgomery's definitive year-end list for 2009, and enjoy the "10 In 2009" series that will be running over the next two weeks.
By Joel Hanek
I was surprised to find out that making this list wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. A lot of the music I listened to had been from late '08 or stuff I've been revisiting. Anyway, here's what I came up with (in no particular order).
Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster
Yes, the second album (which is sort of the re-release of the first album until it wasn't — I got confused too) is much more cohesive, has better singles ("Bad Romance" and "Monster" trump "Poker Face" and "Just Dance"), and this is much more representative of the powerhouse that Gaga is becoming (and will become). (I suddenly realize I sound frighteningly like Perez Hilton.) While The Fame felt like a collection of good singles, The Fame Monster felt like a great album.
Mariachi El Bronx, Mariachi El Bronx
When a hardcore band releases a straight mariachi record, it's pretty badass. Defy expectations much?
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon
I really wanted to put Kid Cudi on here because I love his mixtapes and I think the guy has a huge career on the horizon. I liked this album, but I wasn't in love with it. I appreciate that it was a concept album and it was his creative manifesto. However, I don't think the album shows his full potential (especially considering the lack of rapping). Anyway, Steven Roberts said he was an artist to watch in 2009, and looking back we can confirm Steven Roberts is omniscient.
Them Crooked Vultures, Them Crooked Vultures
Not many albums came out this year that were really rocking. I mean rockin'. This was one of them.
Jeremih, "Birthday Sex"
It's so catchy, fun and not-at-all-serious. It's the perfect radio single.
A.C. Newman, Get Guilty
I love the New Pornographers, but they didn't put out an album this year. Thankfully frontman A.C. Newman did.
Regina Spektor, Far
Far actually more subdued than I expected (which is saying a lot for a Regina Spektor album), but I do dare make the comparison that her hits are like the Beatles: Not only can she compose an infectious musical melody, but she writes clever lyrics to go with them as well. Best example: "Dance Anthem of the 80's."
Dan Auerbach, Keep it Hid
I love the Black Keys, but they didn't put out an album this year. Thankfully, Dan Auerbach did. He also launched Blakroc, which means he had a pretty huge year, and I have a feeling the boys from the Black Keys will have an even bigger 2010.
Heidi Montag, "Body Language" / Spencer Pratt, "I'm a Celebrity (Get Me Out of Here)"
These songs are so gratuitous and audacious that they're great. I can't tell if it's a meta joke, brilliant media manipulation or just complete d-baggery, but whatever it is, it happened.
Shakira, She Wolf
She's amazing, and her videos rule. For reals.