So if you missed the top 10 singles, they're posted on Page 6. I'm pretty pleased with how the top 10 turned out, so do take a look if you haven't.
So, top 10 albums. Not gonna lie, I'm getting lazy/tired - so my write-ups for these are not by any means lengthy. And for ****s sake, I'm just running out of things to say - since most of it I wrote in the singles for these artists.
Anyway, ENJOY!! It's been fun.
Roger's Top 40 Albums of 2009: Part 4
10. Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
They tried to re-create another Rock Opera but it’s hard to strike gold twice, especially when your album is so bloody long. 18 tracks, really? Half of this album is still pure gold though, even if it is a re-hash of a concept that was innovative nearly 4 years ago. “21st Century Breakdown” shows they can still lay the smack down, while “21 Guns” demonstrates they still know how to make anthems that resonate with their audience.
9. The Script – The Script
These Irish lads are absolutely massive in the United Kingdom, and the album caught me by complete surprise after I first heard “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, a track that hit #1 in 5 countries. The entire album is rock solid, certified pop-rock with speedy vocals, rich melodies, and a soaring sense of resiliency and determination. From heartbreak to embrace, these guys cover it all with true heart. Best tracks are “Breakeven” and “Before The Worst”.
8. Kelly Clarkson – All I Ever Wanted
Worst cover art ever, but one of the true great “back to form” albums ever. After the daring disaster that was ‘My December’ – Kelly shows everyone she’s still got it with confident pop-rock anthems that echo the glory days of ‘Breakaway’. ‘Don’t Let Me Stop You’ has the edge of her classic ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’, whereas ‘Already Gone’ harbors a similar vocal intensity we haven’t seen since ‘Because Of You’. Great to have you back Kel.
7. Paramore – Brand New Eyes
‘Riot!’ may have made us open our eyes to the greatness of this band, and “Decode” may have made us realize how fantastic a singer Hailey truly is – but it was this album that confirmed our realizations. Tracks like “The Only Exception”, and “Misguided Ghosts” show a multi-dimensional sincerity that doesn’t need heavy guitars, whereas “Ignorance” and “Brick By Boring Brick” channel the raw intensity of “Misery Business” and the capacity of this band to create raucous music. But if you want to talk a vocal exorcism – how about “All I Wanted” – Jesus, that one note gives me the chills.
6. Arctic Monkeys – Humbug
Yes, I have my reservations about this album. But it’s still a great album – just shows something though when it misses the top 5 and yet there other two albums both made the #2 for my year-ends in their respective years. Nonetheless, this album was a stark transformation. From UK lyrical grit and sass, to daunting Southern U.S. desert rock that really has a QOTSA-soaked influence. Not a bad thing – just different. I saw the majority of this album performed live, and it actually transcends extremely well on the stage. But, that was one night. The rest of the time, I’ve got the album in the car – and the brutal intensity of these tracks lose some of their tenacity. Nonetheless, “Crying Lightning”, “Dangerous Animals”, “Dance Little Liar” – are vintage Monkeys.
5. Franz Ferdinand – Tonight
You know me, I’m a sucker for the chorus and crazy toe-tapping beats. This album is chalk full of them, whether it’s the simple ones like “Bite Hard” or “Turn It On”, or the Earth-shattering “No You Girls” – everything sticks and strikes a chord. I also commend them for steering into some new territory, like on tracks “Ulysses” or “Lucid Dreams”, there most imaginative work since “Take Me Out”.
4. Muse – The Resistance
Finally, a true North American breakthrough. I still believe in the Queen and Bowie influences here, particularly on “The Resistance” and “United States of Eurasia”. But the most innovative track for me would be “Natural Selection”. Then there is the epic 3-part symphony – instrumental beauty. Although I would have enjoyed a few songs in it’s place, it’s a commendable effort and one that few and far bands in between would wager to take on.
3. Metric – Fantasies
Easily the most diverse and cohesive offering of the band’s career. It’s essentially two-mini EP’s – with the first half from “Help, I’m Alive” to “Gold Gun Girls” – embodying the essence of dancefloor Metric. The second half, including the mesmerizing “Collect Call”, demonstrates their capacity to hit the other extreme of the music spectrum, less keys, more bass, and heavier lyrics. Not as immediate, but alluring in every other aspect. Not to mention, the album spawned my #1 song of 2009, ‘Gimme Sympathy’.
2. John Mayer – Battle Studies
For a guy whose evolving songwriting and guitar playing abilities are beginning to secure him a devoted male fan base, he really bit the big one with that brutal album cover. Nonetheless, this album is nothing short of remarkable. Although more polished than most of his work, there is still an underlying authenticity, especially evident in tracks like ‘Half of my Heart’ and ‘Edge of Desire’. His remarkable talents shine like a beacon on ‘Assassin’ – my #1 non-single of 2009. His live show is something to be seen if you haven’t already, I will be going for a third time in February, can’t wait.
…. And after two years of Kanye being #1, a totally different band takes the helm.
1. U2 – No Line On The Horizon
In my singles list, I’ve already outlined a lot about this album, and TC actually summed it up rather nicely. So really, all I have to say is that it is without question a back to basics rock album for U2. One that is unified, direction focused, and not so bent up on being socially conscious. The first five tracks on the album; “No Line”, “Magnificent”, “Unknown Caller”, “Moment of Surrender”, and “I’ll Go Crazy” – are alone, worthy of a #1 album for the year. The build up is extraordinary, they pay off is more than we bargained for – and the live show to accompany it – wow, is all I can say. U2 is one of those bands you have to see live at least once in your life. Bono’s relentless energy, the depth of their catalogue, it’s something you’ll never forget. This 360 tour has one more leg, do check it out. </endplug>
Hope you enjoyed the list everybody. It’s been fun
Now I’m gonna go catch up on all your lists.