iWontSTFU’s Top 15 Albums of 2009

I’m going to present my favorite albums of 2009. I considered only album which release dates were in 2009.

#1

MARIAH CAREY – MEMOIRS OF AN IMPERFECT ANGEL

Mariah came back with an incredible album. I listened to it like crazy. She was able to give her fans a bit of all her sides: Old Mariah, hip-hop Mariah, pop Mariah. Unfortunately the album wasn’t as succesful as it deserves to be in my opinion. But in the end it’s whatever to me because hey I got an album that I can jam to for years.

#2

THE FAME MONSTER

Initially meant to be a re-.release Lady Gaga declared “The Fame Monster” to be a normal album with only eight tracks. However, all of the eight song are sick. There’s no weak song on the album. Definitely a superb album.

#3

SHAKIRA – SHE WOLF

After a few years of absence Shakira returned with her third English album. Taking a more electro-pop route she surprised many fans but she also managed to convince them and many critics including me. Although it’s not her usual genre you still know it’s typical Shakira. Thumbs up!

#4

ROBIN THICKE – SEX THERAPY

Although Robin Thicke’s latest work was just released it already ranks that high. Why? Well, maybe because this album is just great? Yes, it is. I got to admit that it is a grower but once you take your time listening you will love it. Plus, it’s always a pleasure to hear Robin’s voice.

#5

JAY-Z – THE BLUEPRINT III

It seems like Sean “Jay-Z” Carter just needs to name his album “Blueprint” and it will be a good album. Even though he has featured guest on every track it’s still a great Jay-Z album. Especially “Empire State Of Mind”, “Venus vs Mars” and “On To The Next One” rock.

#6

ALICIA KEYS – THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

The follower of Alicia Keys’ highly successful album “As I Am” didn’t blew me away immediately but still it’s a good album. It’s funny though because my favorite songs are mainly the ones that are bonus tracks. Weird, huh?

#7

THE BLACK EYED PEAS – THE E.N.D.

The Black Eyed Peas killed it with this album. I always liked them but with this album they really got me. I want to mention though that without my girl Fergie they would be nothing special.

#8

MELANIE FIONA – THE BRIDGE

If you are a regular visitor of this blog you have already heard of my love for Miss Melanie Fiona. She’s so talented and such a lovely person that she doesn’t deserve anything but success. I wish more people will recognize and appreciate true singers instead of hyping up little idiots.

#9

LETOYA – LADY LOVE

LeToya’s second solo album was definitely a step-up in comparison to her debut album. Thanks to a shitty label aka Atlantic Records “Lady Love” wasn’t as promoted as it should have been because it’s totally one of the best R&B albums of 2009.

#10

WHITNEY HOUSTON – I LOOK TO YOU

Whitney Houston’s comeback album is also one of my favorites. She produced an album that fits her age and the current popular sound. My favorite songs are “Million Dollar Bill” which was written by Alicia Keys and produced by her boo Swizz Beatz and “Salute” which was penned by R.Kelly.

#11

AMERIE – IN LOVE & WAR

Amerie has never been a great album seller in the past years but this won’t prevent me from liking this album. Even though her strained voice can get on ones nerves every now and then, I appreciate her diffenrent sound.

#12

KERI HILSON – IN A PERFECT WORLD

 

I can’t stand Keri Hilson’s cocky ass (since her appearances on Shock Value) but I would lie if I don’t call this album a solid one. My favorite song is “Aliented”.

#13

COLBIE CAILLAT – BREAKTHROUGH

I adored her debut album “Coco” so it was a must do to listen to her second album, especially since “Fallin For You” is such a cute song. Good album overall.

#14

MARY J BLIGE – STRONGER WITH EACH TEAR

I like this album much better than “Growing Pains”. “I Am” is a great track and so is her collaboration with Drake.

#15

TERIYAKI BOYZ – SERIOUS JAPENESE

I don’t know how many of you guys have heard about the Teriyaki Boyz, a Japanese hip-hop group. Working with the Neptunes and Kanye West was definitely a good move. A refreshing hip-hop album with a different style. Love it.

 

So that’s it! Tell me which albums you liked the best in 2009 by commenting.

Video Footage: Alicia Keys Parties With Swizz Beats at Release Party

They sure had a lot of fun.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

MySpace Music: Behind The Scenes With Alicia Keys

To mark the launch of MySpace Music, go behind the scenes with Alicia Keys to reveal the music she loves. Watch the artist films and check out their playlists on MySpace, then get cracking with your own playlists.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys On The View

The setting was great! And the performances too, of course.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs on Letterman

I loved it. Very nice :D

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys' Favorite Song Of The Decade Is...

Too bad they didn't ask her about her fave album.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs "Doesn't Mean Anything" on T4

/>

That was nice as always.

Thanks to http://aliciakeysdaily.com/ for always providing her appearances! :D

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Review: Alicia Keys - The Element Of Freedom (Deluxe Edition)

Alicia Keys is releasing her 4^th studio album on December 15^th. She promised us that this the album is going to be her most personal (doesn’t every artist say that?) and then some may be surprised about the sound. So let’s see if this album is another classic or rather “The Element of Boredom”.

Love Is Blind

This song is totally different to what she’s done before and I love it. She uses her voice in a unusual way but it’s definitely interesting.

Doesn’t Mean Anything

The first single which could easily be a leftover from the “As I Am” era or a recycled “If I Ain’t Got U”. I personally love the song.

Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

The second single follows right after the first and the sound of this track is great. I especially love the beginning, it’s so hot. Definitely a highlight.

Wait Til You See My Smile

Just beautiful. This song is really empowering when you feel down (Cause you’re stronger and you’re better/and you’re ready for whatever).

That’s How Strong My Love Is

In this song Alicia tells us that “people call her crazy for falling it love with” Swizz. Interestingly, she already announced that in “Love Is Blind”. Everytime the song starts I think of "Tender love". The song is in my opinion rather boring.

Un-Thinkable

Drake delivered the background vocals and I enjoy Alicia’s tone very much but besides that song is just ok.

Love Is My Disease

Was co-written and co-written by Toby Gad (Big Girls Don’t Cry, If I Were A Boy) but it is just an ok song.

Like The Sea

I’m feeling this song.

Put It In A Love Song (feat. Beyoncé)

Even though I Am… a Sasha Fierce Support Representative I am not really too fond of this song. It could have been a bonus track because it doesn’t really flow well. The uptempo song reveals though that both ladies have a great chemistry together and nobody really tries to outshine the other one which is great. However, I really could see Beyoncé and Alicia Keys making a hot ballad together. This is probably what most people expect them to do and maybe that’s why Alicia chose to take the other direction but yeah, it could have been better.

This Bed

Is another highlight to me. Really cute. (This bed is too lonely without you, don’t wanna hold my pillow, I wanna hold you)

Distance and Time

I absolutely ADORE this song. It’s so beautiful. *sighs*

How It Feels How To Fly

Filler. This song does nothing for me.

Empire State Of Mind Part II

When I heard the song for the very first time I was not happy with it. Mainly because I thought that there’s no need to make a part two of an already perfect song. But the more I listen to it the more I love it. I’m now thankful she recorded her own version.

Bonus Tracks

Through It All

Ain’t it funny? Of all songs this is my favorite. I can’t understand why this only destined to be a bonus song.

Praying For Forgiveness

Same goes for this song which was co-written by Linda Perry who penned already “Superwoman”. It’s not as good as “Through It All” but also very nice and could have been included in the regular album.

DVD

The DVD contains four live performances (Doesn't Mean Anything, Empire State Of Mind Part II, Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart, No One) and the official music video for "Doesn't Mean Anything". The performances are done in a studio with her band and are nice to watch but not breathtaking.

So first of all let me say “The Element of Freedom” doesn’t have the wow effect that I had when listening to “As I Am”. Nevertheless Alicia delivered a solid album. Her voice sounds raw, I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. You could say she’s transferring all those emotions through her voice or you’ll say she is having the Mariah syndrome and loses her voice. I hope the latter is not the case.

She definitely shows her vulnerable side and you can say it is in fact her personal record.

Summing it up: Not as good as “As I Am” (which was simply fantastic so I didn’t expect her to top it) but still a good effort. Additionally, the album sounds different to her previous ones without losing the typical Alicia Keys’ style.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs "Doesn't Mean Anything" on Paul O'Grady

Good performance!

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys "The Element Of Freedom (Deluxe Edition)" Booklet Pictures

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys On The Paul O'Grady Show

Loved the interview. It was fun watching and Alicia looked great.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Talks Jay-Z, Beyonce and more!

Jay arrived just before the show started to get loose before performing his smash duet, “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia. While Jay laughed and joked around backstage, Alicia gave us the scoop on how they came to create “New York’s Anthem” in “Empire State of Mind.”

While Alicia enjoys her time with Jay-Z, she also loves country crooner Tim McGraw! We also learned that Jay Z is no male diva. (The hip hop legend only requested bottled water for his dressing room and nothing else!)

Alicia on Tim McGraw, with whom she recently collaborated on the John Lennon classic “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” on ‘Oprah’:

“Tim is really cool. He’s a super sweet southern gentleman. 100 percent cowboy hat and jeans on the whole time. You throw two people in a room and we worked it out. We have totally different styles but I didn’t feel out of place and I didn’t want him to, either. We found a place of comfort for us both and he is truly great and honest. Tim’s one request was don’t ask me to do any adlibs at the end! We had so much fun!”

Alicia on the real story behind her hit single with Jay Z, ‘Empire State of Mind’:

“Jay called me and said, ‘I have this record, it’s going to be an anthem for New York and it has piano. I can’t see anyone doing it but you. He said it’s perfect, it’s going to be a classic.’ We met in the studio and the minute that I heard it – the hook was already really strong. It wasn’t complete, but I immediately felt the way everybody feels when they hear it! “

“I loved it and knew it was going to be great, but I really could not have imagined how beyond New York it is. I was just in London and they were rocking it on the radio. It’s all about achieving and dream and possibilities. It’s a beautiful thing – New York is the one place where you can do anything. “

On her secret video with Beyonce:

Jay Z’s wife, Beyonce has also spent time in the studio with Alicia this year and the two sexy ladies filmed a home video. “I have a single with Beyonce called ‘Put it in a Love Song.’ It’s got a beat and the piano. We were both in the same room in the same studio and had a major party recording it. We laughed the whole time and took a crazy little video of us acting out the song – which no one will ever see!”

On her charity, Keep a Child Alive:

“I’ve been to Africa twice and I’ve seen people who are beautiful and full of faith. I’ve witnessed people my age and younger who have watched their families torn apart. They’ve seen their mothers and fathers die from AIDS, a disease that is treatable. The kids handle their lives with grace through it all – they take care of their brothers and sisters. We’ve been able to build clinics, orphanages and hospital wings. There was once nothing there and now there is something there that can serve people. When I went to Africa it changed my life.”

On her new upcoming album, “The Element of Freedom”:

Alicia says through working on her new album, The Element of Freedom, she figured out how to take weekends off and relax a little. “I have finally found my own freedom. I’ve learned how to pace things better and to find a balance. You are trying to juggle your career, your dreams, your family – everything. Through this album I found how I could be creative and be a businesswoman and be sane without driving myself crazy.”

Source

I would like to see the video, Alicia! lol

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Live! on YouTube - Full Concert

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Talks Beyoncé Collaboration

BET Videos

OMG this song has to be epic! I'm so glad they recorded it really together. Now I'm really excited to cop "The Element of Freedom".

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs New Song "Distance and Time"

Alicia Keys was performing last night and you were able to watch it live via Youtube. Here's a new song called "Distance and Time" which will appear on "The Element Of Freedom".



It sounds really beautiful.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Interview On Oprah

Alicia looks great and I wonder how she cooks lol

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs Medley On X-Factor

Alicia Keys stopped by X-Factor to perform "Empire State Of Mind", "Doesn't Mean Anything" and "No One".

/>

I'm sorry guys but she sounds horrible. I mean she always sounds strained but I even went to Alicia Keys' As I Am tour and she sounded fine but this one is a no-go.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

2009 AMA's Performances

Eminem - Crack A Bottle/Forever (feat. 50 Cent)






Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind




Lady GaGa - Bad Romance/Speechless



Rihanna - Wait Is Ova/Hard



Mary J. Blige - I Am



Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart




Jennifer Lopez - Louboutins




Whitney Houston - I Didn't Know My Own Strength




Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway/Boom Boom Pow



Janet Jackson - Medley




Shakira - Give It Up To Me



Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone




Timbaland - Morning After Dark (feat. Nelly Furtado & Soshy)




Alicia Keys sounded awful on Empire State Of Mind. Rihanna proved one more time that she ain't got no stage present and voice. Lady GaGa was great, even J.Lo had a nice concept and she did good to get up after her fall. Shakira's amount of dancers was impressive.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys Performs Empire State Of Mind Part II

Not sure what to think of it. I obviously prefer the first version but maybe I'll like the studio version.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart (Dancing With The Stars Live)

What do you think? Drop your comments below!