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: Amerie feat. Fabolous – More Than Love

I loved the video.

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Amerie on Good Day NY

Haha at her being into the quantum theory. This is pretty unusual. The performance was a bit bland, was there even an audience?

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Review: Amerie - In Love & War

Normally my reviews go through each song of an album but this time I will just tell you my opinion on Amerie’s „In Love & War“ in a more general way.
So, let’s reminisce a little: Back in 2005 Amerie celebrated her great breakthrough with her smash single “1 Thing”. After this big success Amerie hasn’t had a song that you would define as a hit.

In 2007 she released her third album “Because I Love It” which was a solid effort and I thought the singles were pretty hot. However it took ages to get the album physically released in the USA. A label change also caused that promo didn’t really happen.
Now Amerie’s back with her album “In Love & War”. Various times pushed back Amerie once again had trouble with her album release: iTunes didn’t make her album available when it was due and some problems with the shipping. You can tell when it comes to releases Amerie isn’t the luckiest chick.

But let’s take a look at the product she wants to sell. First of all let me say: the album is worth listening. Great instrumentals and catchy lyrics make the album special.
The first single released was “Why R U” and frankly said it wasn’t the best decision. The song is not bad but not single-worthy. The second single “Heard ‘Em All” is dope though. I’m really feeling this song. My favorite song off the album is “Swag Back”. The song has seriously a certain swag that I don’t want to miss. It would be a serious contender for the third single. Another great track is “Higher”. The track has a great energy and I love the lyrics.
The rather slow songs like “Red Eye” or “Flowers” are the weaker songs on the album.
I think she did a good job with choosing the collaborations with Trey Songz and Fabolous. I like both songs.

As always I don’t want to forget to talk about vocals. Amerie is not a bad singer but her voice is so limited that she easily sounds strained. Additionally, she is not able to vary the way she uses her voice as an instrument. What I mean by that: She always sounds the same.
This and the fact that her promo sucks makes it hard for Amerie. I think she’s talented, I like her art but something’s still missing that would make me stan for her. However I think there would be potential to get her more into the focus but with the lack of promotion this is not going to happen.

To sum it up the album is good. Definitely one of the stronger R&B releases this year. If you liked her previous songs you’ll probably like this one too.

Highlights: Heard ‘Em All, Swag Back, Higher, More Than Love feat. Fabolous

What do you think? Drop your comments below!

Preview: Amerie - In Love & War

Check out the snippets of Amerie's new album "In Love & War" at Amazon.

Amerie "In Love & War" Tracklisting

01. Tell Me You Love Me (prod. by Teddy Riley & Amerie)
02. Heard Em All (prod. by Eric Hudson & Sean Garrett)
03. Dangerous (prod. by Jonas Jeberg & Amerie)
04. Higher (prod. by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell & Amerie)
05. Why R U (prod. by The Buchanans & Amerie)
06. Pretty Brown (feat. Trey Songz) (prod. by M-Phazes & Amerie)
07. More Than Love (feat. Fabolous) (prod. by Del Pearson & Len Nicholson)
08. Swag Back (prod. by Jim Jonsin & Rico Love)
09. You're a Star (prod. by Amerie & Len Nicholson)
10. Red Eye (Fly With Me) (prod. by Bryan-Michael Cox & Amerie)
11. Different People (prod. by M-Phazes & Amerie)
12. The Flowers (prod. by Karma & Amerie)
13. Dear John (prod. by Trac Nova & Amerie)
14. Heard 'Em All (Remix) (feat. Lil' Wayne) (prod. by Eric Hudson & Sean Garrett)

Source

"In Love & War" will be released November 3rd (if it won't get pushed back again).

Video: Amerie - Heard Em All

Hot video. Great job, Amerie!

However it seems like Anthony Mandler who directed this video is pretty limited when it comes to new ideas because he's the one who is also responsible for the videos of "Disturbia" and "Run This Town".

Behind The Scenes: Amerie - Heard Em All

The video seems to look really good. Can't wait to see it.

Amerie feat. Trey Songz - Pretty Brown Eyes

Remember me posting that snippet? Well, now the full version has leaked.

Enjoy here

I really like this song. Good job!

Amerie Photoshoot For Giant Mag

I think she's so beautiful. She could have taken her sun glasses off though.

Amerie's Album Pushed Back Again

According to Rap Up Amerie's album "In Love & War" is now scheduled for November 3rd.

Her album was originally to be released in September.

Amerie - Heard Em All

So, they just leaked Amerie's "Heard Em All" produced by Eric Hudson which is rumored to be the second single.

Listen to it on BET.com

Well, I like it better than "Why R U" but it's nothing to be hyped about. In fact, "Dear John" has been the best track that leaked for this era.

Amerie's Album Pushed Back

After originally being scheduled for August 11 Amerie's new album "In Love & War" has been pushed back to September 29 (it was pushed back to Septemer 8 temporarily).

Def Jam probably decided to push it back since her first single "Why R U" didn't take off at all which is understandable because Amerie can do better than this. I liked the video though.

Anyways, I hope Amerie will really release her latest effort in the end of September because I think she is pretty underrated.

Amerie feat. Trey Songz - Pretty Brown Eyes (Snippet)

If you want to check out this snippet go to Defpen Radio .