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.

Whitney Houston Throws Shade At Britney Spears

Watch around 4:30



Go Whitney!

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!

Whitney Houston Performs "Million Dollar Bill" at X-Factor Italy

She gets better with every performance.

Whitney Houston Performs "Million Dollar Bill" at X-Factor

That was definitely the best performance of this era. Plus I thought she handled the wardrobe malfunction well.

Whitney Houston Performs "Million Dollar Bill" in France

That wasn't good at all.

Video: Whitney Houston Interview at Wetten Dass Live

Whitney Houston Performs "I Look To You" On Wetten Dass

Her performances are somehow odd. She can hold those notes but sometimes it just sounds out of place.

Video: Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill

Great video. It fits the song perfectly!

Whitney Houston's Interview with Oprah 2nd Day

Aww at the messages and her face when being told she debuted on #1.

Whitney Houston On Oprah Full Interview

Pretty interesting interview.

During watching this, something came into my mind. Maybe it's taken too far but don't you see quite a similiarity between the beginning of Whitney's relationship with Bobby and Mariah's with Nick?
Not saying Mariah's mariiage will end up this way but I see some similarities there.

Video: Whitney Houston - I Look To You

I like it. Nothing to be hyped about but it fits the song and is not overdone.

Whitney Houston Debuts On #1

As HDD reports that Whitney Houston's album "I Look To You" sold 300k copies this week.

I must admit that I didn't expected that but I'm very impressed. You know she doesn't even have a video out and not to forget the abysmal GMA performances. But neither of those circumstances made Whitney stop from being successful.

But also in other countries like Germany or Italy Whitney topped the charts.

Congrats to her!

Televised GMA Whitney Houston Performances

:´(

They added additional vocals because it does sound different to the fan recording (I'm not talking about the quality).

Whitney Houston's GMA Performance of "I Look To You"

Horrible. I feel really sorry for her but I can't lie. The crowd seemed to be very support and just happy about Whitney hitting the stage again but common I'd be pissed.

I don't expect her to sound like she used to but she has to sound decent.

Whitney Houston loses voice, cracks through Central Park 'GMA' concert

Yep, that's a sad headline for Whitney. Read what's going on:

The Grammy-winning diva apologized to the 5,000-person crowd for overusing her famous pipes before taking the stage in Central Park to promote her new album "I Look to You."

"I'm so sorry. I did 'Oprah.' I've been talking for so long. ... I talked so much, my voice," she said, trailing off.

"I shouldn't be talking. I should be singing," she said before breaking into her final, crowd-pleasing number, "I'm Every Woman."

Fans, who came from as far away as Australia and arrived in line as early as 10 p.m. Monday, boisterously sang along with her.

While "Good Morning America" only planned to have Houston sing three songs, some fans were hoping to hear more from the songstress.

"I expected it to be longer. She couldn't sing. She was really damaged," said Joao Andrade, 28, of North Bergen, N.J. "I'm a little disappointed. I think she was brave to come out with no voice."

The crowd, though, was firmly behind Houston, whose alleged drug addiction and troubled marriage to Bobby Brown have overshadowed her musical career for nearly a decade.[...]

"We missed you Whitney!" one screamed. Her voice husky and her songs missing the high notes she was once known for, Houston belted out three cuts from her new album "I Look To You," and appeared to choke up during its emotional title ballad.

The crowd was moved along with her, wildly applauding during poignant lines like, "After all my strength is gone, in you I can be strong." Houston's apology before closing out the set made devoted fans love her even more.

"It brought tears to my eyes," said Raleigh Hatcher, 38, of Jersey City. "She's been through so much in her life. She's been working very hard, and it's a lot to do. And she's been doing it well."

Concert-goers applauded Houston for trying to recover from her fall from grace - from selling 170 million albums and recording iconic hits like "I Will Always Love You," to landing on the cover of "National Enquirer" surrounded by drug paraphernalia.

"Everyone falls down and everyone stumbles. It's how we pick it up and keep going," said Ky Davis, 32, of Plainfield, N.J., who showed up with pink roses.

More than a dozen people arrived Monday night to snag a spot in line for the concert. Calling the experience "Camp Whitney," they put out blankets and waited for the gates to open at 11 a.m. "I'd rather be too early than too late," said Jonny Beauchamp, 20, of Manhattan.

Source

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

Check out a fan recording:

iWontSTFU Reviews Whitney Houston's "I Look To You"

Don’t we all remember the young, talented, beautiful lady who made millions of people happy with her music in the 80s and 90s? So let’s do a little flashback and appreciate “The Voice”.

I Will Always Love You

How Will I Know (the mirrors are a bit creepy huh?)

Exhale (Shoop Shoop)

My Love Is Your Love (one of my faves from her more recent works)

She has too many great outstanding songs to display here. I could go on for hours but it's not like you don't know them right?

And now Whitney Houston is back so check out my review for her 6^th studio album “I Look To You”.

Million Dollar Bill

The song is written and produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz and you can definitely hear that it is an A. Keys song. I personally love it. The chorus is catchy (If he make you feel like a million dollar bill say oh oh oh oh say oh oh oh oh) and makes you sing along.

Nothin’ But Love

This track’s instrumental starts with a rather electronic sound which gets less dominant during the course of the song but I’m not really feeling it. Danja produced this one btw.

Call You Tonight

…is a Stargate production and it is as always very contemporary and radio friendly. I like it.

I Look To You

The song that gave the album its title is simultaneously the first single. About the piano driven ballad Houston said: “The last several years spiritually, this song says all I wanted to say. There are times in life when we go through certain situations - some not so good.”
Personally I think the song is just average.

Like I Never Left

Akon definitely did a good job on this. In fact, he’s the only collaboration on “I Look To You”. Akon’s voice might be very annoying and I hate to death this “Konvict” tag because it simply doesn’t fit to the song and Whitney Houston. Besides that the song is nice.

A Song For You

Cover songs are always a tricky thing. Either you fail miserably and destroy a beautiful song or you make it as good as the original or even better. In my opinion Whitney did a fantastic job. Whereas the beginning is similar to Leon Russell’s version at about 1:30 the beat changes and the song gets up tempo. I love it.

I Didn’t Know My Own Strength

A highlight concerning the ballads. It’s just beautiful.

Worth It

I won’t lie. I can’t stand this song for some reasons. I guess it’s the cheesy lyrics.

For The Lovers

I like this one a lot. “Now throw your hands up / The next three minutes it’s about the lovers / Ladies tell your man you love him / Fellas tell your girl you love her”. Very catchy and the background vocals match nicely.

I Got You

Another “Konvict” song and it’s nice. Not one of my favorites though.

Salute

“Salute” is my favorite ballad on this album. The song is written by R. Kelly and I got to admit that the lyrics are pretty good. Whitney basically tells us she is a “soldier girl” and “made it through”. The often quote line “So don’t call me to come back / I did it for years” is debatable in my eyes. I mean let’s be real. Her last album “Just Whitney” came out in 2002.

“I Look To You” is definitely an album you enjoy listening to. It’s not the banger type of album but I think Whitney connected the old school sound with the modern one quite well and has something for everybody. I also like to notice her personal experiences she relates to in her songs. Her label hopes for first weeks sales of 300k-400k. That sounds a little too optimistic to me.

I haven’t talked about her vocals yet although that’s the thing many people wonder about. I think after all the circumstance we have to consider she sounds well. Of course she isn’t the young Whitney and her voice sounds mature now but that’s fine. It’d be interesting to hear her sing live which will for example happen when she does “Good Morning America”. Then we can really judge on her vocals.

Label has high hopes for Whitney Houston comeback

Early reviews are promising and Houston's Sony Corp-owned Arista Records label hopes it will become one of the biggest sellers of the year.

The music industry desperately needs a hit. Annual U.S. sales in 2009 are on track to slide for the eighth time in nine years, ravaged by the recession, piracy and competition from other forms of entertainment such as video games.

Houston could also do with a hit. Her previous album "Just Whitney" in 2002, also was billed as a comeback and was the worst-selling of her career. She got more attention in the ensuing years for her rocky personal life, including multiple stints in drug rehab and a bitter divorce from former R&B star Bobby Brown.

In fact, she half-jokingly said last month that she had been planning to retire to an island when her mentor, record-industry chieftain Clive Davis, phoned 3 1/2 years ago to lure her back to the studio.

Davis, who has closely overseen Houston's career since signing her at a New York nightclub in 1983, lined up such A-listers as R&B singers Alicia Keys and R. Kelly, and prolific tunesmith Diane Warren to write songs for Houston.

"IT'S A BEYONCE WORLD"

Keys wrote the single "Million Dollar Bill," which received a warm reception at radio stations earlier this month. But will that translate into big album sales, especially when there's a new crop of superstars in the spotlight?

"It's a Beyonce world," said Caryn Ganz, an editor at Rolling Stone magazine. "I don't think Whitney has a clear place anymore."

She predicted early sales would be strong, then taper off.

Arista agrees with the first half of that assessment. Industry sources expect the album will sell between 300,000 and 400,000 copies across the United States during its first week, easily taking the No. 1 spot during a late-summer slump.

"This is a cultural event," said Scott Seviour, the label's senior VP of marketing and artist development. "The enthusiasm and the energy for this release is palpable."

Such a start would outpace first-week tallies for recent releases by Kelly Clarkson (255,000) and Madonna (280,000) but fall short of those for Mariah Carey (463,000), Beyonce (482,000) and Britney Spears (505,000).

"Just Whitney," the only album that Davis did not work on, debuted at No. 9 in 2002 with 205,000 copies and sold about 730,000, overall. Houston's worldwide sales of albums, singles and videos stand at 170 million units, according to Arista.

The label has left no marketing stone unturned, targeting Houston's core fan base of 30- to 55-year-old women, as well as the gay and lesbian community, Seviour said.

For her part, Houston has adopted a low profile. As with her 2002 album, she has consented to only one big TV interview, this time on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which will air on September 14. Next Tuesday, she will tape a performance in New York's Central Park for ABC's breakfast show "Good Morning America."

Source


I don't think 400k are realistic. Of course her comeback album is highly anticipated and her album is solid (I will review "I Look To You" asap) but times have changed and she misses a massive hit yet. It's questionable too where or who her fanbase is nowadays. Let's wait and see. I wish her the best.

What do you predict?

Alicia Keys On Whitney Houston

Aww. "My Love Is Your Love" is one of my faves too.

"I Look To You" Pushed Back In The UK

Amazon states that Whitney Houston's comeback album will be released in the United Kingdom on October 19.

This is due to the fact that "Million Dollar Bill" faces an UK iTunes release on August 24.