Jennie: My Top 10 Releases of 2009 List

This year has been full of GREAT albums.  Here are my Top 10 Releases of 2009.

Brand New Eyes

Paramore

September 29th

I picked Paramore’s Brand New Eyes album as my number one album of the year because it shows how they have grown and changed as a band.  I love how diverse each track is from the one before it.  This whole album is from Hayley Williams’ perspective when the band was going through a rough time.  Good thing they didn’t call it quits or we would not have this great album.

Song of Choice: Where the Lines Overlap. This song talks about Paramore’s success and how it has effected them personally, especially Hayley.  They said it best, “No one is as lucky as us.” I really like the end of the track when all you hear is Hayley playing the keys.

Nothing Personal

All Time Low

July 7th

All Time Low’s sophomore effect is just phenomenal.  Each track has witty lyrics along with plenty of claps. All Time Low really surprised me with such a solid album, each song sounds like it could be their next single.  And have you seen the music videos for “Weightless” and “Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t)”? If you haven’t definitely Youtube that! They are hilarious and fun!

Song of Choice: Break Your Little Heart. Even though this is the shortest track on the entire album it’s by far my favorite.  My favorite lyric is “You were fake, I was great, Nothing Personal. I’m walking, who’s laughing now?” I love how in your face their lyrics are. Let’s just say ATL tells it like it is.

On Your Side

A Rocket to the Moon

August 11th

A Rocket to the Moon’s debut LP is my sleeper pick.  Front-man Nick Santino’s lovesick lyrics are just what any teenage girl needs. From the first track to the last track, I loved it all. Also check out their new music video for “Mr. Right” the video tells a story of two very different couples.  Expect this band to blow up in 2010.

Song of Choice: Life of the Party. This song has the greatest lyrics! “Let’s get one thing straight, You’re going to regret you left me!” All I can say is, she must have been a bitch!

The Listening

Lights

October 6th

I have been waiting for Lights’ LP for awhile now and it was worth the wait.  The first single, “Saviour” (you weird Canadians and your “u’s”) is a great track about escaping into a new world. I’m glad she included the stripped down version of the song “Pretend” it really shows how she transforms an idea into an electro-pop fantasy.  Plus who doesn’t love the keytar?

Song of Choice: Lions!. This is my absolutely favorite song off the album. I am embarrassed to say she wrote this song about her beloved World of Warcraft game. I enjoy how she breaks into the chorus.  There’s a reason why there is an ! in the title. Give it a listen and you’ll know what I mean =)

Self-Titled Album

The Audition

April 28th

This album is probably has one of the most compete track listing of any album on my top 10.  I will warn you this entire album is pretty laid back and mellow. Danny Steven’s vocals are so great.  There is a jazzy sound to his powerful voice.   I can definitely see these Chicago boys going places.

Song of Choice: It’s Gonna Be Hard (When I’m Gone). This track is one of two slower songs on the album.  I can really just hear Danny’s voice to the fullest.  The words he sings you can tell it was written for a very special girl, Amy.  Whoever you are you are lucky!

Take Off Your Colours

You Me at Six

July 21st

The adorable British boys of You Me at Six have finally taken over America.  They voyaged over the big pond to finish out the last leg of Warped this summer and brought along their debut LP, Take Off Your Colours.  On this album you get 20 songs! I can tell from this album they are going to be great, oh yeah they already are.

Song of Choice: Save It For the Bedroom. I love this up-beat track.  Josh’s raspy voice is sexy, and I guess the lyrics aren’t half bad either. “Who’s keeping score on who is a whore.” Who wouldn’t love that?

VersaEmerge EP

VersaEmerge

February 3rd

This will probably be my most bias pick. I know it’s just an EP but oh my god! I absolutely love this album.  Sierra Kusterbeck’s vocals will creep into your ears and won’t leave. Each track has a dark edge to it.  And I’m a sucker for strings! The lyrics are abstract which makes interpreting them confusing but still fun.  The only reason why it is 7th is because there is only 6 tracks. Don’t worry Versa is currently working on their debut LP. I hope you are as stoked as I am!

Song of Choice: Whisperer. I love the first lyric, “You play my nerves, like strings, all upside down.” The build up to the chorus is intense, which makes this the perfect song to rock out to in your car.

Hot Mess

Cobra Starship

August 11th

I am probably the newest fan to  the Cobra Starship following.  I think this album is great! Gabe Saporta’s vocals are unique and a bit jazzy which puts a spin on the tracks. This release is by far one of my favorite electro-pop albums out right now.  Who said pop-punk was dead? Not Cobra Starship!

Song of Choice: Nice Guys Finish Last. I really dig this track because of the ska feeling they put on it. It also showcases keytarist, Victoria Asher’s vocals.

Picture Perfect

Every Avenue

November 3rd

Every Avenue’s 2nd LP is better then their first, “Sh, Just Go With It.” which is an accomplishment on its own.  The guys definitely skipped the sophomore slump.  These Michigan boys are ready to tell you 11 stories with each track. Dave’s vocals are beautiful and expressive as usual.

Song of Choice: Tell Me I’m a Wreak. I really don’t know why I love this song so much.  I guess this song has the full package: upbeat music, meaningful lyrics, and simply put, Dave’s voice.  I love how brutally honest this song is.

Smile Kid

We the Kings

December 8th

After how incredible their debut self-title album was, I knew it was going to be hard to compete with that.  I have only had this album for a few days and I’m hoping it will grow on me more, but I did hear a few solid songs. I have mixed feelings about the duet with Demi Lovato.  I wish they would have pick a female singer from the rock genre to put a bit more of an edge on the track. Juliet Simms or Sierra Kusterbeck would have been amazing.

Song of Choice: She Takes Me High. Travis Clark sure knows how to melt hearts with his voice and lyrics. This song also reminds me of the old album.