HYPEBy Dion Lee, Liu Hongzuo & Nathaniel Phua
Stand up, get your freak on and blast your music as hype brings you 9 stellar album releases for the year of 2009. Absolutely no service charge included.
1 LILY ALLEN – It’s Not Me, It’s You
Talk about defining the times! Lily Allen’s second studio album, It’s Not Me, It’s You is definitely one for our era. Highly satirical and insanely funny, singer-songwriter and occasional party girl Lily Allen tackles contemporary issues such as drug abuse and heartbreak with wit and charm in a way only her sassy attitude can pull off. Even a song that is meant to put down corrupt politicians (“F*ck You”) seems interestingly light-hearted and fun with its short piano intro and bubbly tune. This is one of the few albums out there that you can pick up the lyrics and follow from start to end.
2 FALL OUT BOY – Folie à deux
Fall Out Boy’s fifth studio album Folie à deux – loosely translated to mean madness shared by two – hits the airwaves with their signature harebrained lyrics and catchy choruses. Even with their amateur lyrics, Fall Out Boy still manages to capture the attention of their listeners with their choice of rhythm and beats. One particular track to look out for is “20 Dollar Nose Bleed”. With less rock vibes, the song starts off with a jumpy piano riff and breaks off into an ensemble of clapping midway. If their previous album Infinity On High wasn’t enough, this follow up will leave you breathless and hanging at the edge of your seat from start to end.
3 KELLY CLARKSON – All I Ever Wanted
After the commercial fiasco last year with My December, the original American idol came back with an outstanding release of All I Ever Wanted. With some of the best producers around on the team (Ryan Tedder, Max Martin), Kelly Clarkson has put out her best album to date. Amidst the usual radio-friendly anthems such as “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “I Do Not Hook Up”, the pinnacle of the album lies in its quietly powerful ballad “Already Gone”. Kelly’s poignant delivery, is assisted by Ryan Tedder’s haunting production style, resulting in pure pop perfection. With her signature big voice and charming personality, All I Ever Wanted will wind up on the shelves where only the best are kept.
4 U2 – No Line on the Horizon
Even after releasing 11 albums, the world’s best-selling rock band does not seem to be wavering in style and technique with their 12th studio album release. With percussions on syncopation and distortion turned up high, lead vocalist Bono lets his vocals loose on No Line On The Horizon. The tracks are filled with the band’s highly recognisable brand of rock – the sort that makes you rise to your feet, headbanging, with both fists pumping in the air.
5 WHITE LIES – To Lose My Life
For those who haven’t already heard the sounds of White Lies, they are a three-piece English indie band that is relatively new to the music scene. With their debut album To Lose My Life, it seems that the band is set to give more established acts a run for their money. Upon first listen, the music may seem foreign to those who are accustomed to mainstream radio, but hit the repeat button and you will soon uncover some hidden gems. Captivating tracks to look out for are“Death”, “To Lose My Life” and “E.S.T.”.
6 EMINEM – Relapse
He’s back. Marshall Mathers, better known by his stage name Eminem, has released another album similar to Encore, his previous riot. A rapper through and through, Relapse sees Eminem venture into dark themes like drug addiction and serial killer fantasies. Ardent fans will be pleased to know that he’s still as crude and rude as before. In this album, you’ll also find danceable and catchy songs such as “Same Song & Dance”.
If you enjoyed his previous releases, you will love Relapse, with the familiar voice of Eminem, a stronger album concept, and befitting album artwork. But be warned, this album is rather lyrically explicit.
7 CAMERA OBSCURA – My Maudlin Career
Staying true to their unique whimsical sound and quirky lyrics, Scottish indie pop band Camera Obscura has released their fourth album titled My Maudlin Career. Accompanied by a playful mix of percussion and strings, this album will sail you through a myriad of emotions on lead vocalist Tracyanne Campbell’s breathy voice, through dusty libraries, forests and sands, all within the comfort of your own home.
8 THE PRODIGY – Invaders Must Die
This is electronic music at its very best. The Prodigy, known for their rave tracks, has conjured yet another album for all you dancers to move to. With a varied mix of rock, rhythm and rave, banded with the extensive use of electronic sounds, Invaders Must Die is something all pop-dance music fans will die for. Look out for ear-pleasing tracks like “Omen”, the trance-styled “Colours” and the house-like “Take Me To The Hospital”. You’ll be listening to this album over and over. Now, dance!
9 TAKE THAT – The Circus
We all know that comeback bands don’t often work out, but this isn’t the case for Take That. This time, old is gold. The sounds of their latest album The Circus is quite possibly the best album the band has ever had. While longtime fans may miss Robbie Williams, who has since gone solo, Take That is now in a league of its own with The Circus whose pop tunes are crafted to appeal to both the young and the old. Teenage angst has now mellowed into a soothing listen. Just like wine, Take That certainly gets better with age.