Here is my list of the top 10 albums of 2009.
I spent a lot of time thinking through these choices. Some you might see on other lists, others you definitely won't. I will not be sucking up to the current indie "it" bands that every magazine and blog are hailing (i.e. Animal Collective, Phoenix, or Grizzly Bear). This is also not about what was popular this year (i.e. Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and The Black Eyed Peas); instead, it's about what caught my ear and was placed on repeat for some time in my car.
10. Smile Empty Soul - Consciousness
I'll probably take a lot of heat for this one but I don't care. It's my list. This album entertained the hell out of me during a long road trip earlier this year. For that, it earns a spot. I wish more people appreciated this drama-filled band.
9. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
I've been a fan for over a decade and will continue to be with solid material like this.
8. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
The best Green Day album since 1994's Dookie.
7. P.O.S. - Never Better
Sick beats and rhymes with an underground vibe.
6. Evans Blue - Evans Blue
Back with a new singer and a harder sound, Evans Blue released this great rock album during the summer. It was missed by most people and really shouldn't have been. I can't wait to see them back out on the road this year.
5. Saosin - In Search Of Solid Ground
This puts their debut album to shame. What an amazing follow-up that escapes the juvenile emo fad with mature lyrics and riffs.
4. Coheed & Cambria - Neverender
I don't think I've ever been this excited over a release. It's a phenomenal live album with their entire catalog performed over 4 nights...a must own for any Co&Ca fan.
3. Muse - The Resistance
Muse is epic. End of story.
2. Thrice - Beggars
Thrice is still one of the most innovative bands out there (plus "All The World Is Mad" contains what might be my favorite verse ever written).
1. After Midnight Project - Let's Build Something To Break
I first saw AMP last June at Warped Tour. I only caught 2 songs but I loved what I heard. After their publicist sent me their record, I was hooked. AMP was easily my favorite new band of 2009, and their debut album still gets rotation in my car every week.
Please leave your top 10 in the comments. Tell me why I'm right to include some albums, why I'm wrong to have others listed, and what was left out.
