20 Most Anticipated Albums (to be released in 2009)

#20. David Guetta - One Love - Aug. 25 (US Release)
David Guetta, the French producer/artist behind Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling," has hit techno/dance gold. Collaborations with Akon and Kelly Rowland are the highlight of this album.

"When Love Takes Over" - David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland

#19. Weezer - Raditude - Oct. 27
After their last release, The Red Album, you would think it's high time for Weezer to go back to their roots and end their stay in shallow, but catchy mainstream-dom. But even I'm not sure I want them to leave...

#18. Shakira - She Wolf - Oct. 5
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of the first single and title track, but I have faith – it’s Shakira!

“She Wolf” – Shakira

#17. The Swell Season - Strict Joy - Sept. 29
Irishman Glen Hansard and Czech-woman Marketa Irglova team up again after modest fame and recognition in 2007 when they won an academy award for their song "Falling Slowly" from Once.

"In These Arms" - The Swell Season

#16. Muse - The Resistance - Sept. 14
The talented trio are soon to release, their fifth studio album, which promises to be one of the best rock albums of 2009. Check out their first single, "Uprising"


#15. Brand New -Daisy - Sept. 22
The sophomore album from this quartet will (hopefully) be a great mellow-rock addition to their repertoire.

"Sowing Season" - Brand New (from their first album The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me)

#14. The Gossip - Music for Men - Oct. 6 (US release)
I keep going back and forth on this group between whether I really like them, or think they're annoying. I think they're just a guilty pleasure.

"Love Long Distance" - The Gossip

#13. Jay Sean - All or Nothing
You know when Lil' Wayne agrees to collaborate with you, you're on the fast track. Fore-going the usual Brit-pop techno "takeover", the British-Asian artist adopts the less chaotic US hip-hop style. This sounds convoluted. Just listen to "Down," his debut single.

#12. Boys Like Girls - Love Drunk - Sept. 8
I don't know if their first album was this tweenie and annoying and I've just grown out of it, or if Boys Like Girls has regressed in musical intellect, but the first single, "Love Drunk" gives me much, much less hope for this band. I'd love to see a great album from these guys.

"Love Drunk" - Boys Like Girls

BONUS (or not): “She’s Got a Boyfriend Now” – Boys Like Girls

#11. Colbie Caillat - Breakthrough - Aug. 25
"Falling for You," the first single is another one of my guilty pleasures. Similar to "Bubbly" and "Realize," this new album promises to mix a soul sound with pop.

"Falling for You" - Colbie Caillat

Top Ten …halfway there!
#10. Lil' Wayne - Rebirth - Nov. 24
C'mon?! Who doesn't want to see Lil' Wayne take a stab at rock? “Prom Queen,” which was released back in January is supposedly the first single:

#9. Ingrid Michaelson - Everybody - Aug. 25
Yes, the ukulele queen is back with her most accessible album yet. I heard a story about an incident in the ER while she was in stirrups on the table because of ambiguous "feminine problems." The doc looks up at her face and asks, "Oh my god, are you Ingrid Michaelson?!" Go out and buy Everybody, out this week.

#8. Jay-Z - Blueprint III - Sept. 11
Jay-Z's ELEVENTH studio album, and the third of the Blueprint trilogy, is the hip hop event of the year. that is, unless Dr. Dre actually releases Detox (fat chance). I imagine he’s keen to put the disappointment that was Blueprint II behind him. "Run This Town" by Jay, Kanye and Rihanna is the first single off Blueprint after Rihanna turned it down for her album. Go find it on youtube :)

#7. Cartel - Cycles - Oct. 27
This seriously underrated band may actually hit the radio this time around. It'll be hard to out-do their classics "Lose It" and "Honestly," in my opinion.

"Let's Go" - Cartel

#6. The Summer Set - Love Like This - Oct. 17
Finally, the Summer Set will release their first full-length album! This band has been absolutely outstanding since the beginning when they covered "Love in This Club" (better than Usher). They have 3 EP's to their credit and they'll be touring with Cartel Oct. 22-Nov. 27. Also, Jess Bowen, the only girl, is one hell of a badass drummer.

"Chelsea Chelsea (demo)" - The Summer Set

Top Five …getting there!
#5. - Arctic Monkeys - Humbug - Aug. 25 (US release)
The UK phenomenon finally hits the US this week! Seemingly nonstop touring the past three years has spawned many of the new tunes on this LP, including the breakout hit "Crying Lightning." I'll always have a special place in my heart for Arctic Monkeys for giving those of us in the 505 a shout out, or at least, I like to think so.

"Five Oh Five (505)" - Arctic Monkeys from Favourite Worst Nightmare

#4. Gary Go - Gary Go - Sept. 15
Ok, ok so I really love "Wonderful," we all know this, but I really think Gary Go will go far (haha). Here's more from the man:

"Open Arms" - Gary Go


BONUS: Still awaiting an album announcement from these guys! "15 Minutes" - The Yeah You's

Top THREE …woohoo!
#3. Pixie Lott - Turn it Up - Sept. 14 (UK release)
Pixie, 18, is frequently referred to as "the new Adele," but I have to beg to differ. She's poppier, less soulful, but just as good. I believe (having trouble cross referencing) that she went to the same performing arts school as Adele. Maybe Pixie's a cross of Adele and Duffy? Nevertheless, check these two tracks out.

"Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" - Pixie Lott


"Boys & Girls" - Pixie Lott

#2. Wale - Attention: Deficit - Sept. 22
This D.C. rapper has a bright, bright future ahead of him. This is only the momentous beginning. He should move on from Lady Gaga, though.

"Chillin' " - Wale ft. Lady Gaga

Drumroll, please…

#1. Every Avenue - Picture Perfect - Nov. 2009
I start bouncing on the soles of my feet in excitement when I think about this album. The boys have gotten a taste of how to play the game of showbiz, and I have a feeling that this experience in conjunction with their already amazing material is going to be bombastic. Something to be stoked about.

"Where Were You" - Every Avenue