"Day N Nite" was a fantastic single to get the world hyped up about new-to-the-scene KiD CuDi. Unfortunately it did nothing to foretell the clever story that is Man on the Moon. Definitely worth the listen and definitely one of those albums you have to listen to in its entirety and in order.
Highlights:
"Day N Nite (Nightmare)," "Alive," "Up, Up and Away (The Wake and Bake Song)"
"Alive (ft. Ratatat)" - KiD CuDi
14. Cycles - Cartel
Cartel has had a steadily successful career so far, and Cycles is both a fan-pleaser and gives Cartel a real chance at gaining a lot more attention through the radio waves.
Highlights:
"Faster Ride," "Deep South," "Let's Go"
"Let's Go" - Cartel
13. Everybody - Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson, ever the optimistic and smart singer/songwriter, is back with a new batch of superb tunes. Complete with a string section.
Highlights:
"The Chain," "Mountain & The Sea," "Maybe"
"Maybe" - Ingrid Michaelson
12. Humbug - Arctic Monkeys
After their three year-long absence, Alex Turner and the Arctic Monkeys came back with a new style on Humbug. More mature, but so much like the Strokes in that they appeal to (yes, they try to) the youth. And they are still so good at it in their third album.
Highlights:
"Cornerstone," "Crying Lightning," "Dangerous Animals"
"Cornerstone" - Arctic Monkeys
11. Turn It Up - Pixie Lott
Pixie Lott, the newest young UK talent, writes, sings, and dances to all her music. And she's damn good at it. She's also 18 (19 on Tuesday). The US general population doesn't know what it's missing. Warning: Overtly Poppy.
Highlights:
"Mama Do," "Boys and Girls," "Here We Go Again"
"Mama Do" - Pixie Lott
MOVING ON TO THE TOP 10...
10. The Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Jigga came back with a bang and made a comeback from the disappointment that was The Blueprint 2. Great collaborations, sick beats, and Jay-Z at his best.
Highlights:
"Run This Town," "Empire State of Mind," "On to the Next One"
"Run This Town" - Jay-Z with Rihanna and Kanye West
9. Waking Up - OneRepublic
Aside from having a lot of success (and some scandal) in the producing arena, Ryan Tedder is back with the band churning out some really great songs with great beats, and even better cello riffs.
Highlights:
"All the Right Moves," "Secrets," "Marchin' On"
"Secrets" - OneRepublic
8. Everything is New - Jack Peñate
Peñate claims he had been listening to a lot of African percussion and beats, and you can see where it influenced Everything is New. I still want more Adele/Jack collabs.
Highlights:
"Pull My Heart Away," "Be the One," "Everything is New"
"Be the One" - Jack Peñate
7. Picture Perfect - Every Avenue
The singing and the guitar are what drives this band more than anything else. Dave and Jimmie of Every Avenue put together an awesome follow-up to Shh. Just Go With It.
Highlights:
"For Always, Forever," "Mindset," "Tell Me I'm a Wreck"
"For Always, Forever" - Every Avenue
6. Nothing Personal - All Time Low
All Time Low has achieved marginal success before Nothing Personal, but in 2009 they hit gold. And, honestly, it was well deserved. I won't make a bad joke about this being their "All time high." Promise.
Highlights:
"Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)," "Weightless," "A Party Song"
"Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)" - All Time Low
Cue the drumroll, people. The top 5 albums are on deck.
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