TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2009

10. Maxwell - Blacksummer's Night

It had been 8 years since Maxwell had released any material, and shockingly enough an Al Green tribute performance at the BET Awards reintroduced Maxwell to the world. Several months later, Maxwell took the music world by storm with the release of his break-up anthem "Pretty Wings" preceding the release of his 4th studio album, Blacksummer's Night, a throwback masterpiece embodying the elements of a classic Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield classic.

9. Wale - Attention: Deficit

D.C. is finally on the map with the release of this LP. Newcomer Wale first garnered attention on the mixtape scene; with time, Hip-Hop heavyweights such as Jay-Z and Kanye West began to take notice. Without resting on their coat tails, Wale used their association to put out his almost classic debut Attention: Deficit, a unique blend of conscious rhymes fused with dope beats that incorporate a multitude of different genres, coming across as eclectic and fresh!

8. LeToya - Lady Love

Despite weak sales due to lack of promotion and support from Capitol Record's urban division, LeToya Luckett brought the heat with her sophomore LP, Lady Love. The 17 track set is one of the year's most cohesive R&B albums, and definitely doesn't fall into the sophomore slump as the album shows LeToya's growth as an artist and vocalist.

7. Ryan Leslie - Ryan Leslie

Producer and songwriter Ryan Leslie had already made a name for himself throughout the music industry for his signature production style in which he created exotic, pulsating, and cosmic songs with mass appeal. After a few set backs, He finally released his debut album during the 1st quarter of the year. Despite weak sales and lack of promotion from his label, the 12 track set is undeniably great, and further exemplifies Ryan's genius and unique approach at music. Each record has its own identity, yet still maintain the Leslie signature. Check it out!


6. The-Dream - Love V/S Money

Although The-Dream usually creates larger hits for other music heavy-hitters, he still manages to create cohesive R&B albums that keep commercial appeal, without sacrificing creative ingenuity. Some listeners and critics fault The-Dream for his limited vocal abilities and overt commercialism, no one can deny this amazing set. Dream does not despite listeners from his debut set by continuing where he left off. Lyrics filled with drama and beats heavy on synths and keys fill this cohesive set that really shows The-Dreams growth as an artist and signature style.

5. Amerie - In Love and War

As an artist, Amerie has had a few big singles like 2002 "Why Don't We Fall In Love," and the 2005 smash "1 Thing," but she always manages to fall into obscurity shortly after for no apparent reason. There is no doubt that Amerie has legit vocal chops and a great presence, key superstar attributes;yet Amerie always manages to float under the radar. In Love & War is arguably one of the best R&B albums of the year for its sheer cohesive and progressive sound, yet know one really knows that. Hopefully, Def Jam will realize this set is a true gem and really pack some might behind their promotional efforts for this album.

4. Trey Songz - Ready

Single after Single, Trey Songz has presented variety and a new confidence with his third LP, Ready. With impressive sales and increased notoriety in both the R&B world and Hip-Hop world, Trey is really transitioning into a superstar. Every rapper wants a Trey hook, and every diva with careers almost older than Trey himself (i.e. Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, etc.) have summoned the singer for duets. As the new decade approaches, Trey could seemingly dethrone Usher as the new R&B king-pin.

3. Electrik Red - How to Be a Lady Vol. 1

Who would have thought that The-Dream's group would release a debut album that was better than his sophomore effort in the same year? Manifested from an 80's sound reminiscent of girl groups such as Prince's Vanity 6 and Rick James' Mary Jane Girls, Electrik Red emerges as an auxiliary group with potential to stay. Their songs are catchy, fun, edgy, and fearless, touching on subjects that definitely push the envelope in a manner that does not beat around the bush, just like TLC in previous years. Vocalist Naomi Allen grunts most of the vocal work on this album with her smooth, controlled alto, giving the group's music a unique sound on every record, especially the slow jams.

2. Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom

Just when the music world least expected, Alicia Keys dropped her fourth studio LP, The Element of Freedom, arguably the best R&B album of 2009, hands down! Alicia Keys was in love when she recording this album, without a doubt, and finally she commits 100% to every song and every lyric. In addition, her musical make-up has changed as well, sounding less urban and more alternative, creating an album that could c0-exist as the updated version of a Roberta Flack or Carol King masterpiece album from the 70's.

1. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

HOVA has did it once again, and cements himself as the "Greatest Rapper Alive" without fail. Few artist can deliver time and time again, and manage to keep their brand alive without conforming to every new musical trend. As Mary J. Blige has said in many interviews, "Jay-Z is truly like the Marvin Gaye of Hip-Hop." The Blueprint 3 is fresh, but still gives listeners a nostalgic feeling. Every track stands on its own as a potential single, as the album plays out in sheer cohesiveness.