My 2009 Music Year-in-Review

Here are the songs that will remind me of the year that was 2009. For those who don’t know yet, I’m a big fan of pop and dance music so don’t expect a lot from the rock or even the hip-hop genre here. Not all these songs were actually 2009 releases but who’s complaining?

Smooth Criminal, Jam and Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson
Almost everyone suddenly became a fan of MJ this year. I will list all of his singles here if I could but these are just the top 3 of my favorite MJ songs.

Fire Burning – Sean Kingston
I can’t stop listening to this song. Well, what do you expect? It’s produced by RedOne. Same person who did Gaga’s biggest hits: Just Dance, Poker Face and Bad Romance. It’s reported that he’ll produce for Ace of Base this 2010. Now that’s something to look forward to, or not.

How Do You Sleep – Jesse McCartney
Okay, here can you laugh. Leavin’ was a great song but this? With Ludacris? How can anyone like this song? How do you? How do you sleep?

Love Story (Digital Dog Remix) and You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
I was never really a fan of the original mix of Love Story but Digital Dog changed my opinion about this song. And You Belong With Me is just… too cheesy and cute for words. I’ve listened to the rest of her album and I can see 2010 becoming a great year for her too.

Paparazzi (Demolition Crew Remix), Just Dance and Poker Face – Lady Gaga
This Paparazzi remix is just sick! No need to justify the other 2 songs. Gaga has great hit-making producers. Why no Bad Romance? I’ve hyped that song so much that I’m now sick of hearing it. Telephone’s my new Gaga jam now.

Viva La Vida (Eddie Baez Club Anthem) – Coldplay
Epic remix for an equally epic song! I get chills just a few seconds into it.

Insomnia (Haji & Emanuel Club Mix) – Craig David
The original version’s boring and dull compared to this awesome remix perfect for a club’s dancefloor.

Sweet Dreams – Beyonce
One of the songs last year with the best beats! Where’s the instrumental?

Meet Me Halfway – The Black Eyed Peas 
One of the few decent songs from their latest album. Fergie’s sultry voice and the great hook makes this song really addicting.

Mannequin, Amnesia and Phonography – Britney Spears
So disappointed with her releases this year. The awful song and video “3″ was just the last straw. Any of these 3 songs (with a great video) would have easily beaten Bad Romance to the top of the charts.

Ain’t Got Rhythm and Gitchee Gitchee Goo – Phineas & Ferb
These are just 2 of the best songs from the #1 cartoon musical this year! Haha!

Sorry, Sorry – Super Junior
The only K-Pop song this year which I can shout proudly that I love! It’s also the only dance song this year which I desperately tried to learn to dance.

Tomodachi ni Modorenai – JAG-TOY
The only anime song in this list! I miss Time Quest! Anyone have the full series?

Battlefield – Jordin Sparks and Ryan Tedder
I still can’t decide which version I like more but this is a great song regardless.

A Little Too Not Over You – David Archuleta
My favorite song of this American Idol finalist. Great lyrics too.

Me Without You and Switch – Ashley Tisdale
She should definitely consider releasing these two songs. The first one’s a powerful ballad while the second song is a very catchy pop tune that has a sharp rock edge to it.

Already Gone – Kelly Clarkson
In some ways, it’s better than Beyonce’s Halo. I don’t get why are people fussing so much about the similarities. Ryan Tedder is a great producer.

Don’t Stop Believing (Breakbeat Mix) -  B And G Project feat. GL
I absolutely hate the version from that GLEE show. They butchered a great song. This dance remix is loads better than that abomination teens are listening to now.

Jai Ho! -  A.R. Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls
I like both the PCD version and the A.R. Rahman-only version. Nicole would actually make a great Indian singer.

Star ng Pasko (ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2009) – ABS-CBN Stars
Great Christmas song + Beautiful and timely music video = ???

Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
I fell in love with this Christmas song last year and I loved it even more this year. I started blaring it in my stereo as early as September!

Little Drummer Boy – Josh Groban
A very unique rendition of this Christmas classic. Probably the best version out there.

Prayer of Rupert Mayer – Bukas Palad
Just one of the many songs from this Catholic choral group I listened to non-stop this year.

Lord I Offer My Life To You
A beautiful Christian song where the artist is still a great mystery to me.

On Bended Knee – Boyz II Men
When – Shania Twain
I’m All About You – Aaron Carter
Girl You Know It’s True – Milli Vanilli
I’ve rekindled my love for 80s and 90s songs this 2009. Most of the artists these days just seem to churn out the same sexified songs to sell and it’s getting worse each year. The ones listed above are just a few of those older songs which I played quite a lot this year.

Honorable Mentions:
Fireflies – Owl City
Halo – Beyonce
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
Down – Jay Sean featuring Lil Wayne
Straight Through My Heart – Backstreet Boys

For a more comprehensive look at what transpired in the music scene last year, read “2009 in music” on Wikipedia.

This year, I think I’ll listen to more 90s songs even the old school OPM love songs! I also plan to check out the old anime songs again. People can no longer ridicule me for listening to Japanese songs now that K-Pop has invaded the country. I still prefer J-Pop music though.

Oh, and I think I’ll also buy Bukas Palad’s new album sometime this year. Cheers to more great music this 2010!

Check out my Last.fm profile too: http://www.last.fm/user/littlewolf