In what seemed like just the blink of an eye, it’s hard to believe 2009 was already a decade ago! Step into a time machine with the FanLabel staff, and let’s take a listen to 10 albums turning 10 this year.
Rihanna – Rated R
The singer’s fourth album, “Rated R” is where Rihanna was able to branch into music with inspirations from rock, dubstep and hip-hop. The album featured the singles, “Rude Boy,” “Russian Roulette,” and “Hard,” debuting at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and eventually going double-platinum.
Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day
“Man on the Moon: The End of Day” was Cudi’s debut studio album, with three of the biggest singles being, “Day ‘n’ Nite,” “Make Her Say,” and “Pursuit of Happiness.” It debuted at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 as well as the U.S. Rap albums chart.
Florence + The Machine – Lungs
“Lungs,” the debut album from U.K. indie band Florence + Machine, marked a big point in the growing popularity of alternative music at the end of the decade. Memorable singles include, “Dog Days are Over,” “Kiss With a Fist,” and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up).” It peaked at No. 1 on the U.K. charts, and No. 14 in the U.S.
Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster
“The Fame Monster” is a work that followed up Gaga’s debut album, “The Fame.” Originally planned as a deluxe edition of her debut, it was released as its own work given how Gaga claimed the new songs stood out on their own. Notable singles from this work are “Bad Romance,” “Telephone,” and “Alejandro.” It was nominated for six Grammys, charted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, and was certified platinum by January, 2010.
Paramore – brand new eyes
A defining album in Paramore’s career, “brand new eyes” was praised for its maturity, and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. They even landed a Grammy nomination for the song, “The Only Exception.” Other significant songs off the work include, “Ignorance,” “Playing God,” and “Brick by Boring Brick.”
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
“It’s Blitz!” was the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ third album, acclaimed by critics and fans alike. The work brought new sounds to the band’s repertoire, with influences from pop and disco. The album’s singles, “Zero,” “Skeletons” and “Heads Will Roll,” earned them plenty of mainstream attention, especially with a A-Trak Remix of the latter being featured in the film “Project X.”
St. Vincent – Actor
Annie Clark (a.k.a. St Vincent) released “Actor” with widespread praise for its complex melodies and immaculate arrangements. It also marked a turning point for the artist, diving into her signature distorted guitar sound we know and love – mixed with Disney-score-inspired elements unique to the project. Notable songs include “Actor out of Work” and “Marrow.”
Ingrid Michaelson – Everybody
Ingrid Michaelson’s fourth album, “Everybody,” featured organic pop arrangements and the overlying theme of love. The singer recorded most of the album at a studio, but ended up re-recording at her producer’s studio, keeping things pressure-free. Two big singles from the album included the self-titled, “Everybody” as well as “Maybe.”
Shakira – She Wolf
Described as an electropop work with world music influences, “She Wolf” was Shakira’s eighth album, and debuted at No. 15 of the Billboard 200. With beat-focused production, notable singles from the album include, “She Wolf,” “Give It up to Me” and “Gypsy.”
Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3
The rapper’s 11th studio album, “The Blueprint 3” marked a record-breaking moment in Jay-Z’s career – It was also his 11th US No. 1 album. Collaborating with artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Drake, Pharrell and Kid Cudi, the album proved itself as relevant and dominated the charts. Significant tracks include “Run This Town,” as well as “Empire State of Mind.”
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