Okay, so 2009 is not over yet. I know this, you know this. But, it’s June, and that marks the halfway point. With the first half of 2009 behind us I began to think of all the extremely dope music I’ve heard this year. Unlike 2008, this year has given me some amazing albums to throw myself into. Mos Def, The Pet Shop Boys, Chris Cornell, Leela James, good music seems to be going around these days. If the first half is any indication of whats to come my full list in December is going to be banging! But until then, I decided to make a list of the best albums of 2009–so far.

15. “Love Vs. Money” by The Dream

When The Dream said this album is “gonna be the same thing – a little more beefed up,” he was as serious as a heart-attack. “Love vs. Money” takes the highlights of his last album, improved them, and took it to the extreme. And it’s still dope. Check out the Prince inspired “Fancy” or the Kanye West assisted “Walkin’ on the Moon,” The Dream has found his formula, what works, and he’ll wear it out until we’re ready to stop saying “Ay” every time a song he wrote comes on. And as long as he keeps making good songs, I doubt we’ll care.

14. “Dusk” by Malik Yusef

Spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s first album Dusk, released on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label, is definitely a “Dusk” album, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Not even close. This is unaletered, unfiltered, plain ol’ good music. The first song “Too Knight (The Underworld),” with an heavenly sounding Jennifer Hudson is amazing. Track for track, the album although not centered on Malik’s poetry, mainly focuses and relies heavily on it’s guests which feature the aforementioned Oscar winner, Common, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, John Legend,  and a slew of other indie artists and rappers. Even with all this help the album is as cohesive as chewed gum, and as a enjoyable as a new piece.

13. “Talk Strange” by Dert

This album actually was released online Dec 31st, but it’s still deserves to be on this list. Even without lyrics Talk Strange is an amazing album you can listen to over and over. Especially if you’re a fan of Bjork since Dert has chosen to rework Bjork songs to create instrumentals. Emcees and Bjork fans if you missed out on this I don’t know what to tell you.

12. “It’s Not You It’s Me by Lilly Allen

This is art pop at it’s best. Lily Allen had a lot to prove with this album. After the creative, personal, and record label issues she suffered in 2008. But this album, as poppy and light, but with subject matter as deep as an ocean, this album is a testament to everything Allen has been through. Expect her to get a GLADD award for her song “Fuck You,” which takes more than a few jabs at former president George Bush.

11. “Let’s Do It Again” by Leela James

Let’s Do It Again is singer-songwriter Leela James‘  second studio album released on March 24, 2009 by Shanachie Records. The album is a collection of cover versions of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s R&B songs (with the exception of The Rolling Stones‘ “Miss You” and Foreigner‘s “I Want to Know What Love Is“), and its title is a reference to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name, whose title track, performed by The Staple Singers, is also covered on this album. As she says at the end of the album, Let’s Do It Again “takes you back, but moves you forward,” and isn’t that what some really good music can do?

10 . “How To Be A Lady Vol 1.” by Electrik Red

Although this could be considered The Dream’s third album, he makes great music, so I can’t complain, Electrik Red came as a bit of a shock to me. But a good one. The Dream has crafted pop genius, don’t believe me? Take one listen to the high-energy “Kill Bill” or the witty kiss-off “W.F.Y.” These songs would make Vanity Six blush. And for that alone, this album is worth a listen people.

09. “The E.N.D.” by The Black Eyed Peas

I didn’t really like “Boom Boom Bap” when it first came out. I loved the “2000 and late” line, but the song was boring. But after hearing the album, which compliments and heightens that track, I listen to it repeatedly. The Black Eyed Peas have surprised me once again. They’ve perfected the art of making near-perfect pop songs. Thanks in big part to will.i.am’s penchant for producing amazing dance tracks. Take a listen to the Madonna inspired “Meet Me Halfway” or the tongue-in-cheek “Ring-A-Ling” or the near spastic “Imma Be.” What I like about this album, is although its mostly brainless dance pop, and i do mean BRAINLESS. They end it on a high-note, taking it back to their pre-Fergie consciousness music. You gotta love The Black Eyed Peas, although it’s seeming more like the will.i.am and Fergie show now.

08. “Ray Guns are not just the Future” by The Bird and The Bees

Why The Bird and The Bees aren’t huge right now is beside me. This is music that sounds big, it should be. Check out their adorable track “Polite Dance Song” or their incredible Summer track “Love Letter To Japan.” What I love most about them, is they mix indie/alternative music with dance hip-hop and it’s all held together by lead-vocalist Inara George’s almost child-like musings.

07. “Love The Future” by Chester French

The only thing not to like about Chester French’s debut album Love The Future is the confusing album cover. The music itself is amazing–part Beach Boys and part N.E.R.D.–every track is quirky, honest and downright danceable. This is a perfect summer time soundtrack. Chester French are the coolest white-boys in Hip-Hop and they make rock music–sorry Drake and Asher Roth.

06. “Yes” by Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys aren’t most dance artists. Their new album, Yes stays true to the untainted dance music they created in 80’s and throughout the 90’s. Click here to read my full review of Yes.

05. “El Radio” by Chris Garneau

Whoever said piano and pop don’t mix haven’t heard of Chris Garneau. This eclectic record has an eerie tone that features instrumental tracks reminiscent of movie soundtrack music and Tin Pin Alley style songs. This is the work of a musician unafraid to go there. Check the tear-jerkers “Cats and Kids” or “The Leaving Song” for highlights. If this is Garneau’s version of the radio, I’m all for it.

04. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

Although this album is different from what you’d expect from a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, it’s still true to the sound of the band. It’s Blitz is everything you want from a more upbeat Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Produced by Nick Launay, the New-York based band’s third album, marks a turning point for Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s epic music, coupled with reflective lyrics.

03. “Living Thing “by Peter Bjorn and John

In 2007, their track “Young Folks” was inescapable. “Living Things” has many tracks that might be that way in 2009. More upbeat than it’s predecessor, this album focuses on icy textures and synthesizers. Despite the electronic influences, this is like the title suggests a human “living thing.”

02. “The Ecstatic” by Mos Def

Crowds heard tracks from Mos Def produced by Madlib and Oh No throughout live shows leading up to the album’s releases the New York emcee performed. With features from Slick Rick, Talib Kweli and production by Mr. Flash and the late J. Dilla “The Ecstatic” is an album made for Hip-Hop fans.

01. Chris Cornell- Scream

Chris Cornell’s “Scream” is a Timbaland produced jam session that you must hear. Click here for my full review on this album.