Record sales may suck, but with that labels are letting artists be themselves, because now a days that is selling. Look at Lady Gaga. 2009 has been a great year for music. Here’s our list of the best albums of 2009.

Honorable Mentions: “Umsindo” by Georgia Anne Muldrow, “How To Be A Lady Vol 1.” by Electrik Red, “Talk Strange” by Dert, “Splitting The Atom” by Massive Attack, “Ellipse” by Imogen Heap, “Anjulie” by Anjulie

25. “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

24. “G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D Night” 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.

23. “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.

22. “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

21. 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.

20. Corinne Stevie – The Other Sistah
From the trippy intro song “Lyrical Ambassador” to the Little Dragon inspired “Turn Left,” The Other Sistah is eight tracks of ear candy. The EP features production from Spree Wilson, Amon Tobin and Miss Stevie herself.

19. Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Whitney Houston’s return to music had to be good! And her team of producers that included Swiss Beatz, Stargate, Johnta Austin, Alicia Keys, & Akon made sure. I Look To You is one of the best R&B albums of the year and Whitney still proves she’s got something to offer.

18. Chester French – Love The Future
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.

17. Two Fingers – Two Fingers
Producer Amon Tobin’s side project Two Fingers is where hip-hop/pop music is going. Garage sounding, indie, industrial, hard, this is dope music and if you haven’t heard anything from it, find it, now!

16. Shakira – She Wolf
She Wolf finds Columbian beauty Shakira experimenting with electropop and dance music and working with Timbaland and The Neptunes. This brings out nothing but dope track after dope track.

15. The Black Eyed Peas – The END
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.

14. Terry Urban & Gold Chain – Southerngold
Anything Santigold is dope! Mixing Santigold with some of the best Southern Rap songs is even better. Standout tracks include “Nann Lady” which mixes Trick Daddy and Trina’s “Nann Nigga” with Santigold’s “I’ma Lady.” Dope stuff.

13. Little Dragon – Machine Dreams
Little Dragon’s second album Machine Dreams is an improvement on their first. It’s upbeat, danceable and still sincere.

12. GotDion – GotdioN’s Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1
Before there was Harry Potter, before there was Pokemon there was Power Rangers. I grew up in the 90’s so I was of course glued to my television set. I guess Annandale, VA Producer/Emcee GotdioN was too. His first mixtape the “Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1” takes inspiration from the Japanese television show and much like the show these songs feel like it’s from another country. Read the entire review here.

11. Peaches – I Feel Cream
Peaches never seems to disappoint. Her fifth album I Feel Cream is still very much Peaches, but it’s also her most accessible effort. It’s a shame pop music didn’t pick up on this.

10. Rihanna – Rated R
What Rihanna has done in three years most singers haven’t achieved in decades. Hit singles, wealth, scandal–Rihanna is a pop star now and her fourth album Rated R is a staunch acknowledgment. Click here for my full review on Rated R.

09. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People Lazers Do
After their amazing work with Santigold & M.I.A, Diplo and Switch can do no wrong. Their album from their project Major Lazer is a tour de force of their influences of dancehall and dance music.

08. The Bird and The Bees – Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future
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. Basement Jaxx – Scars
Since their debut album Remedy was released almost a decade ago, Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe other wise known as Basement Jaxx have been mixing genres creating a crossbreed genre, that’s one part innovation, one part distinct vocalists, and all around dope tunes. Click here for my full review of Scars.

06. John Mayer – Battle Studies
John Mayer is so soulful. Battle Studies is less concentrated than his last album. But that doesn’t mean it still isn’t dope. Its rare an artist bares their soul like Mayer does.

05. Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts
Noisettes give me my Amy Winehouse fix until she gets off drugs and records another album. This UK band’s work is reminiscent of Winehouse, but their are in their own lane, which I love. Their lyrics are poignant and the lead singer’s vocals are impressive. This is going to get loads of Grammy nods next year.

04. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Kid Cudi’s debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day is what happens when labels let artists be artists. The album is sequenced perfectly, the beats and production are top notch, and all the songs are really enjoyable once you get into the album. Kid Cudi will be around for a while and this album cements that. This dude is the real deal.

03. Lil’ Wayne- No Ceilings
While we don’t have a rock album from Wayne that he promised, this mixtape is even better. It reminds of his Squad Mixtapes he used to do. Weezy goes IN on beats made popular by Gucci Mane, Twista, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and more. His passion is something you can’t take lightly whether or not your agree with what he’s saying.

02. La Roux- La Roux
La Roux’s debut took me by surprise. It’s a throwback to 80′s music like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran but fits perfectly in 2009. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. You won’t be disappointed.

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.