Like I said in my post for Best Albums of 2009, the quality of music in 2009 was amazing. Narrowing down a list of hundreds of songs to just 34 was tough. But here they are, our favorite songs of 2009.

34. Theophilus London- Humdrum Town
The hook for Chris Cornells’ “Part Of Me” starts with “That Bitch Ain’t a Part of me.” From that moment on you know this is a song worth hearing.

33. Chris Cornell – Part of Me
The hook for Chris Cornells’ “Part Of Me” starts with “That Bitch Ain’t a Part of me.” From that moment on you know this is a song worth hearing.

32. Anjulie – Boom
While Nelly Furtado is doing whatever she’s doing now Anjulie has quitely stepped into her shoes. “Boom” is a smokey track that’s bound to be stuck in your head after hearing it once.

31. FatGums x Bambu – Strapped
FatGums and Bambu make a great duo. Their song “Strapped,” which features a creative vocal sample from Biggie is a standout track for 2009.

30. Melanie Fiona – Give It To Me Right
Melanie Fiona’s “Give It To Me Right” took me by surprise. The sample is so recognizable I didn’t think anyone could make a dope track out of it. Leave it to this vocalist to do just that. It has all the sass and punch to make Beyonce blush.

30. Pet Shop Boys – More Than A Dream
Pet Shop Boys still can make a credible dance-pop song after all these years. “More Than A Dream” should have been a single from their album Yes.

29. Muse – Uprising
Muse frontman Matt Bellamy knows exactly how to take angst and make an anthem out of it. It helps that his voice is as pure as water. “Uprising” is one of the best rock joints of 2009.

28. Tom Foolery – Close Up
I first heard this joint on Bangladesh’s mixtape Passport Music and it’s quickly become a favorite. The track is dope and finds Foolery, who I think is a rapper, outcrooning R&B dudes like Trey Songz, Usher & Drake. Oops. Anyways, this is a pretty dope jam.

27.Black Eyed Peas – Meet Me Halfway
will.i.am is a pop genius and this song proves it. “Meet Me Halfway” is a pop jam that finds Fergie channeling the best of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna.

26. N*E*R*D feat Santigold -Soldier
A N*E*R*D and Santigold collaboration is inevitable and after hearing “Soldier” undeniable.

25. Shannel feat Lil’ Wayne – Play in my Band
Shannel is Lil’ Wayne’s other female artist, and in my opinion, she’s alot doper than Nicki Minaj. Her track “Play in my Band” has the edginess Rihanna tries to have in her new music.

24. Amon Tobin/Ms. Jade – Better Get That

Most people have never heard of Ms. Jade or this song. But it’s doper than dope! Ms. Jade is a beast on the mic and Amon Tobin is a beast on the beats.

23. Q-Tip feat Lil’ Wayne, Raekwon & Busta Rhymes – Renaissance Rap (Remix)
I love hearing emcees eat a beat with the hunger of a homeless man. Q-Tip’s remix of “Renaissance Rap” finds Lil’ Wayne, Busta & Raekwon lyrically demolishing a track.

22. GotDion – Yer Dumb (I’m Fly)
GotDion is a producer/rapper from VA and has promise. If this track “Yer Dumb (I’m Fly)” is any indication, we hope to hear more from him.

21. Gucci Mane feat Plies – Wasted
Gucci Mane is catchy and this song is undeniable.

20. J*DaVeY- Duh, Duh, Duh
Though some people don’t like J*DaVeY doing something this pop, I love it. It’s catchy and fun.

19. Ben Carson – Temptation
Ben Carson is bringing back black rock! “Temptation” finds itself in rotation at least once a day in my home.

18. Jay-Z- Venus Vs. Mars
While Blueprint 3 was an utter disappointment it had it’s two moments. This song was one of them. Makes me reminiscence on days when Jay was the master of wordplay.

17. Imogen Heap – 2 – 1
It’s Imogen Heap, what else is there to say?

16. Major Lazer – Pod de floor’ feat. VYBZ Kartel
I could make a separate list for best beats of 2009 and this would be number one. Major Lazer and VYBZ Kartel bought it with this track.

15. Kid Cudi – Heart of a Lion
This is my theme song of 2009! Kid Cudi knows how to make anthems.

14. La Roux- Colorless Color
This song is a mix of Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, two of my favorite 80′s bands. La Roux’s voice and lyrics make the track that much more enjoyable.

13. Drake feat Trey Songz & Lil’ Wayne – Successful
It took me a while to get into Drake. I’m still not there, but this song is undeniable, whether it’s Trey Songz’ catchy hook or Wayne’s sick but short verse at the end “Successful” is a dope song.

12. Shakira feat Wyclef Jean – Spy
Wyclef needs to make an entire album with Shakira. I swear when these two get into the studio they make magic, and “Spy” is no different.

11. Peaches – Lose You
Who knew Peaches could get soft? “Lose You” is pseudo-ballad that Madonna would have killed to sing.

10. Dirty Money feat The Notorious B.I.G. – Angels
Leave it to Diddy to still be reaping off the success of Biggie. But I can’t deny, “Angels” is a dope track. It’s always refreshing to hear Biggie’s voice, and over this old Jigga beat, this is a winner.

09. Lil’ Wayne – Run This Town (Freestyle)
Wayne is the best rapper alive and this song is proof.

08. Blac Waldo – Kanye West is Dead
Kanye has become a punchline–again. And Blac Waldo has capitalized off it. This song is crazy.

07. Rihanna feat Young Jeezy – Hard
If Rihanna were really hard Chris Brown would be on Diane Sawyer saying “Eff Love.” But, this track is crazy regardless. And Jeezy kills his verse, subliminal shots at Gucci Mane and all.

06. Noisettes- Never Forget You
Until Amy Winehouse comes out with a new album Noisettes will have to do. “Never Forget You” is one of my favorite tracks of their albumWild Young Hearts.

05. Lady GaGa- Bad Romance
Lady GaGa is a free bitch baby! “Bad Romance” gets props for adding everything into one song and still being dope! This is art pop!

04. Amanda Blank feat Santigold – A Love Song
Amanda Blank has been an Art Nouveau favorite for a while now. I’ve been bumping this song since a snippet appeared on the Santigold and Diplo mixtape a while back. The full and finished version is just as good.

03. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Runaway
The voice, the lyrics, the beat, it’s all haunting yet alluring. Yeah Yeah Yeahs have a winner with this song.

02. Janalle Monae- Come Alive
Janelle Monae tries her best James Brown impression on this song and it works. Who else is making music like this? Nobody. I doubt Miss Monae could ever be duplicated.

01. Basement Jaxx feat Maleka, Kelis & Chipmunk- Scars
From the time this song starts its epic. Everything about this song is perfect, the beat, the lyrics, the features! Basement Jaxx prove they are geniuses at dark pop!

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.

1. Lady GaGa – Bad Romance
2. N*E*R*D feat Santigold – Soldier
3. Amanda Blank feat Chuck English – Lemme Get Some
4. Peaches – Billionaire
5. Noisettes feat Christian Rich – Saturday Night
6. Ms. Jade feat Corinne Stevie – Better Get That
7. Janelle Monae – Come Alive
8. Richelle L. Brown – Electric Funky Girl
9. Big Boi feat Gucci Mane – Shine Blockas
10. Jay-Z- Venus vs. Mars
11. Muffy feat Gucci Mane – Get Em Girls
12. Corinne Stevie feat Kara – Mo Ammo
13. Wale feat Pharrell Williams – Inhibitions
14. Kid Cudi – Up Up and Away
15. Timeshare feat Dan Parsons – Do It Again
16. Madonna feat Lil’ Wayne – Revolver
17. Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage
18. Naira feat Riz – Overdrive
19. Telekinetic Walrus and the Pride of Ions – Monocle

Compiled and Mixed by GreatEclectic

Download: October’s Best (Mixtape)