Top songs of 2009
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform together at the 2009 American Music Awards. (Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
My favorite songs of 2009:
1. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind” (Roc Nation): The “New York, New York” of its generation.2. Rihanna, “Russian Roulette” (Def Jam): The year’s most haunting song.
3. Kid Sister, “Right Hand Hi” (Downtown/Universal): Instant dancefloor-filler.
4. Weezer, “Can’t Stop Partying” (DGC): Even the Lil Wayne cameo is streaked with melancholy on this subversive pop gem.
5. Phoenix, “Lisztomania” (Glassnote): Funky French guys? In this case, not an oxymoron.
6. Cheap Trick, “Sick Man of Europe” (Cheap Trick): Tom Petersson’s bass solo is absolutely sick, in the best sense of the word.
7. K’Naan, “T.I.A.” (A&M): Kaynaan Warsame leads a reggae-rap tour of the mean streets back home in Somalia.
8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Heads Will Roll” (DGC/Interscope): “Dance, dance, dance till you’re dead!”
9. Decemberists, “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid” (Capitol): Powerhouse guest vocalist Shara Worden shouts down the heavens.
10. Ida Maria, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” (Mercury): The tune that made summer so much better.
Related:
20 best albums of 2009