Spring Break
Big year ahead for 50 Cent, Lily Allen and Third Eye Blind
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 1/28/09 Section: Focus
Yes, 2008 was a big year in music - "Chinese Democracy" was finally released, Kanye West started singing (and was surprisingly good at it) and a slew of new, young artists like Santogold and MGMT took the charts by storm. So what does the first half of 2009 hold in store for our iPods (and wallets)? Here are 10 albums to be on the lookout for.
1. "It's Not Me, It's You" Lily Allen (Feb. 10)
In 2006, Allen hit it big with her debut album "Alright, Still…," a cornucopia and unlikely pairing of upbeat pop and cynical, potty-mouthed fun. Now, after a mostly silent three years (she released a cover of The Pretenders "Don't Get Me Wrong," a lovely piece of work), she's looking to find similar success in what may be one of the top albums of the year.
The album's lead single, "The Fear," switches the sound up for Allen. Gone is the pop/ska styling of her earlier singles, replaced with a synth-heavy electropop sound. Regardless of the instrumentals, Allen keeps her middle finger up and provides commentary on what you need to do in the media's eyes these days to become rich and famous.
She sings, "I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless / 'Cuz everyone knows that's how you get famous."
2. "Relapse" Eminem (Q1)
It's been a long time since Marshall Mathers has graced our radios. Possibly the highest anticipated rap CD of the year, Slim Shady returns with a Dr. Dre-produced album and five years of pent up rage to let out. While a release date hasn't been set, Eminem himself said on his radio station that the album will be out sometime this spring.
3. "Before I Self Destruct" 50 Cent (Feb. 3)
Over the past few years, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has fallen out of the public's eye. With a failed MTV reality show, losing to Kanye West in their media-circus sales battle and rebellion among his G-Unit crew has left 50 a shell of the gangster he once was. With "Before I Self Destruct," he hopes to change that. Already being delayed once before (50 claimed the time wasn't right), the album boasts a star-studded guest list (including Dr. Dre, Eminem and Nate Dogg) and a serious street mentality that will be sure to catch some attention.
1. "It's Not Me, It's You" Lily Allen (Feb. 10)
In 2006, Allen hit it big with her debut album "Alright, Still…," a cornucopia and unlikely pairing of upbeat pop and cynical, potty-mouthed fun. Now, after a mostly silent three years (she released a cover of The Pretenders "Don't Get Me Wrong," a lovely piece of work), she's looking to find similar success in what may be one of the top albums of the year.
The album's lead single, "The Fear," switches the sound up for Allen. Gone is the pop/ska styling of her earlier singles, replaced with a synth-heavy electropop sound. Regardless of the instrumentals, Allen keeps her middle finger up and provides commentary on what you need to do in the media's eyes these days to become rich and famous.
She sings, "I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless / 'Cuz everyone knows that's how you get famous."
2. "Relapse" Eminem (Q1)
It's been a long time since Marshall Mathers has graced our radios. Possibly the highest anticipated rap CD of the year, Slim Shady returns with a Dr. Dre-produced album and five years of pent up rage to let out. While a release date hasn't been set, Eminem himself said on his radio station that the album will be out sometime this spring.
3. "Before I Self Destruct" 50 Cent (Feb. 3)
Over the past few years, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has fallen out of the public's eye. With a failed MTV reality show, losing to Kanye West in their media-circus sales battle and rebellion among his G-Unit crew has left 50 a shell of the gangster he once was. With "Before I Self Destruct," he hopes to change that. Already being delayed once before (50 claimed the time wasn't right), the album boasts a star-studded guest list (including Dr. Dre, Eminem and Nate Dogg) and a serious street mentality that will be sure to catch some attention.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
??
posted 1/28/09 @ 2:39 PM EST
What about bruce Springsteen? His new album just came out yesterday and he's already had a big year. He's won a golden globe, played on the steps of the Lincoln memorial at the inaugural concert and he's playing the super bowl this sunday followed by a world tour. (Continued…)
Allen Anderson
posted 1/28/09 @ 6:14 PM EST
Are you kidding me? Jay-z at #5? Jay-z is the best rapper out of all the rappers you posted and BP3 is the most anticipated rap album of the year because Jay-z is going back to his Reasonable Doubt style. (Continued…)
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