Megumi’s Best Albums of 2009
2009, like any other year, has its share of really good and really terrible albums. I’ve tried to narrow this down to around 5 albums, like I did last year, but as always, I didn’t end up with 5 albums. All albums on this list I would not hesitate to buy despite the ludicrous prices for CDs in Japan. For the non-Japanese albums on this list, I’m basically saying I’d pay $30 for the album even though standard prices are a lot lower.
Albums are sorted alphabetically by artist name, not by preference.
A Fine Frenzy – Bomb in a Birdcage
This band (of which only the main vocalist, Alison Sudol, is known) is one of my recent favourites. Their debut album was pretty, but lacked quite a bit of variety. This album brings in a poppier, more upbeat side to the band while including some of their more signature sounds from their first album.
Samples: Blow Away| Happier | Electric Twist
G.E.M. – 18…
It’s been awhile since I’ve actually liked an artist from Hong Kong (although G.E.M. is technically from Shanghai… but her music is focused mainly in the Hong Kong area). G.E.M. gives the HK pop scene a long-needed revival last year from her EP, which made my 2008 list and her song “Where did u go”. Her music isn’t particularly super original in the overal world music scene, but she boy does she have a voice. While I find a lot of Hong Kong singers really boring, G.E.M. not only has soul, she writes her own lyrics. Her debut album continues her streak of addictive music and lovely ballads. While looking for videos for this post, I just realized I missed her coming to Toronto. :(
Samples: All About U | Game Over | A.I.N.Y. (愛你) | 想講你知
Kalafina – Seventh Heaven
Unlike FictionJunction’s earlier self-cover release, which was a bit of a mixed bag for me, Kalafina’s debut album features a more solid vocal performance from all the members of the group and probably one of the strongest group vocal work from a Japanese group for awhile. Kajiura Yuki plays on the strengths of all three of the girls’ distinctive voices. As usual from Kajiura, we get her distinctive style of songwriting. It’s been awhile since I was THIS excited for a Kajiura release.
Samples: SPRINTER | oblivious (Live) | 夏の林檎
KOKIA – KOKIA∞AKIKO ～balance～
KOKIA makes the list again with another mini-album. Granted, I haven’t listened to this as much as I would have liked, but every time I put it on for background music, I’m always in awe at just how beautiful KOKIA’s voice and compositions are. In my mind, there is no doubt that KOKIA has one of the most versatile voices in Japanese music. There’s really not a song that I can think of at the moment on this release that I do not like.
Samples: 花宴 | Infinity (Live) | 道化 (Live)
Rie fu – URBAN ROMANTIC
Even though my reaction to this album was a little less enthusiastic than her past three albums, I really do love the direction she’s heading in despite needing a little bit of fine-tuning (IMO). Nevertheless, Rie fu still has her usual charm, beautiful music with a bit more drastic experimentation this time around. The result is a lovely mix of her acoustic charm with an electronic feel.
Samples: Romantic | Something in my Head | Money Will Love You (English Version)
Vienna Teng – Inland Territory
Vienna Teng’s fourth album is very unlike her first three (but then again, so was her third album). Part of this is because of Alex Wong’s production. The result is an excellent package of unique songs with Teng’s usual soothing voice and excellent writing.
Samples: Antebellum (Live) | Stray Italian Greyhound (Live) | Grandmother’s Song (Live)
Notable Mentions:
4minute – For Muzik
BENI – Bitter & Sweet
Davichi – Davichi in Wonderland
Dew – Present
LOVE – Confetti Love Songs
Onitsuka Chihiro – DOROTHY
I SPY Onitsuka Chihiro <3333333