Well, 2009 is over, and some great music found its way to my ears this year. Here’s a list and a quick review of my favorite albums of the year (some of them are from late 2008).
Muse – The Resistance
When the music history books are written, this is one of the albums that this decade will be remembered by. The range Muse covers in 11 cuts here is unbelievable, with many of the best progressions in music from the last 10 years weaved into one album. The album opens with the alternative rock anthems “Uprising” and “Resistance”, goes to strings and electronic drums beats in “Undisclosed Desires”, to punk in “Unnatural Selection,” and closes with a three part symphony. Bellamy departs from his usual ambiguous lyrics writing. Many songs have an obvious node to themes from Orwell’s 1984 mixed with songs written intimately about love and relationships.
UnderOATH – Lost In The Sound Of Separation
In Genesis 32, Jacob spends a night wrestling with God; and he emerges with an entirely new perspective of Him. This album is that story told through the words, hearts and experiences of Chamberlain and Gillespie. Beautiful raw honesty abounds and the band brings a sound that is powerful, more raw than 2006’s Define The Great Line. It draws you in from the first note and keeps you to the final scream and ring of the guitar. The album is arranged perfectly; mellow interludes with Gillespie’s singing contrast Chamberlain screams and heavy instrumentation at all the right moments.
MuteMath – Armistice
MuteMath wrote a follow up to their 2006 self-titled album, recorded it, and then threw it away. Then they wrote Armistice. Meany said their goal was to “embarrass” their last album (which was pretty good in its own right), and well, they did a pretty good job. Every member of MuteMath is ridiculously talented on their own, and they come together to make an album that is eclectic, yet cohesive. Meany’s lyrics are as always intelligent, raw, inspiring, and introspective. If you buy one album from this list, get this one.
As Cities Burn – Hell or High Water
As Cities Burn’s final release comes out as strong as their previous two. A studio version of “Gates,” a song usually reserved for the encore of their live performances, ends the record. Gates weaves together an instrumental version of a hymn, Bonette’s thoughts on grace and worship, and a modified version of the chorus of “Love Jealous One, Love.” The previous nine tracks are just as strong, bringing the widest range of sounds of any ACB record. Former lead vocalist T.J. starts off the album screaming, and Bonnette delivers a fresh dose of his spiritually challenging lyrics, words that make me continue to listen to all of ACB’s records over and over again.
Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome
Webb departs from his folksy past and delivers an album defined by its progressive use of traditional and electronic instrumentation. It doesn’t quite sound like anything I’ve heard before. Lyrically, Webb brings his usual, often controversial self; sharing with listeners spiritual insights and refusing to fit into the CCM box, calling things as he sees them. I’ll refrain from discussing the “What Matters More” controversy in this short summary, though make sure you hear the album with that song included.
Jars of Clay – The Long Fall Back To Earth
On this record, Jars Of Clay makes a much needed departs from the comfortable sound that they have established over the years; mixing a warm range of layered guitars, electronic beats, and synths, all rooted by many of the tried and true Jars of Clay elements. Haseltine’s lyrics are personal, straying away from big ideas, but instead sharing individual experiences from his relationships.
Hillsong United – Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls
Hillsong United is far from your typical worship band. Their newest album has no obvious hits, and I love that, just 70 minutes of the anthems of God’s people, written by a group who understands and is leading a new generation of worshippers. The freedom Christ brings our life is a theme threaded through the entire album, recorded live all over the world. Hillsong United isn’t okay with their shows only impacting the people in the arena; this year they started a new project called I-Heart; inspiring, making aware, and connecting a new generation of Christians to fight injustice.
Honorable Mentions
And albums I haven’t listened to enough yet to review.
Thrice – Beggars
Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane
The Almost – Monster Monster
Danyew – Danyew EP & Wake Up EP
Seabird – ‘Til We See The Shore
Owl City – Ocean Eyes
Phil Wickham – Heaven And Earth