One is a pretty girl-next-door who has the knack for penning sweet melodies, and the other is a sexy and wildly-unpredictable performer who churns out monster hits.
But only one will reign on Life, Curious' look-back on The Year in Music 2009.
Why the Both of them?
One can say that they are two of the most talked-about (living) artistes this year, whose vocal prowess dominated the music industry. Although both are decidedly different in the elements that make them successful, their combined star-power is blinding to say the least.
It would be an understatement to say that they are talented (both write their own chart-topping songs), as talent alone wouldn't be enough to survive in the current cut-throat climate of the industry. One would have to score well in the looks department (either sweet-prettiness or sexiness bothering on insanity), and have song-hooks that will keep the consumers buying.
These two females have excelled in every way possible, and it would be almost impossible to find another solo artiste half as successful as each of them in the year of 2009.
The Country Lass With The Radio-Friendly Songs
If you thought that sing-and-strum records are no longer economically-viable, think again. Bursting onto the scene with the country-pop hit Teardrops On My Guitar, there is definitely no looking for this earnest female singer ever since.
2009 saw her 'swiftly' sweeping major awards at her genre's definitive accolade: The Country Music Awards, and even beating out the late Michael Jackson to clinch the Artiste of the Year at the American Music Awards.
And who can forget the 'heartless' embarrassment by Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards? Heck, even the President of the United States was on her side, calling him a "jack-a**".
Notable Discography:
- Love Story
- You Belong With Me
- Crazier
- Two Is Better Than One (duet with Boys Like Girls)
- Fifteen
- Untouchable
Plus the fact that she's dating one of the hottest 'werewolf' in town, Taylor Lautner, can the female Taylor be Life, Curious' top artiste of the year?
We'll weigh the odds against her strongest competitor:
The Next MadonnaThe headliner I chose for this 'lady' sums it all up: arguably an even more outrageous chameleon than Madonna, I've always thought that this shape-shifter - with her club-banging tunes - is poised to be this generation's definitive artiste.
Just Dance, like all her hard-hitting dance anthems, helped this multi-talented woman to explode onto the music scene.
From fake-stabbing herself and bleeding on-stage to setting a grand piano on fire during a performance at the American Music Awards, she got us all going 'Gaga' with her antics, but never-forgetting to entertain us with those sickeningly-catchy songs.
Her out-of-this-world music videos are becoming a must-watch, after Paparazzi and Bad Romance proved that high-fashion plus a dose of insanity can make highly-addictive videos.
Notable Discography:
- Just Dance
- Pokerface
- Lovegame
- Paparazzi
- Bad Romance
- Telephone (feat. Beyonce)
- Speechless
Although there are all the seemingly-ridiculous rumours of her being a she-male still swimming around, there is no stopping this famed 'workaholic' from becoming music royalty. Speaking of which, Lady Gaga recently performed for Her Majesty, The Queen of England, at a gala-concert. So few have had that privilege.
So.. now for the inevitable question:
Who's the pick for Life, Curious' Artiste of the Year?
*cue drum-roll*
*APPLAUSE!*The result becomes rather indisputable when you're going to be taking over Madonna's reign. Well, it is only this humble blogger's opinion, so please don't get upset whatsoever. But if you've been rooting for her all along, cheers! =D
In any case, Taylor Swift is also one of my favourite artiste so far. She's talented, beautiful and spunky. With her legions of fans all over the world, she's definitely here to stay =)
~
And here's a look-back at the rest of 2009's music greats!
The Tunes:I Gotta Feeling, Boom Boom Pow
What's Up:
Spending a record-breaking 20 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, these two massive hits from The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies) album are the definitive anthems of 2009.
The Tunes:If U Seek Amy, 3
What's Up:
Very clever use of wordplay there, Brit. Besides, the suggestive use of the number ups the risque factor by a notch. Remember her singing 'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman'? She's a woman now, for sure.
The Tune:Fireflies
What's Up:
A happy-sounding and catchy pop song with a bit of delightful electronic thrown in the mix, this Billboard #1 song is definitely a different tune among the pack.
Worth A Look:
Watch the psychedelic video here.
The Tunes:Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Halo
What's Up:
After the spectacular performance at the VMAs of her now-famous dance moves from the Single Ladies video, it is certified that she's one of our generation's best 'live' performer. Sasha Fierce's crystal clear vocals are distinct, and she's got a bootylicious body to boot.
The Tunes:Take A Bow, Russian Roulette
What's Up:
After the tumultuous saga of Chris Brown's abuse, Rihanna bounced back hard and stronger than before. Her latest album, Rated R, is a gritty and effective serving of what this tough R&B singer has to offer.
The Tunes:My Life Would Suck Without You, Already Gone
What's Up:
After a dismal experimental third album, the original American Idol stuck to her sure-win formula for her fourth record, All I Ever Wanted, and delivered splendidly. Although netizens were lambasting that her third single, Already Gone, sounds very much like Beyonce's Halo, the hit song is still performing very well on the charts.
Worth A Look:
The Tunes:Mad World, For Your Entertainment
What's Up:
It looks like this dude just keeps pushing the envelope further. While it still remained uncertain whether coming out of the closet during the Idol competition hurt his chances of claiming the title, Adam Lambert is following a tradition where the runner-up is enjoying bigger success than the champion. I still think that he needs to tone-down his antics a little (man-kissing and crotch-trusting on 'live' TV have to stop), but besides that, there is no denying that he is one spectacular performer.
The Tunes:I Told You So (feat. Randy Travis), Temporary Home
What's Up:
This country darling is the kind of girl that guys want to bring home to their parents. The most successful Idol yet, Carrie Underwood is sweet and gorgeous. Combined with her saccharine vocals, we know God must've spent a little more time on her.
The Tunes:Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West), Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)
What's Up:
Besides being known as Mr Beyonce, this A-list rapper and producer is a well-respected guru in the industry. Performing the grand closing act for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, Jay-Z sure knows how to bring the house down.
The Tunes:Thinking of You, Waking Up In Vegas
What's Up:
A slew of hosting gigs - including the massive MTV Europe Music Awards - helped this hot 'lass to achieve increasing heights of fame, even though she's only released one album so far. Her husky voice is memorable, as of her sexy tastes in clothes.
The Tune:Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh)
What's Up:
It's toe-tappin', hand-clappin' fun. One of the more recognisable songs of 2009, this young British singer's debut hit single will surely get everybody singing along.
The Tunes:Know Your Enemy, 21 Guns
What's Up:
After their Grammy-winning American Idiot, this solid punk-
The Tunes:Obsessed, I Want To Know What Love Is
What's Up:
Although Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel didn't do as well as E=MC2 and The Emancipation of Mimi on the charts, her 12th studio album heralded the return of Mariah's ballad-belting old days. The remake of the Foreigner hit is an old-school rendition and a great reminder of the seven-octave singer's vocal power.
Worth A Look:
Check out her 'live' performance at UK's X-Factor here - simply breath-taking.
The Tunes:I Run To You, Need You Now
What's Up:
Probably less emo than Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum is country's next big band. As of the genre, their tracks are extremely listenable. Perfect for a contemplative Sunday afternoon.
The Tunes:Not Fair, F*** You
What's Up:
Her songs are always the catchy ones - but with those oh-so-cheeky lyrics. F*** You is the awesome one where everybody knows but only a few dare to sing along. Radio shouldn't have touched that record (they unceremoniously censored the words, which basically were the best parts). Let's see what this playful lass will come up with next.
The Tunes:Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny), Hush Hush
What's Up:
It's tough when you're more or less the only popular girl group left around. But the unstoppable Nicole Scherzinger has led this pop group to dizzy heights with their groovy tracks and sexy dance moves. Doing the English version of the Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire catapulted them to a higher status.
The Tunes:Fame (2009), Out Here On My Own
What's Up:
It's a pity it isn't a spectacular remake, but this 2009 version of the famed musical does pack wonderful songs. Naturi Naughton delivers a heartfelt performance on the soundtrack's best recordings. Thumbs-up for a great effort.
Worth A Look:
~
And SO.
That is just my little list on what I think is the BEST of 2009.
Watch out for the Countdown of Movies of 2009 coming out before the end of the year!
Meanwhile, Happy Christmas everyone!
Take care, people.
No comments:
Post a Comment