This Wednesday’s #YALitChat on Twitter had the theme “Bests of 2009 in YA: Books, Music, Movies, TV, Anything!”
I’ve been thinking ever since.
So, to finish out 2009, here are my own lists of The Bests of 2009, one a day until it’s time to party like it’s ten years ago.
Best New Music of 2009
- “Jump,” Glee Cast (cover of Van Halen)
\”Jump\” (Glee Cast) HQ on YouTube
I don’t know if any song in 2009 makes me happier than this one. I’ve said that about many a Glee song, because the show — and its music — just keep impressing me more, but this has been the pinnacle in my opinion. I have to dance in my seat when I hear it.
- “Fireflies,” Owl City
\”Fireflies\” (Owl City) on YouTube
Who isn’t including this song on their 2009 countdowns? Pure whimsy in musical form.
- “Shades of Gray” by Open Till Midnight
I am a huge fan of Open Till Midnight. This song is supremely easy to listen to on repeat and is beautiful, poetic lyrics and a catchy hook that are indicative of the band’s style on the whole.
- “Brick by Boring Brick” by Paramore
\”Brick by Boring Brick\” (Paramore) on YouTube
I love Paramore’s lyrics, Hayley Williams’ voice (and name!), and the soundscape of their songs, as well as most of the other acts on the Fueled by Ramen label. I’m that person.
- “F*cking Lights,” Sam Bradley & the Men
\”F*cking Lights\” (Sam Bradley & the Men) on YouTube
Clearly not the style of music I listen to most often, but I love Sam Bradley’s voice and the guitar part to this song. I wish I could find a cleaner recording than this.
- “World War III,” Jonas Brothers
\”World War III\” (Jonas Brothers) on YouTube
I like the Jonas Brothers even though I am in my twenties. Their music is fun, and so are their concerts, and I will publicly admit that when I saw them this summer, I yelled “MARRY ME, NICK JONAS!” four times. And texted their big screen-thing.
- “America’s Suitehearts,” Fall Out Boy
\”America\’s Suitehearts\” (Fall Out Boy) on YouTube
The album came out in 2008, but the single was released in 2009, therefore giving me an excuse to slip Folie a Deux into my countdown list. This album is pure genius, as are most things Fall Out Boy, and I love the topsy-turvy poetry of Pete Wentz’ lyrics. This song is no exception, although the video creeps me out a little bit. It’s also very similar to the “Brick by Boring Brick” video.
- “Let Me (Get It) [Acoustic Viafore Mix],” statespeed
There aren’t any online sources to listen to this mix of the song, which is vastly superior to its electrified version, and that’s a shame. It’s a lovely, simple song by a lovely band.
- “Party in Your Bedroom (Acoustic),” Ca$h Ca$h
\”Party in Your Bedroom (Acoustic)\” (Ca$h Ca$h) on YouTube
Please kindly ignore that this is a fanvideo, all of the live acoustic videos were muffled. In terms of feeling, this song reminds me of “Fireflies,” if a bit more cynical. I once accidentally hung out with Ca$h Ca$h at Pete Wentz’ bar all night and ended up on The Real World: Brooklyn. Then I got lost on the subway and ended up in the wrong burrough at 4AM, in a thunderstorm, crying because I was wearing leggings as pants. It was an interesting night. This song is lovely regardless.
- “Remember December,” Demi Lovato
\”Remember December\” (Demi Lovato) on YouTube
Demi Lovato is one of the most impressive musical artists I’ve seen perform live. She is a madwoman onstage, playing three instruments while singing and having great charisma. She’s also cute as a button!
- BONUS: The Beatles 40th Anniversary Digital Rereleases
\”Hey Jude\” (The Beatles) on YouTube
There will never be another band quite like The Beatles.
