2009's best albums are still in the recording and/or production stages. The beginning of the year is the time to pull out the crystal ball and try to see what is coming our way. These are 10 of the most anticipated pop albums for the year 2009.
1. Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
Courtesy RCA
Anticipated Release Date: March 10, 2009.
Kelly Clarkson aims to return to the pop mainstream after her introspective critical, but not commercial, success My December. The first single "My Life Would Suck Without You" has created impressive momentum off the bat being adopted instantly by pop radio.
2. Whitney Houston - Title TBA
Photo by Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date: March 2009.
It has been over 6 years now since the last non-holiday Whitney Houston studio album. It has also been a lifetime of tabloid publicity as well. The strongest rumors yet of an impending release are flying as many expect Whitney to perform at Clive Davis' celebrated pre-Grammy party.
3. U2 - No Line On the Horizon
Courtesy Interscope
Anticipated Release Date: February 27, 2009.
After the longest gap yet between studio albums in the history of U2, No Line On the Horizon should be in stores in late February. Early buzz for the first single "Get On Your Boots" has been mostly positive. Despite early work with producer Rick Rubin, the material to be included on the new album was produced by long-time collaborators with the band Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Steve Lillywhite.
4. Eminem - Relapse
Photo by Bill Pugliano / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date: Spring 2009.
Stories persisted last fall that this new Eminem album would be in stores by the end of 2008. That didn't happen, but, despite no confirmed release date, this album is still expected in the spring. Dr. Dre is at the boards producing.
Details on rumored first single.
5. Green Day - Title TBA
Photo by Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date: April 2009.
Green Day's last studio album, the mammoth American Idiot, is a huge act to follow. The band is seeking to gain positive vibes by recording in the same studio as American Idiot.
6. Christina Aguilera - Title TBA
Photo by Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date: Summer 2009.
According to Christina Aguilera this album will be referencing pop art. Many Aguilera watchers wonder if the electropop of the recent single "Keeps Gettin' Better" is a sign of things to come. Linda Perry is expected to be the primary producer on the project.
7. Daughtry - Title TBA
Photo by Michael Caulfield / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date - Spring 2009.
The band's first album, titled Daughtry, now ranks as the fastest selling rock debut ever and has racked up a total of over 4 million copies sold. Chris Daughtry has announced that the band are working with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder on the project.
8. Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)
Photo by Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
Anticipated Release Date - May 12, 2009.
Black Eyed Peas' last album Monkey Business sold over 4 million copies and generated 3 top 10 pop singles. Since then group member Fergie had one of the most stunning solo debuts of the decade and member will.i.am has become one of the music industry's most in-demand songwriters and producers.
9. Flo Rida - R.O.O.T.S. (Roots Of Overcoming the Struggle)
Courtesy Atlantic Records
Anticipated Release Date: April 7, 2009.
"Low," the debut single by Florida-based rapper Flo Rida, now ranks as the 23rd biggest hit single of all time according to Billboard magazine. Expect more of his masterful blend of hip hop and pop on this upcoming second album.
10. Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You
Courtesy Regal
Anticipated Release Date: February 10, 2009.
The wit and catchy pop melodies of Lily Allen's debut album Alright, Still not only turned her into a pop star, but also brought a number of other female singer-songwriters into the business in her wake. Allen promises a new direction on this second collection.
