by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: November 10, 2009

The "best" is always relative to who is choosing. We were blessed to have so many great albums this year. The artists are to be commended.

BON JOVI - "The Circle," is an album geared to old and new fans. Because this group has been around for over 25 years; the senior followers want to hear. Melinda Newton, editor of Hitfix.com, says one of the tunes; "When We Were Beautiful," is one of the best songs that he and guitarist, Richie Sambora, has ever written. BON JOVI is supposed to be one of the top draws in the world.

U2 - "No Line on the Horizon," according to Robin Hilton, Editor, npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2009; this album stopped her in her tracks. She goes on to say that the bands sounds inspired her.

JOSS STONE - "Colour Me Free," is a hot R&B album with a 70's sound. In fact, she belts one of Stevie Wonder's tunes: "Superstition," according to Greg Schwartz, Editor, Esdmusic.com. Joss is a 22-year old British soul singer. This is her fourth album. The famous Sheila E backs her in vocals on one song.

BARBRA STREISAND - "Love Is The Answer" is absolutely awesome. She also sings with Canadian jazz artist, Diana Krall, with her back-up quartet. The album is a two-disc package with sensual, sophisticated tunes, for example, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Being an eight-time Grammy award winner that we have not heard from for awhile; she continues to render professionalism. The reviews from her website ore overwhelming. (Barbrastreisand.com).

MOS DEF - "The Ecstatic," which is partly sung in Spanish is one of their greatest. (MTV.com).

KELLY CLARKSON - "All I Ever Wanted," although shows vulnerability; it is also empowering.

LILY ALLEN - "It's Not Me: It's You" - Songs of break-ups, make-ups, booze-ups, and forgiveness. (MTV.com)

DIANE BURCH - "Bible Belt" - According to Melinda Newman, Editor, Hitfix.com, Diane sings like a combination of Carole King and Laura Nyro. She sings love songs that make you want to sing along.

BON IVERS - "For Emma, Forever Ago." He sings in a heartbreaking falsetto. According to NPR; Bon Iver has "gently-strummed guitars and layered harmonies." (Npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2009) and (Npr.org/templates/story)

MAXWELL - "Black Summer Night." This is a rhythm and blues album. "A definite crowd pleaser," states Katie Hasty, Editor, Hitfix.com/artists/2009.

You will note that the selection is varied. There are albums to suit everyone's taste.

Learn more about this author, Gloria Edmonson Nelson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.