Set Your Goals

This will be the death of us

First saw/heard these guys in last 2008 this year on New Found Glory’s EasyCore tour. I fell in love and this album became one of my most anticipated - especially after the awesomeness of lead single ‘The Fallen’.

Fave track:The Lost Boys (Feat. Jordan Pundik)

Annie

Don’t Stop

This album took years to come out so one was already familiar with most of it by the time of its eventual release date only a few months back.

A totally sublime slice of intelligent pop.

Fave Track: I don’t like your band

New Found Glory

Not Without A Fight

My favourite band returned to form with this album. Catchy, bouncy, punchy, pop-punk at it’s best and NFG at their best, too.

Fave Track: I’m The Fool

BWO

Big Science

One of BWO’s finest - yet least successful - albums to date. Nothing prepared me for the utterly gorgeous single ‘Right Here Right Now’ or the equally perfect ‘Rise To The Occasion’.

It’s a shame that ‘You’re Not Alone’ was their “lead” single from this (by being in Melodifestivalen) as it really didn’t showcase their new evolved sound.

Fave track: Rise to the occasion

Anti-Flag

The People Or The Gun

Previous album ‘The Bright Lights of America’ was less memorable than it should’ve been, but the recession and misplaced financial help for those responsible for causing it lead to one of Anti-Flags best albums.

Fave track: The Economy Is Suffering… Let It Die

Better Luck Next Time

Entire Discogaphy

Okay, neither of their albums were released in 2009 but i only discovered them in 2009 and they’ve fast become one my favourite bands ever.

They do have a new album out right now - was released boxing day in Japan - but i’ve yet to get hold of a copy, so for now i’ll just praise their entire work.

Fave track: Without you,

Danny

Set Your Body Free

Again this isn’t technically a 2009 album - it was released in late December 2008 - but i only got hold of it in January.

Building upon his winning formula of male dance-pop, this album was a lot more consistent than his first, but did lack any big “singles” outside of Number 1 ‘radio’ - hence it’s relative failure back in Sweden.

Fave track: Schizophrenia

Sarah Dawn Finer

Moving On

My personal winner of Melodifestivalen 2009 was Miss SDF herself.

Sexy, sassy and vocally fantastic, her second album showcases a bit more of her personality than her first (which is equally as good, though!).

Fave track: Standing Strong

Fischerspooner

Entertainment

Another album a long time in coming, but arguably Fischerspooners’ finest work to date.A perfect blend of previous albums - with the electrolash vibe of #1 much more present on this than their previous album.

Fave Track: We Are Electric

Lili Och Susie

Nu Och Då - Det Bästa Med Lili & Susie

Don’t scream “wtf?!” at me - i know this is an odd choice, but i fell in love with the boderline-OAP 80’s popstars during Melodifestivalen and this “best of” compilation has some real gems on it.

Fave track: Oh Mama

Other honourable mentions

Bowling For Soup - Sorry For Partin’

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

Cash Cash - Take It To The Floor

All Time Low - Nothing Personal

Strike Anywhere - Iron Fist

Erik Hassle - Hassle

Go:Audio - Made Up Stories (2009)

La Roux - La Roux