The year is 2009, your biggest worry is whether or not your crush is “online now!” on MySpace. It seems as though this was the reality for most of us growing up. Today MUSEMAG is shining a light on the monumental indie golden era that erupted that year. 2009 was filled with music for the teenage/adolescent lovesick soul, these were the albums that stuck with us all nearly a decade after their release.
Honorable Mention: The Yippie EP — Never Shout Never
It didn’t feel right finishing the list off without including a band who contributed to my adolescence so so much. Christofer Drew’s band, Never Shout Never, released The Yippie EP on July 3, 2009 — and although it’s not an album, the songs on the project were still just as significant as the ones listed on this list. Tracks like Smelyalata and Bigcitydreams were the soundtrack to my after-school walks to the park. I’m sure this band was just as significant to me as it was to a lot of other’s who found solace in music.
10. It’s Blitz! — Yeah Yeah Yeahs (March 6, 2009)
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were one of the most experimental and exciting bands that seemed to emerge out of nowhere back in 2009. Take a listen to “Heads Will Roll” and you’ll be understand why.
9. xx — The xx (August 14, 2009)
Another band familiar with experimental sounds was The xx. Though I discovered this album through one of my all time favorite films It’s Kind of A Funny Story, it still remains a staple.
8. Lungs — Florence + the Machine (July 3, 2009)
Florence + the Machine dominated charts with their 2009 album Lungs. “Dog Days Are Over” has over 300 million streams on Spotify today, proving that everyone is still obsessed nearly over a decade later. For me, the song transports me to a happy place, not exactly sure where, but it’s filled with love.
7. Humbug — Arctic Monkeys (August 19, 2009)
One of my favorite Arctic Monkeys album has to be Humbug. It proved that Alex Turner was able to steer the band into any direction they wanted. Although I didn’t understand it at the time of it’s release, I understand it now. Songs such as “Cornerstone” and “My Propeller” showed off their ability to make songs about romance in a non cookie-cutter kind of way.
6. The Resistance — MUSE (September 11, 2009)
MUSE’s fifth studio album featured the track we can never forget, “Uprising.” For me, it was something unlike anything i’d ever heard before on the radio. After giving it a listen throughout the years over and over again, I realized that the album itself gave me Queen vibes that I probably wasn’t aware of at the time. As for the song “Uprising,” it was a song that… for lack of better description, just made you feel cool as f***.
5. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix — Phoenix (May 25, 2009)
Perhaps one of the most influential albums of this era has to be Phoenix’ debut album. Tracks like “Liztomania” “1901” and “Lasso” are indie rock staples that will most definitely remain to be so.
4. Raditude — Weezer (November 3, 2009)
Although not one of Weezer’s strongest albums, I’d argue that Raditude is one of their most nostalgic solely because of the opening track- “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.”
3. Cage the Elephant — Cage the Elephant (March 27, 2009)
Cage the Elephant’s debut album was the catalyst for the rest of their success in modern alternative rock. “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” put them on the charts and the band still remains strong today.
2. 21st Century Breakdown — Green Day (May 15, 2009)
21st Century Breakdown was different for Green Day. Although this was the band’s eighth studio album, “21 Guns” proved that they were capable of changing it up and still managed to dominate the charts and radio play across the US. Plus, the album cover is still one of the most memorable today.
- Brand New Eyes — Paramore (September 28, 2009)
The list wouldn’t be complete without Paramore. Brand New Eyes was a defining moment in Paramore’s music career as far as ultimately making them a household name- for all the scene kids and the kids who secretly jammed out to Ignorance on their spare time. Iconic songs were splattered across the album such as, “The Only Exception,” “Brick by Boring Brick,” and “Careful.” Hayley Williams’ lyrical prowess was made clear with this album and she’s held the title of one of our favorite musicians ever since.
Listen to our favorite songs from this list down below ❤
