NUMBER FIVE...KELLY CLARKSON-- "All I Ever Wanted"
RELEASED--March 6th
DEBUTED and PEAKED at #1 (Billboard 200) with 255,000 copies sold.
TOTAL U.S. SALES--797,000?
CERTIFICATIONS--
Australia--Platinum
Canada and UK--Gold
SINGLES--
"My Life Would Suck Without You" (Platinum)
Peaked at #1 (Hot 100)
"I Do Not Hook Up"
Peaked at #13 (Hot 100)
"Already Gone" (Platinum)
Peaked at #20 (Hot 100)
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS--
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album
2009 MTV Video Music Award Nomination for Best Female Video ("My Life Would Suck
Without You")
Pop perfection. That pretty much sums up Kelly’s latest disc. Fans that were turned off by the dark and moody vibes of "My December" should be aware that "All I Ever Wanted" is quite different. While the biting lyrics can still be found, the melodies and beats here are way more uplifting. With production by hit-makers Ryan Tedder, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, Kelly’s album is filled with back-to-back hits. It’s one of those rare albums where no tracks need to be skipped and one can listen completely from beginning to end. Kelly’s voice has never sounded better either; on ballads like ‘Cry’, ‘Save You’, and ‘Already Gone’, it’s made quite clear why Clarkson was chosen as the winner for American Idol’s premiere season. With platinum sales and a current single still on the chart after several months, it’s obvious why Kelly’s album was just nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. Here’s hoping she wins! Kelly Clarkson has also recently begun writing and prepping for her next album due fall 2010.
NUMBER FOUR...AVENTURA-- "The Last"
RELEASED--June 9th
DEBUTED and PEAKED at #5 (Billboard 200) with 47,000? copies sold.
TOTAL Worldwide SALES--N/A
CERTIFICATIONS--
U.S.--(2x) Platinum
SINGLES--
"Por Un Segundo"
Peaked at #1 (Latin Songs Chart)
"All Up 2 You" featuring Akon and Wisin y Yandel
Peaked at #1 (Latin Songs Chart)
"Su Veneno"
Peaked at #1 (Latin Songs Chart)
"Dile Al Amor"
Peaked at #3 (Latin Songs Chart)
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS--N/A
One has to have a ton of moxie to call yourself the "King of" anything. Yet, with their latest album, Aventura has earned the right to be titled the "Kings of Bachata". "The Last" is hands down their best album to date. The album made history during it’s first week of sale when it sold so many copies that it ended up charting on BOTH the Latin Charts AND the Billboard 200, coming in at number 5, and selling more copies than albums by Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Hannah Montana! Since then four singles have been released and ‘The Last’ has been praised by many critics. Aventura gained fame initially for blending R&B melodies with bachata beats, thus creating a new genre in the process called 'bachata urbano'. With their latest, they continue to move into new territories sonically, mixing euro-pop and verses from mainstream U.S. rappers (Ludacris and Wyclef Jean) into a complete and refreshing package. And fans of old school bachata need not worry either, as there are several songs here that still cater to the traditional. “The Last” is a must buy and if you don’t own it already, you should.
NUMBER THREE...MARIAH CAREY-- "Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel"
RELEASED--September 29th
DEBUTED and PEAKED at #3 (Billboard 200) with 168,000 copies sold.
TOTAL U.S. SALES--344,000
CERTIFICATIONS--
UK--Silver
SINGLES--
"Obsessed" (Platinum)
Peaked at #7 (Hot 100)
"I Wanna Know What Love Is"
Peaked at #60 (Hot 100)
"H.A.T.E.U."
Peaked at #72 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart)
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS--N/A
Twelve albums into her career and Mariah Carey still manages to make headlines. First, it was the announcement that "Memoirs..." would forgo the pop and hip-hop sounds of MC’s last disc for a complete R&B vibe reminiscent of her earlier albums. Then it was the explosive first single ‘Obsessed’, which touched on the recent comments rapper Eminem had been making about her and became a summer smash, as well as Mariah’s biggest club-banga in the process. Following that news came the decision to remake what was considered to many the untouchable “I Want To Know What Love Is”. But after all the headlines, one is left with a damn good album. Easily one of MC’s most consistent records to date, "Memoirs..." finds exec-producers Tricky Stewart and The-Dream reigning in Mariah’s multiple octave voice, while surrounding her with simple, yet effective beats. Songs like “H.A.T.E.U.” (Having A Typical Emotional Upset) and “Angels Cry” show Mariah’s vulnerable side; while “Standing O” and “Betcha Gon’ Know” display her acidic side to full effect. Unlike most albums out today, "Memoirs..." is deep and provides thought-provoking and even funny lyrics. In a move inconsistent with an industry infatuated with collaborations, this album doesn’t provide any. Honestly, they’re really not needed. Those interested in seeing Mariah’s voice accompanied by the rapper-du-jour should wait for the ‘Memoirs Remix’ album due in February, which is said to feature Gucci Mane, Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Big Boi, and T-Pain. While this album hasn’t set the charts on fire, (it’s looking like Mariah’s lowest selling album to date) that doesn’t mean it’s not a quality product. "Memoirs..." has landed on many year end lists (Rolling Stone included) for good reason. It’s simply a great album from one of the best singers of our generation.
NUMBER TWO...JAY-Z-- "The Blueprint III"
RELEASED--September 8th
DEBUTED and PEAKED at #1 (Billboard 200) with 476,000 copies sold.
TOTAL U.S. SALES--1,431,200
CERTIFICATIONS--
Canada--Gold
U.S. and UK--Platinum
SINGLES--
"D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)"
Peaked at #24 (Hot 100)
"Run This Town" featuring Kanye West and Rihanna (Platinum)
Peaked at #2 (Hot 100)
"Empire State of Mind, Part One" featuring Alicia Keys
Peaked at #1 (Hot 100)
"Young Forever" featuring Mr. Hudson
Peaked at #41 (Hot 100)
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS--
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap Solo Performace ("D.O.A. (Death of
Autotune)")
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap Song ("D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)")
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap Song ("Run This Town" featuring Kanye
West and Rihanna)
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Run This Town"
featuring Kanye West and Rihanna)
2009 American Music Award Recipient for Favorite R&B/Hip-Hop Artist
2009 American Music Award Recipient for Favorite R&B/Hip-Hop Album ("The
Blueprint III")
2009 BET Hip-Hop Award Recipient for Lyricist of the Year
2009 BET Hip-Hop Award Recipient for Best Live Performer
2009 BET Hip-Hop Award Recipient for MVP of the Year
2009 BET Hip-Hip Award Nomination for Track of the Year ("D.O.A. (Death of
Autotune)")
2009 BET Hip-Hop Award Nomination for Best Hip-Hop Video ("D.O.A. (Death of
Autotune)")
2009 MTV Video Music Award Nomination for Best Male Video ("D.O.A. (Death of
Autotune)")
2009 MTV Video Music Award Nomination for Best Hip-Hop Video ("D.O.A. (Death of
Autotune)")
"Don’t call it a comeback" or so the saying goes...but nothing could be truer about Jay-Z’s newest album. "The Blueprint 3" is hands down a comeback, especially for a rapper who seemingly lost his way and verve on albums like "Kingdom Come". With the hard hitting first single "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)", Jay cemented his status as best rapper alive, while at the same time creating an ode to the overused auto-tune phenomenon that plagues hip-hop. With the second single "Run This Town", Jay proved his longevity and knack for making a hit. After hitting Number oOe by going nearly gold during just its first week of sale, (and breaking a record held by Elvis), “The Blueprint 3” is currently on its way to double-platinum status and may even become the highest selling hip-hop album of 2009--if Jay can best Eminem in the next few weeks. Executive producer Kanye West was well aware of what type of album Jay’s fans were expecting with his return this year and he more than delivered. The album is filled with hits, from the catchy “Hate” and “Off That”, to the anthem-in-the-making "Empire State of Mind”. Jay was even able to beat out new-comers Drake and Kid Cudi in sales during a very competitive season. “The Blueprint 3” is easily a hip-hop classic and proves that even after being in the game for over a decade, an artist can still be refreshing and enjoyable
NUMBER ONE...KERI HILSON-- "...In a Perfect World"
RELEASED--March 24th
DEBUTED and PEAKED at #4 (Billboard 200) with 94,000 copies sold.
TOTAL Worldwide SALES--613,000
CERTIFICATIONS--
U.S.--Gold
SINGLES--
"Energy"
Peaked at #78 (Hot 100)
"Return the Favor" featuring Timbaland
Peaked at #69 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart)
"Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil' Wayne
Peaked at #15 (Hot 100)
"Knock You Down" featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West
Peaked at #3 (Hot 100)
"Slow Dance"
Peaked at #49 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart)
"I Like"
Peaked at #1 (Germany Charts)
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS--
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best New Artist
2010 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Knock You Down"
featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West)
2009 American Music Award Nomination for Favorite Female/R&B Soul Artist
2009 American Music Award Nomination for Breakthrough Artist
2009 BET Music Award Recipient for Best New Artist
2009 BET Music Award Nomination for Best Female R&B Artist
2009 BET Music Award Nomination for Best Collaboration ("Turnin' Me On"
featuring Lil' Wayne
2009 BET Music Award Nomination for Viewer's Choice ("Turnin' Me On" featuring
Lil' Waune
2009 Soul Train Music Award Recipient for Best New Artist
2009 Soul Train Music Award Recipient for Best Collaboration ("Knock You Down"
featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West)
2009 Soul Train Music Award Nomination for Song of the Year ("Turnin' Me On
featuring Lil' Wayne"
2009 Soul Train Music Award Nomination for Record of the Year ("Knock You Down"
featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West)
Not since Aaliyah has a female artist so easily blended R&B and pop on an album. Interestingly, both artists had close relationships with Timbaland who produced the majority of their work. Miss Keri’s debut is in a class all by itself and far outshines other more heavily hyped albums from established artists (here’s looking at you Ciara and Beyoncé). After writing a multitude of hits for people like Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears, and Diddy, Keri Hilson made a name for herself on Timbaland’s “Shock Value”. There she was featured on several tracks including the smash hit (number 1 in 9 different countries!) single “The Way I Are”, which she also wrote. Keri’s hook was unforgettable and so a star was born. Flash-forward a couple years and Keri had finally put the finishing touches on her solo debut. The album features production by the aforementioned Timbaland, as well as Polow da Don, Danja, and Cory Bold. It also features guest vocals from Akon, Lil' Wayne, Keyshia Cole, Trina, Ne-Yo, & Kanye West. While first single "Energy" struggled to make an impact at radio, subsequent single "Turnin Me On" got Keri into heavy rotation. It was "Knock You Down", however, that cemented Keri’s status as an artist to be reckoned with. From the sultriness of "Slow Dance" to the pop precision of "Alienated", Keri Hilson’s debut really does have something for everyone. Currently on its way to platinum status, “Perfect World” will have another opportunity to achieve even more sales when it’s much rumored re-release finally makes its way into stores this January. Look for new single “I Like” to be part of the package, as well as a new version of "Do It" and other unreleased tracks on the “In A Perfect World (I Like Edition)”. Keri is currently celebrating her recent Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and his hard at work on the follow up to ‘Perfect World’ which she hopes to have ready by summer 2010. If you consider yourself a fan of quality music, then do yourself a favor and pick up Keri’s debut right now!
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Written by CJA "Babyboi"
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