My top 100 songs of 2009!

100. Shakira - She-Wolf PEAK: #15


99. Kristinia DeBarge - Goodbye PEAK: #21


98. Paula Abdul - (I'm Just) Here For The Music PEAK: #18


97. Cascada - Perfect Day PEAK: #21


96. Default - Little Too Late PEAK: #10


95. Celine Dion - My Love PEAK: #4


94. Kesha - Tik Tok PEAK: #5


93. Lady GaGa - Paparazzi PEAK: #14


92. Offspring - Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? PEAK: #8


91. The Saturdays - Just Can't Get Enough PEAK: #10


90. Lights - February Air PEAK: #12


89. Angel Taylor - Make Me Believe PEAK: #23


88. Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet PEAK: #9


87. Lady GaGa - Bad Romance PEAK: #2


86. Breaking Benjamin - I Will Not Bow PEAK: #17


85. Rob Thomas - Give Me The Meltdown PEAK: #7


84. Third Eye Blind - Non-Dairy Creamer PEAK: #7


83. Declan Galbraith - Maybe PEAK: #17


82. Daughtry - No Surprise PEAK: #15


81. Leona Lewis - I Will Be PEAK: #8


80. David Cook - Light On PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)


79. Kate Voegele - Devil In Me PEAK: #5


78. Lady GaGa - Love Game PEAK: #15


77. Daughtry - Life After You PEAK: #6


76. Pink - Sober PEAK: #4


75. Colbie Caillat - Fallin' For You PEAK: #7


74. Flo Rida f/Kesha - Right Round PEAK: #11


73. Britney Spears - 3 PEAK: #5


72. Uncle Kracker - Smile PEAK: #15


71. Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls PEAK: #11


70. Hinder - The Best Is Yet To Come PEAK: #15


69. Jason Mraz/Colbie Caillat - Lucky PEAK: #12


68. Jonas Brothers - Paranoid PEAK: #7


67. Aqua - Back To The 80's PEAK: #8


66. Toni Braxton - Yesterday PEAK: #7


65. Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day PEAK: #9


64. Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say PEAK: #13


63. Michelle Branch - This Way PEAK: #1 (1 week)


62. Lifehouse - Halfway Gone PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)


61. Linkin Park - New Divide PEAK: #4


60. Ashley Tisdale - It's Alright, It's OK PEAK: #6

Out of all the High School Musical stars, Ashley Tisdale had typically been the one who I'd been most interested in hearing music from... so I was anticipating new music from her in 2009. However, I didn't expect anything that I'd like THIS much, as she got a top 10 hit from her album "Guilty Pleasure". Unfortunately, she hasn't had much success afterwards, but hopefully she'll be back eventually!


59. Anniela - Strip Teaser PEAK: #3

And now, time for the "most likely one-hit wonder on my chart of 2009" song. I'd heard this dance song out of Sweden over the summer, and little did I know I'd really catch on to it! I don't expect her to have another hit on my chart, but I definitely enjoyed this catchy dance tune while it lasted on my chart, enough to rank #59 for the year.


58. Marianas Trench - Beside You PEAK: #9

I wasn't really a big fan of these guys when I first heard of them... but it was the catchy pop/punk tune "Cross My Heart" that caught my attention at first, and made the top 30 on my weekly chart. However, it was this ballad that became the Vancouver band's first top 10 hit on my chart. The future is looking promising that these guys will continue to get the hits; if they release their song "Good To You", which features Kate Voegele, it will certainly keep them on a hot streak.


57. Kate Voegele - Forever And Almost Always PEAK: #2

Speaking of Kate Voegele, this is the second of her eight appearances in my top 100 of the year. It's hard to find a singer who's had a bigger impact on my life over the past 2 years than her, and the emotion in a song like this definitely shows her strength in songwriting, with her voice accompanied just by a simple piano, much like the original version of "Lift Me Up", which appeared on 2008's year-end chart. How high will her other six songs appear?


56. Justin Bieber - One Time PEAK: #13

Another newcomer of 2009; discovered by Usher, this Canadian teen singer became a sensation and heartthrob for teenage girls everywhere. This debut single became a big hit, reaching #13 on my chart and paving the way for him to continue to deliver the hits; his current single "One Less Lonely Girl" is currently climbing my chart, and may make my top 100 of 2010.


55. Madonna - Celebration PEAK: #4

After the urban influences of her previous album "Hard Candy", Madonna returned to the dance/pop sounds of "Confessions On A Dancefloor" for this lead single from her latest greatest hits collection. The sound definitely worked for her, as she got herself another top 5 hit on my chart and another entry in her already-impressive catalogue of hits. Can she get a hit in her fourth straight decade? Only time will tell as we enter the 2010's...


54. Vertical Horizon - Save Me From Myself PEAK: #14

2009 has had several surprise comebacks on my chart... and here's one of the most surprising. These guys, best known for their 2000 hits "Everything You Want" and "You're A God", had not released a studio album in six years before "Burning The Days" in 2009, and in many cases, such delays can result in a loss of interest. Not for Vertical Horizon, as this one, despite missing the top 10, had an impressive stay on my chart, enough to rank #54 for the year! Their current single, "The Middle Ground", is currently in my top 5, and is a contender to rank highly on my 2010 year-end chart!


53. The Fray - You Found Me PEAK: #9

On their first album, they had big radio hits such as "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How To Save A Life", but neither of those made a huge impact for me though I did like both somewhat. However, this song from their second, self-titled album easily became my favourite from The Fray so far, reaching the top 10 on my chart early in the year. I have a feeling they'll have more hits in the next decade, hopefully some of them will be as good as, or even better, than this song!


52. Numéro# - Tout Est Parfait PEAK: #18

Another surprise to those who may not follow my chart is this song, which is the only song in my top 100 in a language other than English! This song, recorded entirely in French by this electro-pop duo from Montreal, became my favourite from them so far despite having enjoyed several of their previous singles.


51. Pet Shop Boys - Love Etc. PEAK: #6

The surprise comebacks continue, as these guys, best known for their streak of hits in the 1980's and beyond, delivered my favourite song from them in years here. This has all the elements that made their classic hits memorable, and this was equally as memorable as many of them. Just shows you should never count anyone out, because they might come back with something as strong as the Pet Shop Boys did here!


50. Mika - We Are Golden PEAK: #8

I wasn't sure what to expect with the return of Mika - "Grace Kelly" was one of my favourite songs of 2007 and I wasn't sure how he'd follow it up! Despite fears of a sophomore slump, he came back strong with this hit, equally as catchy and with an anthemic bridge into the chorus, giving him another top 10 on my chart, and leading off my top 50 songs of the year.


49. Kate Voegele - Inside Out PEAK: #1 (5 weeks)

Here's the third of Kate Voegele's 8 appearances on my year-end chart. This was announced as the latest single off her album "A Fine Mess" late in the year, and upon the announcement, shot quickly to the top of my chart, where it has stayed for five weeks so far. This had been one of my favourites on her album initially, so naturally, I was pleased when it became a single. And as this is still riding high on my chart, don't be surprised if you see "Inside Out" on my 2010 year-end as well!


48. Shinedown - If You Only Knew PEAK: #9

In 2009, Shinedown, who had been modern rock favourites for several years, broke into the mainstream with their hit "Second Chance"; however, I had charted that in 2008! This song continued their hits into 2009, with a second top 10 from their "Sound of Madness" album, proving the success of "Second Chance" was no fluke. I wouldn't be surprised if their next album, whenever it is, carries on the success they've been having!


47. Our Lady Peace - All You Did Was Save My Life PEAK: #6

Here's another return that delivered; Our Lady Peace was one of Canada's most popular alternative rock bands of the 1990's and early 2000's, and had a #1 on my chart in 2002 with "Somewhere Out There". This became their first top 10 hit in seven years on my chart, and has become one of my favourites from them overall.


46. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You PEAK: #1 (1 week)

After two uptempo hits, Katy Perry slowed things down with this ballad, which became her third straight #1 on my chart, becoming the first artist since Britney Spears to reach #1 with her first three singles on my chart. However, due to a bit of a split between years (it started its run in 2008), this ranks at a disappointing #46 for 2009! Her other hit from this year, "Waking Up In Vegas", ranks much higher... where will it land?


45. Owl City - Fireflies PEAK: #10

One of 2009's most unique new artists has been Owl City, delivering a synth-based alternative sound to the mainstream, with this song becoming a #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and top 10 hit on my chart. Judging by the quality of his debut album "Ocean Eyes", I expect the hits won't stop here, as "Vanilla Twilight" could become a big hit in 2010.


44. Ballas Hough Band - Do It For You PEAK: #5

Here's another one of 2009's unexpected hits for me; Mark Ballas and Derek Hough had formed the band after appearing on "Dancing With The Stars", and released this catchy pop song, which became a breakthrough top 5 hit on my chart. With a new album on the way, could their current single "Move" continue the momentum into 2010?


43. Taylor Swift - Love Story PEAK: #2

One of 2009's biggest stars has undoubtedly been Taylor Swift, and her success has definitely shown itself on my chart, as three of her songs rank within my top 50 of the year. Despite having several previous hits, her album "Fearless" helped turn her into the mega-star she is now, and this was the song that helped break her through to a much greater audience beyond the country music scene. This song became one of her biggest hits to date, and reached #2 on my chart, blocked from the top by Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You".


42. Nickelback - Never Gonna Be Alone PEAK: #3

It was inevitable that when legendary producer Mutt Lange had done work with Nickelback, that one of the songs coming out of those sessions would be a power ballad in his classic style. That's exactly what happened here, as this 90's sounding song became my favourite off their album "Dark Horse" so far. Not bad for a band that I'd got sick of, being overplayed on their previous album!


41. Cascada - Dangerous PEAK: #10

Another surprise success story of 2009 for me has been Cascada; I'd enjoyed their 2006 hit "Everytime We Touch" a lot (enough to peak at #2 on my chart), but never expected that I'd like THREE of their songs enough to make my 2009 year-end chart! This is the second of those three, and the one that sounds most like their trademark sound. How high will their #1 "Evacuate The Dancefloor" rank?

40. Anggun f/Pras Michel - My Man PEAK: #12 Who saw this coming? Indonesian singer Anggun has never really had much success on my chart, but this song, which teams her up with former Fugees member Pras Michel, gave hera catchy song that nearly made my top 10, peaking at #12. Its longevity on my chart ended up giving her the #40 song of the year. 39. Stereos - Summer Girl PEAK: #9 Edmonton-based band Stereos emerged onto the scene in 2009 with this catchy song, that dominated the summer airwaves across Canada, and broke into my top 10, peaking at #9. The future looks bright for them, as they are expected to keep scoring hits into 2010. 38. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far PEAK: #9 After hitting #1 with their 2004 hit "The Reason", Hoobastank has somewhat struggled, failing to reach the top 10 again... until this song. While it was not a big hit on the actual charts, "So Close, So Far" did well on my chart, becoming their second top 10 hit. Just shows that surprises do happen, even it took 5 years after a big hit to return to the top 10! 37. The Saturdays - Issues PEAK: #3 One of the UK's biggest girl groups of the past couple years has been The Saturdays... and while so far for me they've been rather inconsistent, this midtempo pop song became their first top 5 hit on my chart, reaching #3 and ranking as their highest 2009 entry. With a current single "Ego" currently on my chart, they have a good shot at ranking again in 2010. 36. Enya - My! My! Time Flies! PEAK: #11 The song's title pretty much describes how I feel 2009 has gone by. Taking a slightly different, sing-along approach in this song, Enya nearly made the top 10 with this song, with among her most thoughtful lyrics ever. The only song of hers that did better in my chart's era was "Only Time", which reached #3 back in 2001. 35. Jordin Sparks - S.O.S. (Let The Music Play) PEAK: #9 Many stars have taken samples from older songs and turned them into new hits... and Jordin Sparks is a perfect example of this. She took the beat and chorus from Shannon's 80's hit "Let The Music Play", and turned it into this song, which gave her a second top 10 hit in a row. She still has one more song to come, her #1 smash "Battlefield"... but how high did that rank? 34. Pink - Please Don't Leave Me PEAK: #7 While the "Funhouse" era failed to generate any #1 hits on my chart, this song became one of the most memorable singles from it, peaking at #7 on my chart, and having enough longevity to finish the year at #34, higher than "Sober" which peaked at #4 (but that may be due to being split between two years). Hopefully Pink will be back with new music in 2010 or 2011! 33. Jessie James - Wanted PEAK: #9 Here's one of my favourite new artists of 2009... even if she has a hard time figuring out who she wants to be in this one song alone! Does she want to be pop or does she want to be country? While the verses and chorus do sound like they could be by totally different singers from each other, they still blended well and gave Jessie James her first top 10 hit. 32. The New Cities - Dead End Countdown PEAK: #8 Another new Canadian band here, The New Cities took influences from 80's synth-pop and gave us a memorable debut single that reached my top 10 over the summer. So far their follow-ups have underperformed but I wouldn't count them totally out just yet! 31. Flipsyde - When It Was Good PEAK: #5 Another one of 2009's surprise hits is here... I'd heard of Flipsyde before, but never really paid much attention to them until this song. A dancefloor-ready club anthem, they blended pop and hip-hop in one song, and got their first top 5 hit on my chart with this. Sadly, their future appears to be in doubt given lack of label attention for their latest album, so this'll probably be as high as they'll ever get.

30. Seether - Careless Whisper PEAK: #13

Now we're up to the highest ranked song that didn't make the top 10... but sure enough, it had enough longevity to rank top 30 for the entire year! This rock cover of Wham's 80's classic "Careless Whisper" by Seether pleasantly surprised me, I didn't expect it to work as well as it did, but sure enough, gave the song an entirely new feel that didn't ruin the song at all. This became one of my favourites from them overall, and one of my favourite cover songs as well.


29. Faber Drive - G-Get Up and Dance! PEAK: #5

A band who really changed their direction in 2009 was Faber Drive, who broke from their pop/rock sound to deliver a more dance-oriented sound with this song. I felt the new sound worked well for them, and they got another top 5 hit on my chart as a result. Hopefully they'll continue to put out hits into the next decade!


28. Boys Like Girls/Taylor Swift - Two Is Better Than One PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

Who would've thought that Boys Like Girls would have such a big year in 2009 after many thought they'd be one-hit wonders? But sure enough, they've had two big hits this year, and this ballad, which teamed them up with Taylor Swift, became the first #1 for both artists on my chart. As it is still going strong in my top 5, I wouldn't count another appearance for this collaboration in 2010! I guess two really is better than one in this case.


27. Leona Lewis - Happy PEAK: #1 (3 weeks)

Another return in 2009 was Leona Lewis, who delivered her second album "Echo", and this lead single became her second #1 on my chart, spending three weeks on top. While she hasn't been as successful as a whole this era as the "Spirit" era, this song definitely didn't disappoint me, and she could have more hits in 2010.


26. Kate Voegele - You Can't Break A Broken Heart PEAK: #1 (6 weeks)

Here's the fourth of eight appearances from Kate Voegele, and this one first hit #1 late in 2008. However, it lasted long enough into 2009 that it ranked even higher this year than last! This Diane Warren-written ballad showed off Kate's emotions in her voice, and ranks for me as one of her absolute best songs yet. Four more for Kate to come, all of which are on her album "A Fine Mess", leaving this as the highest not on that album.


25. Beyoncé - Halo PEAK: #3

While Beyoncé had much success from her album "I Am... Sasha Fierce" in 2009, this was the only song from the multiple singles released from it to make my year-end top 100. This song was subject of controversy, as Ryan Tedder was accused of ripping himself off as it sounds very similar to one of his other compositions, "Already Gone" by Kelly Clarkson (which is still to come).


24. Green Day - 21 Guns PEAK: #2

Green Day's latest album, "21st Century Breakdown", continued on the concept album theme started by their "American Idiot" album. While the album as a whole was not as successful as its predecessor, this song definitely had the most mainstream appeal from that era, and they even recorded a version with the cast of the musical "American Idiot" near the end of the year, bringing the song to a wider audience.


23. Emmalyn Estrada - Get Down PEAK: #1 (1 week)

Another surprise in 2009 is right here; Elise Estrada has been one of the prominent forces on Canadian radio over the past few years, having released seven singles from her debut album... and in 2009, her sister Emmalyn also started her own music career. This debut single, very much sounding like her sister's style, became a #1 hit on my chart and made the Estradas one of four sets of siblings to have individual top 10 hits on my chart (the Jacksons, Simpsons and Bedingfields are the others.)


22. Britney Spears - Circus PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

2009 was the year that Britney Spears helped regain her prominence in the pop music world, thanks to songs like this from her album "Circus". This title track had two weeks at #1 early in the year, and was one of three #1 hits from that album. How high did her highest, "If U Seek Amy", rank?


21. Rob Thomas - Her Diamonds PEAK: #1 (1 week)

Rob Thomas released his latest solo album, "Cradlesong" in 2009, and while I felt it wasn't quite as good as "Something To Be", he still managed to reach #1 with its lead single. Hopefully he'll have more hits from this album, and eventually record another Matchbox Twenty album as well!


20. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up PEAK: #3

2009 was a big year for Kelly Clarkson on my chart, as the first three singles from her album "All I Ever Wanted" all made my top 20 year-end. Despite having eight straight #1 official North American singles since 2004, this song managed to only top out at #3 due to stiff competition, but still managed to rank within the top 10. Two more songs from Kelly to come!


19. Boys Like Girls - Love Drunk PEAK: #6

If there was a surprise success of 2009, it just had to be Boys Like Girls. Nothing they'd done before had really made a huge impact on my chart, but this song, the lead single and title track from their second album, took its time and eventually became their first top 10 hit on my chart. Despite only peaking at #6, it logged enough time on my chart to rank within my year-end top 20.


18. Declan Galbraith - Everybody Tells Me PEAK: #1 (1 week)

Another surprise success in 2009 for me was Declan Galbraith; despite having done several cover songs, his two highest appearances on here are both with original songs, which I feel he does best, especially post-puberty. This song, after just missing #1 with his breakthrough single "You and Me", ended up reaching #1 for a single week, furthering the impact he made this year. Hopefully the future will remain bright for him!


17. Bon Jovi - We Weren't Born To Follow PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

Bon Jovi proved once again that they can always come back strong... and this definitely showed it. Their album "The Circle" was what I felt was a return to form after a short foray into country music, and this lead single was an example of what they can still do best after all this time. Given how much I've enjoyed their album as a whole, they will have no problem getting hits in a fourth straight decade for me.


16. Declan Galbraith - You and Me PEAK: #2

And here's the other Declan song! This is the one that really proved what he could do for me, as despite never having charted higher than #16 before this, made it all the way to the runner-up spot on my chart! And while it was outpeaked by its follow-up, this ended up with the longer chart run in the end, and ranked slightly higher on the year-end.


15. Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me PEAK: #10

Very few stars of 2009 could be considered an "It" artist, but there were few stronger than Taylor Swift. This VMA-winning song, which was marred by controversy involving Kanye West, became one of her biggest hits to date, and despite just barely making my top 10, had enough longevity to rank #15 for the entire year, and her highest of the year.


14. Girls Aloud - The Loving Kind PEAK: #2

I've always found Girls Aloud to be very inconsistent generally... they've had many really good songs, and others that haven't been so good. But this I found to be their best single yet. This midtempo, laid-back pop song showed what they could do best, reaching #2 on my chart (one of three #2's blocked by "My Life Would Suck Without You"), and ranking #14 for the entire year. Cheryl Cole is currently on her own solo career, but hopefully Girls Aloud won't be away too long!


13. Miley Cyrus - The Climb PEAK: #1 (1 week)

Another one of 2009's "It" artists, Miley Cyrus ranks here with by far my favourite song from her. This motivational ballad was used in her "Hannah Montana" movie, and had a powerful message so strong that X Factor winner Joe McElderry recorded his own version as his winning song. However, it's the original that ranks here, which spent a week at #1 back in April.


12. Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep PEAK: #1 (1 week)

Here's another singer that, despite having had several top 10 hits on my chart, didn't have a #1 hit until 2009! This rhythmic-sounding pop song became my favourite from him so far, and has remained a favourite of mine ever since. It was long overdue for him, but I'm glad he finally released a song worthy of the #1 spot on my chart that came out at just the right time.


11. Kate Voegele - Sweet Silver Lining PEAK: #2

And just missing the top 10 is Kate Voegele! However, she has nothing to despair (so don't be shocked at the fact that one of her songs missed the top 10), as she has three songs still to come in the top 10! This uplifting song became one of my favourites from her so far, despite missing the #1 spot on my chart! It's definitely been her year for me personally, and songs like this show exactly why.


10. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas PEAK: #2

You gotta help me out
It's all a blur last night
We need a taxi
'cause you're hung-over and I'm broke
I lost my fake I.D.
but you lost the motel key
Spare me your freakin' dirty looks
Now don't blame me
You want to cash out and get the hell out of town

[CHORUS:]
Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me
Shut up and put your money where your mouth is
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas

Why are these lights so bright
Did we get hitched last night, dressed up like Elvis,
And why am I wearing your class ring?
Don't call your mother
'Cause now we're partners in crime

[CHORUS:]
Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me
Shut up and put your money where your mouth is
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas

You got me into this
Information overload, situation lost control
Send out an S.O.S.
And get some cash out
We're gonna tear up the town

Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me [x3]
Told me, you told me, you told me
Shut up and put your money where your mouth is
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Shake the glitter, shake, shake, shake the glitter, c'mon!
Give me some cash out baby
Give me some cash out, baby


The highest ranking non-#1 of the year ranks at #10, and it's by a singer who is no stranger to the top 10 year-end, as she was in there twice last year! This was Katy Perry's first single to miss #1, but not due to quality; rather, it was more due to the competition at the time. The lyrics serve as a warning to those who wake up in Vegas and can't remember what happened the night before... and delivers a catchy song upon the premise as well. I'm hoping that she will have more hits on her second album, but at this point, it looks like her collaboration with Timbaland will end up becoming a big hit in 2010.


9. Britney Spears - If U Seek Amy PEAK: #1 (1 week)

La la la, la la la
La la la, la la la

Oh baby baby have you seen Amy tonight?
Is she in the bathroom is she smokin' up outside? Oh
Oh baby baby does she take a piece of lime
For the drink that I'mma buy her do you know just what she likes? Oh

Oh oh, tell me have you seen her? Because I'm so oh
I can't get her off of my brain
I just want to go to the party she gonna go
Can somebody take me home?
Ha ha, he he, ha ha ho

Love me hate me, say what you want about me
But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see?
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me, la la la, la la la

Amy told me that she's gonna meet me up
I don't know where or when and now they're closing up the club, oh
I've seen her once or twice but boy she knows my face
But it's hard to see with all the people standing in the way, oh

Oh oh, tell me have you seen her, because I'm so oh
I can't get her off of my brain
I just want to go to the party she gonna go
Can somebody take me home?
Ha ha, he he, ha ha ho

Love me hate me, say what you want about me
But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see?
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me

Oh, so what you want about me?
Oh, but can't you see what I see?
Oh, so what you want about me?
La la la, la la la

So tell me if you see her
'Cause I've been waiting here forever
Oh baby baby if you seek Amy tonight
Oh baby baby we'll do whatever you like
Oh baby baby baby
Oh baby baby baby

La la la, la la la
La la la, la la la

Love me hate me, say what you want about me
But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy

Love me hate me, say what you want about me, yeah
Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see?
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy
Love me hate me

Oh, so what you want about me?
Oh, but can't you see what I see?
Love me hate me
Oh, so what you want about me?
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy


Of all of the tracks on her "Circus" album, this is one of those that intrigued me the most anticipating the album. The double entendre in the title (which, said aloud, resembles F-U-C-K Me) made for an entertaining song and a sexier side of Britney I never would have imagined 10 years ago! All in all, it was another big hit for Britney on my chart, and despite only spending one week at #1, still managed to last long enough to reach my year-end top 10.


8. Kate Voegele - Manhattan From The Sky PEAK: #1 (3 weeks)

Baby
What are you doing today
what are you doing later
I don't know my way through a maze of gray skyscrapers
But I'm willing to learn

If you want me to I'll stay just where I am
But I promise just to follow when I land
And you can take my word for that

You are my Manhattan from the sky
You look so neat and tidy when I'm way up high,
But I know your streets are lined with a fine mess inside
And I wanna come down and walk around your mind.

Daises
Once upon an old daydream, that's what you gave me
Out on the corner of Broadway and 48th street, on a rainy afternoon
(Well) I could start discovering your world
And I would make a damn good city girl
Things would start to bloom, I'm sure

You are my Manhattan from the sky
You look so neat and tidy when I'm way up high,
But I know your streets are lined with a fine mess inside
And I wanna come down and walk around your mind.

I know you want me to see don't lie to me
Why you gotta go be so shy to me?
I ain't buying the false anxiety let your fortress fall
What's it gonna take to get you there?
If fear was money you'd be a millionaire
Or all alone in a leather swivel chair counting stacks of good
Oh oh
You are my Manhattan from the sky
You look so neat and tidy when I'm way up high,
But I know your streets are lined with a fine mess inside
And I wanna come down and walk around ohhh

You are my Manhattan from the sky
You look so neat and tidy when I'm way up high,
But I know your streets are lined with a fine mess inside
And I wanna come down and walk around your mind.
Oh ohh ohh oh

It's been a common promotional tactic to release several promotional digital singles before the release of a new album, and Kate Voegele was one of such artists who used this tactic. As I am a big fan of hers, it did lead to a domination of my chart never before seen! This was the first of said singles off her album "A Fine Mess", and by the time this look at how a distant perception (using the metaphor of Manhattan from the sky) can be misleading (as inside can be "a fine mess", hence Kate's album title) had finished its reign at #1, it was knocked out by another Kate song, "99 Times", becoming the first artist to replace herself at #1 on my chart.


7. Kate Voegele - Angel PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

I've said it once and I'll say it again.
I've got something hanging over my head.
I was laying on your shoulder
Perfectly content.
Until you told me all over again.

I aint got no sob story to write.
But just like everyone else I'm living this life.
And you don't need to win me over.
And there aint no other side.
To shuffle me from.
I belong where I decide.
But you say...

We don't mess around.
You've got no freedom to come down.
We don't take angels from the sky.
Oh no, we don't mess around.
You're meant to be among the clouds cause your an angel.
But that's a lie. Uh oh oh oh.

Well I suppose you think I'm so flattered to hear
That I'm the whisper conscience in your ear.
Yeah, and that's exactly the reason that I'll never fit in here
Well nothing's ever that blackand white, my dear.
Cuz you say...

We don't mess around.
You've got no freedom to come down.
We don't take angels from the sky.
Oh no, we don't mess around.
You're meant to be among the clouds cause your an angel.
But that's a lie. Uh oh oh oh.

I'm not your angel darling.
I'm not your angel darling.
I am never gonna be.
I'm not your angel darling.
I'm not your angel darling.
I am never gonna be.

We don't mess around.
You've got no freedom to come down.
We don't take angels from the sky.
Oh no, we don't mess around.
You're meant to be among the clouds cause your an angel.
But that's a lie. Uh oh oh oh.

We don't mess around.
You've got no freedom to come down.
We don't take angels from the sky.
Oh no, we don't mess around.
You're meant to be among the clouds cause your an angel.
But that's a lie. Uh oh oh oh.


And here she is again! 2009 was definitely Kate Voegele's year on my chart, as this is the second highest of her eight appearances in the top 100. This is another song about misleading perceptions, and how she isn't all she appears to be on the surface! This spent two weeks at #1 on my chart back in June, and she has one more song to come... but how high did "99 Times" rank?


6. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield PEAK: #1 (3 weeks)

Don't try to explain your mind
I know what's happening here
One minute, it's love
And, suddenly, it's like a battlefield

One word turns into a
Why is it the smallest things that tear us down
My world's nothing when you're gone
I'm out here without a shield - can't go back, now

Both hands tied behind my back for nothing, oh, no
These times when we climb so fast to fall, again
Why we gotta fall for it, now…

Chorus:
I never meant to start a war
You know, I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Why does love always feel like

Can't swallow our pride
Neither of us wanna raise that flag, mmm
If we can't surrender
Then, we're both gonna what we have, oh, no

Both hands tied behind my back for nothing (nothing), oh, no
These times when we climb so fast to fall, again
I don't wanna fall for it, now…

Chorus:
I never meant to start a war
You know, I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Better go and get your armor (get your armor), get your armor (get your armor)
I guess you better go and get your armor (get your armor), get your armor (get your armor)
I guess you better go and get your

We could pretend that we are friends, tonight (oh)
And, in the morning, we wake up, and we'd be alright
‘Cause, baby, we don't have to fight
And I don't want this love to feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
I guess you better go and get your armor…

Chorus:
I never meant to start a war
You know, I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield
I guess you better go and get your armor (get your armor), get your armor (get your armor)
I guess you better go and get your armor (get your armor), get your armor (get your armor)
Why does love always feel like (oh, oh)
Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield

I never meant to start a war
Don't even know what we're fighting for
I never meant to start a war
Don't even know what we're fighting for

I'd previously somewhat liked Jordin Sparks... but it was on her sophomore album that I felt she really broke through. This powerful song became the lead single and title track from "Battlefield", and impressed me rather quickly, becoming a #1 on my chart for three weeks. Several American Idols have had success on my chart, with Jordin being the latest in the series of #1 Idols on my chart. This is her highest appearance on my year-end chart.


5. Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

Remember all the things we wanted
Now all our memories, they're haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye
Even with our fists held high
It never would have work out right, yeah
We were never meant for do or die
I didn't want us to burn out
I didn't come here to hurt you now I can't stop

[Chorus]
I want you to know
That it doesn't matter
Where we take this road
But someone's gotta go
And I want you to know
You couldn't have loved me better
But I want you to move on
So I'm already gone

Looking at you makes it harder
But I know that you'll find another
That doesn't always make you wanna cry
It started with the perfect kiss then
We could feel the poison set in
'Perfect' couldn't keep this love alive
You know that I love you so
I love you enough to let you go

[Chorus]

You can't make it feel right
When you know that it's wrong
I'm already gone, already gone
There's no moving on
So I'm already gone
Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone
Ahhh already gone, already gone, already gone

Remember all the tings we wanted
Now all our memories, they're haunted
We were always meant to say goodbye

[Chorus]

You can't make it feel right
When you know that it's wrong
I'm already gone, already gone
There's no moving on
So I'm already gone

When I first got her album "All I Ever Wanted", this was an immediate standout... a ballad that shows off Kelly's voice very well. And when it became a single, it quickly became her ninth #1 overall on my chart, and is, in fact, still on my chart now! 2009 proved that she's definitely had staying power for me, and has cemented her status as one of my top artists of the past decade. And to further prove it... this isn't even her highest appearance! How high did "My Life Would Suck Without You" rank?


4. Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor PEAK: #1 (2 weeks)

Turn up the music, let's get on the floor.
I'll let it move, come and give some more
Watch me getting physical and out of control.
There's watching me and I never miss a piece.
Steal the night, kill the lights, feel it under your skin.
Time is right, keep it tight, 'cause it's pulling you in.
Wrap it up, can't stop cause it's feels like a overdose.

Evacuate the dancefloor.
I'm affected by the sound.
Stop, this beat is killing me.
[Hey Mr. DJ let the music take me underground]

(Male voice: Everybody in the dancefloor)

Evacuate the dancefloor.
I'm affected by the sound.

(Male voice: Everybody in the dancefloor)

Stop, this beat is killing me.
[Hey Mr. DJ let the music take me underground]

My body is aching so
Temperature is raising, I'm about to explode.
Watch me I'm intoxicated, taken to show.
It got me hypnoticed, everybody step aside.

Steal the night, kill the lights, feel it under your skin.
Time is right, keep it tight, 'cause it's pulling you in.
Wrap it up, can't stop cause it's feels like a overdose.

Evacuate the dancefloor.
I'm affected by the sound.
Stop, this beat is killing me.
[Hey Mr. DJ let the music take me underground]

(Male voice: Everybody in the dancefloor)

Evacuate the dancefloor.
I'm affected by the sound.

(Male voice: Everybody in the dancefloor)

Stop, this beat is killing me.
[Hey Mr. DJ let the music take me underground]

Here's another surprise hit this year! I really enjoyed Cascada's 2006 hit "Everytime We Touch", but never felt they'd do anything close to that again. Well, in 2009, they by far surpassed it, with this song becoming their first #1 on my chart. With a sound similar to Lady GaGa's style, Cascada made a big comeback with this song that's sure to remain a favourite of mine for years to come, and score my 4th favourite song of 2009.


3. Michelle Branch - Sooner Or Later PEAK: #1 (4 weeks)

Lipstick pretty face and maybe youll notice something
Different bout me, different bout me
Yeah, you talk, talk all you want
You pour your heart out
But you never do see, you never do see me
I cant wait around forever for you

Sooner or later
Youre gonna come around and youll be sorry
When you figure out
That I was always everything that you needed
Sooner or later youre gonna wish you had me
Yeah, youre gonna wish you had me

Well, she dont do nothing for you
But mess you up
Yeah, she messes you up
Im your shoulder, Im the quick drive over
Tryin to fix your stuff, well I give up
Oo, youll never see me standin right in front of you

Sooner or later
Youre gonna come around and youll be sorry
When you figure out
That I was always everything that you needed
Sooner or later youre gonna wish you had me
Oo, oo
Oh, youre gonna wish me back so bad, so bad
Oh, but its a little too late for that

Lipstick pretty face and maybe youll notice something
Different bout me, different bout me

Sooner or later
Youre gonna come around and youll be sorry
When you figure out
That I was always everything that you needed
Sooner or later, oh

Sooner or later
Youre gonna come around and youll be sorry
When you figure out
That I was always everything that you needed
Sooner or later
Youre gonna wish you had me

Sooner or later, oh
Youre gonna wish you had me, yeah
Youre gonna wish you had me, oh
Youre gonna wish you had me, oh
Youre gonna wish you had me


I wasn't sure whether the return of Michelle Branch, one of my favourite singers of the decade, would deliver or disappoint. And when teaser single "This Way" only lasted 12 weeks on my chart, I was getting worried her proper comeback would disappoint me! But, sure enough, "Sooner Or Later" was far from a disappointment, as it's become one of my favourite songs from her overall, spending four weeks at #1 on my chart over the late summer. Her album, "Everything Comes And Goes", is set for a February release and I hope this time it actually does come out after being delayed!


2. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You PEAK: #1 (7 weeks)

Guess this means you're sorry
You're standing at my door
Guess this means you take back
What you said before
Like how much you wanted
Anyone but me
Said you'd never come back
But here you are again
Cuz we belong together now
Forever united here somehow
You got a piece of me
And honestly
My life would suck without you
Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye
Maybe I was wrong for tryin' to pick a fight
I know that I've got issues
But you're pretty messed up too
Anyway, I found out I'm nothing without you
Cuz we belong together now
Forever united here somehow
You got a piece of me
And honestly
My life would suck without you
Being with you is so dysfunctional
I really shouldn't miss you, but I can't let go
Oh yeah
Cuz we belong together now
Forever united here somehow
You got a piece of me
And honestly
My life would suck without you

This was probably my most anticipated comeback of 2009. I was curious to hear how Kelly Clarkson would re-invent herself after her previous album, "My December", failed to live up to expectations... and this song, while reminiscent of her older sound, definitely caught my attention right away! It had the highest debut of 2009, entering my chart all the way up at #2 and spending 7 weeks at #1, a record within the year. However, all of that was not quite enough to get my #1 song of the year! Who could've possibly had the power to outrank one of my favourite Kelly Clarkson singles ever?


1. Kate Voegele - 99 Times PEAK: #1 (4 weeks)

So, you see
You've got me back again for more
And it seems
Your song is in my head
This is war
Mystery; how I could feel you breathe me

I was sure you would keep
Every promise; you would keep
Every word

Well,
I try to put your stories in line
But nothing adds up right

For every 99 times
You looked me in the eye,
You looked me in the eye
And swore you weren't lying
Well, I was so blind
I never saw the signs
I'm getting out tonight
And you're not invited

Its a shame
That you left me hanging like you did
It was brave
But it was much more foolish
Don't you think?
Cause you know I wont be satisfied
Until you realize

For every 99 times
You looked me in the eye,
You looked me in the eye
And swore you weren't lying
Well, I was so blind
I never saw the signs
I'm getting out tonight
And you're not invited

These things are oh, all so typical
These things are unforgivable
I'm gone and you're invisible now
Don't let me catch you followin'
Don't ask, cause I'm not offering
You've caused enough of my suffering, oh

For every 99 times
You looked me in the eye,
You looked me in the eye
And swore you weren't lying
Well, I was so blind
I never saw the signs
I'm getting out tonight

For every 99 times
You looked me in the eye,
You looked me in the eye
And swore you weren't lying
Well, I was so blind
I never saw the signs
I'm getting out tonight


Quote:

Voegele explained in publicity materials this gritty, hard-driving number: "It's about the different emotions you experience after finding out somebody you're close to has been feeding you a story that isn't true. You end up feeling stupid and pissed off and I guess I dealt with those emotions by putting on some black boots, messing up my hair, turning up the distortion on my guitar and getting in front of the mic to pretend I was Chrissy Hynde. That was pretty much all it took." The song's music video features Kate with the seventh season Dancing With The Stars champion, Derek Hough. It was shot in Los Angeles with director Frank Borin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem). Kate commented in People magazine: "The video was so much fun to shoot and Derek was awesome. Great dancer, great musician, great kisser. That guy's got a few things going for him!"

Honestly, after all Kate Voegele has done to influence my life in 2009... could I really have put anyone else at #1?

I'd talk about how her lyrics show raw attitude here, and show how she really thinks about cheaters... and how the catchy chorus sticks in my head... but I'd rather discuss about how Kate has influenced my year personally.

At the beginning of the year, I promised myself that I would go wherever I could to see Kate Voegele perform live. And indeed I did this, seeing her a total of four times within 2009. "99 Times" is one of those songs that, upon seeing her perform it live, I ended up enjoying more than I had before, leading to a 36-week chart run, with four of those weeks at #1 and 14 of those in the top 10.

Kate Voegele - 99 Times - Live in Edmonton, AB, June 14, 2009
I had the privilege of meeting Kate twice in 2009; once in Fort Lauderdale where she signed my copy of her CD "A Fine Mess", and in Toronto where I got my picture taken with her. And honestly... having met her made me appreciate her even more than before, as it's shown that, despite all the fame that has come her way, that she still is willing to take time out to meet her fans that helped make everything possible for her.



So thanks Kate for making my 2009 a memorable year... and hopefully 2010 will be just as memorable!