9 must hear electronic music albums of 2009

Are we even listening to albums nowadays? A lot of you guys are probably just downloading the tracks you like, who doesn’t? But I still find satisfaction in putting on a good full-lengther which is both well composed and has good individual tracks.

I asked Innotune companion Håkon Lofthus if he had any good suggestions for this album sum up. He answered:

R.I.P. albums. When buying online – why would I want to buy an whole album, when I could only grab the tracks I like? (I can listen to them first as well) So, this year has been almost an album-free year for me, and iTunes better start pushing out those iTunes LP features to get me back on buying complete albums.

You have to agree. But I’m giving this list a shot anyway. I realise I haven’t heard enough releases this year to create the complete “top edm albums of 2009 bible”, but here’s nine I would like you to check out.

Maybe you’ll start buying albums again, or at least listen to complete releases on Spotify.

Jon Hopkins – Insides
Listen: Spotify link. YouTube.

I cannot recommend this bloke loud enough. Jon Hopkins has made beautiful ambient/downtempo albums before, but Insides is filled with even crazier (yet tightly produced) beats in addition to the unique Hopkins soundscapes. Simply a great collection of melodic electronica carefully put together. My favourite of 2009.

Gui Boratto – Take My Breath Away
Listen: YouTube.

Slow and addictive techno. The title fools you, this is not the breathtaker it want’s to be. In stead it is a breath of fresh air to all in favor of a deep but melodic listen.

Be sure to check it out if you fancy Underworld, or just a techno snack for that matter.

Air – Love 2
Listen: Spotify link. YouTube.

The French duo has done it again. Love 2 is nothing more than a typical Air album, but that works for me.

Fine downtempo electronic tracks produced with a lot of acoustic elements, and then lazy French-English vocals on top. Magnificent!

Marcus Schossow – Outside the box
Listen: YouTube.

An all nighter with the Schossow sound (you know: trance, progressive house and whatnot put in the blender). We don’t do shameless self promotion on the Innotune blog, but we simply cannot sum up 2009 without mentioning our own uncle Marcus.

His debut album is a real treat when it comes to the tunes. Collections of full length dance tracks often sound a bit dull as albums to me, but this beauty deserves it’s place among the top nine.

Röyksopp – Junior
Listen: Spotify link. YouTube.

Wonderchilds Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge produced another piece of Norwegian electronica Vikings like us can be proud of.

With a “back to the roots” attitude and vocal appearences by Robyn, Lykke Li and Karin Dreier, you can’t go wrong. A new collab with Erlend Øye (the voice of “Poor Leno”) is all that’s missing.

The Field – Yesterday and Today
Listen: YouTube.

A bit noisy, but still hypnotic experience.

Jazz, funk, noise and electronic downtempo put together. Axel Willner is breaking a lot of rules, and Yesterday and Today might not always be easy to listen to. Don’t worry though, it’s just enough beauty in there to keep you calm.

Basement Jaxx – Scars
Listen: Spotify link. YouTube.

In 2009 the Jaxx proved they are still in the game. Scars brings you psychedelic beats, jumpy basslines and that funky Jaxx feeling.

It was reviewed at Innotune earlier. Definetly worth a listen!

Fredrik Ohr – Falling through the earth
Listen: Album preview.

Downtempo electronica with enough details in the productions to keep you occupied for a while. Flutes, tight percussion and vocals obviously sung by a Swede makes a signature sound.

As recommended on this blog by Marcus, this is a great album produced by a skilled guy.

Major Lazer – Guns don’t kill people… Lazers do!
Listen: Spotify link. YouTube.

At last, the funny pick. This is reggea + electronica. Which makes a quite special listening experience if you’re up for something different.

I bet this album is refreshing after you have listened through the other eight.

Now tell me: Have you bought any albums this year? What releases would you add to this list?

2 Responses to “9 must hear electronic music albums of 2009”

1. Emil says:

   2010/01/01 at 13:51

   i would want to add Marco V’s Propaganda albums, there is quite a few fresh tracks on those, especially on part 1

   Current score: 2
2. deep house blog says:

   2010/05/05 at 16:01

   This was a really interesting article you posted on your website. I wish you write more until ill be back next. But i collected some hints about my favorite deep house artists to keep you informed. I wrote a story about this great musician Schiller and his new record release called Atemlos. Possibly you like to check my stories.

   Current score: 0