2005 in Review: Best Albums

Coldplay delivered the year's only classic album, but there were other good works. Here is my list of the best albums of 2005. Click below to see comments and track highlights for some of the albums.

1. Coldplay - X&Y
2. Rachel Stevens - Come and Get It
3. Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor
4. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam
5. Will Young - Keep On
6. Natalie Imbruglia - Counting Down The Days
7. Goldfrapp - Supernature
8. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
9. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
10. Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV
11. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
12. Girls Aloud - Chemistry
13. White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
14. Robbie Williams - Intensive Care
15. Supergrass - Road to Rouen
16. Sugababes - Taller in More Ways
17. Feeder - Pushing The Senses
18. Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
19. Athlete - Tourist
20. Gorillaz - Demon Days
21. David Gray - Life in Slow Motion
22. Charlotte Church - Tissues and Issues
23. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
24. Annie - Anniemal
25. Arcade Fire - Funeral

Overrated: Sufjan Stevens - Come On Feel the Illinoise!

1. Coldplay - X&Y
The year's best (and only album I would rate a 5/5). Coldplay continued to show growth, incorporating a broader range of sounds and showing better songwriting depth. Chris Martin never sounded better, as do the rest of the band, which proved themselves as indispensible. Standout tracks: Talk, Speed of Sound, Fix You, White Shadows, Square One, The Hardest Part, Swallowed In The Sea, Kingdom Come.

2. Rachel Stevens - Come and Get It
The year's best pop album came from an unlikely source--a former member of S Club 7 whose first album failed to atract much attention. Truth be told, neither did this album, but it should have. Each song crackles with pop delight and retro and contemporary influences are both diverse and ranging. Standout tracks: Secret Garden, Nothing Good About This Goodbye, So Good, I Said Never Again (But Here We Are), Negotiate With Love, Funny How.

3. Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor
After the disappointing American Life, the greatest living pop star returned to deliver a knockout. Dance music has always been Madonna's bread and butter, and here she delivers a truly delectable meal of "modern disco." Standout tracks: Get Together, Jump, Hung Up, Sorry, Push, How High, Like it or Not.

4. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam
James Blunt is the UK's biggest new artist this year, and his album brims with potential. The album consists of beautiful love songs, contemplative ballads, and upbeat adult pop permeated with joy and sadness, even the pain of war (he served in the British forces). He's been called the next David Gray; let's hope he can live up to it. Standout tracks: You're Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover, High, Tears & Rain, Cry, Wisemen.

5. Will Young - Keep On
The former Pop Idol (he'll never live it down) returned this year with his third album, which turned out to be just as good as his smash Friday's Child, showing his willingness to continue exploring both new musical and thematic territory, even his sexuality, if only tentatively. Standout tracks: Keep On, All Time Love, Switch it On, Aint Such a Bad Place to Be, Who Am I, Happiness, Home.

6. Natalie Imbruglia - Counting Down the Days
She'll always be known for her supersmash "Torn," but this was a good attempt to craft something equally memorable. It may be a guilty pleasure, but this is expertly crafted adult pop with instant radio potential. Standout tracks: Shiver, Starting Today, Satisfied, Sanctuary, Perfectly.

7. Goldfrapp - Supernature
Alison Goldfrapp's third album is musically similar to her second, Black Cherry, and that's a good thing. Here she delivers another round of pop-friendly electro and downbeat, spiked with disco. Standout tracks: Ooh La La, Ride a White Horse, You Never Know, Fly Me Away, Number One, Slide In.

8. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have it So Much Better
Bands that deliver wildly successful debut albums often have a hard time following it (cue The Strokes). Franz Ferdinand managed it spectacularly though, with this disc, which manages to maintain the fun and energy of their first album while delving into a more mature sound too. Standout tracks: Do You Want To, Walk Away, Eleanor Put Your Boots On, The Fallen, This Boy, What You Meant.

9. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Wildly successful debuts, Kaiser Chiefs is this year's Franz Ferdinand, and Employment delivers an a great set of fun '80s influenced indie rock, not unlike the Killers. Standout tracks: I Predict a Riot, Modern Way, Everday I Love You Less and Less, Na Na Na Na Naa, You Can Have It All, Born to Be a Dancer.

10. Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV
Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, and Hard-Fi. The retro/indie sound wsas all over 2005 and never wore out its welcome. Hard-Fi's debut is tight, fun, and even a little bit dark. Standout tracks: Cash Machine, Hard to Beat, Tied Up Too Tight, Unnecessary Trouble, Move on Now, Feltham is Singing Out.

11. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
Taking over for Sarah McLachlan and kicking it up a notch, Tunstall is sure to break big into the U.S. market next year when this is released in the spring. It's a fine slice of chick folk/rock. Best tracks: Suddenly I see, Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, Another Place to Fall, Under The Weather, Miniature Disasters.

12 Girls Aloud - Chemistry
How much fun can one girl pop group possibly have? Certainly no more than these five have on this album--a frothy modern blend of pop spiced with experimental electronic production. Best tracks: Models, Biology, Wild Horses, Watch Me Go, Whole Lotta History, Swining London Town.

13. White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
Not much different than Elephant, but more experimental in places. Who cares when it sounds this good. Best tracks: Blue Orchid, The Denial Twist.

14. Robbie Williams - Intensive Care
The verdict on Robbie Williams without songwriting partner Guy Chambers: smooth sailing. Robbie continues to tantalize us with his swagger, confounding lyrics, and sexuality. Standout tracks: Tripping, Advertising Space, Spread Your Wings, Make Me Pure

15. Supergrass - Road to Rouen
Former punkish Britpop outfit goes mature, with mostly positive results. Standout tracks: St. Petersburg, Tales of Endurance, Sad Girl, Low C.

16. Sugababes - Taller in More Ways
Mixed bag, but when it works it works really well. Very sad they lost Mutya this year, her voice was perhaps their strongest. Standout tracks: Push the Button, Ugly, Gotta Be You, Joy Division, Red Dress.

17. Feeder - Pushing the Senses
Fomer indie Britpop outfit goes Coldplay, with fans up in arms, but higher charting singles. Standout track: "Tumble and Fall."

18. Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
After three duds, Mariah Carey (bless her for keep trying) finally made another decent album. Her voice isn't quite a spry (she's never hitting those "Vision of Love" notes again), but she still sounds great, and all the better for having endured a public meltdown and coming back strong with a pop/R&B album that effectively embraces both modern and classic sounds. Best tracks: We Belong Together, Say Somethin', Mine Again, Shake it Off, Don't Forget About Us.

19. Athlete - Tourist
Former indie Britpop outfit goes Coldplay, with fans up in arms, but higher charting singles. Do we see the musical trend of the year yet? Standout tracks: Wires, Twenty Four Hours, Chances, Half Light, Trading Air.

20. Gorillaz - Demon Days
It took me awhile to embrace this, but I came around to Damon Albarn's pop/indie/hip-hop album that vastly surpasses his first attempt at this. Standout tracks: Feel Good Inc, Dare, Last Living Souls, Dirty Harry.

21. David Gray - Life in Slow Motion
Expertlly crafted adult pop, sounds more upbeat than it should, but good. Standout track: "The One I Love"

22. Charlotte Church - Tissues and Issues
Former angelic child classical prodigy picks up cigarette and burns a hole in her wing. Tabloid photos ensue as does vampy pop makeover. Fun, but should be better. Standout track: "Crazy Chick."

Eminem to Remarry Former Wife, Kim Mathers

Eminem, aka Marshall Mathers, is apparently going to re-wed his former wife Kim Mathers on January 14, 2006. They were married in 1999, divorced in 2001, and have a daughter, Hailie, age 10.

Kim has apparently been charmed by the lovely things Eminem has said about her in his music. While most people go in for "you're the best thing that's ever happened to me" or simply "I love you," here a sampling of some of the things Eminem has said about Kim (mentioned often by name) in his music...

"You really f**ked me Kim," from "Kim," The Marshall Mathers EP
"I said get out bitch!," from "Kim," The Marshall Mathers EP
"Now shut the f**k up and get what's comin to you," from "Kim," The Marshall Mathers EP

Music to Kim's ears for sure.

2005 in Review: Personal Chart Top 100 of 2005

Kelly Clarkson was the biggest artist of the year on my chart and landed 3 singles in the year-end top 10. This chart is based on compiling points from each week's top 40 chart for the year.

1. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
2. Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson
3. You're Beautiful - James Blunt
4. Speed of Sound - Coldplay
5. We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
6. Filthy/Gorgeous - Scissor Sisters
7. Shiver - Natalie Imbruglia
8. Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
9. Because of You - Kelly Clarkson
10. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani

11. Bad Day - Daniel Powter
12. Fix You - Coldplay
13. Dakota - Stereophonics
14. Push The Button - Sugababes
15. Listen To Your Heart - D.H.T. Featuring Emdee
16. Tripping - Robbie Williams
17. Let Me Love You - Mario
18. Out Of Touch - Uniting Nations
19. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
20. Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani Featuring Eve
21. I Believe In You - Kylie Minogue
22. Cool - Gwen Stefani
23. These Words - Natasha Bedingfield
24. Beverly Hills - Weezer
25. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
26. Switch It On - Will Young
27. Gold Digger - Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx
28. Do You Want To - Franz Ferdinand
29. Hung Up - Madonna
30. I Bruise Easily - Natasha Bedingfield
31. The One I Love - David Gray
32. Don't Cha - The Pussycat Dolls
33. Shake It Off - Mariah Carey
34. Lady - Lenny Kravitz
35. Wires - Athlete
36. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
37. Crazy Chick - Charlotte Church
38. Giving You Up - Kylie Minogue
39. The Importance Of Being Idle - Oasis
40. I Predict A Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
41. Dare - Gorillaz
42. Mr. Brightside - The Killers
43. Holiday - Green Day
44. High - James Blunt
45. Ooh La La - Goldfrapp
46. Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls
47. Collide - Howie Day
48. Lose Control - Missy Elliot Featuring Ciara
49. Incomplete - Backstreet Boys
50. In The Morning - The Coral
51. Lyla - Oasis
52. Out Of The Blue - Delta Goodrem
53. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
54. Falling Stars - Sunset Strippers
55. Chariot - Gavin Degraw
56. Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry) - Craig David
57. Just A Ride - Jem
58. I Don't Want To Be - Gavin Degraw
59. Need To Feel Loved - Reflekt Featuring Delline Bass
60. Lonely No More - Rob Thomas
61. Getaway -Texas
62. Half Light - Athlete
63. True - Ryan Cabrera
64. Breathe (2 Am) - Anna Nalick
65. Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson
66. Blue Orchid - The White Stripes
67. Call My Name - Charlotte Church
68. Almost Here - Delta Goodrem & Brian Mcfadden
69. Don't Phunk With My Heart - Black Eyed Peas
70. Let There Be Love - Oasis
71. They - Jem
72. Caught Up - Usher
73. Over And Over - Nelly Featuring Tim Mcgraw
74. Must Get Out - Maroon 5
75. Talk - Coldplay
76. Counting Down The Days - Natalie Imbruglia
77. Soldier - Destiny's Child
78. Suddenly I See - Kt Tunstall
79. Beautiful Soul - Jesse Mccartney
80. Precious - Depeche Mode
81. Advertising Space - Robbie Williams
82. City Of Blinding Lights - U2
83. Wrap My Words Around You - Daniel Bedingfield
84. I'll Stand By You - Girls Aloud
85. Ugly - Sugababes
86. No Worries - Simon Webbe
87. Like Toy Soldiers - Eminem
88. Free Loop - Daniel Powter
89. Look What You've Done - Jet
90. Back To Basics - The Shapeshifters
91. Mockingbird - Eminem
92. Keep This Fire Burning - Beverley Knight
93. Get Right - Jennifer Lopez
94. If There's Any Justice - Lemar
95. Walk Away - Franz Ferdinand
96. Put Em High - Stonebridge Featuring Therese
97. You And Me - Lifehouse
98. When You Tell Me That You Love Me - Westlife Featuring Diana Ross
99. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
100. Don't Cha Wanna Ride - Joss Stone

And the New Sugababe Is...

Amelle Berrabah.

Personal Chart, 12/31/2005

Last chart of the year, and it's a third #1 this year for Coldplay...

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... 8 .... Talk - Coldplay (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 1 ... 11 ... Hung Up - Madonna (6 weeks @ #1)
3 .... 4 ... 11 ... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls
4 .... 3 .... 7 .... Advertising Space - Robbie Williams
5 .... 6 .... 3 .... JCB Song - Nizlopi
6 .... 5 .... 8 .... Ugly - Sugababes
7 .... 8 .... 6 .... Don't Forget About Us - Mariah Carey
8 ... 12 ... 4 .... All Time Love - Will Young
9 ... 13 ... 5 .... Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt
10 . 15 ... 4 .... See The Day - Girls Aloud

Coldplay finally boots Madonna from the top after her 6-week stretch at the top. This is Coldplay's 5th #1 single on my chart, and the third this year from their album X&Y. The Pussycat Dolls move into position to have one of next year's first #1s with "Stickwitu." Three new entries in the top 10, including the forthcoming second Keep On single from Will Young, "All Time Love."

Album Review: Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV (4/5)

The Killers and Franz Ferdinand, meet your new opponent. Hard-Fi, formed in 2002 by lead singer/songwriter Richard Archer in Staines, England, are the latest entry in the indie/retro/fun rock movement, and a welcome one for sure. Stars of CCTV is an accomplished debut that manages to be both darker and less clever than the aforementioned bands, while still maintaining a sense of fun and musical urgency.

The opening track, "Cash Machine" struts along with fuzzy electric guitars, feedback-laden vocals, and just enough retro-electro and keyboard to remind us that '80s influences are still strong in rock. The rhythm and electric guitars get turned up a notch for "Middle Eastern Holiday," and then the electro for "Tied Up Too Tight." "Gotta Reason" keeps up the pace too, but things get really interesting with "Hard to Beat," which is this album's equivalent to "Somebody Told Me." The track swirls with electronics, electric guitars, and noise, and breaks out staccato keyboard for the chorus that sounds like it came from Madonna's "Into The Groove."

A reprieve is offered by "Move On Now," a Coldplay-ish piano ballad that Archer delivers with an emotional vocal. With its slight use of electronics, it's almost downbeat. "Better Do Better" draws on big band, resulting of course in a big sound when combined with keyboards and guitars. "Living For The Weekend" is another dark, loud, electric number. Overall, somewhat derivative, but a solid and enjoyable debut.

Upcoming Releases

Next week I'll be looking back at my favorite albums and singles of 2005. But first, I wanted to look ahead at what new albums are coming out early in 2006 that look most interesting:

1. The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth (Jan. 2). Usually the first week of the year is dry dry dry, but not so this year, as no less an act than The Strokes are trotting out their third album, preceded by the single "Juicebox."

2. Richard Ashcroft - Keys to the World (Jan. 23). Former frontman for the Verve puts out another longplayer; lead single "Break The Night With Colour" sounds decent.

3. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's what I'm Not (Jan. 30). They hit #1 with "I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor," and have a second single out in early January. Full album will be available at the end of next month.

4. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope (US Release) (Mar. 6). I knew it was only a matter of time before KT showed up stateside. Her fantastic debut album is tailor made for Hot AC radio, and if anything, will spice it up a bit.

5. Christina Aguilera - TBA (Apr. 3) Finally! It's been over 3 years since Stripped. I haven't heard anything about it yet.

6. Snow Patrol - Eyes Open (Apr. 10) I liked their last album, Final Straw, and hope this will be good too.

Still not sure what plans are for the new Scissor Sisters album. I've seen it listed as being released in "February," but with no specific day yet. I think it looks like it's getting pushed back.

Personal Chart, 12/24/2005

I almost forgot to post this!

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... 10 .... Hung Up - Madonna (6 weeks @ #1)
2 .... 5 .... 7 ...... Talk - Coldplay
3 .... 4 .... 6 ...... Advertising Space - Robbie Williams
4 .... 6 .... 10 .... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls
5 .... 3 .... 7 ...... Ugly - Sugababes
6 .... 38 ... 2 ..... JCB Song - Nizlopi
7 .... 11 .... 6 ..... When You Tell Me That You Love Me - Westlife & Diana Ross
8 .... 13.... 5 ..... Don't Forget About Us - Mariah Carey
9 .... 2 ...... 8 .... Let There Be Love - Oasis
10 .. 14 .... 4 .... Under The Weather - KT Tunstall

It's a 6th week at #1 for Madonna, her third-longest run at #1 on my chart. Her record is 9 weeks for "Take a Bow," and she also got 8 weeks at #1 for "Music." It's also her first #1 on my chart for the week of Christmas, the closest she's come are 2 tracks that made #1 the first week of January: "Justify My Love" in 1991 and "Take a Bow" in 1995. Lots of activity in the top 10 this week, including four new entries. The biggest mover is the week is Nizlopi with "JCB Song," which was #1 on the UK chart last week. At #7, Westlife (along with Diana Ross) score another top 10 single with "When You Tell Me That You Love," which was #2 on the UK chart last week. Mariah Carey scores another top 10 hit with "Don't Forget About Us," her 24th top 10 hit on my chart. At #10 is the second top 10 hit of the year for KT Tunstall, who hit #7 just a couple of months ago with "Suddenly I See." At #2 this week with "Talk," Coldplay is poised to strike #1 next week to earn their third #1 hit this year; however, Madonna could hold them at bay for a 7th week at #1.

US Chart Analysis, 2005 Year-End

Mariah Carey tops the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart for the first time in her 15-year career with her massive #1 hit "We Belong Together," while 50 Cent's The Massacre is the year's biggest album. Kelly Clarkson is #1 and #2 on Radio & Records' year-end Top 40 chart.

Keep reading for analyses of the top 10 Billboard singles and albums and the Radio and Records top 40 airplay of 2005.

Billboard Hot 100

Billboard, having changed it's chart formula a bit this year, has restored greater equilibrium between music's greatest genres: namely R&B, pop, and rock, after R&B had dominated the 100 for several years. It's mostly veterans at the top of the chart this year, with the exception of The Pussycat Dolls.

1. We Belong Together - Mariah Carey

2005 was Mariah Carey's year--the year she came back strong with a best-selling album, multiple Grammy nominations, and a handful of hits topped by this one, which spent 14 weeks at #1, just 2 weeks shy of the record (held by Carey herself for "One Sweet Day"). Although she's had 17 #1 hits, including some very big ones, this is the first time Carey's topped the year-end Hot 100 chart. She came closest in 1996 with "One Sweet Day" at #2. She was #8 in 1993 with "Dreamlover," #5 in 1994 with "Hero," and #5 in 1996 with "Always Be My Baby." I believe "Vision of Love" and "Someday" may also have been in the top 10s for their years (1990 and 1991).

2. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani released her solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. late last year, and 2004 was filled was no less than 5 singles from the album. This one was the biggest, and spent four weeks at #1. She also hit #7 with "Rich Girl." Although 2005 saw Stefani stepping out solo, she's no stranger to the charts. With her band, No Doubt, Stefani's had three top 10 hits, the biggest of which, "Underneath It All," hit #3 in 2002. ("Don't Speak" was chart ineligible in 1996/97 since Billboard did not yet chart tracks that weren't commercially released as singles.) This is actually Stefani's second appearance as a solo act within the year-end top 10; in 2001, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" by Eve Featuring Stefani was the 7th biggest hit of the year.

3. Let Me Love You - Mario

Mario hit #1 the first week of the year, and spent 9 weeks there--the third-longest stay this year. This was his second top 40 hit, after his 2002 remake of "Just a Friend," which made #4.

4. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson had a #1 single in 2002 ("A Moment Like This") and a top 10 hit in 2003 ("Miss Independent"), but in 2005 she crossed the superstar line: four top 10 hits. "Since U Been Gone" was the biggest, peaking at #2 and spending nearly a year on the chart (46 weeks). It's the track that Avril Lavigne, Pink, or Liz Phair wished their last albums included, instead it ensured Clarkson would be lasting name.

5. 1, 2 Step - Ciara Featuring Missy Elliot

Ciara is the only artist in this year's top 10 who was also in the top 10 last year. Her first single "Goodies" spent 7 weeks at #1 and was the 9th biggest hit of 2004. She quickly followed it with "1, 2 Step," which spent 7 weeks at #2 early this year and 39 weeks on the chart (1 more week than "Goodies." Ciara returned the favor of her featured artist Missy Elliot, and did vocals on Elliot's "Lose Control," which finished just below the top 10 at #14 this year.

6. Gold Digger - Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx

Kanye West and Jamie Foxx were featured artists on the 2004 #1 Twista single, "Slow Jams." This year, West finally had his own #1 single (also featuring Jamie Foxx). The track was the second-longest running #1 single of the year, spending 10 weeks at the top. Excluding "Slow Jams," it was West's second top 10 hit, after the 2004 single "All Falls Down" which reached #7.

7. Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

Green Day had never had a Billboard top 40 hit until this year. It's a bit of a technicality, created by the fact that they never release proper singles and Billboard wouldn't allow tracks that weren't singles to chart until 1999. But still, fair being fair, Boulevard of Broken Dreams is Green Day's first Billboard top 40 hit, which climbed to #2 and stayed there for 5 weeks. Technicalities aside, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is Green Day's biggest hit, no matter how you slice it. It's an epic grand slice of rock, which they followed by the equally brilliant epic slice of rock, "Wake Me Up When September Ends," as well as the less serious and jaunty "Holiday." Green Day's been in the public eye for 11 years, but 2005 was their biggest yet.

8. Candy Shop - 50 Cent Featuring Olivia

50 Cent had the #1 hit of 2003 with "In Da Club," his second single. Since then, he's raked up 7 more top 40 hits (plus 4 others as a featured artist), including two #1 hits. This was his biggest since "In Da Club," and spent 8 weeks at #1 this year.

9. Don't Cha - The Pussycat Dolls

Not since the Spice Girls has a girl group been as instantly successful as The Pussycat Dolls. "Don't Cha," their first single, spent 3 weeks at the top last summer.

10. Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson

Not content with just one single in the year-end top 10, Kelly Clarkson shows up again with "Behind These Hazel Eyes," a less rambunctious and more serious rock/pop opus. It only peaked at #6, but it's spent 34 weeks on the chart (it's currently #42 and won't let go, even though she's released 2 tracks subsequently). Clarkson also appears in the year-end chart at #27 with "Breakaway" and #72 with "Because of You."

Billboard 200:

2005 was not a good year for new artists, and the Billboard 200 top 10 is made up entirely of veterans, several of whom have been in this top 10 in recent years past, although none of the artists in last year's top 10 made it back this year. For for the fourth year in a row, the top album is by an R&B/hip-hop act.

1. The Massacre - 50 Cent

50 Cent was #1 in 2003 with Get Rich or Die Tryin' and he's back again at the top this year with The Massacre, a similar affair of gangsta and party rap, best known for the #1 single "Candy Shop" as well as top 10 hits "Disco Inferno," "Just a Lil Bit," and "Outta Control."

2. Encore - Eminem

Following 50 Cent is his former musical mentor Eminem, whose fourth album becomes his third to land in a year-end top 10 chart following The Marshall Mathers LP (#3 for 2000) and The Eminem Show (#1 in 2002). Rumoured to be his last album, Eminem followed it with a late-November greatest hits collection. The album is best known for the top 10 hit, "Just Lose It."

3. American Idiot - Green Day

Green Day had their biggest year for singles from American Idiot, which also became their biggest album, and second to land in a year-end top 10 list (1995's Dookie was that year's #7 album). Released in the fall of 2004, the album was a nominee last year for the Album of the Year Grammy. Best known for top 10 hits "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

4. The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey

The accolaides just keep rolling in for Mariah Carey, who enjoyed a banner year in 2005, returning her to the level of fame and success she achieved in her early- and mid-'90s heyday. The album was a big-seller, biggest since Daydream, reaching just under 4.6 million in sales by the end of 2005 (although #4 for the chart year, the album may easily be the #2 best-selling album of the calendar year, given that the #2 and #3 albums won't sell as well during December 2005). This puts it under her two megasellers--1995's Daydream (7.5 million) and 1993's Music Box (7.2 million) and even her 1990 debut, Mariah Carey (4.8 million), but well ahead of the dismal sales for her last two albums, the embarassing 2001 release, Glitter (600,000 copies sold) and 2002's Charmbracelet (1.1 million). This is Mariah's fourth year-end top 10 album, following Daydream (#2 in 1996), Music Box (#2 in 1994), and Mariah Carey (#1 in 1991).

5. Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson's first album, 2003's Thankful, generated a couple of significant hits, namely the top 10 "Miss Independent," and included her #1 debut from 2002, "A Moment Like This," but failed to really take off in the sales department; it sold about 2.4 million copies, finished the year at #31 and was outsold by American Idol 2nd year runner-up Clay Aiken's debut, Measure of a Man (2.8 million copies). By comparison, Breakaway has generated 4 top 10 hits, including "Since U Been Gone," has sold over 4.1 million copies, and is still in the top 10 after 55 weeks, having never fallen below the top 20 during that time.

6. Love. Angel. Music. Baby. - Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani stepped away from No Doubt late year to release her debut solo album to spectacular results. The hugely successful album generated 4 top 40 hits, including the #1 single "Hollaback Girl" and was nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year. Counting her time with No Doubt, this is her second appearance in the year-end top 10, after No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom, #2 in 1997.

7. Destiny Fulfilled - Destiny's Child

Believe it or not, Destiny's Child's fourth album is their first to land in the year-end top 10; Survivor, the groups third album from 2001 is by far their best-seller, but because it was released mid-year, only reached #12 at the year-end chart. Destiny Fulfilled, as the title and subsequent hits package imply, is the last album from Destiny's Child. The group reached their pinnacle early this decade with hits like "Say My Name," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious" from their second and third albums. This one wasn't as good, but did contain 1 great single, the stomping #3 smash "Lose My Breath."

8. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - U2

U2 continues their streak of solid hit albums, and scored another Grammy nomination for album of the year with their latest, released late in 2004. Best known for "Vertigo."

9. Greatest Hits - Shania Twain

Shania Twain's album always sell well, in fact her 1997 album, Come On Over, is the biggest-selling album by a female or country artist, and at 20 times platinum (double diamond) is the 7th best-selling album of all time in the U.S. It should come as no surprise then that her Greatest Hits package, released late in 2004, continued to sell well into 2005. Twain was #3 in 2003 with "Up!," #3 in 1999 with Come On Over, #5 in 1998 with Come On Over, and #6 in 1996 with The Woman in Me.

10. Feels Like Today - Rascal Flatts

Country star Rascal Flatts had a big hit album this year, but I really don't know anything about it.

Radio & Records CHR/Pop Top 40 (Airplay):

Kelly Clarkson pulls a 1-2 punch, ending the year at #1 with "Since U Been Gone," which spent 7 weeks at #1, and at #2 with "Behind These Hazel Eyes," which spent 8 weeks at #2. Close behind at #3 is Mariah Carey with "We Belong Together," the track that kept "Hazel" from #1.

R&R Top 10:

1. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
2. Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson
3. We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
4. 1,2 Step - Ciara Featuring Missy Elliot
5. Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
6. Let Me Love You - Mario
7. Let Me Go - 3 Doors Down
8. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
9. I Don't Want to Be - Gavin DeGraw
10. Don't Cha - The Pussycat Dolls

UK Chart Analysis - The Christmas Chart, 12/25/2005

Winner of this year's The X Factor, Shayne Ward nabs Christmas #1 with over 700,000 copies of his debut single, "That's My Goal," sold.

Continue reading for full chart analysis.

1. "That's My Goal" - Shayne Ward

Really no contest for this year's Christmas #1. Before this single was even recorded, titled, maybe even written, it was predicted to be Christmas #1 as soon as it was announced that the winner of Britain's The X Factor talent contest would release his/her/their single Monday. As Shayne Ward was crowned winner of the contest last Saturday night, the honor of 2005 Christmas #1 was assumed to be his. The record company rushed out 750,000 copies, not available in shops until Wednesday. Of course, the two extra days did nothing to help the other contenders, and Shayne Ward is Christmas #1 for 2005, with a decent, albeit cliched pop track. Cheers to Shayne!

2. "JCB Song" - Nizlopi

Nizlopi is a distant runner-up with what was last week's surprise #1 about a 5 year-old boy running around with his dad on their tractor. Sweet, but couldn't possibly compete with The X Factor.

3. "Fairytale of New York" - The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl

A third re-release for The Pogues' Christmas single means another spell in the top 10. First released in 1987, it was Christmas #2 that year. A 1991 re-release saw the track climb only to #36, so if you like the track (which I don't particularly) then you'll be happy that this time it's almost up to its original peak.

5. "When I'm Gone" - Eminem

Eminem earns his 16th straight top 10 UK hit this week with "When I'm Gone," from his greatest hits collection, Curtain Call. It's been rumored to be his last single, although I expect he will release "Shake That," already out in the U.S. at radio. Given that he's had six #1 hits, this would've been a strong Christmas #1 contender if it hadn't been for The X Factor. That it was beaten also by the Pogues should disappoint the blond rapper a bit, but perhaps he should also point the blame at himself, for releasing something that simply rehashes the same story we've been getting from him for years now, while not offering anything new. Disappointing for him and for us.

9. "See The Day" - Girls Aloud

It doesn't look like Chemistry is going to produce a #1 single, as its third track becomes its lowest-charting. It's a decent ballad for the group, but not the best from the album, which is about as much fun as you can have listening to a record. At #9, "See The Day" becomes their lowest-charting single overall.

10. "Talk" - Coldplay

Coldplay is an albums artist who also happens to release great singles. They've never had a #1, but since first having a top 10 hit in 2000 with "Yellow"their subsequent 7 singles have also made top 10. "Talk" is the third release from X&Y, just beat out by James Blunt to be the second best-selling album of 2005. It's a brilliant track--my personal favorite from the album--and effectively samples Kraftwerk's "Computer Love." Now, the big question is, will Coldplay dare release a fourth X&Y Single, as they have yet to have a fourth single from an album.

11. "Goodbye My Lover" - James Blunt

James Blunt just misses out on having a top 10 hit with his fourth release from Back to Bedlam, the year's biggest album. It's an improvement over his last single though; "High" managed only to get to #16. It's a beautiful ballad, even more downkey than his massive #1 "You're Beautiful."

On the albums side of things, not much going on. Eminem is #1 for a fourth week, while James Blunt moves up to #2. No new entries or even old entries moving back into the top 10.

Nellie McKay Drops Record Label on Eve of Release

Just 2 weeks before the planned January 3rd release of her second album, Pretty Little Head, Nellie McKay has announced she has left her label, Columbia Records.

Although no official reason has been cited by McKay or Columbia, her departure may have been the result of a dispute between the artist and the label over the length of the new album. McKay has been publicly critical of Columbia's plans to release a 16-track 48-minute version of the album, insisting they release a 23-song version at 65 minutes. McKay has gone as far as giving out Columbia Records executives email addresses during concerts and asking fans to press for the longer release.

Her first album, 2004's Get Away From Me, was spread over 2 discs and included 18 tracks.

US Chart Analysis, 12/31/2005

Billboard Hot 100 (Singles):

A hearty congratulations to Mariah Carey this week, who scores her 17th #1 hit with "Don't Forget About Us." Depending on how you count it, this either ties her in second place with Elvis Presley or puts her just 1 single below the King in terms of acts with the most #1 singles; the Beatles remains the record holder with 20 #1 singles. "Don't Forget About Us," recently added to the Platinum Edition of The Emancipation of Mimi, is her fourth release of 2005 and her second #1. Carey is the only artist to top the Hot 100 twice in 2005. "Don't Forget About Us" caps an amazing year for Carey, the year in which she staged a strong comeback to once again dominate the pop chart, as well as the Grammy nominations.

Carey's string of #1s began with her very first single, "Vision of Love," in 1990, which she followed with four consecutive #1s. Her collection of chart-topping singles includes the longest-running #1 single, "One Sweet Day," her duet with Boyz II Men that spent 16 weeks at the top in 1995 and 1996. She also had long runs at #1 in 1993 with "Dreamlover" (8 weeks), "Fantasy (1995, 8 weeks)," and this year's "We Belong Together (14 weeks)."

Her complete list of Billboard #1s:

1. Vision of Love, 4 weeks, 1990
2. Love Takes Time, 3 weeks, 1990
3. Someday, 2 weeks, 1991
4. I Don't Wanna Cry, 2 weeks, 1991
5. Emotions, 3 weeks, 1991
6. I'll Be There, 2 weeks, 1992
7. Dreamlover, 8 weeks, 1993
8. Hero, 4 weeks, 1993
9. Fantasy, 8 weeks, 1995
10. One Sweet Day, 16 weeks, 1995
11. Always Be My Baby, 2 weeks, 1996
12. Honey, 3 weeks, 1997
13. My All, 1 week, 1998
14. Hearbreaker, 2 weeks, 1999
15. Thank God I Found You, 1 week, 2000
16. We Belong Together, 14 weeks, 2005
17. Don't Forget About Us, 2005

Elsewhere in the top 10, Nelly (Featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp) is this week's Sales Gainer with "Grillz," which moves up 1 place to #3, and The Pussycat Dolls move up 2 to #5 with "Stickwitu." Two singles move into the top 10: Beyonce makes a big 10 spot jump to #8 with "Check On It," which becomes her 6th top 10 hit, and Juelz Santana is up 2 to #10 with "There It Go! (The Whistle Song)."

Further down the chart, Jamie Foxx and Ludacris are back to back at #47 and #48 with singles that feature each other. Jamie Foxx (featuring Ludacris) is at #47 (up from 58) with "Unpredictable," while Ludacris (featuring Jamie Foxx) is the week's biggest new entry at #48 with "Georgia." Ne-Yo is this week's Airplay Gainer winner with "Sick Yo," up 9 spots to #26. Four singles enter the top 40: Carrie Underwood at #31 (up from #42) with "Jesus, Take the Wheel," Purple Ribbon All-Stars at #35 (up from #43) with "Kryptonite (I'm On It)," Tracie Adkins at #38 (up from #46) with "Honky Tony Badonkadonk [Whatever that is!]," and Billy Currington at #39 (up from #44) with "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right," winner of this week's apostrophe award.

Billboard 200:

Eminem remains on top for a second week with Curtain Call - The Hits, but faces a challenge from Carrie Underwood, who rebounds from #5 to #2 with Some Hearts. Biggest new entry of the week is Underwood's former American Idol competitor Bo Bice at #4 with The Real Thing. Buoyed by support from the excellent film, Walk the Line, Johnny Cash moves into the top 10 at #10 with The Legend of Johnny Cash. Kelly Clarkson also re-enters the top 10, up 3 to #8 with Breakaway. As is expected the week before Christmas, 37 of the top 50 album titles are bulleted this week. (In two weeks, expect little if any bullets in the top 50).

Radio & Records top 40 (airplay):

Chris Brown is #1 for a 4th week with "Run It! (Featuring Juelz Santana)"

Single review: Shayne Ward - "That's My Goal" (3/5)

So, for weeks its been on the upcoming release schedule as "The X-Factor Winner," and now finally we have a name behind the track that was proclaimed frontrunner for Christmas #1 before it had even been recorded. Shayne Ward, 20 from Manchester, England claimed the title as the show's winner Saturday. With music industry presses waiting, 750,000 copies of "That's My Goal" were quickly produced to be in stores by today. With such volume, it will almost surely be #1, as Nizlopi, last week's #1, sold 81,660 copies last week, and "That's My Goal" sold 175,000 today! So no contest then really, as "That's My Goal" will surely be Christmas #1 all over Britain this Sunday.

So what about the song itself? Does it really matter? This single is about being an event, not about being a song. It's a fine song, nothing about it is either spectacular or really awful. A lot like Will Young's "Evergreen" or Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This," decent songs that offered little in the way of what those artists could become. Ward could go the way of Clarkson and Young, or end up on the other end of the stick with Justin Guarini and Michelle McManus. It's a ballad of course, somewhat mid-tempo, with piano, strings, acoustic guitars, and a 3rd quarter key change (Ahh, don't we just love that biggest of all pop ballad cliches). Could be worse--at least it's not Bob The Builder for Christmas #1.

Album Review: Girls Aloud - Chemistry (4/5)

Girls Aloud have always intrigued me, but never won me over enough to buy one of their albums. I'm a Sugababes guy when it comes to my UK girlgroups. So while I enjoyed the singles from their last album, particularly "Love Machine" and "The Show," I was never moved enough to buy What Will The Neighbours Say?, which is probably a good thing, since I hear it wasn't that great beyond the released tracks (even the fourth one, "Wake Me Up" was not much). Then here comes third album Chemistry, preceeded by the underperforming "Long Hot Summer" in August, and then the stomper "Biology," which at first I thought was just so-so, but later I warmed to it. Now we have Christmas release "See The Day," which is also good, but doesn't quite knock it out of the ballpark.

Critics love Chemistry, and I want to also, but alas it's just good, not excellent in my mind. There's a lot of interesting stuff going on here--futuristic sounds, slick production, and a definite lack of versus in many of the tracks. "Models" is a lot fun, even jauntier than "Biology." "Wild Horses" starts out like it's from Harry Potter's school chorus before jumping into frenetic guitar-driven elegance. "Watch Me Go" is a standout track with an irresistable beat whose sound owes a lot to the 'babes "Hole in the Head." Not a surprising coincidence, as I hear they often share the same producer, Xenomania. "Swining London Town" also stands out for being brash, bold, and loud. The whole lot is fun--almost too much fun, but certainly enjoyable. "Whole Lotta History," the album's other ballad, grounds this party from getting too out of control, and would make a great fifth single (after "Models"). In all, it's quite good--better than the Sugababes latest album, but without the powerhouse standout like "Push the Button."

As a special bonus--get the 2 CD Christmas version of Chemistry, which includes a second disc of Christmas songs (and alternate sleeve art).

Mutya Leaves Sugababes

In a very upsetting move, the Sugababes announced today that Mutya Buena is leaving the group. I watched a few of their videos so I could figure out which voice is hers, and sadly, I think Mutya has the most unique voice of the group--it's her voice that gives them their unique sound. Stories imply that Heidi and Keisha will continue on, and that a new third member will be sought, but in my mind, it won't be the same. Siobhan was easily replaced during their early years (and Heidi is better than Siobhan), but Mutya is a core contributor.

According to the band's Web site, the new member will be announced within a day.

Christmas #1: Last Look

Alright then, with the pre-Christmas chart out of the way, let the Christmas week begin! Nizlopi, having nabbed this week's #1, is a strong contender to stay atop the chart; however, Wednesday will bring the release of Shayne Ward's debut single, "That My Goal." Ward was crowned the winner of this year's The X Factor contest last night on UK television, and will rush out the release of this single by Wednesday. Will the loss of 2 days of sales hurt his chances of having #1? Other key releases out tomorrow: Eminem's "When I'm Gone," Girls Aloud's "See The Day," and a re-release of the Pogue's "Fairytale in New York." My prediction:

1. Shayne Ward
2. Eminem
3. Nizlopi
4. Girls Aloud
5. The Pogues
6. Westlife
7. The Pussycat Dolls
8. Madonna
9. Black Eyed Peas
10. Coldplay

UK Chart Analysis, 12/24/2005

Singles:

1. JCB Song - Nizlopi

Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Nizlopi nabs the top spot this week with "JCB Song," a lovely, memory-like song told from the perspective of a 5 year-old remembering a fond day of riding around on the family JCB (a type of tractor) with his dad. It's a lovely little song, perfect for holidays. As for the band itself, its two members (Luke and John) met at school in England when they were 13, collaborating on various musical ventures before dedicating themselves to Nizlopi and producing their first album, Half These Songs Are About You.

2. When You Tell Me That You Love Me - Westlife (Featuring Diana Ross)

Once tipped as the frontrunner from Christmas #1, Westlife must settle for #2 this week, only their 6th of 19 singles not to reach #1. The song is of course a remake of Ms. Ross's 1991 hit, which spent two weeks at #2 on the UK chart, and features Ross herself, who sounds lovely alongside the boys. In what appears to be standard policy at 19 Entertainment, this is not the first of their artists to use this song, as the Season 4 American Idol finalists released this track in the spring, taking it to #39 on the Billboard Hot 100. They've recycled songs before: Westlife's 2001 album track "Evergreen" became Will Young's debut single in 2002, Westlife's 1999 #1 single "Flying Without Wings" became American Idol winner Ruben Studdard's debut single in 2003. It's not bad, if you go in for this sort of thing (which I do), but if the thought of still listening to boy bands 6 years after their heyday makes you ill, then skip it.

5. Jingle Bells / U Can't Touch This - Crazy Frog

BARRRFFFF!

8. Advertising Space - Robbie Williams

A somewhat low placing for Robbie Williams' second Intensive Care single, a sweeping dramatic ballad in the vein of "Angels" (but certainly not as classic). "Advertising Space" is Williams' 24th top 40 single (25th if you count the featured appearance on 1 Giant Leap), all but 1 of which have reached the top 10. It's also his third to enter at #8; last year at this time he hit #8 with "Misunderstood."

9. Ultraviolet / The Ballad of Paul K - McFly

McFly's 8th single becomes their first to miss the top 5. The double-A side fails to generate much interest, and I would agree that these two tracks are fine, but not their best work, and cannot compete with the current slate of high-powered pre-Christmas releases.

10. You Raise Me Up - Westlife

Worth noting here is that for the first time Westlife has 2 singles in the top 10 at once, a rare achievement for any act. You Raise Me Up also extends its run in the top 10 to 8 weeks, the longest top 10 run of any Westlife track.

11. Don't Forget About Us - Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey's fourth Emancipation of Mimi single becomes the first to miss the top 10--surprisingly, as the track is not available on the original version of the album, having been added to the Platinum Edition that came out last month. It's a decent track, very much like her comeback smash "We Belong Together."

15. A Pain That I'm Used To - Depeche Mode

An underwhelming choice for second single from Playing the Angel, although there are some cool remixes by Telex, Goldfrapp, and Madonna's producer Stuart Price (aka Jacque LuCont).

Albums:

Not much going on here. Eminem's Curtain Call - The Hits is #1 for a third week, while Robbie Williams and Westlife hold at #2 and #3. Gorillaz and Katie Melua return to the top 10 at #9 and #10 respectively.

US Chart Analysis, 12/24/2005

Hot 100 (Singles):

Sixteen year-old Chris Brown spends a fifth (and likely last) week at #1 with "Run It," his debut single. At #2, Mariah Carey moves up 5 places with "Don't Forget About Us," which also earns this week's Airplay Gainer award. It's likely to win the Sales Gainer award next week, as the single is (finally) now available for purchase at iTunes (where it is #1). If the track reaches #1 next week, it will be Carey's 17th #1 hit, putting her one place behind Elvis' 18 #1 singles. Nelly earns his 11th top 10 hit with "Grillz (Featuring Paul Will, Ali & Gipp)," which moves up 7 places to #4. The Pussycat Dolls reach a new peak with "Stickwitu" at #7 this week, up from #9.

James Blunt performs spectacularly this week with "You're Beautiful;" the track is the highest new entry in the top 40 at #22 (up from #46) and is this week's Sales Gainer winner. Mary J. Blige makes a good jump with "Be With You," up 7 places to #25. Three other tracks enter the top 40: Ne-Yo at #34 with "So Sick," Lil Wayne at #35 with "Fireman," and Rihanna at #38 with "If It's Lovin' That You Want."

Billboard 200 (Albums):

Three new entries dominate the chart. Eminem enters at #1 with Curtain Call - The Hits, his fourth straight #1 album. Lil Wayne's fifth album, Tha Carter II, is his highest charting ever as it debuts at #2. Korn debuts at #3 with their 8th album, See You On The Other Side.

R&R CHR/Pop (Top 40 Airplay):

Chris Brown spends a third week at #1 with "Run It." Tracks 2 - 5 are gaining, but none have enough spins to pose a serious challenge to Brown for #1. Best shots in a few weeks go to The Pussycat Dolls' "Stickwitu" up 1 to #3 this week, and Mariah Carey's "Don't Forget About Us," up 1 to #5 this week. Beyonce scores her fifth top 10 hit this week with "Check On It," which moves up 3 to #9. Biggest mover this week is Fall Out Boy, up 5 to #22 with "Dance, Dance." Only two new entries, neither of which are particularly noteworthy: Staind at #39 with "Right Here" and Lifehouse at #40 with "Blind."

Singles Reviews, 12/13/2005

"JCB Song" - Nizlopi (4/5)

Well this is a sweet little song. I'd never heard about Nizlopi until this track started showing up on lists as a possible contender for Christmas #1. For those that don't know, a JCB is a kind of tractor, and the song is about the singer thinking back to when he was a boy riding around on the JCB with his Dad, instead of being in school. It's a gentle ballad of a song that starts slow and kicks into a folksy upbeat section near the end. The singer sounds kind of like the guy from Counting Crows (but British). (12/12)

"See The Day" - Girls Aloud (3.5/5)

I want to like Girls Aloud. I hear their album, Chemistry is fab (and I'll probably order it next week), but for some reason, their singles this year have all fallen short of what I expect. "Wake Me Up" was the weakest link from What Will The Neighbours Say, "Long Hot Summer" didn't generate the heat it should've, and "Biology" ultimately got me, but it took awhile. This torchy ballad is again decent (like all their other stuff), but it's not as good as last year's ballad, "I'll Stand By You." I say Sugababes are still winning the race for coolest Brit girl group of the moment.

"Cash Machine" - Hard-Fi (4.5/5)

If you haven't heard Hard-Fi yet, it's high time you pick up their album, Stars of CCTV, as it is fabulous. Similar vein to The Killers/Franz Ferdinand/Kaiser Chiefs, and just as good. "Cash Machine" has a good retro swagger to it and just enough attitude to make it enjoyable. Great track.

Personal Chart, 12/17/2005

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... 8 .... Hung Up - Madonna (5 wks @ #1)
2 .... 2 .... 7 .... Let There Be Love - Oasis
3 ... 10 ... 6 ... Ugly - Sugababes
4 .... 9 .... 5 ... Advertising Space - Robbie Williams
5 .... 8 .... 6 ... Talk - Coldplay
6 .... 6 .... 9 ... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls
7 .... 4 .... 5 ... No Worries - Simon Webbe
8 .... 3 ... 14 .. Push The Button - Sugababes
9 .... 5 ... 11 .. Switch it On - Will Young
10 .. 11 .. 4 ... Luxurious - Gwen Stefani

Madonna gets a fifth week at #1, but Sugababes, Robbie Williams, and Coldplay have lined up to duke it out to be her successor. Gwen Stefani gets her fourth top 10 of the year.