Voice of London

There is nothing everyone loves more than a good throwback. As we get older, time seems to move more fluidly and we realise that many of our treasured memories were years ago. As the year is drawing to a close, Voice of London is here to his your nostalgia right in your gut. 

2009 was the year that brought us the death of Michael Jackson, who has had scandals still being released even now. We were also still waiting for the final sector of the Harry Potter Franchise, which finished in 2011. We were all clad in high wasted skater dresses, military jackets, big scarves and jeans that didn’t look like they were spray painted onto our bodies. 

However I feel like these songs are really going to take you back, to wherever you were in 2009. 

10.Whatcha Say – Jason Derulo 

The debut single of American Singer Jason Derulo. It was available for digital download in May however wasn’t officially released until August. The song heavily samples Imogen Heap’s song Hide and Seek (2005). The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Derulo is still producing music with hits such as Mamacita (2019) and Trumpets (2013). 

9. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyonce

The anthem for single girls across the globe, this song still appears as a favourite within clubs and parties. Released on the 24th January, as part of her 3rd Studio Album, I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), even though it was released the previous year, it was intensely popular in early 2009, staying top of the charts for 3 weeks. 

8. Omen – The Prodigy 

The 19th single released by British Electronic band  The Prodigy, it bace the first commercial single of their album Invaders must Die. It became the bands 10th top 10 hit on the UK singles chart and won the Kerrang! Award for Best Single. 

7. Love Story – Taylor Swift

Another song released n the latter half of 2008, Love Story reached it’s peak on the charts in March 2009, a whole year after it was recorded. It spent a week at the top of the UK charts, machining it one of Taylor Swifts most iconic songs in her early career alongside Today was a fairytale (2010). Since then she has established herself as a sell out artist, whilst changing her look and sound after her split with Harry Styles in 2012.

6. Jai Ho (You are my Destiny) – The Pussycat Dolls

Released on February 23rd 2009, inspired by the film Slumdog Millionaire, producers Ron Fair and Jimmy Lovine wanted to turn the song ‘Jai Ho’ into a pop song without deriving from the original tone and melody. It was received by critics extremely well, being applauded for its adaption and mix of genres. In one week it went from 100th to 15th on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

5. Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal

This is the first single released from British Rapper, Dizzee Rascal fourth studio album. It was released by his own music label Dirtee Stank Recordings on the 17th May 2009 entering the top of the UK singles charts. 

4. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas

Released on 21st May 2009, this song entered the charts at number twobehind their own song ‘Boom Boom Pow’ which came out earlier in the year. Both singles came from their hit album The E.N.D, produced by infamous DJ David Guetta. The album was nominated for six Grammy Awards in 2010, with ‘I Gotta Feeling being nominated for Record of the Year. 

3. Empire State of Mind – Jay Z ft Alicia Keys

This song took a long time to be created with many people contributing to it’s creation. Originally written by Hangela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic, it was taken to Jay Z’s label Roc Nation but rejected. After some encouragement, it was taken however only the anthem-like singing part was taken, with Jay-Z changing the the verses. Originally Hunte and Ulepic were to sing this, however they felt Alicia Keyes would be more suitable for the part. The song was voted as one of the best songs of 2009. 

2. Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble

The King of Christmas himself. This song was released as a single as part of the the singers fourth album ‘Crazy Love’ in August 2009. The song was co written with Buble with Alan Chang and Amy Foster-Gillies, and was dedicated to his then fiancee, now wife, Luisana Lopilato (who is featured in the video). 

1. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga

The Fame Monster is argued as one of Gaga’s most decorated albums with many of her top singles being featured within it. Following an illegal demo leak, Gaga showcased the final song at Alexander McQueen’s Show during Paris Fashion Week. The song won two Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Short Form Music Video. It has been certified 11-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 5.9 million digital downloads as of early 2019. It sold 12 million copies worldwide becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

By Emily Yarwood