List of Favorites from 2009

I have a few friends that share their annual list of favorite shows, songs, recipes, or whatnot each year and I always enjoy hearing what they like and, in many cases, checking it out myself. So, I thought I’d do my own this year. I’m no critic and, with four small kids, I’ve hardly partaken of the entire landscape of entertainment this past year, so I can’t say that these are the best. But I’ve seen and heard enough to have some definite opinions, so here are my favorites from 2009:

Albums:

1. The Outsiders, needtobreathe

There’s hardly a song on here I don’t love…and every other song is like an anthem that would be a high-point on most other albums.

2. Everybody, Ingrid Michaelson

This is a close second. I’ll let you know next year at this time if I get tired of any of these songs after listening to them many times a week.

3. Songs that Duke Wrote, Ben Rector

One of many fantastic artists introduced by BriteRevolution.com in this, their inaugural year.

Honorable Mentions:

“Wake Up Love” by Melanie Penn – It hasn’t actually been released yet (such is a perk of living in Nashville)…take my word and check this new artist out!

“Resurrection Letters: Volume II” by Andrew Peterson – another beautiful album in a long line of great works

Movies:

1. The Hangover

It’s embarrassing to have something this base as my top movie, but it was comedic genius

2. (500) Days of Summer

Creative and authentic with excellent structure, performances, and dialogue

3. Star Trek

The perfect reboot/sequel with appeal far beyond Trekkies and even sci-fi (can we try the same treatment to the Star Wars franchise next?)

Honorable Mentions:

“Inglorious Bastards” – Not at all what I expected…so compelling that you almost believe (or wish?) it was true

“District 9″ – Completely unique, a compelling story in it’s own right, but a powerful moral tale about racial discrimination

Songs:

1. Alright With Me, Kris Allen

By far my favorite song on this talented artist’s debut album…just plain fun

2. Summer Nights, Rascal Flatts

“Let that igloo cooler mark your piece of paradise”…the perfect summer ditty

3. Tennessee Line, Daughtry

Southern rock ballad featuring one of the best rock voices with the best country harmonizer there is (Vince Gill)

Honorable Mentions:

“Rocket” by Andrew Peterson – Great rhythm, storytelling, harmonizing, and meaning

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” by Beyoncé – Undeniably one of the best pop songs of the decade

TV Shows:

1. Big Bang Theory, CBS

I don’t know why nerds are so funny, but the writing is second to none…Sheldon steals the show

2. Lost, ABC

I’ve never looked forward to a show this much…the imaginative depth is philosophically and narratively amazing

3. 30 Rock, NBC

Clever and frequently hilarious

Honorable Mentions:

Glee (FOX) – I don’t really watch it faithfully, but it’s all my wife talks about…American Idol meets High School Musical meets Fame

Community (NBC) – Hilarious ensemble with a feel-good (and rare) moral

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