2009 was a year of significant cultural and political shifts, marking the beginning of Barack Obama’s presidency and the world grappling with economic recovery. Amidst these changes, the music scene was vibrant and transformative, introducing global superstars and delivering unforgettable number one hits. This year saw the rise of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé solidifying her icon status, and The Black Eyed Peas dominating the charts. Let’s dive back into the sounds of 2009 and explore the number one songs that defined this era.
The Reign of Queens and Pop Pioneers
Beyoncé’s anthem of independence, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It!)”, was undeniably one of the biggest number one songs of 2009. Its iconic music video and empowering message resonated globally, cementing Beyoncé’s place at the top. This track was more than just a song; it was a cultural moment.
Beyonce performing Single Ladies
Alt text: Beyoncé Knowles performing her hit single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” in 2009, a number one song that became a cultural phenomenon.
Another dominant force emerging in 2009 was Lady Gaga. Her debut single, “Just Dance” featuring Colby O’Donis, was an instant global sensation. This infectious dance-pop track encouraged listeners to escape their worries and hit the dance floor, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the time. Gaga’s arrival was meteoric, and “Just Dance” was the perfect introduction to her unique artistry.
Following closely on her heels, Gaga continued her chart dominance with “Poker Face”. This became her second number one song of 2009, further solidifying her status as a pop visionary. “Poker Face” showcased her ability to blend catchy melodies with avant-garde style, a formula that would make her a lasting icon. By 2015, “Poker Face” achieved diamond certification, highlighting its enduring popularity and making Gaga the first female artist to reach this digital milestone.
Hip-Hop and R&B’s Chart-Topping Power
Hip-hop and R&B also played a crucial role in shaping the number one songs of 2009. The Black Eyed Peas were arguably the biggest group of the year, achieving number one status with not one, but two tracks. First came “Boom Boom Pow”, an innovative blend of dance beats and old-school 808 sounds. This track was a crossover hit, appealing to both R&B and hip-hop fans and demonstrating the genre-bending trends in music at the time.
They followed up “Boom Boom Pow” with “I Gotta Feeling”, which incredibly dethroned their previous number one hit. This infectious and optimistic anthem became the soundtrack to parties and celebrations worldwide. The Black Eyed Peas’ album, The E.N.D., released in 2009, sold over 11 million copies globally, demonstrating their massive impact on the music landscape. Their dual reign at the top of the charts was a defining feature of the year in music.
Eminem also made a triumphant return in 2009 with “Crack A Bottle,” featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. This track marked Eminem’s resurgence after his successful Encore album in 2004, reminding everyone of his lyrical prowess and cementing his position as a leading figure in rap music.
Flo Rida also contributed to the hip-hop chart-toppers with “Right Round.” This was one of Flo Rida’s many successful hits, showcasing his knack for creating catchy and radio-friendly anthems. “Right Round” paved the way for his continued success in the pop and hip-hop world, until he surpassed its achievements with “Whistle” in 2012.
Jay Sean, in his debut under Cash Money Records, reached number one with “Down” featuring Lil Wayne. This track marked a significant moment for Jay Sean, establishing him in the American market and highlighting the global reach of pop and R&B music.
Pop Sensations and Record-Breaking Jumps
Kelly Clarkson delivered a powerful pop-rock anthem with “My Life Would Suck Without You.” This song made history by jumping from number 97 to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record for the biggest leap to the top spot. This impressive chart performance underscored the song’s immediate appeal and Clarkson’s enduring popularity.
Britney Spears added to her collection of hits with “3”. Released as part of her The Singles Collection, “3” quickly gained traction, further amplified by a memorable wardrobe incident during a Las Vegas performance. This track showcased Britney’s continued reign in pop music and her ability to create buzz and excitement.
Owl City brought a different flavor to the charts with “Fireflies”. This electro-pop single, influenced by The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie, stood out with its unique sound. Adam Young’s creation offered a blend of nostalgic and fresh pop elements, providing a contrast to the prevailing upbeat hip-hop and pop sounds and reaching number one twice.
Jason DeRulo made his mark with “Whatcha Say.” While aiming for Michael Jackson-level success, “Whatcha Say” remains DeRulo’s biggest hit to date. This song introduced him to a wider audience and launched his career in the pop music scene.
New York State of Mind to Close the Year
Ending the year on a high note was Jay-Z and Alicia Keys with “Empire State Of Mind.” This New York anthem topped the charts at the close of 2009, becoming a celebratory ode to the city and its dreams. “Empire State of Mind” captured the spirit of New York and became a timeless classic, resonating far beyond 2009.
2009: A Year of Musical Milestones
2009 was a year of diverse and dynamic number one songs, showcasing the breadth of talent and evolving trends in music. From pop queens like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga to hip-hop heavyweights and rising pop stars, the Billboard Hot 100 of 2009 provided a snapshot of a year filled with memorable and impactful music. Reliving these number one hits is a journey back to a pivotal year in music history, marking the start of new eras and solidifying the legacies of iconic artists.
