2009 in Review

2009 Songs from the Idols: The best of the rest

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Chris Daughtry and Vince Gill after a performance of Tennessee Line at the Country Music Awards earlier this year. (AP Photo)

Trivia time: Three songs by former Idol contestants cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 2009. Can you name them?

The answers appear below, along with a list of select Idol singles released in 2009 and their peak position on the Hot 100.

First, Idol Chatter continues its look at the best of 2009, with a bit of a twist.

Today, my picks for the best of the rest — non-singles you might have overlooked when downloading songs from iTunes or elsewhere.

These deserve a listen. At least I think so.

Of course, music is a matter of taste. If you have other songs you think are must hears, feel free to comment below.

I’ve limited my list to non-singles from Idol albums released between December 2008 and Dec. 1 of this year (with one exception). And I’ve tried to limit my picks to one choice per album, though I couldn’t resist picking two songs each from Brooke White and Kelly Clarkson. (Thanks for the great music, ladies.)

Previous blogs in this look back on 2009 include best and worst albums and best videos.

And, now, my picks for best non-singles. The links take you to full-length versions of the songs.

Ruben Studdard sings country on bonus track.15. “It’s Your Love” by Ruben Studdard

I’m not a big fan of Ruben’s “Love Is.” Then along comes this unlikely cover of a country hit. A bonus track gem. Ruben never sounded better.

14. “Tip of the Tongue” by Kelly Clarkson

Perhaps the year’s best bonus track, a dance tune co-written by Kelly with a bass/hand clap intro that draws you in. Included on the deluxe version of “All I Ever Wanted.”

13. “If I Had You,” Adam Lambert

The Gaga song on Adam’s album (“Fever”) is a treat, but nothing beats the opening lines of this dance-driven ditty: “So I got my boots on / got the right ‘mount of leather / and I’m doing me up / with the black color liner.” I mean, so Adam.

12. “Rocks Instead of Rice” by Kellie Pickler

Kellie’s second album was released in 2008, but I couldn’t resist including this one. Kellie sings about attending an ex-boyfriend’s wedding, and she isn’t planning on throwing rice. “Long white limosine pulls into the church / A sick part of me wishes it was a hearse.” The perfect match of singer and song.

Varmints watch out when Amanda Overmyer is around.11. “Varmint Rifle” by Amanda Overmyer

Now how can you resist a song with a closing line where Amanda taunts: “I’m gonna shoot ya”? A broad dash of fun, southern rock style.

10. “Smile” by Brooke White

Take a simple song with a simple arrangement, add Brooke’s distinctive voice and you have pure magic. Reminiscent of the “Let It Be” performance that won her a huge following on Idol.

9. “Turn To You” by Michael Johns

Before heading into the recording studio, Kris Allen should have listened to Michael Johns’ album, several times. This acoustic number makes the perfect CD closer for a fine album.

8. “Long Shot” by Kelly Clarkson

Katy Perry co-wrote this tune that’s a sure bet to get stuck in your head .. at least until it’s time for the next pop gem on Kelly’s fourth album.

Blake Lewis returned with a second album in 2009. Check out Love or Torture. (Myriam Santos Photo)7. “Love or Torture (Please Don’t Stop),” Blake Lewis

In my book, Blake’s one of the most unappreciated Idol finalists. And this is my favorite electro-pop gem from his second album, “Heartbreak on Vinyl.”

6. “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” Carrie Underwood

A song about lost love that lacks the cross-over appeal of “Cowboy Casanova.” But wow, what a vocal. Carrie at her purest. Little wonder she’s sold more albums that any other Idol except Kelly Clarkson.

5. “I Will Be” by Melinda Doolittle

Remember when Melinda, the former background singer, was a favorite to win Idol season six. Here’s a wonderful reminder why from an underrated debut album.

4. “Definition of Me” by Mandisa

A dance beat, a touch of rap and a Christian message, all crammed into 3:25 of head-bobbing fun. A change of pace on a solid second album from Mandisa.

3. “Scars” by Allison Iraheta

Some of the tunes on Allison’s debut album seem liked they’re aimed straight for the Disney audience. Not this. A raspy, grown-up vocal, and one of the best tracks off the season eight CDs released so far.

Brooke White released her first post-Idol album in 2009.2. “Little Bird” by Brooke White

And then take there’s this little ray of sunshine, that’s sure to leave you with a smile. Written by Brooke, season seven colleague Michael Johns and Dave Cobb, who produced both of their fine albums.

1. “Tennessee Line” by Daughtry

A wonderful change-of-pace on a solid second album from Chris and the guys. Features a brilliant vocal, and a contribution from country legend Vince Gill.

2009 Idol Singles

Now, as promised, a list of singles released by Idols in 2009, along with a notation of their peak position on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Look hard enough, and you’ll find the answer to the trivia question above. (DNC means did not chart, at least on the Hot 100. An asterisk indicates it’s still active on the chart and could climb higher.)

Hey, fans, if I missed any, let me know. I know this list probably isn’t complete.

Kelly Clarkson, who played the York Fair in September, has had three top 20 hits off her All I Ever Wanted album. (York Dispatch Photo)Idol Singles 2009

Kris Allen:
“No Boundaries” — 11
“Live Like We’re Dying” — 33*

David Archuleta
“A Little Too Not Over You” — DNC

Kelly Clarkson
“My Life Would Suck Without You” — 1
“I Do Not Hook Up” — 20
“Already Gone” — 13*

David Cook
“Permanent” — 24
“Come Back to Me” — 63

Daughtry
“No Surprise” — 15
“Life After You” — 58*

Taylor Hicks
“What’s Right is Right” — DNC

Jennifer Hudson
“If This Isn’t Love” — 63

Allison Iraheta
“Friday I’ll Be Over” — DNC*

Jordin Sparks, shown at Planet Hollywood earlier this year, made it all the way to number 10 with the title track off her new album in 2009. (AP Photo)Adam Lambert
“No Boundaries” — 72
“A Time for Miracles” — 50
“For Your Entertainment” — 61
“Whataya Want From Me” — 72*

Blake Lewis
“Sad Song” — DNC

Katharine McPhee
“Had It All” — DNC*

Kellie Pickler
“Best Days of Your Life” — 46
“You Didn’t Know How Much I Loved You” — DNC*

Jordin Sparks
“Battlefield” — 10
“S.O.S. (Let the Music Play) — DNC

Ruben Studdard
“Together” — DNC

Brooke White
“Hold Up My Heart” — 47

Carrie Underwood
“I Told You So”(with Randy Travis) — 9
“Cowboy Casanova” — 11

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