(Beth Schonberger)
The competition intensifies in round three of the CU Independent’s “End of the Decade” series. Instead of the usual five suspects, we’ve doubled the field. Now the fates of 10 albums, live performances, movies and TV shows are in your hands. Can Coldplay’s juggernaut “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” be able to take down albums from numerous divas in today’s poll? Vote below and check back on the results to find out.
1. “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” by Coldplay (2008): With songs like: “Violet Hill,” “Lost,” and the title track, it’s no wonder that the British alternative rock band’s fourth studio album took the number one spot in numerous countries and won Best Rock Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.
2. “Carnival Ride” by Carrie Underwood (2007): The “American Idol” winner proved that she didn’t need to worry about a sophomore slump. Her second studio album produced five singles and helped her win the coveted title of “Entertainer of the Year” at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards.
3. “Crush” by Bon Jovi (2000): In their seventh studio album, the New Jersey rock band produced three singles including the rocking “It’s My Life,” a self-anthem about controlling your own destiny that reignited their rock and roll roots.
4. “As I Am” by Alicia Keys (2007): For her third studio album, this virtuoso R&B singer and songwriter was praised by critics like “USA Today” and “The New York Times,” and also produced four singles including “No One” and “Like You’ll Never See Me Again.”
5. “Songs About Jane” by Maroon 5 (2002): This British rock band’s debut album produced five singles, including the catchy “Harder to Breathe” and “This Love,” and appeared in the top of many countries’ record charts.
6. “Late Registration” by Kayne West (2005): The sophomore album from the controversial rapper had five singles produced singles including “Gold Digger,” (a collaboration with Jamie Foxx) “Touch the Sky” and “Diamonds from Sierra Leone.” Kayne’s album also received praise from “The Rolling Stone,” who gave him their highest rating: five out of five stars.
7. “Taking the Long Way” by the Dixie Chicks (2006): Three years after their lead singer protested the actions of former President George W. Bush, the country group’s seventh studio album received praises from “USA Today” and “Entertainment Weekly,” had five singles and earned five Grammys, including Album of the Year in 2007.
8. “The Breakthrough” by Mary J. Blige (2005): With five singles including the monster hits “Be Without You” and “One,” (her collaboration with U2) Mary J. Blige’s seventh album rejuvenated the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s career and earned her nine Billboard Music awards and three Grammy Awards.
9. “The Emancipation of Mimi” (2005): After struggling for a few years, R&B diva Mariah Carey returned onto the scene with her latest album that had six singles including “It’s Like That,” “We Belong Together” and “Fly Like A Bird.” It earned her two Grammys and proved she has the talent to come back and conquer the music scene.
10. “Spirit” by Leona Lewis (2007): This British diva, who won “The X-Factor” in 2006, made her worldwide debut with five singles including “Bleeding Love,” “Better in Time” and “I Will Be.”
Vote here!
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