Best Albums of May 2009
The highest-rated albums released in May 2009, ranked by critical consensus from professional music critics.
Best Albums of May 2009 arrives with a singular, confident statement: Grizzly Bear's soundscapes defined the month's critical conversation. May's releases were compact but resonant, and at its center sat Veckatimest, an album whose intricate arrangements and hushed intensity made May 2009 notable for chamber-pop reinvention.
Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest led the critical consensus with an 86.07/100 average from 15 professional reviews, praised for its layered harmonies, meticulous production, and emotional precision. Critics noted the record's balance of pastoral textures and studio ambition, which positioned the band as both artful songwriters and studio craftsmen. That concentrated acclaim - a relatively high score supported by a healthy review count - made Veckatimest the de facto centerpiece among May 2009 album releases.
Beyond a single standout, May 2009 hinted at a broader appetite for richly arranged, introspective records. The month's top albums suggested a turn toward carefully composed indie pop and experimental folk-tinged work, setting the stage for the ranked list below where each entry is weighed against the month's critical consensus and cultural impact.
