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2009

2009 in British Music

Lady Gaga's arrival, The xx's quiet revolution, and the streaming era stirs.

Key Events

  • Lady Gaga releases The Fame Monster — pop maximalism at its peak
  • The xx release xx — a minimalist masterpiece that influences a decade
  • Susan Boyle's debut becomes the year's biggest-seller worldwide

Dominant Genres

PopIndieElectronicR&B

Notable Trends

  • Streaming services begin to reshape listening habits
  • The album as event begins to fade — singles culture returns
  • British pop goes global on an industrial scale

Key Artists of 2009

200820092010