Hello everyone. So after much thought, I finally gathered together a recap of the best (and worst) music in 2008. I hope you enjoy reading. Please feel free to agree / disagree or even share your thoughts on the music of 2008!
My Favorite Singles of 2008
10. Love Me Dead - Ludo
http://www.youtube.com/wat
A fun pop rock song from their major record label debut. This band knows how to make good music without taking themselves too seriously. Kudos to them.
9. American Boy - Estelle feat. Kanye West
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Although Kanye may have missed the mark with his latest album, he was right on target with this track. This will.i.am produced track features Kanye back into his upbeat rap style and introducing us to an up and coming English hip-hop singer, Estelle. This song is already nominated for two Grammys, showing that Kanye has still got that magic touch.
8. Viva La Vida - Coldplay
http://www.youtube.com/wat
The guys of Coldplay take a step away from their usual mellow piano rock sound on this one. This epic track is filled with historical / religious references and features a full string section accompanied by crashing percussion. Despite the somewhat different sound, this song has become one of the band's most commercially successful songs.
7. I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I don't care if you think Pete Wentz is a tool. I don't care if you think Fall Out Boy "sold out". And I don't care if you think this song is annoying, because Fall Out Boy will always be one of my favorite bands and this song was a great choice for the first single off their new album. It's upbeat, has a catchy hook, shows off Patrick's vocals, and it demonstrates a maturity in their sound. This is Fall Out Boy doing what they do best.
6. Light On - David Cook
http://www.youtube.com/wat
The first single from the Season 7 American Idol winner. Sure it's an alternative rock ballad, just like everyone was expecting. But it is very well written (co-written by Chris Cornell and Brian Howes), radio-friendly, and it allowed David to show off his incredible vocal range...proving to everyone that he did indeed deserve the title of American Idol.
5. Superstar - Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos
http://www.youtube.com/wat
While Kanye was stuck in his depressing "auto-tune" phase, Lupe delivered with a track that has earned the title of "My Favorite Rap Song of 2008". Sorry, Kanye.
4. Nine in the Afternoon - Panic At the Disco
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Shortly after dropping the exclamation mark in their name, the guys of Panic (no !) At the Disco released this super catchy, late Beatles-esque song. This was back in January, and I still can't get the song out of my head!
3. Feels Like Tonight - Daughtry
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Before David Cook, Chris Daughtry was the big rock singer who was discovered through American Idol. Although he did not win the competition, he has become more successful than a majority of the past winners. His band's debut album is the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history (wikipedia.org). Although their album was released back in 2006, "Feels Like Tonight" (my favorite track) was released as a single this year and was all over the radio in 2008.
2. Free Fallin' - John Mayer
http://www.youtube.com/wat
My favorite artist does a live, acoustic cover of one of my all-time favorite songs...The perfect combination =)
1. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Finally, a breakthrough hit single from my main man, Jason Mraz. It's about time he got some attention! This guy never fails to amaze me with his ridiculous amounts of talent. Incredible vocals, brilliant songwriting, and catchy melodies. I guarantee you that this song was in your head at least once this year.
Songs of 2008 That You Should Check Out
10.Where Did You Go? - Valencia
http://www.youtube.com/wat
This song is exactly what I look for in good pop-punk music. Good vocals / lyrics, catchy chorus, solid bridge, and crashing guitars. I'm still waiting for this band to hit it big, because they truly deserve it.
9. The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/wat
If you haven't heard of this band yet, you should definitely check them out. They have such a unique sound, blending punk rock with old bluesy classic rock.
8. I'd Rather Be With You - Joshua Radin
http://www.youtube.com/wat
This guy is such an amazing singer-songwriter. His music is genuine and he puts a lot of heart / emotion into all his songs. You may have heard his music on TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and One Tree Hill.
7. About a Girl - The Academy Is...
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Another fun pop-punk song. Totally cliché lyrics, but it is hard to get this song out of my head.
6. Salute Your Solution - The Raconteurs
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Jack White is a genius. Whether he is playing with The White Stripes or The Raconteurs, he knows how to deliver a familiar, yet unique rock n' roll sound.
5. Chasing Pavements - Adele
http://www.youtube.com/wat
A great song from an upcoming British female artist. Her beautiful voice is accompanied by mixed elements of blues, soul, and contemporary pop.
4. Cath... - Death Cab for Cutie
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Probably my favorite track from the band's latest record, Narrow Stairs. Death Cab for Cutie is slowly becoming one of my favorite bands.
3. Human - The Killers
http://www.youtube.com/wat
The lead single off their third studio album, Day & Age. A big catchy melody accompanied by upbeat, new wave like music.
2. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
http://www.youtube.com/wat
A fun upbeat song from a new up and coming indie pop rock band.
1. Time to Pretend - MGMT
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I absolutely love the synth line of this song. This indie pop duo knows how to make good, fun music. Be sure to check out their other great songs on their CD, Oracular Spectacular.
Guilty Pleasure Songs of 2008
10. Crush - David Archuleta
http://www.youtube.com/wat
The first single from the American Idol runner up. Little David delivered exactly what everyone was expecting: A cheesy, yet ridiculously catchy, radio friendly hit.
9. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
http://www.youtube.com/wat
One of the big new artists to emerge this year. I have to admit that I kind of enjoy hearing this song, although I can't say the same about 'I Kissed a Girl' (see Most Annoying Songs of 2008)
8. Love in This Club - Usher feat. Young Jeezy
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Leave it to Usher to make a song about "making love" in public places. As much as I want to trash this song's one line chorus or horrific "rap" verse by Young Jeezy, I can't help but dance and sing along whenever I hear it!
7. Shake It - Metro Station
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I will never understand this whole "merging dance music with pop punk" trend, but this song is the trend's National Anthem. I still can't get this dang song out of my head, AHH!
6. Love Lockdown - Kanye West
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Normally I would not be ashamed to have a song by Mr. West on my list. In fact he is probably my favorite rap artist right now. However Kanye's latest album was not a rap album at all, and while I salute his ballsy direction...I do not salute his latest album. But I will give credit to his uber catchy first single, "Love Lockdown".
5. Paper Planes - M.I.A.
http://www.youtube.com/wat
How many people do you think saw the trailer of Pineapple Express and instantly fell in love with this song? I know I did. Who would have thought a song with gun shots and cash register sound effects in the chorus would become such a big hit?
4. Mercy - Duffy
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I think you either love or hate this song. It is fun, it's different, and it's catchy...and that is what I like about it.
3. If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
http://www.youtube.com/wat
What do you get when you pair up a chart topping R&B sensation with one of the most popular pop rock bands today?? How about a perfect musical match and huge hit song?
2. Realize - Colbie Caillat
http://www.youtube.com/wat
This song was the perfect follow up to her first hit song, "Bubbly". With this song, Colbie proves she is a talented singer-songwriter and is ready to be the next young pop superstar.
1. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
http://www.youtube.com/wat
At first I was totally against this song. I thought, "Wow, is Kid Rock so bad at song-writing that he had to take other people's songs?" But then this song really started to grow on me, and I began to realize how SMART it was to mix "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon and "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. Kid Rock is really just paying tribute to these great songs. With lyrics about love, drugs, and partying, this song was the perfect summer anthem for 2008.
Most Annoying Songs of 2008
10. Love Story - Taylor Swift
http://www.youtube.com/wat
A cheese-fest love song based off of "Romeo & Juliet". Haha what does Taylor Swift know about love (or even Shakespeare)...she dated one of the Jonas Brothers! Really Taylor?? Really??
9. Touch My Body - Mariah Carey
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Okay, there is no denying that Mariah Carey can still sing. And she still has a smokin' hot body. But this song is just terrible. With lyrics like "If there's a camera up in here, Then I'd best not catch this flick on YouTube", how can you even take this song seriously?
8. Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I can go on and on about why I despise the Jonas Brothers, but I'll just let you listen to the first minute of this song and you can decide for yourself.
7. 7 Things - Miley Cyrus
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Her count-in is off beat. The stupid "um-sha" thing she does. Her annoying voice. The super cheesy lyrics. Her lame back-up band. Her embarrassing attempt at "rocking out". And the ridiculous amount of money this crap brought in = the 7 Things I hate about this god-awful song.
6. Womanizer - Britney Spears
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Britney is back...with another annoying song. Oh well, at least she looks hot (a.k.a. naked) in the music video.
5. Swagga Like Us - T.I. and Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Lil Wayne
http://www.youtube.com/wat
An all-star hip hop cast rapping over a sample of a popular new song. I thought for sure I was going to love this song. Boy, was I wrong.
4. When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
http://www.youtube.com/wat
If you are going to watch this music video, I suggest putting your computer on mute. Super hottie Nicole Scherzinger (and those other girls) are proof that good looks and a few catchy songs are all you need in today's music industry.
3. Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Hmm...I wonder if this song will be the theme song of the next crappy Laguna Beach / The Hills spin-off...
2. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Okay, I get it. Katy Perry kissed a girl...and she liked it. It was interesting to first time I heard it. After that it just got annoying.
1. Lollipop - Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
http://www.youtube.com/wat
I just don't understand it. What is so damn special about Lil' Wayne? Why has this man sold so many records? To me, good rap music has substance (i.e. Lupe Fiasco, Common, Nas, etc). This song is just ridiculous and it is the epitome of why I can't take Lil' Wayne seriously.
Most Overrated Artists of 2008
2. (tie) Beyoncé / Rihanna
It seems like every hit song on the radio today is by either one of these artists. Both have become huge superstars in the past year. Perhaps I am missing something, because I can't seem to find anything special about either of them :-/
1. Lil Wayne
(See above.)
Most Overexposed Artist of 2008
1. Britney Spears
Wow, what a year for Britney. From her mental breakdown to her surprising come-back, the media was there to cover every minute of it.
Best Musician of 2008
1. John Mayer
One minute he is shredding a Van Halen guitar solo on Fall Out Boy’s cover of "Beat It". The next minute he is performing a jazzy Frank Sinatra song with trumpet player, Chris Botti. And then he is on stage singing / playing the blues with the legendary B.B. King. In addition of all this, he is all over the tabloids: wearing Borat-thongs, drunkenly rambling on about Ron Paul, or canoodling with mega hottie, Jennifer Aniston. Man, this guy can do it all.
Hottest Artist of 2008
1. Carrie Underwood
So anyone who knows me well enough, knows this choice was pretty much a no brainer. There is no competition. She's stylish, she's pretty, and she has an amazing voice. It doesn't get any hotter than that ;-)
Most Disappointing Albums of 2008
2. 808s & Heartbreak - Kanye West
While I gotta give him respect for trying something new and different / being able to express his emotions in his songs, this album just wasn't Kanye West. Almost every song on this album is just sad and depressing and filled with too much "auto-tune". Please bring back the old Kanye =(
1. Chinese Democracy - Guns N' Roses
13 years, 14 different studios, and several different line-up changes later, Guns N' Roses finally put out their long-awaited album. The result is a mediocre rock album with record sales far below expectations.
My Favorite Albums of 2008
5. Death Magnetic - Metallica
Heavy guitar riffs, shredding guitar solos, lightning fast drumming. Metallica is back and better than ever.
Favorite Tracks: Cyanide, All Nightmare Long
4. Folie A Deux - Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy's latest album features a diverse line-up of guest appearances (including Elvis Costello and Lil Wayne), a much more mature style (lyrically and musically), and amazing vocal performances by Patrick Stump.
Favorite Tracks: Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes, America's Suitehearts, What a Catch, Donnie
3. Narrow Stairs - Death Cab for Cutie
The Seattle-based indie rock group delivers with the perfect follow-up to their 2005 album, Plans. This album has been receiving much praise from both critics and fans, and has even received a Grammy nomination for "Best Alternative Music Album".
Favorite Tracks: Cath..., No Sunlight, Grapevine Fires
2. Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends- Coldplay
Coldplay's fourth studio album could very well be their best yet. This time around the guys decided to incorporate different musical influences / instruments. The result was huge. In addition to becoming one of the biggest bands in the U.S., they could very well be one of the biggest bands in the world today. In fact, this album debuted at number one in 36 different countries. Wow.
Favorite Tracks: Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Lost!
1. We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things - Jason Mraz
Okay, I admit it. I have a huge man crush on Jason Mraz, so I guess this choice is a little biased. Nevertheless, this is the one album this year that I could listen to all the way through (multiple times) without get tired of it. Every single song brings something new and different to the table, while still demonstrating his signature vocal style, witty lyrics, and catchy hooks.
Favorite Tracks: I'm Yours, Lucky, If It Kills Me, Butterfly
Honorable Mentions
Oracular Spectacular - MGMT
The Secret Wars - Ace Enders and a Million Different People
Agony and Irony - Alkaline Trio
Pretty. Odd. - Panic At the Disco
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Black Ice - AC/DC
Simple Times - Joshua Radin
We All Need a Reason to Believe - Valencia
The Sunrise - Love Me Electric
Albums I Still Need to Listen to:
Dear Science - TV on the Radio
The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthem
Day & Age - The Killers
For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver
Dig Out Your Soul - Oasis
Intimacy - Bloc Party
Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
No comments:
Post a Comment