Top 20 albums of 2008: Adele, John Legend, Beyonce top tunes

Posted on Jan 05, 2009 in Features

 The year 2008 has come and gone, and it just wouldn’t be the new year if we didn’t take a trip down memory lane and listen to the musical offerings of 2008. Keep in mind that this list concerns mainstream and gossip-worthy artists, so for you hard-core music fans, I am in no way including the vast spectrum of lesser known or independent music that has been released in 2008. For a more left-of-center albums of the year list, courtesy of Features Editor Mark Trammell, be sure and check out our Web site at: www.uabkcope.com!

20. Adele: “19” — There was definitely a surge of great British artists in the ’07-’08 season, and by the time Adele released her debut CD, “19,” I was thoroughly disenchanted with the entire idea of a British songbird. But, Adele’s smooth sounds and tight vocals made me a fan of the British invasion once again. With four Grammy nominations, Adele has really made a name for herself in the states, despite her early lack of attention. Tracks to look for include “Chasing Pavements,” the infectious “Cold Shoulder,” and “Daydreamer.”

19. Mariah Carey: “e=MC2” — OK, so most people who know me know that I am not, by any means, a fan of Mariah Carey. But, it’s only fair that her album, “e=MC2” is included on this countdown, as it was pretty successful. I mean, really, I think we all hummed along to “Touch My Body,” no matter how much it hurts to admit it. If you’re a Mimi fan, you probably loved this album, and if you’re not, well, you should still understand why I put this album on the Top 20.

18. Leona Lewis: “Spirit” — Who says reality show winners aren’t successful? I’m sure you’ve all heard “Bleeding Love,” as it was played on a loop on the radio. Lewis, winner of Britain’s “X-Factor” (third season), has enjoyed major success in her home country and in ours, with chart toppers like “Bleeding Love” and “Better in Time.” This album was nominated for the Grammy for Best Pop Album, but there are a couple of left-field gems to listen for, like “Homeless,” a sad love song that sounds a little different than Lewis’ usual pop.

17. Usher: “Here I Stand”— I’ve always enjoyed Usher’s music, and I think everyone was expectantly waiting to gobble up Usher’s next offering after devouring “Confessions.” But, despite its platinum certification and No. 1 position on the Billboard Charts, Usher’s fifth album, “Here I Stand” was a little less than memorable. Yes, it was one of the Top 20 albums of the year, but it wasn’t number one in my opinion. For those of you who were hoping for some vintage Usher, “Love in this Club” and “What’s Your Name” are about as close as you’ll get. For a more off-the-beaten-path Usher, check out “Intro/Forever Young” and “Something Special.”

16. Katy Perry: “One of the Boys” — There is no way anyone could have avoided Perry’s sugar-pop rock in 2008. “I Kissed a Girl” was played a lot, and Perry’s other two singles “Hot N Cold” and “Ur So Gay” were blasted into our ears more than some of us would have liked. Perry offered more of her patented pop/rock on her album, “One of the Boys,” but “If You Can Afford Me” provided a less-sugary Perry that is well worth a listen.

15. Santogold: “Santogold” and Death Cab for Cutie: “Narrow Stairs” — Although seemingly unrelated, Death Cab for Cutie and Santogold are similar in their independent beginnings and sound. While “Santogold” offers a more electronic sound, “Narrow Stairs” provides a more mellow style. “L.E.S. Artistes,” “Creator,” and “Say Aha” are among the tracks to look for from Philadelphia-native Santogold. Death Cab served up some indie rock on their album, “Narrow Stairs,” with great tracks like “I Will Possess Your Heart” and “Grapevine Fires.” Both are worth a listen, even if they are a little less than mainstream.

14. Estelle: “Shine” and Gnarls Barkley: “The Odd Couple” — These next artists are two of my favorites. I love Estelle’s soft-yet-edgy approach to music, and Gnarls Barkley’s out-of-this-world-ness, and they both offered that with their albums, “Shine” and “The Odd Couple,” respectively. Estelle made a name for herself in the states with “American Boy,” (featuring Kanye West) but other songs are worth a listen, such as “More Than Friends,” “Pretty Please (Love Me)” and “So Much Out the Way.” Gnarls Barkley offered up their usual wonderfully interesting music, with cool tracks like “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul,” “Run” and “Surprise.”

13. Gym Class Heroes: “The Quilt” — Gym Class Heroes didn’t get much attention this year, but I’m sure you’ve heard their catchy hip-hop rock song, “Cookie Jar.” Along with that infectious song, Gym Class Heroes offered up their own unique hip-hop/rock/punk sound with songs like “Peace Sign/Index Down” and “Guilty As Charged.” Hands down, Gym Class Heroes front-man Travis McCoy did an even better job in 2008 than his girlfriend Katy Perry.

12. Coldplay: “Viva La Vida, or Death and All His Friends” — Coldplay constantly delivers mellow-yet-powerful music, and this is no exception. The album features the immensely popular “Viva La Vida” and other notable tracks like “Violet Hill” and “Death and All His Friends.” Coldplay is always just so good at making you sing out loud to their songs, and I think that like “Speed of Sound” and “Clocks,” we’ll be singing “Viva La Vida” forever.

11. Raphael Saadiq: “The Way I See It” — OK, allow me one self-indulgent pick. Most of you have never heard of Raphael Saadiq, but his album, “The Way I See It,” is probably the most original album of 2008, in my opinion. Saadiq (formerly of Tony! Toni! Tone!) released “The Way I See It” in 2008, and its sound is nothing like what’s on the contemporary charts — it is completely retro, using sounds of Motown and other ’60s R&B singers. Every song is a winner, but if you don’t listen to the whole album, I suggest “Oh Girl,” “Never Give You Up” and “Calling.”

10. Ne-Yo: “Year of the Gentleman” — Possibly the catchiest R&B singer ever, Ne-Yo offered up some new, infectious material with his album, “The Year of the Gentleman.” We were all singing “Closer” when it played endlessly on the radio, and now we’re all addicted to “Miss Independent,” a far cry from its namesake by Kelly Clarkson.

9. T-Pain: “Thr33 Ringz” — T-Pain, the not-so-gentlemanly but just-as-catchy artist right after Ne-Yo, burned his songs into our brains with his new album, “Thr33 Ringz.” I was appalled and delighted by how catchy “Chopped and Screwed” was — I always start singing it whenever I hear it. Other great singles from this album are “Can’t Believe It” (featuring Lil Wayne), “Karaoke” and “Freeze.”

8. Britney Spears: “Circus” — Britney’s back. For real this time. We were all surprised and excited when we realized that Spears was trying to bring herself back to the spotlight for good. “Womanizer” reminds us of those “Toxic” days when anything Britney touched turned to gold, and “Circus” did just as well on the Billboard charts. I can’t wait to see what 2009 will hold for the new and (seemingly) improved Spears.

7. Jennifer Hudson: “Jennifer Hudson” — Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson’s release of her self-titled album proves she belongs in the music industry. “Spotlight” did very well on the charts, and the album has received four Grammy nominations. A track to look out for is “Pocketbook” (featuring Ludacris). Sadly and shockingly, three members of her family was murdered in October. Hopefully, even in the face of a tragedy like hers, Jennifer Hudson will find more success and happiness in 2009.

6. T.I.: “Paper Trail” — Starting afresh since his jail-time, T.I. has come back stronger than ever with his album, “Paper Trail.” With hits like “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life” (featuring Rihanna), he’s likely to remain the king of rap. T.I. is sure to keep breaking records with songs like “Swagga Like Us” (featuring Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne), “Dead and Gone” (featuring Justin Timberlake) and “What’s Up, What’s Happenin.”

5. Lil Wayne: “Tha Carter III” — I don’t know how it happened, but one morning the world woke up and Lil Wayne was the king of the music world.  I’m not usually over the moon about Lil Wayne, but even I have to admit the infectious quality of “Got Money,” “A Milli” and “Mrs. Officer.” I’m still not sure how he did it, but Lil Wayne has entrapped the world with his craft, and if you want to hear the album that started it all, check out “Tha Carter II.”

4. John Legend: “Evolver” — I love John Legend, and his newest release, “Evolver,” was no exception. Only on this album, Legend didn’t limit himself to the soulful slow songs that made him famous. He mixed it up with some dance tunes like “Greenlight” (featuring Andre 3000), and “It’s Over” (featuring Kanye West). Never fear, there are still some classic Legend tunes to be found here, however, like “I Love You Love.”

3. N.E.R.D.: “Seeing Sounds” and Jazmine Sullivan: “Fearless” — N.E.R.D. are the kings of quirky hip-hop, and I loved their 2008 release, “Seeing Sounds.” From the party song “Everybody Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom)” to the mellow “Sooner or Later,” “Seeing Sounds” is a wonderful musical journey with a good bit of experimental flare. Other tracks to look for are “Yeah You” and “Love Bomb.” If you’re looking for soul, check out Jazmine Sullivan’s album, “Fearless.” “Need U Bad” is possibly the best R&B song by a female vocalist this year, and “Bust Your Windows” wasn’t half bad, either. “Lions, Tigers, and Bears,” the latest single, just shows that real singing is finding its place in modern music once again, and I’m glad.

2. Beyonce: “I Am … Sasha Fierce” — So, Beyonce finds herself in the top two albums of 2008. Big surprise, right? I’m not usually a die-hard Beyonce fan, but I have to give it to her — she can sell albums. “I Am… Sasha Fierce” is an interesting journey through her two personalities (Beyonce herself and on-stage alter ego Sasha Fierce). Obvious songs to listen for are “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” and “If I Were a Boy,” but you might want to give a listen to “Radio,” “Halo” and “Diva” for good measure.

1. Kanye West: “808s & Heartbreak” — Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. Mr. West offered experimental and emotionally revealing rap with his album, “808s & Heartbreak.” Although I get a little sad every time I listen to it, I can’t resist this album with tracks like “Love Lockdown,” “Heartless,” “RoboCop,” and “Paranoid” (featuring Kid Cudi) to make me dance and really think about my feelings at the same time. Don’t write this album off just because you think Kanye West is a dramatic, confused, strange guy. He’s still a genius.

Email: ashj813@msn.com