#15

Ashanti - The Declaration
Ashanti, Ashanti, Ashanti... She was my main source of R&B for the '08. Sure the album flopped, so what? It's still easily the best she's released in lord knows how long. It's full of smooth R&B and Ashanti even tries to bring out some vocal flourishes. We all know her voice is about as threatening as Hayden Pannetierre, but she tries and it works.
Standouts:
The Declaration
You're Gonna Miss
So Over You
The Way I Love You



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#14

Ryan Cabrera - The Moon Under Water
The majority of you are probably thinking, wait, Ryan Cabrera still does music? Well, indeed he does. Oh, and he's never been better at it. His first indie effort since hitting it big was a big breathe of fresh air. The songs were smooth, catchy, and downright good. Sure beats the majority of stuff on the radio.

Standouts:
In Between Lights
Say
Enemies
Rise (The Dog Barks)



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#13

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
It's an acid trip to your ears. MGMT are finally getting notice, and it's obvious why. They released what is possibly the most original album of the year. From the blaring opening of "Time To Pretend" to the 70s disco vibe of "Electric Feel", the entire album is full of new and creative sounds.

Standouts:
Time To Pretend
Weekend Wars
Electric Feel
The Youth


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#12

Ashlee Simpson - Bittersweet World
Getting knocked up really screwed over what could have been an excellent era for Ashlee Simpson. She finally tried something new and it crashed and burned. Ashlee delivered a very solid album in 2008, but the lack of really any memorable appearances for it has left me nearly forgetting it ever happened. The 80s rivival stuff is kind of weak. However a few of Ashlee's strongest songs came out of this record. "Little Miss Obsessive" brings forth a kind of song Ashlee via 2004 could only dream of making. The tender side of Ashlee is also a standout, her whispered melody "Never Dream Alone" is a favorite of mine.

Standouts:
Little Miss Obsessive
Never Dream Alone
No Time For Tears
Boys



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#11

Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
Sure it came out in 2007, but the majority of my listening to it came in 2008. Sara had a mega-hit with "Love Song" a moderate radio hit with "Bottle It Up" and now seems deemed only to gain downloads with Holiday recordings and dedication covers. However, this album was full of gems. The ballads in particular really spoke to me. "City" and "Gravity" are easily the best of the bunch. It's a wonder she's hasn't had a follow up hit considering that the album is full of them.

Standouts:
City
Gravity
Fairy Tale
Vegas

#10

All Time Low - So Wrong, It's Right

A pop-punk band with a generic name that rely on getting naked for attention. Wait, is Blink 182 is back together? Nope, it's All Time Low. A standout in the crowd of similar sounding scene bands. The catchy choruses, good vocals, and overall swell sounds take this album to the Top 10 of my list. Sure, the frat boy antics are cute and all and the upbeat songs are awesome, but the biggest standout on the album is a slower track featuring Juliet Simms of Automatic Loveletter. "Remembering Sunday" is an amazing track with an ending that could be described as epic.

Standouts:
Remembering Sunday
Dear Maria, Count Me In
This Is How We Do
Poppin' Champagne

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#09

The Veronicas - Hook Me Up

Upon it's initial release I downloaded this album, but only listened to like 4 songs thinking it wouldn't be as good as their debut. Then came it's US release, I bought it and finally decided to give it all a listen... and WOW! Why had I waited? This was a vast improvement. The upbeats were so catchy and irresistible. "Popular", "Untouched" and "Take Me On The Floor" all stayed on repeat. "revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)" has always been a personal favorite. Then there is "In Another Life", the clear album stand-out. So emotional with perfect vocals, a great album closer. However, our American closer is the exceptional "Goodbye To You" with all it's wacky sounds, instruments, and vocals.

Standouts:
In Another Life
Revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)
Popular
Untouched

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#08

Katy Perry - One Of The Boys

I don't view Katy Perry as a new artist. I've known about this girl for years. I mean, I had "Ur So Gay" memorized in summer of 2007. Katy's sound has changed so much over time and I feel she ended up delivering a classic Pop/Rock album with her debut. The singles give off a gimmicky feel, however there is so much more to Katy. She's got real talent hidden beneath the colorful clothes and bisexual song lyrics. Songs like "Lost", "I'm Still Breathing" and "Thinking Of You" prove this. "I'm Still Breathing" is possibly the most overlooked of any song this year. The lyrics are phenomenal. Some of my personal faves would have to be the already mentioned, "Waking Up In Vegas" and "Fingerprints".

Standouts:
Fingerprints
Waking Up In Vegas
I'm Still Breathing
Thinking Of You