23. Brooke Fraser (New Zealand)
Well as much as I'm happy for her, I'm shocked she beat Duffy. Brooke, you might need to tell me what Albertine means though. I'd love to do a show with you. Shadowfeet of course got to #3 earlier this year.
Hey Stephanie! "Albertine" was the name of a child whom Brooke met when she went to Rwanda for immersion work. Wow, that's my girl!
tightrope, great list! (Will need to check out the other artists though.) I'm starting to get hooked to your yearend tally!
ON TAP:
Top 40 Songs by International Artists
Performances from Sara Bareilles, AC/DC, Belinda, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lights and Jazmin Conte.
Appearances by Sharon Obermueller, Miley Cyrus, Aaron McCargo Jr., Parvati Shallow, Dan Gheesling, Daniele Donato and Jazmin Conte.
Best Rock and Pop Artist Awards
Album Of The Year
Top 20 Albums that impressed me the most (I didn't buy a single CD in 2008, but I'm basing this on Word Of Mouth. Definitely expect Natalie Grant and Metallica on this list)
Worst Songs Of The Year + Worst Video Of The Year
A segment dedicated to Britney Spears
MC Steven, Red, Ben, Johnald and Yankee04 give us a surprise performance (I didn't plan this)
Stephanie McIntosh still guest hosting for Mike as he is making his way back home.
And that doesn't even mention we have 50-41. But we will get into 50-41 first though so you aren't left hanging.
Stephanie:Hey gang, it's Stephanie McIntosh still filling in for Mike who will be back either tomorrow or Saturday. Don't miss his exclusive interview he did with Jazmin Conte and Daniele Donato later on in the show. Now first, we will get to 50-41. There are some surprises so enjoy, and once more you get my commentary.
50. Carrie Underwood "Last Name" (Carnival Ride) USA [2,270 pts] Peak:#19 <#78 on MWC> (79,203) [Airplay:#39]
Despite peaking at #19, Carrie's 2nd Endchart appearnace with her 3rd single from Carnival Ride totally impressed people with its 47-show run in 2008. Lots of Airplay, good Fan Support and impressed a lot of people especially with the lyrics. She still has one more coming up and it's from her #1 hit. Last Name was #10 on the Fan Support songs of 2008. Stephanie:Last Name should NOT be this high if it peaked #19 and I don't care about the Fan Support thing as much as Mike does.
49. Paramore "Decode" (Twilight) USA [2,292 pts] Peak:1@1 <#77 on MWC> (79,884) [Airplay:#17]
It didn't take long for Paramore's 2nd Endchart appearance to leave a mark, this song spent only 16 shows in 2008 and topped once becoming their 3rd #1 hit so far, but the Airplay was through the roof to become one of the stronger songs down the stretch. It may be lyrically Hayley's best work ever, it could be their darkest video to-date, either way Decode left a serious impact one way or another. Stephanie:Way too high for a song that only had 16 shows in 2008. I don't buy into the 'Getting Hot At The Right Time' scheme, I'm more of a traditionalist like most people. Although, I'll make an exception for Paramore since they're cool.
48. Taylor Swift "Love Story" (Fearless) USA [2,885 pts] Peak:1@1 <#51 on MWC> (80,666) [Airplay:#35]
It's a Love Story with Taylor's 2nd Endchart appearance. This has logged 17 shows including a stint at #1 and she has showed us time and time again she's ready for anything. Taylor's had a big year and is looking to make 2009 her personal house-cleaning party. Her goal? #1 song of 2009 with this, Fearless or You're Not Sorry. Stephanie:If Ashley Tisdale doesn't have a big year, Taylor may have a shot.
47. Katy Perry "Hot N Cold" (One Of The Boys) USA [3,066 pts] Peak:#7 <#47 on MWC> (81,200) [Airplay:#50]
This jetted on for 39 shows including a peak of #7. Katy's video for this was decent enough to get a solid run but couldn't spend any longer afterward and subsided. This is her first of 2 and you all know what song is still to come I hope, right? Well, she did some damage with HNC even though it wasn't as big as her first single. Stephanie:It's a song that teaches the Ups and Downs of life. I can't understand the video too much but it's hot.
46. Kate Voegele "Only Fooling Myself" (Don't Look Back) USA [2,539 pts] Peak:#2 <#70 on MWC> (82,394) [Airplay:#49]
Though it didn't have the strongest airplay in the world, Kate Voegele sang a song full of love as Only Fooling Myself surprised many by getting to #2. (and Bryan's future girlfriend was not gonna go down that easily either.) She did quite a bit of damage to reach the 2500 pt barrier, but not enough to finish higher than #46 on the endchart. She did manage a run of 31 shows on the countdown which isn't bad. Stephanie:Kate gets my vote for a Star To Watch. She has impressed me and Bryan of M4B is obsessed with her.
45. Meredith Andrews "You're Not Alone" (The Invitation) USA [2,638 pts] Peak:#2 <#65 on MWC> (82,777) [Airplay:#40]
Stop me if you've heard this before. A cute young woman rides into Harmony lane with a song to remember. True! This is no ordinary girl, she's Meredith Andrews representing Liberty....yeah, representing Liberty U, LOL. She sung her way to #2 but just couldn't get to the top spot and fizzled out after a hearty run. She ended up spending a good total of 40 shows on which is exactly 20 weeks on the chart. Stephanie:Meredith Andrews is a lovely singer, but I am not quite sure why Mike loves the fact that she's named Meredith. It's a good song, but is it really Top 50 Endchart worthy? She hit #2 so it's saying something, I don't know. Well, if you wanna check her out feel free to.
44. Brooke Fraser "Shadowfeet" (Albertine) Australia [3,111 pts] Peak:#3 <#44 on MWC> (84,992) [Airplay:#36]
Say hello to the menacing newcomer from Australia, Brooke Fraser. Armed with her Shadowfeet, Brooke took the chart for a spin and enjoyed a run in 2008 that got her to #3, but what exactly IS Shadowfeet? Well anyway, Brooke is still going strong and her 2nd song Albertine is also enjoying a nice run so expect more of her in 2009. This song has enjoyed 18 shows on so far. Stephanie:Brooke, you're such a sweet singer and I hope while I'm away from the music business that you, Vanessa Amorosi, The Veronicas and Delta Goodrem hold down the fort until i make my comeback.
43. Demi Lovato "Get Back" (Don't Forget!) USA [1,929 pts] Peak:#10 <#84 on MWC> (86,213) [Airplay:#37]
This is her 2nd song on the Endchart at #43 with Get Back. Unlike This Is Me, this song only got to #10. However, she had a lot of Airplay for this that turned out to be the #8 most for Fan Support of the year, which ultimately is the reason why this is higher than This Is Me. Maybe the cute factor comes into play? Well either way, Demi had a 2008 she'd love to remember for a long time. She spent 28 shows on with this track. Stephanie:This Is Me should be higher than Get Back and I think Mike might agree. However, this angst-ridden video is nice.
42. Triinu Kivilaan "Fallen" (Now And Forever) Estonia [3,151 pts] Peak:#2 <#40 on MWC> (87,920) [Airplay:#34]
If you have issues with a girlfriend/boyfriend, Triinu is NOT really your conventional answer. Triinu Kivilaan formerly of Vanilla Ninja stepped onto her own stage and waltzed her way to the #2 spot with Fallen from Now And Forever. 16 shows later and Triinu's still got the mileage to go further, but with so much competition will she be able to do it? Stephanie:Honestly, I don't know what she is capable of. If you love Vanilla Ninja and Maarja (Mayra Roxx), go check out Triinu.
41. Delta Goodrem "You Will Only Break My Heart" (Delta) Australia [3,896 pts] Peak:#5 <#26 on MWC> (90,304) [Airplay:#48]
This is Delta's first of 3 songs from Delta CD on the list. This is the song that showed a different side of her and from the beginning it looked like she had the fast-track to the top spot. Things stalled for her but she still managed to beat down the chart for 45 shows with You Will Only Break My Heart and this got to #5 early. The Airplay was there at the beginning, but by the time she reached the 25th show, her Demand was dropping fast. She still has 2 songs left. To those who make the final 40, you're joining some elite company so get ready for it! Stephanie:Nice! She's only making her first of 3 appearances so I think she has a high chance of being top 5. I was shocked Mike debuted this song so high, it's not really her best either. But he definitely thought she had the momentum of Believe Again on her side and frankly, not surprised either.
Stephanie:We'll take a short timeout but when we get back we'll have a special Britney Spears segment and she gives us her Top 10 Prediction and Top 10 Favorite Songs according to Mike's Top 100 Endchart. Britney will also introduce us to Aaron McCargo Jr.. Later, Miley Cyrus rocks on over and we get Sharon Obermueller who was Mike's Favorite Reality Star of 2008. But first, we have a performance from Belinda. Here she is doing If We Were.
Stephanie:Stay tuned because Britney Spears is NEXT!
3 Doors Down - It's Not My Time
Amy Studt - Chasing The Light
Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said
Ashley Tisdale - It's Life
Ashes Divide - The Stone
Belinda - At The End Of The Day
Belinda - Your Hero (Feat. Finley)
Britt Nicole - Believe
Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Delta Goodrem - Believe Again
Delta Goodrem - In This Life
Fireflight - Unbreakable
Flyleaf - Sorrow
Graham Colton - Best Days
Hayden Panettiere - Wake Up Call
Joanna Martino - Energy
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (Rock Remix)
Krystal Meyers - Make Some Noise
Lea Marie - World Of Wonders
Lights - Drive My Soul
Lights - The Last Thing On Your Mind
Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest
Metallica - The Day That Never Comes
Miley Cyrus - 7 Things
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine
Nightwish - Amaranth
Pinboys - Tonight (We Beat The Beats)
Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Shiny Toy Guns - Rainy Monday
Shiny Toy Guns - Ricochet
Skillet - Rebirthing
Stephanie McIntosh - So Do I Say Sorry First
Stephanie McIntosh - The Night Of My Life
The Offspring - Hammerhead
The Veronicas - Untouched
Vanessa Amorosi - Perfect
Weezer - Pork And Beans
A lot of artists have 2 songs left. Any guesses now on who will #1 be? On the way we will have Belinda, Graham Colton, Metallica and Sara Bareilles.
Natasha still has one song left and many think this will be #1, will she?
The next set will be shown most likely tomorrow. If I do it today, I will slow it down and show 40-36 but I will go into more detail about these songs, and if a video is available I will show it.
For these 40 songs, all deserve to be on this list one way or another. If you don't know a few of these songs, I can tell you about them. Lea the youngest left, Natalie the oldest left
BRITNEY'S HERE FOLKS! The Interview with Britney Spears
*Crowd goes ecstatic, record numbers*
Stephanie:Stephanie McIntosh here again, this time it's all about Britney right now. Welcome to the show.
Britney:Thanks Steph, glad to be here.
Stephanie:Mike had written down some questions for you and I will ask you some of my own. Ready?
Britney:I'm ready.
Stephanie:OK, the first couple of questions are from Mike. How has your 2008 gone?
Britney:Honestly, about as good as I can ask for.
Stephanie:I see. What do you think of Mike's Year-End show?
Britney:I feel honored to be on Mike's Underrated list of 2008.
Stephanie:Why?
Britney:For the first time, Mike saw me as an underdog. I like that. He knows that he's had high hopes for me. As a singer who has done this for 10 years you get used to it.
Stephanie:OK. Well, what's your favorite part of the show so far?
Britney:My favorite has to be when you Stephanie performed A Change Is Coming. I actually started singing along to it.
Stephanie:Wow. Thanks Britney.
Britney:No problem. I think you're talented too. I also loved the Best Christian Artist battle.
Stephanie:Really?
Britney:Yeah. These singers have been blessed to be here in this world. They understand what they have gone through and are continuing to do their thing.
Stephanie:I see. You should see Joanna Martino, she's lovely.
Britney:Never met her.
Stephanie:I'll introduce you to her.
Britney:OK.
Stephanie:Now my questions for you. 1. Do you play guitar? 2. Do you think 2009 will be big for you? 3. What's your favorite song off Circus?
Britney:I'll answer 3 first and I can't really say I have a favorite, I'm just happy to make the CD. In life, it usually is like a circus itself. #2 I expect to do well and hope I continue to be an icon to the younger stars. #1 um, no I don't play guitar. At least not yet, but seriously do you think I could do a rock song well? I honestly don't think so....although, (And as she will tell you, she loves dancing so much)
Stephanie:Although what?
Britney:As I continue to develop as an artist, I might go down that route and start doing more pop/rock style songs, but not anytime soon. I'll continue to do my traditional pop/dance songs with hints of R&B and continue to do what I do best. I mean I have sold millions of CDs using this formula, why ruin a good thing?
Stephanie:I agree. You're truly established.
Britney:Thanks.
Stephanie:You've seen the list so far, what songs do you like most?
Britney:Um, I like Lady Gaga of course. Natasha's good as well as Miley and Rihanna. The Ting Tings are intriguing as well. Gotta love Carrie's All-American Girl and Taylor's Love Story too. I also like your song Night Of My Life, such a sweet tune. I also like that Britt Nicole girl um, what's that song?
Stephanie:Believe.
Britney:Right, Believe.
Stephanie:Your top 10 prediction?
Britney:Well, here you go.
BRITNEY'S TOP 10 PREDICTION:
1. Pocketful Of Sunshine
2. Believe Again
3. So Do I Say Sorry First
4. Your Hero
5. I Will Not Be Moved
6. I Kissed A Girl
7. Rebirthing
8. All-American Girl
9. Love Song
10. Drive My Soul
Stephanie:Skillet #7?
Britneyon't ask me why I chose Rebirthing #7. A friend of mine knows Korey Cooper pretty well. It's a solid song and very meaningful.
Stephanie:I see. Well, we appreciate your time.
Britney:Thanks, you always have time for me.
Stephanie:Will you come back for the Top 10 to be revealed?
Britney:You bet. I'll be in the crowd.
Stephanie:OK, good to hear that. Well, see ya later.
Britney:Bye Stephanie, bye everybody. See you guys later.
Stephanie:Oh wait! Before you go...can you perform for us?
Britney:Oh. No prob
Stephanie:Go ahead then.
Britney:I was waiting for you to say that too.
Stephanie:Yeah.
*quick break*
Stephanie:Still to come, the Top 40 Songs by International singers and Jazmin Conte performs after the break. Right now we have Britney Spears performing a classic! Here she is doing Stronger!
ON DECK:
Performances from Sara Bareilles, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lights and Jazmin Conte.
Appearances by Sharon Obermueller, Miley Cyrus, Aaron McCargo Jr., Parvati Shallow, Dan Gheesling, Daniele Donato and Jazmin Conte.
Best Rock and Pop Artist Awards
Album Of The Year
Top 40 Songs by International Artists
Top 10 Albums that impressed me the most (I didn't buy a single CD in 2008, but I'm basing this on Word Of Mouth. Definitely expect Natalie Grant and Metallica on this list)
Worst Songs Of The Year + Worst Video Of The Year
MC Steven, Red, Ben, Johnald and Yankee04 give us a surprise performance (I didn't plan this)
Stephanie McIntosh still guest hosting for Mike as he is making his way back home.
Stephanie:Alright so, what's that one Album you can't live without? That's the premise of this next list. It is Mike's Top 10 Albums of 2008. Mike asked me to check out these CDs too and you'll get his commentary he wrote down. We don't have a lot of time to waste so let's go.
10. Natalie Grant - Relentless
This is a groundbreaking album of sorts. Natalie finally broke onto the MWC main stage in 2008 with her CD Relentless, featuring the songs I Will Not Be Moved as well as Make It Matter and In Better Hands. Other songs to check out include Let Go, Our Hope Endures, So Long, Wonderful Life and Stay. If you want a Christian singer's album to enjoy, why not spend a few bucks on Relentless? I don't think you will be disappointed.
9. Taylor Swift - Fearless
There's more to Taylor's CD than Love Story, there's a few other standout songs like Fifteen, White Horse, You're Not Sorry and the title track. The sophomore jinx is not in effect for this songstress, she is here to stay. Yet #9 here, must be some very worthy albums higher on the list. A great holiday gift.
8. Stephanie McIntosh - Tightrope
If you want versatility from an Aussie singer, but are still waiting on Kylie Minogue, why not give Stephanie a shot? So Do I Say Sorry First, Mistake and the title track are excellent singles, but there's a lot of good songs on this including A Change Is Coming, The Night Of My Life, I'd Be You, You Should Have Lied, Sink Like A Stone, Overcome and others. Didn't like the year of new releases? Want to go back in time and enjoy a past year album? Tightrope is perfect for you.
7. The Offspring - Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace
These guys came back strong with this CD. There's Hammerhead and You're Gonna Go Far, Kid. But there's other nice songs like Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?, A Lot Like Me, Nothingtown, Rise And Fall, and many other standout tracks. If you want a CD that impresses, get this.
6. Belinda - Utopia
Belinda is so versatile, you can't help but enjoy her. She knows success when she sees it and this album definitely doesn't disappoint for the English & Spanish listener. With hits like See A Little Light AKA Luz Sin Gravedad, the extra track Your Hero, End Of The Day, If We Were, Utopia, Alguien Mas, etc., you will want to hear it more. Again, I know it's a 2007 release or so but it's a nice CD to enjoy during the holiday season if you want a fresh face singer.
5. Skillet - Comatose
Again, another old release but it picked up steam and it's one of my top albums of the year. With hits like Rebirthing, Whispers In The Dark, The Last Night and Looking For Angels, you'd think that'd be it right? Wrong. There's Comatose, The Older I Get, Those Nights, Better Than Drugs, etc. For your money's worth, it'd be a good bet to buy this CD. Rebirthing is the lead-off track and it just draws you in with both vocals of John and Korey Cooper and with one exciting song after another. Missed Metallica, Coldplay and AC/DC? Go get Skillet's CD.
4. Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
Sara Bareilles made her breakout effort in 2008 with the Little Voice CD that became very memorable. Love Song is not the only song to enjoy, you got Bottle It Up too. Also on the CD are City, Love On The Rocks, Fairytale, Gravity, Vegas, etc. Sara's voice just entices you in. You'll want to play this CD if you want a voice that you'll remember the next 5-10 years or even more. This singer is gifted and she put her heart and soul into this CD.
3. Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
You can make an argument for Coldplay as one of the most influential bands this decade. This album proves that right here in 2008. Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends has everything from Strawberry Swing, Lovers In Japan and Violet Hill to Viva La Vida and a host of other smash songs that all could be singles. Coldplay is one of the best bands around and they are closing in on iconic status. They still got a ways to go and can make it happen if you buy their CD Viva La Vida... You won't be disappointed.
Now the top 2, I had a struggle here and here's #2.
2. Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride
Not since Shania Twain has a Country singer wowed me like former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. Her first album was flawless and impressive, her 2nd CD just gets better. So Small, All-American Girl, Just A Dream and Last Name are strong singles, but you can also check out the lead-off track Flat On The Floor, as well as Get Out Of This Town and Twisted. There's a good deal of songs from Carrie, she has the potential to scores hits regardless of single choice. A wonderful 2008 Holiday gift.
1. Metallica - Death Magnetic
You thought #1 was hard? Actually, it was. I chose Metallica because their comeback was one to remember. If you're not a fan of long songs, do not get this CD. Not a single song is under 5 minutes. There's the massive hit The Day That Never Comes, the rocking songs of Cyanide, All Nightmare Long, My Apocalypse, The Unforgiven III, The Judas Kiss, That Was Just Your Life, Suicide & Redemption, The End Of The Line and Broken, Beat & Scarred. A must-have for Metallica fans worldwide.
NOTABLES:
Fireflight - Unbreakable
Krystal Meyers - Make Some Noise
Ashley Tisdale - Headstrong
Delta Goodrem - Delta
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine
Twilight Soundtrack
AC/DC - Black Ice
Shiny Toy Guns - Season Of Poison
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play
Ashes Divide - Keep Telling Myself It's Alright
You can make an argument for a bunch of albums too, but here's my Top 3 albums I wouldn't buy in my lifetime. Remember, these are albums I would never consider getting.
BOTTOM 3:
3. Flo Rida - Mail On Sunday
2. Lil Wayne - The Carter III
1. Beyonce - I Am...Sasha Fierce
Again no offense to any of the 3 mentioned, they're just in my bottom list. After a few snippets, that's how I judged them.
Stephanie:I'm surprised Beyonce is #1 on his Worst, she's not bad. I was not disappointed with If I Were A Boy, but Single Ladies to me is just plain silly. How can she score a #1 single with that song? Anyway, performance time! Jazmin Conte will be here shortly to chat, but now she is performing for you guys.....first, this is her Redemption Song Audition tape. Enjoy
Stephanie:Now here she is doing her song she did for the show. Is it Never Say Never?
Jazmin:Yes.
Stephanie:OK, performing Never Say Never featuring Elisa Jordana, it is Jazmin Conte.
Stephanie:Jazmin will be back later guys. After the break it's time to check a performance from Katy Perry. We also have Mike's exclusive interviews with Daniele and Jazmin from the Tournament Of Champions site. Also after this, the special ATRL members skit. Don't miss it or you'll miss MC Steven's Extra Cheese Countdown extravaganza.