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Reeces' Best Of '08: Top 30 Albums (13-12)
13. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up
Released: August 26th
Genre: Electro Pop, Dance Pop
Producers: Josh Alexander, Toby Gad, Billy Steinberg, Greg Wells
US Billboard 200: N/A
Hook Me Up got released last year in Australia, but it was officially released here this year, that's the reason why it is making an appearance this year in my list. I listened to the album with no high expectations, their old stuff was decent but it never really caught my attention, and I have to say I was amazed at how perfect the sound was. The production is excellent, the electronic beats are mind blowing, and the vocals are consistent, everything was perfectly put together to make a great record. The dance tracks are catchy and easily get stuck in your head, try listenting to Popular, their soon to be first hit Untouched, or I Don't Wanna Wait. The album ends with the only ballad in the album, In Another Life, track that shows you a more emotional side. Hook Me Up is a strong confirmation of The Veronicas' considerable talents, and easily one of the finest pop releases of the year.
Standout Tracks:
- "This Love"
- "Revege Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)"
- "I Can't Stay Away"
- "In Another Life"
- "Untouched"
12. Usher - Here I Stand
Released: May 27th
Genre: R&B
Producers: Usher (executive), Mark Pitts (executive), Polow da Don, Tricky Stewart, will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, Dre & Vidal, Bryan-Michael Cox, Stargate, Danja, James "JLack" Lackey, The-Dream, Jazze Pha, L.O.S., Manuel Seal, Soundz, J. R. Rotem, LRoc, WyldCard, Craig Love, Ne-Yo, Kuk Harrell (Vocal Production), Johnta Austin (Vocal Production)
US Billboard 200: #1
Here I Stand was a great R&B record with two or three fillers, but the great tracks were truly great, main reason why he is this high in my list. Following the success of his multi-platinum album Confessions, Usher decides to make a more mature and personal record with a few tracks about his son and wife. Here I Stand takes influences from the the best of modern and classic R&B. The impressive production line-up is something to be recognized as well. Tracks about sexuality are expected in an Usher album, This Ain't Sex and Trading Places are some examples. While he is more known for his up-tempo hits, I found the mid-tempos to be better, His Mistakes, Something Special and What's A Man To Do are my favorites. Overall, one of the best R&B albums of the year. Hands down.
Standout Tracks:
- "Something Special"
- "His Mistakes"
- "Love In This Club"
- "What's A Man To Do?"
- "Moving Mountains"
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