Thanks pals ^_^
Top 40 Albums of 2008: Part 3
25. Taylor Swift - Fearless
So I don't think it was until she released "Our Song" that I realized Taylor Swift was the real deal. Novelty tracks like "Tim McGraw" just don't scream longevity. But she kept releasing hit after hit, crossover success was next, and her debut album sold over 3 million copies. Some serious intrigue and anticipation was brewing for the looming and dreaded sophmore release. Thankfully, "Fearless" is a definitive reminder of why Swift stands apart from the likes of Carrie Underwood. Not only does she write and co-write her songs, but you could never tell they were written by someone so young if not only for the slight sense of her Naive-ness rubbing off on them. But maybe thats the charm? "Love Story", "White Horse", "Hey Stephen", and "You're Not Sorry" are all prime examples of her capabilities as a talented songwriter. I've got a soft side for Ms. Swift.
24. The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
At least in 2008, I don't think anyone made catchier music than the Ting Tings. They realize that dancefloor fillers require a few necessary ingredients; smart hooks, pulsating beats, MEGA-choruses, and a deliciously sexy female lead. They have the sensibility to go beyond the type of bubblegum catchiness that plagues other female-led buzz bands like The Gossip, and the tenacity to accelerate all of their tracks to a pinnacle of irresistable dance-rock numbers. Let's hope album #2 can produce anything even as remotely close to how good "Shut Up And Let Me Go" actually is.
23. Lady GaGa - The Fame
I have to say that it was pretty funny to watch "Just Dance" explode on the Canadian charts, while all the U.S. fans who had the smarts to listen to the single, were scratching their heads as to why it wasn't doing well on radio yet. Another case of where Canada gets it right, and they do so early. But there is a lot more here than the absolute club-smashing "Just Dance". Her desire to formulate a novel pop brand is clear, and her vision and drive are both commendable. Songs like "Poker Face" and "Fame" resonate the same pop sensibility that made/is making "Just Dance" such a huge hit. She's got a pretty face, and since Stefani seems to be on hiatus, there is room for one more "different" chic-pop star right now. Pa-pa--pa-pa-poker face.
22. Keane - Perfect Symmetry
Out of all the big UK stadium bands this year (besides Oasis and Coldplay obviously), I'd have to say this was the best. After the critically panned and poorly received "Under The Iron Sea", it was clear that Keane wanted to mark a shift in musical direction. Look no further than the album cover, a mirage of geometric shapes and abstract images, a stark diversion from their previous monotone and vintage covers. The sound resembles the immediate feeling you receive when you pick up the album for the first time. Songs like "Spiralling", highlight their new glossy, synth-laced makeover. Old Keane is here as well, evident in "Lovers are Losing" and "Love Is In The End", a desperate piano number. But whether or not traditional Keane fans follow suit is a whole other story, as the album is selling poorly, and singles have done little to ignite the charts. I think, it's their best album to date.
21. Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride
There is something very telling about the fact that when Carrie Underwood releases a single to Country radio, it's not a matter of "will" it hit #1, but a matter of "when" and "how fast". She has mastered the art of contemporary country hooks to a fine grind. Whether its soaring ballads, or a tell-tale story of too much to drink at the bar, like in the rambunctious "Last Name", Carrie Underwood has it covered. Not to mention, the girl is absolutely, flawlessley beautiful. I mean, really. Gorgeous, a great set of pipes, and catchy tunes that make the country bar go nuts on a Friday night - what's not to love.
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Top 100 Tunes of 2008: Part 3
71. Mobile - The Killer
72. David Archuleta - Crush
73. Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
74. Tokyo Police Club - Tessellate
75. Avril Lavigne - Hot
76. Duffy - Warwick Avenue
77. The Cribs - I'm A Realist
78. Leona Lewis - Better In Time
79. Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
80. Queens Of The Stone Age - Make It With Chu
This set is led off by yet another Canadian band, and in fact, 3 Canadian acts appear in this set. However, all three of them,
Mobile,
Avril Lavigne, and 2007's most-talked about band
Tokyo Police Club are all making one-off appearances here. As are the likes of
Mariah Carey and
David Archuleta, with two pop songs I liked for a period of time, and can't say I've ever listened too since. We have a trio of UK acts in here as well. We see the first of 3 for the lovely
Duffy, with her best yet to come and much further up the chart; and we also have the first of 2 for
Leona Lewis, whose monstrous debut single is going to chart very well on the year-end campaign.
The Cribs make a lone appearance from an album that I really enjoyed for a while this year. And we see some raaaaack make its way on board; We've got
Queens Of The Stone Age and
Death Cab with their first of two, the soaring and majestic 8-minute masterpiece was great and all, but I liked others and more off their terrific "Narrow Stairs" album.
Tomorrow: Huge tunes update! #70-51. Let's speed this up shall we. Don't miss out.