NG Presents: NG's Top 30 Albums of 2008 (#2-1)
2. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
Released: November 24, 2008.
Best Tracks: Bad News, Heartless, RoboCop, Coldest Winter, Welcome to Heartbreak (Feat. Kid Cudi), Paranoid (Feat. Mr. Hudson)
After a trilogy saga of "College Droput", "Late Registration", and "Graduation," what could Kanye possibly do to outdone his previous albums? Of course! an album with heartbreaking songs with a new twist, auto-tune! 808s & Heartbreak turns out to be a masterpiece as Kanye sings his way into the eleven heartbreaking moments that captivate listeners everywhere. Kanye West's new fondness for vocal effects has mostly been characterized as an arrogant attempt at co-opting a trend, but in the context of his latest exhibit, there seems to be more behind the choice than many have acknowledged. 808s and Heartbreak shows growth in the level of music, writing process, and contents. The first single, "Love Lockdown" shocks fans because everyone expect Kanye to rap oppose to actually sing. The first track "Say You Will" opens up the new Kanye we havn't seen before, the track delivers six bleak and rap-free minutes, with West's auto-tuned vocals pleading out a lonely melody. Next song is "Welcome to Heartbreak," the track defines the whole concept of this album with an amazing collaboration with up and coming artist Kid Cudi, both welcoming the fans to the core issue of the album, being heartbroken. The album then mix and match between up tempo and slow songs like "Heartless", "Amazing", "Paranoid", "RoboCop", and "Street Lights." They all bring out the different side of Kanye's heartbreaking moments. The most simple track on the album, "Bad News" is just so epic with Kanye singing the most enduring yet emotional lyrics and ends the track with haunting music. Collboration between Lil' Wayne in "See You in My Nightmares" is also another highlight of the album while "Coldest Winter" ties 808s and Heartbreak together turning the album into an epic, classic Kanye West's record.
And the number one album goes to...
1. Adele - 19
Released: January 28, 2008.
Best Tracks: Every songs in this album are amazing.
The album that took me by surprised this year is none other than the amazing, Adele with 19. Adele and her music defines a new generation of new wave and R&B songbirds. Adele breaks out of the mold and lead the pack with her flawless vocal. People need to stop comparing her to Amy Winehouse or Kate Nash because she's clearly has something more amazing that sets them apart. Listening to 19 gives me goosebumps knowing that Adele was born the EXACT same day as me, May 5, 1988. How ****ing amazing. I can clearly say I love every songs from the beginning to the end without skipping any tracks. 19 is an album that talks about love from every angle whether you are happy or suffer from it. From the very first track of the album, "Chasing Pavements", starts out sounding almost like vintage Portishead before yet more soaring strings take it somewhere less icy as Adele sings "Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements?" Other tracks like "Daydreamer", "Best for Last", and "Cold Shoulder" continue the retro feel with distinct sounds that keep the listeners glue to the album. Then the legendary track, "Melt My Heart to Stone" comes on, hence my favorite track on 19. "Melt My Heart to Stone" is gorgeous balladry with powerful lyrics that talks about suffocation of love by falling for the wrong person. The track "First Love" and "Right as Rain" then shift that sorrow emotion to another, but keep in mind that Adele still maintains her strong powerful vocal. The heartbreaking rendition of Bob Dylan's classic makes "Make You Feel My Love" one of the most amazing covers I've heard all this year. "My Same" is another one of my favorite tracks on the album, especially with the poppy jazz sound that gets me singing along every time the track comes on. Next up, the track "Tired" is soulful as Adele sings about someone tired of being in love and give in all the time. 19 concludes with "Hometown Glory," a song that define Adele's career since it is the very first single that sweeps the listeners off their feet. People who listened to 19 will get carried away with twelve emotional tracks and by the end of the album, they would clearly understand why so many people praised Adele.
My top two joints of 2008 are coming tomorrow?! Anyone wants to take a guess?!
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I think it's the only album I've liked with the autotune