Showing posts with label Kings of Leon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kings of Leon. Show all posts
Labels:
Beyonce,
Black Eyed Peas,
Coldplay,
Jay-Z,
Kanye West,
Kasabian,
Ke$ha,
Kid Cudi,
Kings of Leon,
Lady Gaga,
Leona Lewis,
M.I.A.,
MGMT,
Sam Sparro,
Santogold,
T.I.,
Taylor Swift,
The Killers
Beyonce lead the winners with six awards, the most by a female in a single night. Her "Halo" won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" won Song of the Year.
Album of the Year was won by Taylor Swift, the youngest artist to ever win in this category. Swift also walked home with a Grammy for Best Country Album, Best Female Country Performance for "White Horse", and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Breathe" with Colbie Callait.
Record of the Year was awarded to Kings of Leon for "Use Somebody", and the Zac Brown Band took home the award for Best New Artist.
See the complete list of winners after the jump.
Neilsen Soundscan has released the sales figures for 2009's top selling albums, and Taylor Swift beat out Susan Boyle and Michael Jackson for the top spot. Swift's Fearless sold 3.2 million, just barley ahead of Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream which shifted 3.1 million copies. Jackson's Number Ones came in third selling 2.3 million. Check out 2009's top selling albums below.
1. Fearless3.2 million copies sold
Released November 11, 2008Swift's victory comes as no surprise. Fearless spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. Eleven songs from the album charted on the Hot 100, including "Love Story" at No. 4 and "You Belong With Me" at No. 2. She became the first country artist to win a MTV Video Music Award (and she won over the hearts of Americans thanks to Kanye). Her cross-over appeal ensured both country and top 40 radio airplay. If that wasn't enough, the album was re-released with six new songs (and yes, all six landed somewhere on the Hot 100) spurring sales even more.
2. I Dreamed A Dream3.1 million copies sold
Released November 23, 2009Susan Boyle's second place finish is very impressive. Released the last week in November, I Dreamed A Dream managed to sell almost as much as Fearless did in an entire year. Thank you YouTube. Thanks to the Britian's Got Talent contestant's audition clip which went viral, the entire world fell in love with Boyle, the unlikley star. Her compelling story, powerful voice, and collection of ballads released right before Christmas was a recipe for success. Millions of consumers who usually don't buy CDs did (And the best thing about those kinds of consumers? They don't illegally download, nor do they know how).
3. Number Ones2.3 million copies sold
Released November 18, 2003Chart watchers predicted front runner Fearless would face stiff compitition from Number Ones after Jackson died this June. Although 2.3 million isn't bad for a compilation album released in 2003, sales of Number Ones were cannabalized by consumers buying other Jackson records. I'm sure the Jackson estate isn't too worried; the King of Pop ended up the top selling artist of the year with a total of 8.2 million albums sold. Other albums of his in the top 20 were This Is It landed at No. 12, Thriller at No. 14, and The Essential Michael Jackson at No. 20.
4. The Fame2.2 million copies sold
Released August 19, 2008I actually got The Fame the day it came out. Lady Gaga had lit the blogosphere on fire, but I had no idea that her debut even had the potential to be one of 2009's biggest selling albums. "Just Dance" took its time climbing up the Hot 100, and consumers responded. Gaga wasn't finished though, popping out hit after hit. After so many smash hit singles, consumers eventually decided that buying the full length album was worth their time. The Fame peaked at No. 4 on the album charts in March, but in December, following the release of The Fame Monster, it shot back into the top ten. As of this week, The Fame is ranked No. 2 on the album charts, a new peak.
5. My Christmas2.2 million copies sold
Released November 3, 2009There is something unfullfilling about a Christmas album selling well. At least it isn't 2007, when the best selling album was a Christmas album, Noel by Josh Groben. I guess that's all I have to say about that.
6. Hannah Montana Movie Soundtrack1.8 million copies sold
Released March 23, 2009The artist formerly known as Hannah Montana had one of the same problems as Michael Jackson - too many releases to choose from. Busy soccer moms had three different 2009 Hannah albums to choose from to play for their girls as they drove their SUVs around. The soundtrack to the Disney star's movie was the best choice though, it had "The Climb" on it for crying out loud!
7. The E.N.D.1.7 million copies sold
Released June 9, 2009You would think that six straight months with the No. 1 song in the country would ensure a little more than 1.7 million in sales, wouldn't you? And how much of these sales are from when the price for the digital album dramatically dropped to coincide with their DirectTV ad and the group's attempt to return to the top ten and make "Meet Me Halfway" their third No. 1 single?
8. Relapse1.7 million copies sold
Released May 15, 2009
Eminem had the biggest opening sales week of the year, selling over 600,000 copies of Relapse. That is until Susan Boyle blew him out of the water. Despite a cover that looked like puke in the form of Slim Shady and a slew of under performing singles (except the No. 1 hit "Crack A Bottle"), Relapse was a hit, a comeback for one of the early 00s biggest rappers.
9. Blueprint 31.5 million copies sold
Released September 11, 2009
Jay-Z passed Elvis and became the solo artist with the most No. 1 albums when Blueprint 3 opened at the top spot, his 11th to do so. Anchored by high profile guest appearances like Rihanna, Kanye West, and Alicia Keys, Hova appealed to his rap base but had the hooks to cross over to pop. Even though the artist formerly known as Hannah Montana sang about the Jay-Z song being on, she reportedly never heard one. After Blueprint 3 singles impacted radio, I'm sure that changed.
10. Only By The Night1.3 million copies sold
Released September 19, 2009
Like The Fame, I bough Only By The Night the day it was released after I fell in love with "Sex On Fire". The Kings of Leon seemed destined for mediocrity when it came to sales of their latest album, but then "Use Somebody" happened. Its a cheap Nickleback-lite tune, but for some reason, Americans loved it. Not only did they buy the song, but they ended up buying the entire album. Only By The Night ended up being iTune's Album of the Year.
"Poker Face"The Fame (2008)
"Who'd have thought the greatest popstar of the noughties would appear in the decade's final 18 months?" wrote Popjustice. It is pretty phenomenal. After ten years of America being fed pop puppets, Lady Gaga emerged as a true pop artist. She wrote her own songs. She sang. She played instruments. She had a vision of her art and her image. She became famous through hard work and playing at dingy clubs in New York, not the Mickey Mouse club. Of the amazing impact she's had in such a short time, "Poker Face" is her supreme single.
"Who'd have thought the greatest popstar of the noughties would appear in the decade's final 18 months?" wrote Popjustice. It is pretty phenomenal. After ten years of America being fed pop puppets, Lady Gaga emerged as a true pop artist. She wrote her own songs. She sang. She played instruments. She had a vision of her art and her image. She became famous through hard work and playing at dingy clubs in New York, not the Mickey Mouse club. Of the amazing impact she's had in such a short time, "Poker Face" is her supreme single.
"I Will Follow You Into The Dark"Death Cab for Cutie
Plans (2005)
Nominated for Best Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2007 Grammys, Death Cab's "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" was beat out by the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps". No, I'm serious. Obviously, the Grammys aren't always the measuring stick for music's cultural value as they would have us believe, because this song's beauty and simplicity beats out the Peas' brash schoolyard ditty any day. In what amounts to a Ben Gibbard solo track, the Death Cab front man ponders love, life, and death.
"Rehab"Amy Winehouse
Back To Black (2006)
In the decade's best neo-soul song, Amy Winehouse managed to reference Motown without ripping it off. Winehouse's brassy rebellious "Rehab" is also the decade's best example of art imitating life, as the singer soon became more famous for her addictions and wild behavior than her music. Her frank lyrics and Etta James style crooning won Winehouse a slew of awards and kickstarted the modern retro revival.
"The Middle"Jimmy Eat World
Bleed American (2001)
Jimmy Eat World has always had a knack for taking lyrics that others would sound corny singing, and pulling it off. "The Middle" is filled with motivational lines like, "don't write yourself off yet," and "everything will be alright," that Jim Adkins flat out sells. It's little wonder J.E.W. can make music like this though, after all, they were dropped by their record label and recorded their airtight power-pop smash of an album, Bleed American, on their own dime and had labels begging to sign them. Don't write yourself off yet is right.
"Somewhere Only We Know"Keane
Hopes and Fears (2004)
There's something about Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" that reminds me of a Disney movie. It's an epic power ballad that would fit perfectly in the scene right before the climax where the prince and princess declare their love for each other, and reprised as the credits begin rolling. The insistent fluttering piano and Tom Chaplin's promise that there is a paradise somewhere out there is pure magic.
"Like I Love You"Justin Timberlake
Justified (2002)
"Sometimes people just destined, destined to do what they do," Justin Timberlake muses at the end of his debut solo single, "Like I Love You". Becoming the next Michael Jackson wasn't exactly a sure thing though. Timberlake had a massive task in front of him, having to shed his boy band image and rebrand himself as the new king of pop. With the help of Pharrell, this funky R&B song was crafted, and the rest is history.
"A Thousand Miles"Vanessa Carlton
"This must be the white song that all black people like, you know every year there's a song that black people like and this is that," said Kanye West about Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" on his iTunes celebrity playlist. Kanye, don't kid yourself, this is a song everyone likes. The track managed to retain its beauty even with made-for-radio percussion and guitar slapped on, making it perfect for both pop and adult contemporary radio.
"Chicago"Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Steven's "Chicago" is a life affirming celebration of a song. It begins soft and understated before blossoming into a kaleidoscope of sound. Rich strings, sleigh bells, xylophones, trumpets, and a choir weave in and out to set the backdrop the Steven's tale of driving to Chicago and New York in a van. He repeats the phrase "I've made a lot of mistakes," but its drowned out by the choir triumphantly singing the spiritual line, "You came to take us, all things go to recreate us."
"B.O.B."
OutKast
Stankonia (2001)
When OutKast released "B.O.B." in 2000, there were no bombs over Baghdad. By decade's end, Iraq's capital has seen more than enough bombs. "B.O.B." was like a crystal ball, foreshadowing not only a global war on terror (and a "White House painted black" according to Pitchfork , in reference to the cover of Stankonia featuring a black and white American flag), but the disorienting collision popular music would face in the coming ten years.
"Last Nite"The Strokes
Is This It (2001)
"Say It Right"Nelly Furtado
"Be Mine"Robyn
"Everything Is Everything"
Phoenix
"B.O.B."OutKast
Stankonia (2001)
When OutKast released "B.O.B." in 2000, there were no bombs over Baghdad. By decade's end, Iraq's capital has seen more than enough bombs. "B.O.B." was like a crystal ball, foreshadowing not only a global war on terror (and a "White House painted black" according to Pitchfork , in reference to the cover of Stankonia featuring a black and white American flag), but the disorienting collision popular music would face in the coming ten years.
"Last Nite"Is This It (2001)
By the end of the 1990s, the term "alternative" had been hijacked, appropriated, and warped beyond all recognition. A decade later, the term "indie" found itself in a similar position. Still, there are a few songs that stand for what those words mean. For alternative, its "Wonderwall" or "Save Tonight". For indie, "Last Nite" by the Strokes takes the crown. Bursting into the scene in 2001 with incredible amounts of goodwill from the rock press, the Strokes deserved every bit of it.
"Say It Right"Loose (2006)
Nelly Furtado emerged as an innovative earthy folk pop singer in 2000, but after interest faded with her second album, she turned to Timbaland to re energize her career. Her album Loose was a smash hit, but its 80s inspired electro-pop veered away from her organic sound. "Say It Right" was the one exception. Emerging from a jungle soundscape, the song employed Timbaland's trademark yelps and percussion as Furtado tried to convince herself that, "you don't mean nothing at all to me".
Nelly Furtado emerged as an innovative earthy folk pop singer in 2000, but after interest faded with her second album, she turned to Timbaland to re energize her career. Her album Loose was a smash hit, but its 80s inspired electro-pop veered away from her organic sound. "Say It Right" was the one exception. Emerging from a jungle soundscape, the song employed Timbaland's trademark yelps and percussion as Furtado tried to convince herself that, "you don't mean nothing at all to me".
"Be Mine"Robyn (2005)
Dance-pop doesn't get more emotional than "Be Mine" by Swedish singer Robyn. Her anguished lyrics are suffocated by frantic orchestral arrangements and racing beats, creating a desperate soundscape. If her declaration that, "you never were and you never will be mine," doesn't get you, the bridge detailing her man having his arm around, and get this, tying the laces of "whatshername", will. Robyn's stripped down performance of the track at the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize show will bring a grown man to tears.
Dance-pop doesn't get more emotional than "Be Mine" by Swedish singer Robyn. Her anguished lyrics are suffocated by frantic orchestral arrangements and racing beats, creating a desperate soundscape. If her declaration that, "you never were and you never will be mine," doesn't get you, the bridge detailing her man having his arm around, and get this, tying the laces of "whatshername", will. Robyn's stripped down performance of the track at the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize show will bring a grown man to tears.
"Everything Is Everything"Alphabetical (2004)
Using rapidly chiming triangle better than anyone else has all decade, Phoenix crafted a catchy ditty that harkens to the soft-pop of the late 1980s with "Everything Is Everything". "Things are gonna change, and not for better," sings Thomas Mars. The lyrics are all that ambiguous, which only adds to the track's carefree atmosphere. The guitar, reveling in staccato neo-disco, is ever present, but at times understated.
Using rapidly chiming triangle better than anyone else has all decade, Phoenix crafted a catchy ditty that harkens to the soft-pop of the late 1980s with "Everything Is Everything". "Things are gonna change, and not for better," sings Thomas Mars. The lyrics are all that ambiguous, which only adds to the track's carefree atmosphere. The guitar, reveling in staccato neo-disco, is ever present, but at times understated.
"When You Were Young"Sam's Town (2006)
Brandon Flowers boldly declared that his band's sophomore album Sam's Town would be "one of the best albums in the past twenty years". Whether the Killers did it, or even if they managed to top the ridiculously good Hot Fuss is questionable, but "When You Were Young" is without a doubt one of the best songs in the past twenty years. Channeling Bruce Springsteen, the band wrote the great American rock song complete with Jesus, highways, and riding on the backs of hurricanes.
Brandon Flowers boldly declared that his band's sophomore album Sam's Town would be "one of the best albums in the past twenty years". Whether the Killers did it, or even if they managed to top the ridiculously good Hot Fuss is questionable, but "When You Were Young" is without a doubt one of the best songs in the past twenty years. Channeling Bruce Springsteen, the band wrote the great American rock song complete with Jesus, highways, and riding on the backs of hurricanes.
"Sex On Fire"Only By The Night (2008)
"Fire" is a word bands love to throw around. It evoke edginess, unpredictability, and a general feeling of hardcore-ness, but if everyone else is doing it, how do you use it and stand out? Kings of Leon threw in "Sex". Can you get any edgier than that? "Sex on Fire" isn't actually about sex though, don't worry, it was just a filler word the Followills used until they decided it would make a good song title. The track is a stirring rock anthem made for the arenas.
"Fire" is a word bands love to throw around. It evoke edginess, unpredictability, and a general feeling of hardcore-ness, but if everyone else is doing it, how do you use it and stand out? Kings of Leon threw in "Sex". Can you get any edgier than that? "Sex on Fire" isn't actually about sex though, don't worry, it was just a filler word the Followills used until they decided it would make a good song title. The track is a stirring rock anthem made for the arenas.
The nominees for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards have been announced. Beyonce leads the tally with 10 nominations. Taylor Swift follows with 8. Here are some of the highlights:Record of the Year
(Awarded to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s), if other than the artist.)
"Halo" - Beyonce
"I've Gotta Feelin'" - The Black Eyed Peas
"Use Somebody" - Kings of Leon
"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga
"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
Album of the Year
I Am...Sasha Fierce - Beyonce
The E.N.D. - The Black Eyed Peas
The Fame - Lady Gaga
Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King - Dave Matthews Band
Fearless - Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
(A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. Singles or Tracks only.)
"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga
"Pretty Wings" - Maxwell
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" - Beyonce
"Use Somebody" - Kings of Leon
"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
Best New Artist
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings
Zac Brown Band
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
"Hometown Glory" - Adele
"Halo" - Beyonce
"Hot N Cold" - Katy Perry
"Sober" - Pink
"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
"This Time" - John Legend
"Love You" - Maxwell
"Make It Mine" - Jason Mraz
"If You Don't Know Me By Now" - Seal
"All About The Love Again" - Stevie Wonder
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group W/ Vocals
"I've Gotta Feelin'" - The Black Eyed Peas
"We Weren't Born To Follow" - Bon Jovi
"Never Say Never" - The Fray
"Sara Smile" - Daryl Hall & John Oates
"Kids" - MGMT
Best Dance Recording
"Boom Boom Pow" - The Black Eyed Peas
"When Love Takes Over" - David Guetta & Kelly Rowland
"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga
"Celebration" - Madonna
"Womanizer" - Britney Spears
Best Rock Perfromance By A Duo Or Group W/ Vocals
"Can't Find My Way Home" - Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
"Life In Technicolor II" - Coldplay
"21 Guns" - Green Day
"Use Somebody" - Kings of Leon
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" - U2
Best Rap Solo Performance
"Best I Ever Had" - Drake
"Beautiful" - Eminem
"D.O.A." - Jay-Z
"Day N Nite" - Kid Cudi
"Casa Bey" - Mos Def
For more of the nominees, click here.
This week's digital sales gainer, the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" jumps 11-5 and I'm still trying to figure out where this is all coming from. In April the band graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and on May 31st they performed the song at the MTV Movie Awards but, it wasn't until June 20th the song made a big move from No. 52 to No. 19 and the song has been bopping around in the twenties until last week. Although this is nowhere near my favorite song from the band, I'm happy to see them get the success they deserve and, as a chart watcher, it's kind of refreshing to see a song make a gradual climb as opposed to the massive leaps of songs by major pop acts that dominate the charts.Drake's "The Best I Ever Had" sits at No. 2 for its second week. I'm really rooting for this song to dethrone the Black Eyed Peas. Perhaps the Kanye West directed video and its big breasted basketball players will do the trick.
In our continuing coverage of the ridiculousness of Mimi and her fans, "Obsessed" moves up 20-17! I'm sure the lambs are happy but I still feel bad for the guy who dropped $200 to see the song inch of 3 spots. For $1,200 he might be able to buy another No. 1 for his favorite diva!
1. "I Gotta Feelin'" - The Black Eyed Peas
2. "Best I Ever Had" - Drake
3. "Knock Me Down" - Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo
4. "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
5. "Use Somebody" - Kings of Leon
6. "Fire Burning" - Sean Kingston
7. "Boom Boom Pow" - The Black Eyed Peas
8. "Lovegame" - Lady Gaga
9. "Waking Up In Vegas" - Katy Perry
10. "Battlefield" - Jordin Sparks
Here's Drake's video. Please go No. 1 next week. Please:
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Kings of Leon's biggest problem is sounding a little too much like Nickleback. America's biggest problem (besides the recession, homelessness, racism, and the Black Eyed Peas still being number one) is liking the Nicklebackesuqe KOL songs more than their actual good ones. The band's "Sex On Fire" hit No. 1 in the UK last year as well as ranking No. 5 on the 17 Tracks Top 25 Songs on 2008. Unfortunately, the song was panned by the American public. Kings of Leon are finally getting their big break with the far inferior "Use Somebody" which has gone No. 11 on the Hot 100, No. 1 on the Hot Modern Rock chart, and sits at No. 2 on iTunes (behind the Black Eyed Peas of course). Judge for yourself, which Kings of Leon song is better?"Use Somebody"
"Sex On Fire"
Grammy Winners
I got a 6/12 for my predictions. That ain't bad. It ain't good either. I nailed it with the Krauss and Plant collaboration though, didn't I? I know I suck at updating this week but I've been bogged down with school. Commentary on the Grammys is forthcoming.
Album of the Year: Raising Sand - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Record of the Year: "Please Read My Letter" - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Song of the Year (goes to songwriter): "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best New Artist: Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Female: "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Male: "Say" - John Mayer
Best Pop Vocal Performance Group: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best Pop Vocal Album: Rockferry - Duffy
Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
Best Dance Album: Alive 2007 - Daft Punk
Best R&B Recording: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson
Best Country Vocal Performance Female: "Last Name" - Carrie Underwood
Best Country Vocal Performance Male: "Letter To Me" - Brad Paisley
Best Country Album: Troubadour - George Srait
Best Rock Vocal Performance: "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
Best Rock Album: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - Coldplay
Best Alternative Album: In Rainbows - Radiohead
Best Rap Performance Duo/Group: "Swagga Like Us" - T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil Wayne
Best Rap Album: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne
Best Music Video Short Form: "Pork and Beans" - Weezer
I got a 6/12 for my predictions. That ain't bad. It ain't good either. I nailed it with the Krauss and Plant collaboration though, didn't I? I know I suck at updating this week but I've been bogged down with school. Commentary on the Grammys is forthcoming.
Album of the Year: Raising Sand - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Record of the Year: "Please Read My Letter" - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Song of the Year (goes to songwriter): "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best New Artist: Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Female: "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Best Pop Vocal Performance Male: "Say" - John Mayer
Best Pop Vocal Performance Group: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best Pop Vocal Album: Rockferry - Duffy
Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
Best Dance Album: Alive 2007 - Daft Punk
Best R&B Recording: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson
Best Country Vocal Performance Female: "Last Name" - Carrie Underwood
Best Country Vocal Performance Male: "Letter To Me" - Brad Paisley
Best Country Album: Troubadour - George Srait
Best Rock Vocal Performance: "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon
Best Rock Album: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - Coldplay
Best Alternative Album: In Rainbows - Radiohead
Best Rap Performance Duo/Group: "Swagga Like Us" - T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil Wayne
Best Rap Album: Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne
Best Music Video Short Form: "Pork and Beans" - Weezer
Labels:
2009 Grammy,
Adele,
Alison Krauss,
Coldplay,
Daft Punk,
Duffy,
Jay-Z,
John Mayer,
Kanye West,
Kings of Leon,
Lil Wayne,
Radiohead,
Robert Plant,
T.I.,
Weezer
Before 2008 you could get a house that far exceeded your paycheck. Before 2008 you could run for President (or Vice President) but had to be old, white, and male. Before 2008 you could tune into Total Request Live and catch 30 seconds of America's favorite music videos. What a difference a year makes. The demise of TRL wasn't significant in and of itself, but it symbolized a larger trend. America no longer gets its music force fed through the usual media funnels of television or radio. Even with the internet and such ubiquitous sites as YouTube or Last.FM, there is no singular institution telling you what to listen to. Combine that with the worst year the record industry has ever faced, and that seems like a disaster waiting to happen. It probably is, and the Obama administration might have to extend Bush's bailout plan to save record companies and keep our iPods full, but it has made for some great music. With the stakes being raised, artists are forced to put out innovative and compelling music if they have a prayer of keeping their job. And marketing this music to a generation that refuses to be a fan of a single genre, instead labeling themselves as liking "pretty much anything" (with the obligatory "except country, rap, techno, or screamo") on their Facebook profile opens a lot of doors. The boundaries blurred more in 2008 than ever before. Maybe Kanye was right. Even if you don't think he's the new Elvis, there is no doubt that "we are the new Beatles". Click on the song name to watch the YouTube video. Merry Christmas!
"Viva La Vida"Coldplay
Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends
Following 2005's X&Y, Coldplay found itself quickly becoming the biggest band of the decade but, their record was nothing more than a rehash of their previous work. Knowing that they needed to knock the next one out of the park to justify and keep up with their growing popularity, they teamed up with Brian Eno and ended up crafting the anthem of 2008. It's all there, the strings, the gentle but insistent drum beat, and the religious references. All that's missing is the actual use of the words "viva la vida" anywhere in the song. Martin sweeps the streets he used to own as he nostalgically remembers the time when he used to rule the world. Of course, they do rule the world right now, but assuming they eventually becomes irrelevant and are consigned to playing at casinos and state fairs, 2008 will be the year they think back to as Martin sings, "I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing, be my mirror, my sword, my shield, my missionaries in a foreign field...that was when I ruled I world".
"L.E.S. Artiste"Santogold
Santogold
Santi White has been many things in her lifetime. She's been a singer in a punk rock band, a music major, an A&R rep for Epic Records, and finally, she landed a recording contract herself. White's background provides the context for her genre-defying debut, mixing new wave, hip-hop, indie, pop, and what we can safely assume is that golden glitter she throws up on the album sleeve. Her second single is a triumphant expression of the vindication that comes from finally "making it" on your own while doubling as a middle finger to all the pretentious hipsters of the Lower East Side. As much as she dislikes the wannabes, her song gives them exactly what they want. Standing firmly at the crossroads of Popjustice and Pitchfork, "L.E.S. Artiste" is pure melodic bliss but it's just too cool to be a guilty pleasure. It's the masterpiece of the most forward thinking woman in pop today.
"Black and Gold"Sam Sparro
Sam Sparro
At face value, "Black and Gold" is a certified dance floor filler. Irresistible synth lines pulse along as Sparro croons about not having a life worth living without that special someone. Of course, that's a topic routinely covered in dance music, but upon further listening, it's apparent that he's not talking about a woman, but God. "If vision is the only validation, then most of my life isn't real... 'cause if you're not really here then it's all just a bunch of matter". It's as intelligent as pop music ever gets and has a good shot at winning the Grammy for Best Dance Recording this February.
"Spiraling" Keane
Perfect Symmetry
If the Killers are an American band trying to sound British, then Keane 2008 is a British band trying to sound like that one American band that's trying to sound British. Tom Chaplin does his best Brandon Flowers impersonation, even nailing the desperate and compelling voice that we've come to know and love. "When we fall in love we're just falling in love with ourselves" he muses as the killer hook swoops in to rescue you from loosing all hope of ever finding your one true love.
"Sex On Fire"Kings of Leon
Only By The Night
The Kings of Leon's greatest weakness is sounding a little too much like Nickelback. Thankfully, you couldn't tell it by listening to "Sex On Fire". This arena-ready rock number fulfills their destiny of being the southern Strokes more than any other track to date.
"Electric Feel"MGMT
Oracular Spectacular
Forget "Kids" and "Time To Pretend", MGMT's ode to being shocked by love is where it's at. With one foot firmly planted in 80's electro revival, and the other in the future, "Electric Feel" shocks in its own right. Even pop purists who eschew anything remotely indie will find themselves tapping their foot uncontrollably.
"Just Dance"Lady Gaga
The Fame
Stefani Germanotta spent two and a half years trying to put together a debut that would allow her to wear her influences on her sleeve (Prince, Madonna, David Bowie) but be hip and underground. Ironically enough, once she stopped caring and just wrote a song about something as trite as dancing, she pulled it off.
"Sandcastle Disco"Solange
Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dream
While her older, better known sister spent the year contemplating a sex change and breathing fire on any man who hasn't proposed on the second date, Solange made a convincing argument that she is the next Diana Ross. Oozing the classic Motown sound, Solange shows a softer, more vulnerable side to the Knowles family.
"Human"The Killers
Day & Age
Brandon Flowers asks the year's most confusing but important question inspired by the late Hunter Thompson's remarks of the softness of America's youth. Are we human or are we dancer? The Killers have shown a wide variety of influences throughout their career, but teaming up with Madonna producer, Stuart Price, the Killers have finally embraced the inevitable neo-New Order comparisons.
"Love Lockdown"Kanye West
808's & Heartbreak
Considering all the hype surrounding Mr. West's debut of "Love Lockdown" at the VMA's, it was understandable to feel a little let down. It's not like it's his most melodic track to date, and it features absolutely no rapping. Instead, Kanye plugged in the auto-tune and turned on the drum machine to prove that emo knows no boundaries. It sounds like it wouldn't work, but it does.
"Lost+"Coldplay feat. Jay-Z
Prospekt's March EP
"Lost" is Viva La Vida's most instant track. Naturally, Jay-Z, who loves to get his fingers on a potential hit, provided a bridge for the song's release. Both Chris Martin and Jay provide poetic verses, and, without budging an inch artistically, create the best collaboration of the year.
"Womanizer"Britney Spears
Circus
Blaring sirens announce the return of Britney Spears in her most repetitious song to date. Considering the number of times she snarls the title, it's surprising that the song actually gets better the more you hear it. It just goes to show you that with the right producers, anything is possible.
"Homecoming"Kanye West feat. Chris Martin
Graduation
One of Graduation's final hoo-rah's, "Homecoming" was only a taste of what was to come by year's end. Martin's piano and unmistakable crooning add a unique flavor to the song, especially when he sings about fireworks over Lake Michigan.
"Please Don't Stop The Music"Rihanna
Good Girl Gone Bad
One of the few singles Rihanna released this year that didn't go #1, "Don't Stop" towers over them all as a model pop song, perfectly structured in every way. The track would be able to stand on it's own without the Michael Jackson sample, but the "mammasaymammasay" raises it to a new level.
"Bleeding Love" Leona Lewis
Spirit
Why isn't Leona Lewis dead yet? She's been bleeding for six months, hasn't she? But seriously, with the distorted organ, sick percussion, and killer hook, Mariah Carey has got to be green with envy. Simon's star making machine has finally struck international gold in a big way.
"Heartless"Kanye West
808's & Heartbreak
How do you categorize "Heartless"? The production is hip-hop, but Kanye still isn't rapping, and the content is pure emo. At least the minimalist synth let you tap your feet as West laments the pain of falling for a heartless vixen.
"Mercury"Bloc Party
Intimacy
If Britney Spears was a male rock star who wielded a guitar instead of a female popstar who wielded her sexuality, this would be her "Toxic". The "4 Minutes"-esque horns blare amid remixed shouts of "my mercury's in retrograde"and it takes you so high that you can't come down.
"Falling Rockets"Cicada
Cicada
Although Cicada is best known for their remixes of New Order and Depeche Mode, "Falling Rockets" is their latest in a string of critically acclaimed singles they've released themselves. Soft and understated, it slowly descends upon its listeners and lodges itself firmly in their brain.
"Break The Ice"Britney Spears
Blackout
Released right after the peak of all her very public breakdown, "Break The Ice" never got the attention it deserved. Despite the anime music video, it's one of Blackout's strongest tracks thanks to the eerie electro church organ and it's relentless build.
"My Drive Thru"Santogold, Pharell, & Julian Casablancas
Converse Single
To promote their shoes, Converse asked some of music's most innovative minds to put together a free downloadable single. The result? Three entirely different songs stitched together courtesty of N.E.R.D. Despite the varied backgrounds of the contributors, the track flows flawlessly.
"Live Your Life"T.I. feat. Rihanna
Paper Trail
I can hardly stand the song now -- it's been ridiculously overplayed. I still can't shake the memory of hearing "Live Your Life" for the first time. T.I.'s decision to sample the Numa Numa song should have been a train wreck, instead it's a stroke of genius.
"Violet Hill"
Coldplay
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
The buzzing guitar during the bridge sends a shiver down your spine in Coldplay's lightest, yet most political song of the year. My only regret is that that Iraqi reporter decided to exersize his newly aquired freedom and throw a shoe at Bush after the video was made. The bipartisan approach to dancing politicians is surprising considering Martin's assertion that "the FOX became a god".
"My Delirium"
Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke
And you thought that Flight of the Conchords was the best thing to come out of New Zealand. The land of the long white cloud's Ladyhawke shows what Rachel Stevens should have done, a hard edged punk sound that's not afraid of a little synth.
"Let It Rock"
Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil. Wayne
In The City
If I had a million dollars for every time rock critics say someone sounds like U2, I would be a multi-millionaire. If I had a million dollars for every time they were right, I would get about half as much money. Interestingly enough, the year's most U2-esque track didn't come from one of the minions of bands following in Bono's footsteps, but a former hip-hop studio musician fusing what he does best with techno and arena rock.
"Pork And Beans"
Weezer
Weezer
In 3 minutes and 19 seconds, Weezer perfectly summed up what it means to grow up in the late 00's. The shameless online self promotion, the digital democratization of nearly every aspect of life, Timbaland's uncanny ability to make a hit -- this is what the iGeneration is all about. And then you have the music video. Pure genius.
Honorable Mentions:
"Swagga Like Us" - T.I. feat Jay-Z & Kanye West
"Time To Pretend" - MGMT
"Love Story" - Taylor Swift
"Blind" - Hercules & The Love Affair
"A Milli" - Lil Wayne
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