|
Post by Jordan on Jan 25, 2009 11:35:19 GMT 1
#08Kevin Rudolf - In The City![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-42.jpg) An album that I'm just dying to buy, and the only reason I haven't is because it's not available anywhere with the song 'Tenesse' on the disc, so I'm just hoping that theres a chance for some sort of re-release with this hot track on it! When I first heard 'Let It Rock', it was a bit random because it hadn't been released at all in the UK, and I'd never heard of him before, so it was just all thanks to the internet. The song has since become one of the most played on my iPod and one of my favourites of 2008. The combination of rock and hip-hop carried on throughout the whole album is just incredible, sort of like what Kid Rock does, but at the same time, nothing like it, because theres absolutely nothing country about it! Apart from the lead single, I think 'Welcome to the World' and 'Gimme A Sign' have the most single potential. The big sound on both tracks would make them both incredible follow ups. The title track, 'In The City' is probably the track that got me hooked to the album, being the opneing track, and that's when I realized that Kevin wouldn't be just a one hit-wonder. 'N.Y.C' would also make a very good single, hopefully the third if I had my way. Aswell as all these club bangers, theres also some, dare I say it, almost, ballads on the album. Particularly the final track, 'Great Escape' which has really incredible lyrics aswell as everything else. As for other single potential songs, I'd have to go for 'Scarred' and 'She Can Get It' because even these would show that this album is full quality all the way through!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 25, 2009 11:37:05 GMT 1
808's and Heartbreak is a real recent grower for me. I do like Kanye West - but I tend to buy his albums and never listen to them (I don't think I have even listened to Graduation all the way through ![:-[](//storage.proboards.com/999290/images/sStDBPuQXleoqpIJwHYi.gif) ). The last two KW singles have been very good, so given this one a bit more of a chance. I Am....Sasha Fierce - the only problem I find with Beyonce is that singles are excellent, but the albums are a bit weak. I Am... is probably my favourites of the ones she has released so far. Yes, theres a hell of a lot of filler on her debut, and quite a lot on her sophomore aswell, but this one has a bit aswell, but I think tha fact that the good songs are so good, sort of makes up for it, so I can see myself buying this when Im sure there wont be a re-release ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/999290/images/WkoAxKupDXiUlSqYdleR.gif)
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 26, 2009 18:40:11 GMT 1
#07Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-44.jpg) I first got into this band in 2007 when I heard 'Fans' and 'On Call', but to be honest I never really gave the album too much attention. But last year, they just totally blew up here in the UK. I didn't even hear 'Sex On Fire' until the week it went to #1, and since then, it's become one of my all time favourite rock songs, and I'm sure it's the same for many more people. I listened to the album as soon as it came out, and I was suprised at how instant it was. The obvious track that got my attention right away was 'Use Somebody' and I'm not even sure why. Theres something about that song which is bewitching, and it truly does sound stunning. And the entire album is full of more of the same, so it really didn't dissappoint. I know they came under a lot of critisizm for changing their sound to become more commercial, but I thank them so much for it because this album will be one of my all time classics. For me, theres a hell of a lot more single potential, and they could choose between any of 'Closer', 'Crawl', '17', 'Revelry' and 'Be Somebody'. I can't wait to buy this album, to add it to my collection, not really sure why I haven't yet.
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 27, 2009 9:37:41 GMT 1
#06Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-45.jpg) One of the bieggest comebacks in a while, and these guys have been blowing it up again in 2008! Aswell as their forth studio album, they released the 'Prospekts Match' ep, and I've decided to put them both in at #6 on my count down. 'Violet Hill' was given away free online, and I was straight in there to grab the track and I loved it straight away. The build up in texture and then the climax, it's just incredible. But nothing on the album can come close to matching the lead single, 'Viva La Vida'. Their first ever #1, and a world wide smash hit and one of the most recognizable songs of 2008. Aswell as these two songs, which both made my year as far as British music goes, theres plenty of other pretty brilliant tracks on the album. 'Lovers in Japan' and 'Lost' were good single choices and are also favourites of mine, as well as 'Strawberry Swing' and 'Cemeteries of London.' I wouldn't say theres any filler on the album at all, however some tracks clearly couldn't be served up as a single. The Prospeckts March EP, is on my list of things to buy, and I will get around to it, because it really does complete this album in a way. 'Life In Technicolor II' is an incredible track that will certainly be a big hitter for me in 2009! The other track I have to mention would be the 'Lost!' remix featuring Jay-Z because it brings a whole other life to the track! If that version was released as a single instead it would have blown up everywhere! So glad I bought this album!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 27, 2009 9:48:26 GMT 1
Top 50 Songs of 2008 (10-06)#10Kings of Leon - Use Somebody #09Adele - Chasing Pavements #08Britney Spears - Piece Of Me #07Lady GaGa - Just Dance #06Britney Spears - Break The Ice![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Top%2050%20Singles%202008/Break_The_Ice.jpg)
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 28, 2009 17:00:18 GMT 1
#05The Script - The Script![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-46.jpg) The Script are one of the best new acts to come out of 2008, and are sure to have a long and successful career to follow in the future if their debut effort is anything to go by. When I first heard 'We Cry' I was blown away by their sound. It had a very large, and very American feel to it, so I was shocked when I found out that they were a small new band from Ireland. I don't know if anyone else feels this way about them, but theres almost a hint of an RnB influence on their album, especially on 'We Cry', sort of simular to OneRepublic with 'Apologize.' 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved' was one of my favourite tracks of 2008 and I had it on repeat for a hell of a long time! I don't really see what makes this song stand out so much on the album, and made them so popular, because all the songs are really up there in that standard. 'Breakeven' was definately a highlight for me, long before it was released, so I was really pleased when I found out, but a little let down with the video. Every single track is a highlight for me, and it really is difficult for me to single any out. 'Before the Worst' and 'Rusty Halo' do it for me though, and it's a miracle how they managed to make such an incredible album with absolutely NO filler what so ever. But for me, theres one track, that does go beyond any of the rest and will probably be one of my favourite songs until the end! The song is 'Anybody There' but it's just listed as a bonus track, but theres really no need because the quality really just brings the album up. I'm so glad I've bought this, it's hardly spent any time in it's case since!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 29, 2009 11:15:37 GMT 1
#04Mary J Blige - Growing Pains![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-43.jpg) I know technically this album was released in 2007 in the US, but here in the UK it was released in early 2008, and that's when I first heard it, and so it has to chart here for me. At first listen I thought the lead single, 'Just Fine' was maybe a little weak, but it really is one of those songs that just grows! The combination of the RnB/Soul sound with the Hip-Hop beats on a lot of the album really is what's been hot this year for me. 'Stay Down', well yes, it was a flop, and I do know why, it's not really the most commercial song in the world, but that doesn't stop me from absolutely loving it. It's one of those songs that I could just never skip (something I can say about every song on this album however). I think there are two sides to this album that weave in and out of one another. One side is the upbeat and banging Mary from the 'Family Affair' era, and the other is the soul diva with the most divine ballads from the 'Share My World' era. 'Work That', 'Grown Woman', 'Shake Down' and 'Roses' are the highlights on the more upbeat side of things. 'Roses' in particular because the lyrical content is amazing, something which is reflected throughout the album. 'Hurt Again', 'What Is Love' and 'Come To Me' are the tracks where we get to see the other side of Mary, and where she is in hre element. My second favourite track on the whole album, is also from this side of her, and it's 'Smoke' just because I love the lyrics, easy to relate to and her voice is so close to perfect on it. But my favourite track, and one of my favourites of the year, and possible all time, is 'Fade Away'. Again, I love the lyrics and it really was written from the heart. But also its so well produced, that it really is the perfect RnB package. And so is the album! The best RnB album to be released in a long time, and I can't recommend it more to anyone with RnB in their bodies!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 30, 2009 13:08:40 GMT 1
#03Lady GaGa - The Fame![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-47.jpg) And here we have it! Lady GaGa is my absolute favourite new comer to come around in 2008! And what a year it was for the newbie! 'Just Dance' was floating around the interent months before it actually blew up around the world, and after such a long time, I'm still loving it now that it's #1 in my country eventually. Lady GaGa has probably designed the new sound for 2009, and really brought the pop industry to the future. Finally we are seeing an incredible dance/pop genre that gets apreciated all aroung the world, and theres only one person to thank for all this. GAGA. My hopes weren't too high as for me, the only artist who can make a solid dance/pop album is Britney, but by god shes done it! 'Pockerface' is just as incredible and buzzing as the lead single, and it's really going to make GaGa fever blow up all round the world. The rest of the album is also made up of entirely great tracks and I can't stop playing them all. 'Love Game', 'Paparazzi', 'I Like It Rough' and 'The Fame' to name but a few, could all also follow in the footsteps of the prior singles for world wide success. But for me, the 3 songs that stand out, weren't even included on the original version of the album. 'Starstruck' would be an obvious single choice, especially for the US and the combinations are just CRAZY! 'Paper Gangsta' really just puts a smile on my face, I just love it! And also, the UK bonus track, 'Disco Heaven' is so in your face, and upbeat and I can't get anough of it. I bought this album the day it came out and if theres anyone who want's to add one of the best pop albums of all time to their collection, then they NEED this. (Aswell as any Britney record, sorry, had to put that in there!)
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 30, 2009 13:11:21 GMT 1
Seeing as its completely obvious what two albums are my top 2, I'll just post them both tomorrow, aswell as the top 5 singles. So tomorrow, my 2008 personal year end chart comes to an end ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/999290/images/WkoAxKupDXiUlSqYdleR.gif) And on to 2009!!!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 31, 2009 11:41:12 GMT 1
#02Solange - Sol-Angel & the Hadley St. Dreams![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-49.jpg) It was a close call between this album and my number one, but I do think I made the right decision. This album came as a complete suprise to me for so many different reasons. For a start, I'd never heard of Solange, and after assuming she was a new artist, I was suprised to find that she actually already had an album released a few years ago. But the biggest suprise for me, was that she was Beyonce's sister, because I didn't even know she had one. And the final suprise is, that I prefer her music to Beyonces by ten-fold! Where as Beyonce makes music to be commercially successful, and basically make money, Solange made the music she wanted to make, something a bit unique, and daring, and which is why I'd call her the better Knowels sister. 'I Decided (Part 2)' has become one of my favourite songs of 2008, and by a close margin as well, and it is definately one of my all time favourite's aswell. The combination of dance and old-school RnB is unlike anything I've heard before, and it's incredible! 'Sandcastle Disco' was also a huge song for me, getting to #1 in my personal chart. This feel good vibe felt in both songs is continued throughout the album, even on some of the tracks that maybe are suposed to contain a hint of melancholy. The first hald of the album is by far the stronger half of the album as far as cinsistency is concerned. 'TONY', 'Dancing in the Dark' and 'Would've Been The One' have all at some point got me going crazy! They could all be singles, and really are up there in that phenomenal league! Maybe a few filler tracks on the album, but they do serve a purpose! For the most part they show off Solange's vocal and writing abilities. On the second half, there are two songs that I have to mention. The first is 'Cosmic Journey'. The song really blew me away on first listen, as it's unlike anything else on the album. Rather than taking music from the past, it goes into the future and puts it into an RnB/Trance anthem! Even the song has two halves that simply bewitch you! And my favourite track on the whole album, has been a hidden jem for me. 'I Told You So' really clearly shows how talented Solange is as a vocalist and the vibes off the song are fantastic. I can't get to grips with the fact that this album isn't one of the best sellers of our time, because everything about it, points it in that direction. I guess there are some dissadvantages to having a famous family. But please, everyone buy, or at least listen to this album!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 31, 2009 12:02:27 GMT 1
#01Britney Spears - Circus![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Album%20Covers/untitled-50.jpg) And it was no suprise to me that this is my #1 rated album of 2008. Even before I'd listened to it, I knew she would make a fantastic album, because she always does! This really has been one of the greatest comebacks of all time, and I couldn't be happier for her, her family, and us fans, who can expect loads more great pop music from her in the future. After the 'flop' album Blackout, which for me, was the best of 2007, I was worried that her public image may affect how this was recieved, but I guess I had nothing to worry about. 'Womanizer' was her first US #1 hit single since her debut ten years ago, so things couldn't have got off to a better start! The song is an absolute anthem! It brought the final quater of 2008 out of the box and into the club! Everyone knew the song, and love it or hate it, no one can deny that it did the trick! 'Circus' for me, is definately going to make a big splash in my 2009 year end charts! I can't comprehend that many songs will show it much competition this year. Everything about it from the whip sound effects and the amazing video screams hit!! And then theres 'If You Seek Amy'! I'm so glad they label found the balls to release this. I don't care what stuck up, hypocritaical parents think, it's just a bit of fun, and makes for an incredible pop record that, if justice is done, should provide Britney with her new 'Toxic' scaled hit single! The album is full of potential singles for me, and this really could be the new Good Girl Gone Bad. 'Out from Under' is a nice enough ballad, and although she's done better, it really could serve well as a single and show everyone that different side to her that we haven't really seen since 'Everytime' in 2004. 'Kill The Lights' has GOT to be a single! Hopefully single #4. It really is up there with toxic, and all it would take is a nice video, and the tiniest ammount of promo to make it a world wide #1 smash! 'Mannequin' really could end up being the suprise hit of the album! 'Shattered Glass' actually took a while to fully grow on me, and has since gone from an 8/10 to a full filled 10/10! From the intro to the track, it's interesting, quirky and so flaming catchy! I just wish it was a bit longer in length!! And the final track that I think could be a very successful single is 'Unusual You'. It really is one of my favourite tracks of all time, favourite from Britney, and favourite from 2008! The song is just incredible! The lyrics are just sublime, and for me make perfect sense, and really show that vulnerable side of Britney, and with everyone reading about her personal life in the red tops, I think everyone could easily relate this song to her on a personal level. I can't get enough of this track! Although not single potential, every track is brilliant. 'Blur', 'Mmm Papi' and 'Lace and Leather' are all cool little tracks, and all serve a purpose on the album. Infact, the only that I don't think has ANY single potential is 'My Baby'. Although it does show that gentle tone to Brit's voice beautifully, and shows that she does have writing abilities, it should just be left on the album. And finally we come to the bonus tracks. If I could, I'd take 'Radar' off, not because I don't love it, but because it belongs on Blackout. 'Rock Me In', 'Amnesia' and 'Quicksand' are all incredible tracks. 'Trouble' may be one of my favourite samples in ages, but theres one track that my rival Unusual You when being made my favourite, and thats 'Phongraphy'. This sort of song, (Heaven on Earth, Speakerphone) really is my favourite! The beat on this track is incredible, and it sounds best with a really heavy bass speaker! This album really would complete any pop collection! By not buying this, you would be doing your musical intuition a misjustice!
|
|
|
Post by Jordan on Jan 31, 2009 12:15:47 GMT 1
Top 50 Songs of 2008 05-01)#05Leona Lewis - Run #04Kanye West - Love Lockdown #03Janet Jackson - Feedback #02Solange - I Decided (Part 2) #01Britney Spears - Womanizer![](http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr301/Crazytowel08/Top%2050%20Singles%202008/Womanizer.jpg)
|
|