The Best of 2008 in Music

Well, it's that time again. Time to reflect upon the last year in music. And, in good holiday cheer, we'll focus on the positive! So, without further ado, here they are, my 30 favorite songs of 2008.

30. Spaceman - The Killers
Hot piece Brandon Flowers describes Day & Age as the band's most playful album, and I'd have to agree. I've never really found The Killers to be engaging before, but both Human and Spaceman have a bit more mainstream appeal that surely expanded their audience. And Brandon is smokin'! I'm definitely a new fan...and I like the music, too.

29. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Katy Perry is unfortunately one of those artists who have more appeal underground. When I was the only one I knew singing along to UR So Gay and I Kissed a Girl, it was cool. But when all of America joined in, it became somewhat annoying. Though snubbed by the Grammys in the Best New Artist category, this #1 hit about experimenting with homosexuality put Katy on the map.

28. Green Light - John Legend/Andre 3000
John Legend takes a step away from his comfort zone (and his piano) to shockingly good results. I love the care-free vibe of this track and Andre 3000's flow definitely doesn't hurt.

27. Blind - Hercules and Love Affair
I'm usually not a fan of house music, but Hercules and Love Affair is so quirky and this track is so infectious, I can't help myself. The NYC based band has garnered veritable oodles of critical acclaim but little mainstream success in the States. Somehow, I feel like they're right where they wanna be.

26. Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
Jesse McCartney had a decent year. After having a hand in penning the mega-hit Bleeding Love, he made his own mark on the charts with Leavin'. Though he'll never be Justin, I think he's found his niche towing the line between pop and R&B.

25. Daylight - Kelly Rowland/Travis McCoy
It's probably safe to assume at this point that no other Destiny's Child member is destined for the stardom that Beyoncé enjoys. Nevertheless, Kelly keeps trying. The lead single off her re-release of Ms. Kelly, Daylight is such a cool, feel-good song.

24. 4 Minutes - Madonna/Justin Timberlake/Timbaland
Madonna pretty much sold out in '08 and did what everyone else was doing: working with Timbaland. Though Hard Candy was not as innovative as I would have liked, some great tracks came of the collaboration. 4 Minutes, with the aid of JT, was nigh inescapable. Madge turned the big 5-0 and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.

23. Decode - Paramore
Paramore is looking to put out their third album sometime next year, but in 2008, they contributed to the phenomenon that is Twilight in the form of two cuts on the soundtrack. Hayley sounds great on the album's lead single, Decode.

22. When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
This track took a while to grow on me, like most of PCD's material these days. But once it took a hold, I couldn't shake it off. After Nicole's failed solo career, the Dolls regrouped and released their sophomore album (made up mostly of Nicole's solo material) to disappointing sales. When I Grow Up and I Hate This Part are cool enough, but they can't really compare to Don't Cha and Stickwitu.

21. So What - P!nk
Constantly improving as an artist, P!nk released Funhouse with lead single So What and put a lot of other b****es to shame. Whenever I'm in a club and this track plays, everyone in the place belts the lyrics and bops their heads.

20. Starstruck - Santogold
Another fabulous new artist, Santogold is, by some estimation, this year's answer to M.I.A. Mixing different genres of music for an eclectic, unique sound, Santogold's eponymous debut album garnered its fair share of critical acclaim and snagged her a Grammy nomination. Starstruck is one of my favorite tracks; it probably doesn't sound like anything you've heard before, but when you bump to it, you feel cool.

19. Damaged - Danity Kane
They say that all good things come to an end, and when Diddy is involved, that end is certain. Danity Kane, by all appearances, disbanded towards the end of this year, but not before experiencing sweet success with Damaged. This song was ubiquitous and catchy as all hell.

18. Right Here (Departed) - Brandy
Brandy returned from a four-year hiatus with Right Here (Departed) this year. I still play this song to death. Brandy, to me, is the perfect example of a girl who works with what she's got. She doesn't have the biggest voice, but her libs and runs are always perfect; she's capable of breathing life into seemingly mediocre songs. Brandy really knows how to lace a track. She still kinda looks like Mewtwo with a weave, though.

17. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
The breakout band of 2008, Vampire Weekend has received nothing but accolades for their self-titled debut album. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, the band's fourth single, is an enjoyable listen with a sort of calypso vibe about it and is a great song to leave on repeat.

16. Mannequin - Britney Spears
Another year, another comeback album. Britney's back again, but unfortunately it's becoming clear that the Britney we knew and loved may never return. Producers continue to give her that good s***, though, and there are more than a few solid tracks on new album Circus. Mannequin is my favorite; detached, prosaic vocals are all that Britney is capable of pulling off.

15. Genie 2.0 - Christina Aguilera
Christina released a greatest hits album this year commemorating her ten years in the industry and Genie 2.0 was the cherry on the sundae. Christina managed to successfully reinvent her first chart-topper and it stands as the best example of this new sound she's polishing.

14. Just Dance - Lady GaGa
My favorite new artist of the year, Lady GaGa can do no wrong in my eyes. Just Dance, her lead single from debut album The Fame, is just picking up steam in the US, but she's had more success internationally. I constantly have her album on repeat; her playful, fresh, cocky pop speaks to my gay soul.

13. Violet Stars Happy Hunting! - Janelle Monáe
I can't wait for Janelle Monáe to become mainstream. Just so she can put out music whenever she wants and not when her label (cough, Diddy) decides they want to take a chance. Her debut EP is short, but oh so sweet and she stands to bring something innovative and fresh to R&B.

12. Black and Gold - Sam Sparro
So everyone knows I've been sipping Sam Sparro's kool-aid. He's just so dreamy. His debut single Black and Gold put him on the map and still gets regular play in gay clubs across the land. Loved his album and can't wait to see what he pulls out of the bag in '09.

11. Bust Your Windows - Jazmine Sullivan
Ah, I wasn't ready for all these fantabulous b****es to come out of the woodwork. Jazmine, with her soulful pipes, inspired fear in brothas everywhere with second single Bust Your Windows. Up for five Grammys next year, including Best New Artist, Jazmine is poised for a great career. Get her on your iPod if she isn't already.

10. Rock With U - Janet Jackson
Janet placed in last year's list with Feedback and I thought there was no way she could be denied success with Disclipline, her tenth studio album. I was wrong. Feedback was apparently the only thing Janet and her label agreed upon and promotion was stunted after that. Such a damn shame. Rock With U is my s***.

9. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) - Beyoncé
Beyoncé came back hard in 2008 with two singles, If I Were a Boy and Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It). The latter's video quickly became a sensation and fan-made YouTube videos (some fabulous, some ridiculous) ensued. Everyone who listens to pop music knows at least some of the choreography. Can't deny the shine, or knock the hustle.

8. Poker Face - Lady GaGa
My biggest dance track of the year, I couldn't leave it off the list. Americans are slow on the uptake (about GaGa and trends in general) but the track has already reached #1 in Australia and Canada. It'll be annoying hearing about "that new girl Lady GaGa" all throughout 2009 but as long as she gets the credit she's due, I'll be happy.

7. ONE - Crystal Kay
Crystal Kay did it again with ONE. Like 恋におちたら and こんなにちかくで。。。 before it, ONE is a mix between ballad and up-tempo and reaffirms my love for Crystal. This year's album, Color Change!, wasn't as successful as her last, but saw her work with a few prominent American producers and hopefully brought her dream of crossing over into the States a little closer to fruition.

6. Run - Leona Lewis
Americans, despite Bleeding Love and all its glory, are slow to embrace Leona, but soon enough they won't have any choice. Run was recently released as a single, and the song's pull is undeniable. I doubted Leona's potential because of her apparent lack of personality, but with songs like this one, she doesn't really need to do anything but sing.

5. Anti-Love Song - Raven-Symoné
Whenever I hear this track, I have to turn my volume up to max. The production is so tight and Raven's vocals so on point, it makes me sad that all the haters are willingly missing out. The standout track from her eponymous album released early this year, I'll be playing Anti-Love Song well into 2009.

4. American Boy - Estelle/Kanye West
Estelle's crossover hit, American Boy started as a cult hit amongst hipsters and soon found its way to major mainstream success. Arguably the best thing Kanye did all year, his rap certainly helped the single along in the States. Parodies and covers followed, but the original must be mentioned when discussing 2008 in music.

3. Stay Gold - Utada Hikaru
2008 marks the year I officially became a fan of Utada Hikaru. Stay Gold is my favorite track from Heart Station: a simple, piano-driven ballad made special by Hikki's light, emotive vocals. I can listen on repeat for hours.

2. It's a Crime - Crystal Kay
Crystal hooked up with Bloodshy & Avant, and this masterpiece is the result. I was dying for a new Crystal Kay song in English and this track exceeded my expectations. It's a Crime is hotter than the summer sun and catchier than winter influenza. It's a damn crime this song wasn't released as a single.

1. Disturbia - Rihanna
I'm all about giving credit where it's due. Even though Rihanna has marginal talent, she has had another phenomenal year. Just when you thought she was through making hits, she dropped Disturbia in the summer. Definitely my all-time favorite Rihanna song and my pick for song of 2008.

Well, that's the list. Sound off if you agree, disagree, whatevs. And if you're like me and are drawn to music lists like flies to exposed light bulbs, check out last year's list.