The ten best albums of 2008
Alex Nagorski
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Life!
10. The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
By far the best party album of the year, The Ting Tings' debut is an upbeat collection of eclectic indie rock that provides the formula for a night of crazy dancing. The sharply punctuated vocals and thumping bass lines makes it easy to hear this record as the soundtrack to any art house film where the protagonist teenage girl discovers drugs, sex, and nightclubs. It is a feel good album with intelligent pop lyrics and a unique sound that can please both mainstream radio and hipsters alike. Must have track: "Great DJ."
9. Madita, Too
One of the most unique artists in today's music scene, Madita's sophomore album far surpasses her already groundbreaking self-titled debut. Her originality comes in the form of genre fusing, as Too may be the first album to successfully accomplish the morphing of electronica and jazz. Think Imogen Heap meets Fiona Apple, and you have Madita's sensual, tantalizing, and calming piano and synthesizer duets. With Too, Madita has strung together two completely genres to create a unique, refreshing, and addictive sound that will make this record a constant in your car's CD changer. Must have track: "Because."
8. Sia, Some People Have Real Problems
For her third album, Australian folk singer Sia sticks to her soothing, sensual, and melodic signature, yet incorporates layers of new electronic elements to create a brand new more evolved sound. Hands down her most raw and emotional album to date, Some People Have Real Problems explores life's many tribulations, ranging from heartbreak to frustration to pain to sorrow. Do not be fooled, however, this album is far from a whiny cry for help. Instead, it proves Sia's remarkable songwriting talent as it puts us on an emotional rollercoaster navigating us in feeling and understanding the various suffering life provides us along our journeys. Must have track: "Academia (featuring Beck)"
7. Ida Maria, Fortress Round My Heart
By far the best party album of the year, The Ting Tings' debut is an upbeat collection of eclectic indie rock that provides the formula for a night of crazy dancing. The sharply punctuated vocals and thumping bass lines makes it easy to hear this record as the soundtrack to any art house film where the protagonist teenage girl discovers drugs, sex, and nightclubs. It is a feel good album with intelligent pop lyrics and a unique sound that can please both mainstream radio and hipsters alike. Must have track: "Great DJ."
9. Madita, Too
One of the most unique artists in today's music scene, Madita's sophomore album far surpasses her already groundbreaking self-titled debut. Her originality comes in the form of genre fusing, as Too may be the first album to successfully accomplish the morphing of electronica and jazz. Think Imogen Heap meets Fiona Apple, and you have Madita's sensual, tantalizing, and calming piano and synthesizer duets. With Too, Madita has strung together two completely genres to create a unique, refreshing, and addictive sound that will make this record a constant in your car's CD changer. Must have track: "Because."
8. Sia, Some People Have Real Problems
For her third album, Australian folk singer Sia sticks to her soothing, sensual, and melodic signature, yet incorporates layers of new electronic elements to create a brand new more evolved sound. Hands down her most raw and emotional album to date, Some People Have Real Problems explores life's many tribulations, ranging from heartbreak to frustration to pain to sorrow. Do not be fooled, however, this album is far from a whiny cry for help. Instead, it proves Sia's remarkable songwriting talent as it puts us on an emotional rollercoaster navigating us in feeling and understanding the various suffering life provides us along our journeys. Must have track: "Academia (featuring Beck)"
7. Ida Maria, Fortress Round My Heart