There was Rage Against The Machine tearing it up on the Big Day Out stages in January, long awaited releases from rock legends AC/DC and Guns 'n Roses, and offerings from comeback queens Madonna and Britney Spears.
And let's not forget the competitive chart toppers from divas Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Mariah with hot new talent Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Disney alums all offering up tasty morsels to be consumed en mass.
Interestingly enough, 2008 highlighted more than ever before the direct correlation between scandal and chart success; the more gasp-worthy the news, the higher the chart position. Would Britney Spears' 'Womaniser' have enjoyed the biggest first week of dowload sales since 2003 if she wasn't a tad tragic? Would Miley Cyrus be a household name if her scandal pic (and the subsequent media coverage) hadn't drawn so much scorn? Meanwhile despite the economic downturn, the digital revolution and the death of several labels, the music industry proved in one way or another, it is still alive and kickin'. As long as artists are marketable and products need flogging it ain't going anywhere soon, and record execs finally seem to be accepting an online future.
So amongst all the furor, what was on rotation? What were people buying and who pioneering the new beats gracing our speakers? Without further adieu, let's have a look at the top albums rocking our world in 2008.
TV On The Radio: 'Dear Science'
The indie co-racial masterpiece that is TVOTR has put together one more brilliant indie record. A little more bounce, a little more tune, 'Dear Science' was a perfect progression from the lads 'Return To Cookie Mountain', maturing in sound and winning a new flock of fans.
The Brooklyn bunch will be appearing on 2009's Big Day Out Line-up.
Gabriella Cilmi - Lessons To Be Learned
Recorded over many continents, 'Lessons To Be Learned' was a three year masterful ordeal that paid off with gusto for the budding Australian songstress. The 'Sweet About Me' singer's debut record cleaned up at the 2008 ARIA Awards, taking out all of the six categories she was nominated for! Move over Delta!
The Ting Tings 'We Started Nothing'
Despite stating otherwise, The Ting Tings definitely started something. And in our opinion, it was something damn wonderful. With their debut album conquering international airwaves with the infectious 'That's Not My Name', the self-proclaimed next gen' Sonny & Cher took the world by storm. The two-piece have already visited out shores but will also be back for Aussie festival Big Day Out. Rejoice!
Santogold 'Santogold'
One of the most revolutionary records produced in 2008, Santogold's self titled debut record is packed full fresh beats and vibes which infected almost every DJ set world wide. With big name DJ's just waiting to mix up the fab Brooklyn mistresses beats be sure not to miss Santogold at Field Day and Sydney Festival this January!
Presets 'Apocalypso'
After the electro duo pioneered the biggest change in Australian electro/pop music with their 2005 debut 'Beams' it was only expected that the 2008 release of 'Apocalypso' would continue to change the face of dance music. Snatching Album Of The Year at the 2008 ARIA Awards among others, The Presets are proving to one of our most valuable exports. The lads are also rocking in their predecessors footprints Daft Punk, taking the headline for Never Ever Land 2008.
Kings Of Leon 'Only By The Night
Southern boys Kings Of Leon have set the world on fire (among other things) with this commercial smash hit. The rock groups previous offering 'Because Of The Times' was the perfect set-up to the ultimate commercial take over that is 'Only By The Night', and this time, KOL don't seem to be scared to let their true colours shine. If you haven't experienced the phenomenon of KOL then the time is nigh, that is if you haven't already heard your co-workers singing it obnoxiously from behind their monitors, or strangers in the street belting the tune beneath their breath. We're living in a KOL world and it isn't at all 'Only By The Night!'
Empire Of The Sun 'Walking On A Dream'
Mix a little Sleepy Jackson with the beats of PNAU and what do you get? Empire Of The Sun! With Aussie dance music making a big comeback, the unlikely duo conjured up a sound just funky enough to make a soundtrack to our summer.
Katy Perry 'One Of The Boys'
In 2008, she was 'Hot 'n Cold', 'One Of The Boys' and even managed to Kiss A Girl and like it. More importantly Katy Perry recorded one of the most vital Pop records this year, bringing pretty and petite to its knees, while adding a little bit of edge (with sugar) to the pop charts. The wonderful Katy Perry also debuted as an MTV hostess with the mostest (with no less than 13 costume changes) at the 2008 MTV European Music Awards.
Miley Cyrus 'Breakout'
The Mouse Houses greatest, most profitable export since Brit Brit: Miss Miley Cyrus is in fact the 'Breakout' star of 2008. The Hannah Montana star set tongues wagging with alleged lyrics dedicated the stars ex; Disney star Nick Jonas appearing in the hit song 'Seven Things I Hate About You'. Not to mention those notorious private shots of the then 15-year-old Cyrus in a few seductive poses! Oh, and she's also become extrodinarily rich.
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Tecchhhnicalllyyy this record was released in October 2007, HOWEVER, if you ask almost anyone what THE sound of 2008 was you will no doubt get the response of 'OOHH EMMM GEEE! MGMT!!! Do you have tickets-because-I tried-to get-them-and" or something along those lines .
Even Rolling Stone magazine agrees (the band lately topped their Albums of 2008 list); the 'Time To Pretend' singers have taken the world by storm with their fresh vibe electro 'Oracular Spectacular' to which would arguably hold a place in almost everyone's 2008 soundtrack.
Catch these kids in December, if you can get your hands on tickets!
Copyright : MTV Australia
