Mark Kalriess's Top 10 Albums of 2008

Looking back at the music of 2008, it was not a great year for musical innovation. But it was a year of some great debuts, artists flowering to their full potential, and some great comebacks as artists regained their touch.

So many of my favorite artists released albums in 2008 and so many new artists caught my attention that it was hard to keep up. There were many worthy albums, but I have whittled it down to my 10 best list with a few honorable mentions. It is in alphabetical order because I do not think I could quantify a list that includes so many genres.

Architecture in Helsinki – Like it or Not

Architecture in Helsinki are certainly not afraid to embarrass themselves.This EP mixes indie dance-pop, electronica, and 80’s New Wave together in a potential cheesy mash. But the band’s fearlessness and flawless execution prevent it from it from ever being cheesy. In fact, I would easily consider it the most fun album of 2008.

Beck – Modern Guilt

Beck gives us his most consistent and best album since 2002’s Sea Change. Like every Beck album this is his take on yet another genre. This time the genre (or genres) is IDM/ambient/slo-core. That could be boring but Beck brings his electric guitar, his pop sensibilities, and his personality to prevent that.  It could have been overindulgent like his recent albums but this time he reins himself in. Every Beck fan should give this a listen.

Bloc Party – Intimacy

2007’s Weekend in the City was more subdued than Bloc Party’s debut Silent Alarm.Instead of continuing in the “mature” direction this album returns to the ferociousness of their debut. Their Gang of Four meets U2 post-punk sounds angrier than ever. That is not a bad thing. Despite all their obvious influences, their sound is still fresh and easily the most exciting thing to happen in the alternative/punk genre in years.

Kanye West – 808s and Heartbreaks

Kanye does something crazy. Most rappers, even great ones, release overlong, bloated albums with only a few good songs and a lot of filler. He himself has been guilty of this sin. Instead he makes a short, consistent album. This 11-track album has no filler on it all; every single song is a good one. Some fans may lament that Kanye has abandoned his cinematic production style and chipmunk vocals for quiet synth production and autotuned vocals. But this downbeat style fits the album’s themes of heartbreak and loss. Plus “Love Lockdown” is still a barn-burner.

Article Author: Mark Kalriess

Mark Kalriess loves to enjoy and write about video games, movies, music, and sports. You can read his opinions on Entertainment at at the Entertainment Center. You read and listen to his opinions on sports at, Washington Sportsjam.

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