Top 8 of '08

Every year, at about this time, with the new year rapidly approaching, I always find myself in a reflective state. So on this chilly December night I have decided to reflect on the top 8 best new music releases of 2008 (in my opinion at least).

Let the countdown begin....


#8 Spirit ~ Leona Lewis
(release date: April 8, 2008)



This girl has such a beautiful voice. She doesn't over-sing but sings the heck out of all her songs...which I think is a tough balance for a lot of singers. Other than the smash hit "Bleeding Love" my favorite song on her album is her current single, "Better in Time". I'm pretty sure you would have to be living under a rock to have not heard her, but if that is the case I highly recommend that you take a listen.


#7 Soul ~ Seal
(release date: October 31, 2008)


I haven't been a huge fan of all of Seal's former albums, but this one is a major exception. I really have a soft spot for throwback albums. To me, there is a difference between a "cover" album and a "throwback"album. I'm not sure that my opinion is accurate according to the music industry but oh well. I feel like a cover album is trying to redo old songs in new, fresh, present-day marketable versions. Whereas, a throwback album re-records old songs while still paying tribute the musical aspects that made them great by keeping them as part of the musical arrangements. Anyway, my top three songs on this album are "A Change is Gonna Come", "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "Stand By Me". Good stuff.


#6 E=MC2 ~ Mariah Carey
(release date: April 15, 2008)


So, the whole world knows that Mariah Carey is just amazing no matter what. This album was no different. I go back and forth with her because I really like her classic hits from her early days, but I also really like her newer R&B stuff that she does now. She is one of those singers that you hear and know that God truly gave her that gift...there is no other explanation. Favorite tracks on this one are "Cruise Control" and "I Wish You Well".



#5 Bethany Presents Deluge (Live) ~ Deluge Band
(release date: March 4, 2008)


Worship is a huge part of my life. This is by a long shot one of THE BEST worship album I have ever heard (thus far). It is a live album and somehow they managed to record and mix it in such a way that you really feel like you were there...and more than that you "feel" the worship and the heart of it. It is really passionate and intense and I love that about it. I love all the songs but, my top picks are "I Need You", "Worshiping You", and "Whisper His Name". Seriously, if you haven't heard this one it is a MUST HEAR.

#4 Where the Light Is ~ John Mayer
(release date: July 1, 2008)


It's no secret that I am a big fan of John Mayer and I have to admit, its a little strange to me that he isn't in the #1 or #2 spot haha. It's ranking doesn't make it any less amazing though, it really is amazing. This album released at the beginning of July and I got to go see him in concert at the end of July. I was already excited to see him, but this CD just caused the anticipation to grow. This is a live CD that he recorded in December 2007 at the Nokia Theater. His concept for this show was to have three different artists in one show. All the artists, of course, being himself. The first is a set of his acoustic stuff, so its just him and his guitar. The second set is the John Mayer Trio which is his blues stuff. The final set is his entire tour band. My favorites from this live album are "In Your Atmosphere", "Bold As Love", and "Free Fallin' ".

#3 We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. ~ Jason Mraz
(release date: May 12, 2008)

Out of all three of his albums this one has been my favorite. I think it has a lot of diversity, it isn't one of those albums where you feel like if you've heard the first 3 tracks there is no point in listening to the rest because it all sounds the same. He has his signature folk stuff, but also has some more soulful sounding tracks, as well as some really sweet ballads. My picks of of this one are "Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat)", "Live High" and "Love For A Child".

#2 Gavin DeGraw ~ Gavin DeGraw
(release date: May 6, 2008)


I was not incredibly familiar with Gavin DeGraw's debut album, but this one...well I instantly became hooked. He has an incredible voice! He has so much soul, sometimes he seems like he belongs in a different era and I love people like that. Sometimes I feel cheated by being born in this era, it hasn't been all bad, there has been some really awesome stuff but, eras like the 50's. 60's and 70's...they were all about creativity. I think we've lost some of that in some markets. Anyway, this album is great. (I had the opportunity to see him live in October and he is even more amazing in person.) Top picks off of this one are "Next To Me (Wait A Minute Sister)", "I Have You To Thank", and "Untamed".





Okay, are you ready.....for my #1 pick??!?





#1 Not Without Love - Jimmy Needham
(release date: August 19, 2008)


If you are a regular reader here at 64 colors you have already heard my rave about this album from when I reviewed it. My opinion still stands. I still can listen to this any time. I just love it. To read my review you can go here. This is my #1 because it encompasses my picks for #2 and #3. In my review you might remember that I described Jimmy Needham as Jason Mraz meets Gavin DeGraw meets Jesus lol. Anyway, this is my favorite new album release of 2008. Top songs on this one are "Come Around", "Forgiven and Loved", and "The Author".

So, in my last post I mentioned that I intended on doing a post about '09 Grammy Noms, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen. I have tried to sit down and do it but the truth is '08 was not one of music's best years, there were some gems that I believe are on this list. Not all of them are noticed by the academy, but that's okay...they were mentioned here! haha.

Anyway, what makes it on your top list for '08 music releases?

2 days til Christmas! Hope you're all having a great week.