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Best & Worst Singles of 2008:
Singles that made us crank it up, turn it down, and set our radios on fire...
Michelle
The best: "Need U Bad," Jazmine Sullivan; "Single Ladies," Beyoncé; and worst: "Bird Walk," Soulja Boy; and "Womanizer," from the lovably loopy Britney Spears.
I’m passionate about a few things in life, and music is definitely one of them. I love the excitement that I feel when I hear a hot new song, or when I learn about a talented artist new to the scene.2008 saw tons of music from heavy hitters like Lil Wayne and T-Pain. Honestly, if there was a song on the radio, chances were that either T-Pain or Lil Wayne was featured. However, we can’t forget about the cutest dynamic duo ever – Rihanna and Chris Brown – showed everyone what Generation Y can do by throwing down and releasing single after single.
Although we got our fair share of ear candy over the past 365 days, there was an equal amount of crap, for lack of a better word (ahem, Jonas Brothers and Britney) – songs that left me scratching my head and contemplating to never ever listen to the radio…again!
So without further adieu, we present you with the long-awaited official list of happygrrls' “Singles of the Year.” Let us know if you agree, disagree or think we’re just plain crazy! Enjoy! ¤ Michelle
THE BEST
Everything from Lil Wayne
This was Lil Wayne’s year! He owned the charts with the release of his monster hit, The Carter III. If the man had anything to do with a song, it would immediately shoot to number one. I was not a Lil Wayne fan before 2008, but after all of his tracks flooded BET, the airwaves and iTunes, I inevitably came to love the lil’ dreadlocked wonder.I was hypnotized by the salaciousness of “Lollipop,” the arrogant swagger of “A Milli” and found his freaky adolescent behaviour on “Mrs. Officer” very funny. Even when he spit a few verses on “Got Money” and “Can’t Believe It” (both performed by T-Pain featuring Lil Wayne), I gave in and declared my love for Lil Wayne. It’s safe to say that he was music in 2008.
“Live Your Life,” T.I. featuring Rihanna
Being the Rihanna fan that I am, I fell in love with “Live Your Life” as soon as I saw T.I. and Rihanna perform it on the MTV Music Video Awards. That opening sample had me!T.I.’s rap is okay (kudos for the positive lyrics), but Rihanna’s hook created an anthem. I’m sure that this song will eventually become one of her most memorable songs ever.
“Need U Bad,” Jazmine Sullivan
This track totally reminds me of the summer of 2008. I remember playing it about a million times a day. Its hot, spicy reggae sexiness is what initially drew me to the song. It also didn’t hurt that Jazmine’s soulful, raspy voice satisfied my Lauryn Hill fix. (She sounds like her, no?) Thanks for becoming my fave new artist!“Love Lockdown,” Kanye West
I can always count on Kanye to release a hot track. He may not be the nicest person on earth, or the friendliest for that matter, but he is a legit artist. I looove “Love Lockdown.” It drips with raw passion, pain and emotion. The song intensifies with every beat of the tribal drums. Even though Kanye doesn’t rap on this song, his off-key singing reinforces the melancholy vibe. Good job, Kanye!“Paper Planes,” M.I.A.
This single probably has one of the sickest samples of the year. (Psst...the song samples the riff from “Straight to Hell” from The Clash.) I almost didn’t give this song a chance because I had no idea what genre it was.But it isn’t just the sample that gives this song such hype. It’s Mathangi’s Arulpragasam’s (a.k.a M.I.A.) voice. Her angst fuelled British accent gives this song such a rebellious tone. Her voice is so appealing that even T.I., Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West sampled her voice for their song, “Swagga Like Us.”
“Closer/Miss Independent,” Ne-Yo
I tried hard to distinguish which song I liked better, but I seriously enjoyed everything Ne-Yo released. I even liked his part on the NKOTB song, “Single.” Hey don’t judge me! I loved the retro house vibe on “Closer” while “Miss Independent” was just plain fun to listen to. Ne-Yo has yet to disappoint.“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Beyoncé
Beyoncé may not be as cool as she once was, but she is still very relevant. She had a good year in 2008. She got married, starred in the movie Cadillac Records and released her third solo effort, I Am...Sasha Fierce. (I love the fact that she has an alter ego. Who doesn’t?) This song appeals to me for its dance-friendly sensibility. It’s sooo much more fun to dance to than listen to. I practically know every dance move from the video, and proudly perform it whenever I hear the song. Okay, you know you do too!“Forever/With You,” Chris Brown
Easily the happiest song ever sung. Is it me or does this song make you feel like dancing all. Night. Long?“Magic,” Robin Thicke
I am so biased when it comes to Robin Thicke. The man could read the user's guide for a toaster and I would still swoon over him. Just like his other songs, “Magic” oozed sex appeal, sensuality and romance. He is the consummate soul singer.“Calabria 2008,” Enur featuring Natasja & MIMS
Technically this song was released in 2007, but the remix got tons of radio play in ’08. It’s a mishmash of dance, reggae, reggaeton and hip-hop. This has everything that I could possibly want!HONOURABLE MENTION
“Let’s Dance,” Lady GaGa
Not the biggest fan of dance music, but this catchy ode to getting your dance got me.“Hot N Cold,” Katy Perry
I like "Hot N Cold" way more than Katy Perry’s first single, “I Kissed a Girl.” The cool 80’s vibe and fun video were a great combo.“No Air,” Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown
Normally I would run from anything remotely cheesy and overly dramatic but these young singers made me believe their intense teenage emotions.THE WORST
“Bird Walk,” Soulja Boy
Why is this kid still making music? Please make him stop!“Yaa Yaa Yaa!,” Souljah Boy
Read the comment above!“Womanizer,” Britney Spears
I have never been a fan of Britney’s music, but this song goes down as one of her worst to date. Believe me, there are tons to choose from! This poorly sung song drove me insane. Honestly, how many times can she use the word "womanizer" in one song?“Marco Polo,” Bow Wow featuring Soulja Boy
Bow Wow and Soulja Boy actually had the audacity to use a childhood game as inspiration for this song? Yes, this song is worst than you think!Everything from the Jonas Brothers
Yes, they are cute and have amazingly coiffed hair, but they cannot sing!!
[ Christine's list. Part I of the best and worst. ]