Best Albums of 2008
Ok, I may be the only person left on Earth that LOVES to buy new CDs instead of downloading them on iTunes. Don’t get me wrong, I CONSTANTLY use iTunes, but if an artist is coming out that I love, you know I’m gonna get it. Here are all the CDs I purchased this year in one way or another.
Alicia Keys - As I Am 
I love Alicia Keys music and have her last two albums. She is incredible and talented- and anything she does turns to gold. My mom also loves this CD, and when she “retired” as President of the PNA-IN, she walked out to “No One,” (haha a little cocky perhaps, but she’s a Knotts, haha). Matt ruined the song “Wreckless Love” since he swore she was saying “Breakfast Club.” He ruins all the good stuff, haha.
Song to Download: “Go Ahead”
Jen Rating- ****
Beyoncé - I Am ... Sasha Fierce 
This CD tricked me! I absolutely LOVE LOVE the “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and I was a bit disappointed with the “Sasha Fierce” side of the album. Maybe I’m weird, but I’m not big on the Beyoncé ballad side- I like it when she is nasty and well, fierce. Haha. I’ve never heard her refer to men as “hustlas” so much. I think she also has some kind of fascination with media equipment since two of the songs are about a “Radio” and a “Videophone”. Anyway, the “Single Ladies” song is by far the best one... (and it is now Matt’s cell phone ringer... she speaks the truth.) “If I Was A Boy” is good too.
Songs to Download: “Diva” & “Ava Maria”
Jen Rating- ***
Britney Spears - Circus 
Any girl who went to high school in the late 90’s loves Britney. Even if you say you don’t, I know damn well you are lying and you dance around in your kitchen half naked to her music. Britney’s obviously made STUPID personal decisions, but I was always rooting for her- even with the bald umbrella thing..haha. Her last album was REALLY good since it was mostly dance music. This album has more ballads, which I don’t like as much. “Womanizer” is a good start, but the best track of the album is “Circus.” It’s more dance-able like “Toxic.” I can say that the “Mmmm Papi” song is pretty terrible because it puts this image of my head of her Dad making her cheese grits while she sings to some foreign guy, and I just imagine that ugly paparazzi guy she used to mess with. The sad thing is that I’m beginning to enjoy the song even if I know it’s bad. Oh well, GO BRITNEY!
Song to Download: “If You Seek Amy”
Jen Rating- **
Coldplay - Viva La Vida 
This album is probably the Best Album of 2008 in my opinion. Coldplay is my favorite band, and they were the best concert I have ever been to. Automatically, when I saw the iTune commercial with “Viva La Vida,” I knew the album would be amazing. (Matt and I still debate on who he is talking about exactly in this song....we know its the French Revolution...but who...hmmm). Every song is awesome- the only one I don’t like is the “Strawberry Swing” song since I don’t think it really belongs.
Songs to Download: “Yes” & “Lovers in Japan”
Jen Rating- *****
Flogging Molly - Float 
Matt bought this album, and it’s pretty good. We always listen to it before we go drinking. There’s nothing like awesome Irish Drinking music! “(No More) Paddy’s Lament” is my favorite.
Song to Download: “Float”
Jen Rating- ***
Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree 
This was such a disappointment. This album sucked- and I was more disturbed with the lead singer channeling Mary Kate Olsen in a pirate hat. SUCKS
Song to Download: “Happiness”
Jen Rating- *
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple 
I absolutely loved their first album, St. Elsewhere, so I was pretty disappointed with their 2nd album. I don’t even know if they ended up making any music videos for this album. The only song I like is “Blind Mary,” and I don’t know why I like it.
Songs to Download: “Blind Mary”
Jen Rating- *
Janet Jackson - Discipline 
Like most girls who grew up in the 80’s, they love a Janet song every now and then. I love her versatility and her dancing. I also enjoy watching what she does with her hair. Since “nipple-gate” - Janet hasn’t had much luck. This album is actually pretty good, but it completely died on the charts. I don’t know what happened- she had a strong 1st single in “Feedback,” but alas, people may be sick of Miz Jackson.
Songs to Download: “So Much Betta” & “Luv”
Jen Rating- ***
Jem - Down To Earth 
Yes, I said Coldplay was probably the best album of the Year. I forgot about my girl, JEM. She is amazing- and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone and everyone. I discovered her first album “Finally Woken” a few years back, and I’ve loved her since. This album has it all - funk, Latin, pop, many genres. There isn’t a single song I will fast-forward. She sings in Spanish, Japanese- just WOW. “It’s Amazing” was in Sex & The City : The Movie. Honestly, so good. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.
Songs to Download: Everything! My personal fave is “I Want You To....” but damn, I love “Aciiiid!”
Jen Rating- ****
Jewel - Perfectly Clear
I will never forget when my friend, Jessica, told me I looked like Jewel back in high school. This began my love affair with her. We have the same hair cycles. Natural mussy brown to hot stripper blonde. I have every single album she’s done, and she is wonderfully talented. I was a bit skeptical to get this album since it is COUNTRY and I generally hate the medium. I can tolerate it, and actually quite enjoy it. It’s not my favorite album (She can’t beat “This Way” in my boat,) but still a valiant effort.
Song to Download: “I Do”
Jen Rating- **
Katy Perry - One of The Boys 
My brother, Charlie, told me about her hit song “I Kissed a Girl,” and I happened to hear it on the radio. I don’t know, I always like songs where women talk about their sexuality - especially with lesbian over/under tones. I don’t know, I’m weird. It’s danceable, and I just remember kissing my girlfriends in college to get free drinks. Hey, it’s no big deal, it’s innocent. Tell ‘em girl. I listened to this album a lot while I was commuting over the summer. I can always relate to being “one of the boys.”
Song to Download: “Ur So Gay” which definitely reminds me of a specific person, ha.
Jen Rating- ***
The Killers - Day & Age 
Once I hear “Human,” I knew I wanted to buy this album. To be honest, I have been pretty busy Christmas shopping, so I need to listen to this a little bit more. I love the dance beats on most of the songs. So far, so good.
Song to Download: “Spacemen”
Jen Rating- ** (so far)
M.I.A. - Kala 
I first discovered M.I.A. circa Thanksgiving 2007. The lovely Swan and I were driving to Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and she made me listen to this “hot as shit” song with cash registers and guns going off. Damn, the song was catchy. I ended up getting the CD in Winter ’08. This album is bananas and I love it. I have great memories of singing “Bamboo Banga” with my ex-coworker, Seth, while grabbing lunch together. Then that “Pineapple Express” movie came out and the album and song were everywhere. Just to say, it took me forever to find this album, but I’m glad she’s having the success she is.
Songs to Download: “Bamboo Banga” & “Mango Pickle Down River “ and “Come Around”
Jen Rating- ****
Madonna - Hard Candy 
Madonna is gold when she has a hot collaboration. I loved “4 Minutes” and dared Matt to buy this album for me. Per usual, the album is mediocre with a few hot dance tracks. Oh Madonna, I love ya girl, but lay off A-Rod. Her arms scare me.
Songs to Download: “Give It 2 Me” & “Spanish Lesson”
Jen Rating- **
Mason Jennings - In The Ever 
This artist isn’t someone I would normally choose. However, I bought this album after Nikki & Ike’s wedding since their wedding song was “Be Here Now.” I actually wanted the album with that song on it, and bought the wrong one. Oh well. He sounds a lot like Jack Johnson, so if you like that, this may be perfect for you.
Songs to Download: “I Love You and Buddha Too” & “Fighter Girl”
Jen Rating- **
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul 
Matt bought this CD, and it’s pretty good. Oasis sounds exactly like The Beatles if you ask me, (ha Sorry Christian) but the CD has some rocking socks tunes.
Songs to Download: “Bag It Up” & “The Shock of The Lightning”
Jen Rating- **
Santogold - Santogold 
I think its official that I like some majorly weird music. I got the “L.E.S. Artistes” song from iTunes as a Free Download of the Week. I really liked the song since it sounded like a video game with the hook. Swan is usually my connection to the weird music genre, so I was shocked when she didn’t have possession of this CD. Once I found it, I knew I had to have it because of the cover alone. How often do you see someone vomiting up gold specks of fairy dust? Kickass.
Songs to Download: “You’ll Find A Way (Switch & Sinden Mix) & “Shove It”
Jen Rating- ***
Sarah McLachlan - Closer (The Best of Sarah McLachlan) 
Oh Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. I have so many memories of her music. I think back to high school when I used to make out to “I Will Remember You” (what a weird song to make out to, but oh well). Then I met Nikki, and we completely bonded over SARAH. Nikki and I hit a major rough patch in our friendship a few yers ago, but we went to the Sarah McLachlan concert, and things started to mend from there. I will always love you, Sarah. She saved us, and she can save you. Hahaha.
Songs to Download: “U Want Me 2”
Jen Rating- ****
Juno - Movie Soundtrack 
Like most people, I fell in love with this movie and had to have the soundtrack. I loved the instrumental parts, but I had to have the songs that just touched me.
Songs to Download: “Sea of Love” & “All I Want Is You” and of course “Anyone Else But You”
Jen Rating- **
So there you have it. Enjoy!
http://web.mac.com/jennifer.knotts/Site/Blog/Entries/2008/12/13_Best_Albums_of_2008.html
Alicia Keys - As I Am 
I love Alicia Keys music and have her last two albums. She is incredible and talented- and anything she does turns to gold. My mom also loves this CD, and when she “retired” as President of the PNA-IN, she walked out to “No One,” (haha a little cocky perhaps, but she’s a Knotts, haha). Matt ruined the song “Wreckless Love” since he swore she was saying “Breakfast Club.” He ruins all the good stuff, haha.
Song to Download: “Go Ahead”
Jen Rating- ****
Beyoncé - I Am ... Sasha Fierce 
This CD tricked me! I absolutely LOVE LOVE the “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and I was a bit disappointed with the “Sasha Fierce” side of the album. Maybe I’m weird, but I’m not big on the Beyoncé ballad side- I like it when she is nasty and well, fierce. Haha. I’ve never heard her refer to men as “hustlas” so much. I think she also has some kind of fascination with media equipment since two of the songs are about a “Radio” and a “Videophone”. Anyway, the “Single Ladies” song is by far the best one... (and it is now Matt’s cell phone ringer... she speaks the truth.) “If I Was A Boy” is good too.
Songs to Download: “Diva” & “Ava Maria”
Jen Rating- ***
Britney Spears - Circus 
Any girl who went to high school in the late 90’s loves Britney. Even if you say you don’t, I know damn well you are lying and you dance around in your kitchen half naked to her music. Britney’s obviously made STUPID personal decisions, but I was always rooting for her- even with the bald umbrella thing..haha. Her last album was REALLY good since it was mostly dance music. This album has more ballads, which I don’t like as much. “Womanizer” is a good start, but the best track of the album is “Circus.” It’s more dance-able like “Toxic.” I can say that the “Mmmm Papi” song is pretty terrible because it puts this image of my head of her Dad making her cheese grits while she sings to some foreign guy, and I just imagine that ugly paparazzi guy she used to mess with. The sad thing is that I’m beginning to enjoy the song even if I know it’s bad. Oh well, GO BRITNEY!
Song to Download: “If You Seek Amy”
Jen Rating- **
Coldplay - Viva La Vida 
This album is probably the Best Album of 2008 in my opinion. Coldplay is my favorite band, and they were the best concert I have ever been to. Automatically, when I saw the iTune commercial with “Viva La Vida,” I knew the album would be amazing. (Matt and I still debate on who he is talking about exactly in this song....we know its the French Revolution...but who...hmmm). Every song is awesome- the only one I don’t like is the “Strawberry Swing” song since I don’t think it really belongs.
Songs to Download: “Yes” & “Lovers in Japan”
Jen Rating- *****
Flogging Molly - Float 
Matt bought this album, and it’s pretty good. We always listen to it before we go drinking. There’s nothing like awesome Irish Drinking music! “(No More) Paddy’s Lament” is my favorite.
Song to Download: “Float”
Jen Rating- ***
Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree 
This was such a disappointment. This album sucked- and I was more disturbed with the lead singer channeling Mary Kate Olsen in a pirate hat. SUCKS
Song to Download: “Happiness”
Jen Rating- *
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple 
I absolutely loved their first album, St. Elsewhere, so I was pretty disappointed with their 2nd album. I don’t even know if they ended up making any music videos for this album. The only song I like is “Blind Mary,” and I don’t know why I like it.
Songs to Download: “Blind Mary”
Jen Rating- *
Janet Jackson - Discipline 
Like most girls who grew up in the 80’s, they love a Janet song every now and then. I love her versatility and her dancing. I also enjoy watching what she does with her hair. Since “nipple-gate” - Janet hasn’t had much luck. This album is actually pretty good, but it completely died on the charts. I don’t know what happened- she had a strong 1st single in “Feedback,” but alas, people may be sick of Miz Jackson.
Songs to Download: “So Much Betta” & “Luv”
Jen Rating- ***
Jem - Down To Earth 
Yes, I said Coldplay was probably the best album of the Year. I forgot about my girl, JEM. She is amazing- and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone and everyone. I discovered her first album “Finally Woken” a few years back, and I’ve loved her since. This album has it all - funk, Latin, pop, many genres. There isn’t a single song I will fast-forward. She sings in Spanish, Japanese- just WOW. “It’s Amazing” was in Sex & The City : The Movie. Honestly, so good. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.
Songs to Download: Everything! My personal fave is “I Want You To....” but damn, I love “Aciiiid!”
Jen Rating- ****
Jewel - Perfectly Clear
I will never forget when my friend, Jessica, told me I looked like Jewel back in high school. This began my love affair with her. We have the same hair cycles. Natural mussy brown to hot stripper blonde. I have every single album she’s done, and she is wonderfully talented. I was a bit skeptical to get this album since it is COUNTRY and I generally hate the medium. I can tolerate it, and actually quite enjoy it. It’s not my favorite album (She can’t beat “This Way” in my boat,) but still a valiant effort.
Song to Download: “I Do”
Jen Rating- **
Katy Perry - One of The Boys 
My brother, Charlie, told me about her hit song “I Kissed a Girl,” and I happened to hear it on the radio. I don’t know, I always like songs where women talk about their sexuality - especially with lesbian over/under tones. I don’t know, I’m weird. It’s danceable, and I just remember kissing my girlfriends in college to get free drinks. Hey, it’s no big deal, it’s innocent. Tell ‘em girl. I listened to this album a lot while I was commuting over the summer. I can always relate to being “one of the boys.”
Song to Download: “Ur So Gay” which definitely reminds me of a specific person, ha.
Jen Rating- ***
The Killers - Day & Age 
Once I hear “Human,” I knew I wanted to buy this album. To be honest, I have been pretty busy Christmas shopping, so I need to listen to this a little bit more. I love the dance beats on most of the songs. So far, so good.
Song to Download: “Spacemen”
Jen Rating- ** (so far)
M.I.A. - Kala 
I first discovered M.I.A. circa Thanksgiving 2007. The lovely Swan and I were driving to Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and she made me listen to this “hot as shit” song with cash registers and guns going off. Damn, the song was catchy. I ended up getting the CD in Winter ’08. This album is bananas and I love it. I have great memories of singing “Bamboo Banga” with my ex-coworker, Seth, while grabbing lunch together. Then that “Pineapple Express” movie came out and the album and song were everywhere. Just to say, it took me forever to find this album, but I’m glad she’s having the success she is.
Songs to Download: “Bamboo Banga” & “Mango Pickle Down River “ and “Come Around”
Jen Rating- ****
Madonna - Hard Candy 
Madonna is gold when she has a hot collaboration. I loved “4 Minutes” and dared Matt to buy this album for me. Per usual, the album is mediocre with a few hot dance tracks. Oh Madonna, I love ya girl, but lay off A-Rod. Her arms scare me.
Songs to Download: “Give It 2 Me” & “Spanish Lesson”
Jen Rating- **
Mason Jennings - In The Ever 
This artist isn’t someone I would normally choose. However, I bought this album after Nikki & Ike’s wedding since their wedding song was “Be Here Now.” I actually wanted the album with that song on it, and bought the wrong one. Oh well. He sounds a lot like Jack Johnson, so if you like that, this may be perfect for you.
Songs to Download: “I Love You and Buddha Too” & “Fighter Girl”
Jen Rating- **
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul 
Matt bought this CD, and it’s pretty good. Oasis sounds exactly like The Beatles if you ask me, (ha Sorry Christian) but the CD has some rocking socks tunes.
Songs to Download: “Bag It Up” & “The Shock of The Lightning”
Jen Rating- **
Santogold - Santogold 
I think its official that I like some majorly weird music. I got the “L.E.S. Artistes” song from iTunes as a Free Download of the Week. I really liked the song since it sounded like a video game with the hook. Swan is usually my connection to the weird music genre, so I was shocked when she didn’t have possession of this CD. Once I found it, I knew I had to have it because of the cover alone. How often do you see someone vomiting up gold specks of fairy dust? Kickass.
Songs to Download: “You’ll Find A Way (Switch & Sinden Mix) & “Shove It”
Jen Rating- ***
Sarah McLachlan - Closer (The Best of Sarah McLachlan) 
Oh Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. I have so many memories of her music. I think back to high school when I used to make out to “I Will Remember You” (what a weird song to make out to, but oh well). Then I met Nikki, and we completely bonded over SARAH. Nikki and I hit a major rough patch in our friendship a few yers ago, but we went to the Sarah McLachlan concert, and things started to mend from there. I will always love you, Sarah. She saved us, and she can save you. Hahaha.
Songs to Download: “U Want Me 2”
Jen Rating- ****
Juno - Movie Soundtrack 
Like most people, I fell in love with this movie and had to have the soundtrack. I loved the instrumental parts, but I had to have the songs that just touched me.
Songs to Download: “Sea of Love” & “All I Want Is You” and of course “Anyone Else But You”
Jen Rating- **
So there you have it. Enjoy!
http://web.mac.com/jennifer.knotts/Site/Blog/Entries/2008/12/13_Best_Albums_of_2008.html