10) Destroy The Runner - "I, Lucifer"
This disc is not nearly as scary as it sounds. DTR are a christian post hardcore band who picked up an amazing singer before this album and he has transformed them from a run of the mill metalcore outfit to a very complex and talented group.
Check out the songs: Crumbs For the Murder, On Falling Leaf
9) Emery - "While Broken Hearts Prevail"
Emery followed up an unremarkable LP with this fantastic EP which to me embodies everything distinct and wonderful about Emery.
Check out: The Smile The Face, Ten Talents
8) Greg Laswell - "Three Flights From Alto Nido"
This makes very strong case for album of the year. Greg Laswell crafts brilliant pop songs and gives them the depth and substance most artists only dream of. I was hooked in one listen and I haven't stopped listening to it. It gets better each listen.
Check out: That It Moves, I'd Be Lying
7) The Glorious Unseen - "Tonight the Stars Speak"
This CD actually came out in 2007 but I didn't find it until 2008 so I think it counts. Tonight the Stars Speak is praise music but with the songs to keep you interested. I love lyrics that sound like they could be a prayer and this to me is the best i've found.
Check out: Burn In Me, Embracing The Call, Meet Us Here
6) T.I. - "Paper Trail"
I am a sucker for guilty pleasure radio rap and I openly admit that. Even my friends who listen to obscure hip hop admit that Paper Trail is an achievement in the genre. T.I. delivers a strikingly personal disc that for me, is the best rap album I have ever owned.
Check out: Dead and Gone, Ready For Whatever, Swagger Like Us
5) Haste The Day - "Dreamer"
Haste The Day gets no respect in the music world yet they consistently churn out some of the best metalcore out there. I love the harder approach on this album yet they retain their mainstream viability with beautiful clean vocals on many songs.
Check out: Autumn, Haunting
4) Kanye West - "808's and Heartbreak"
Despite the negative criticism this album has received, I agree with Kanye when he says that he created art on this album. If you haven't properly listened to it, give it two or three listens and you will start to see what Kanye is trying to do on this album. I hope he keeps doing it.
Check out: See You In My Nightmares, Amazing
3) August Burns Red - "Messengers"
Definitely one of the heaviest additions to my Ipod this year, August Burns Red is doing christian metal better than almost anyone else. The guitar players are so good and so technical that it makes me want to give up.
Check out: Composure, Back Burner
2) Akissforjersey - "Victims"
This band exceeded all of my expectations on this record which followed up their entirely forgettable debut. I think they listened to their producer and tried to stick to one direction.
Check out: Devices, Salus Suas Extanderealas Concedit
1) Underoath - "Lost In the Sound of Separation"
This is the best CD that came out this year. Underoath have earned their enormous following with non stop touring and creating records that will last when so many artists will become jokes in the future. I can't say enough about what this record means to me and how impressed I am with the career that Underoath has made.
Check out: Too Bright To See Too Loud To Hear, Desperate Times Desperate Measures, Emergency Broadcast :: The End Is Near
As always, please check out these bands and let me know what you think. You can listen to any of these songs in their entirety at www.lala.com.
