10. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain: I really don't think this album is that great. I just needed a number 10. Don't get my wrong, I love RaycharlesLamontagne but I wasn't super impressed with this album.
9. Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: At first I told myself that I wouldn’t put this album on my list. I thought if I added it to my top 10 list, I would be doing it because I’m biased and love Bob Dylan. I’ve grown to love this album more and more over the months, and now and can add it to my list because I believe it truly is one of the best albums of this year. You have to know you’re gold when you can put an album together full of your “old thrown out songs” and it still be a classic. Best song of the album is “Dreamin’ of You”
8. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Death & All His Friends): I enjoyed this album, but I would love to beg Coldplay to never make another music video for this album, or at least fire their current video producer. I mean have you seen Viva la Vida’s video ... it leaves me a bad speechless. My favorite song is “Violet Hill” because of the beautiful piano part at the end.
7. Jon Foreman - Spring: I feel like a fake Foreman fan, because I never liked Switchfoot but really enjoy his solo works. My favorite song off the album is “In My Arms.”
6. The Weepies - Hideaway: I’ve grown to love the Weepies more and more as 2008 comes to a close. I think their lyrics and melodies are beautiful. By far, they are the best husband and wife duo that I’ve heard. My favorite songs are “Antarctica” and “How You Survived the War.”
5. Radiohead - In Rainbows: Technically this album came out January 1st. Also, I didn’t get it until February so it counts. “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” tops my favorites list. I can’t listen to this album without thinking of being in Haiti last Christmas.
4. RuRu - Elizabeth: This is RuRu’s debut album, and it sounds like he’s been writing for 30 years. His cd is constantly in my car’s cd player. I adore the songs “West Virginia,” “Excuse,” and “House of Cards.”
3. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Cardinology: This is by far the most played album of this year. I sadly know how to do all the guitar parts (with my mouth - I can’t play the guitar that well.) My Cardinology addictions are "Fix It" and "Sink Ships."
2. Joshua James - The Sun is Always Brighter: I might be jumping the gun a little with these last two picks. I’ve only been listening to them for maybe 2 weeks. I think this album is absolutely beautiful and is perfect to listen to in this chilly winter weather. My favorite picks are “Dangerous” and “Winter Storm.”
1. Josh Garrels - Jacaranda: My brother John introduced me to this guy a couple of weeks ago and I’m so glad he did! Josh Garrels comes from Waxhaw, NC and has produced the most beautiful cd I’ve heard all year. His words make sense and hold great conviction, which is not a common thing among musicians these days. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but I love "Don't Wait for Me."
Check out these people for some different opinions: Gabe and Luis.
That’s my 2008 best albums list. Now, I encourage you to leave your list on my comments.... oh come on. Merry Christmas.
