As we near the end of the year, I thought I'd take a second to look back on some key releases for 2008.
Favorites:
ROCK
Extreme- Saudades De Rock
I spent my high school years wearing out the first three Extreme records. Everyone who listened to any radio during that time got barraged with the songs "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted". My favorite became the III Sides to Every Story album, which I would wear out through the years. This album didn't sell quite as well as the others, with only "Rest In Peace" receiving minor "hit" status.
When I first heard about a new Extreme record, I was both excited and a little skeptical. Luckily, the band didn't let me down. Opening with the song "Star" (first single and video), the record held my attention. The more I listened to it, the more I couldn't get it out of my player. It stays true to who Extreme is, yet bringing a modern element to it (even a country tinged tune). I was lucky enough to see them live in August 2008 in Atlanta with King's X, easily one of the best shows I've seen in a long time.
Favorite cuts: Comfortably Dumb, Learn To Love, Take Us Alive
AC/DC "Black Ice"
Every red blooded American male can attest to riding down the road with the windows down and the stereo cranked up to 10 listening to "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "Back in Black". Odds are good if you like rock music, then you own "Back In Black", in fact worldwide sales of the record have reached over 42 million. Even listening to that album in 2008, one can hear the timeless production and songs that it contains.
Fast forward to 2008. AC/DC released "Black Ice" exclusively at Wal Mart. First week sales saw right at 800,000 sold, with first day sales at 193,000. In this day and age, that's a big accomplishment. Immediately when you push play on this disc and the opening chords of the first single "Rock 'N Roll Train" come blaring out, you know it's still the AC/DC you love, the AC/DC you grew up with. The album doesn't let up from that point till the end. All songs are driving mid-up tempo rockers without a ballad. Brendan O'brien's (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilot's, Bruce Springsteen) production only enhances the art that AC/DC created.
Favorite cuts: Rock 'N Roll Train, Skies On Fire, Spoilin' For A Fight.
POP
Britney Spears "Circus"
Britney Spears first single "... Baby One More Time" hit # 1 out of the gate in October 1998. I actually had a chance to meet her briefly during this time, and from the few minutes I was around her, I found her to be likable and humble. Now over 83 million albums sold worldwide, movies and scandals galore, she's back.
I went into listening to "Circus" with skepticism, having not been a big fan of her last record "Blackout". I knew early on that I liked "Womanizer" (which took a few listens to grow on me), but would this be the only hit on the record? Through the first listen, it became apparent that Britney and the writers were able to capture what her life has been about the past year. "Circus" saw her pairing back up with Max Martin again on the possibly controversial "If U Seek Amy" which is one of the stronger songs on the record.
Favorite cuts: Womanizer, Shattered Glass, Out From Under, If U Seek Amy.
Christian:
Anberlin "New Surrender"
I didn't discover Anberlin until I heard a few cuts from their "Never Take Friendship Personal" record. Immediately I connected to the pop hooks, crunching guitars and the singable melodies. I had the chance to catch the band on their "Cities" tour last year, and left the show very impressed.
2008 saw Anberlin leaving their long time label home Tooth And Nail, and joining up with Universal Republic and releasing "New Surrender". The record is a little more "pop" leaning than the previous releases. After spending a few weeks with only "New Surrender" in my player, I had time to dissect the record. Most of the record is from a relationship perpective, including a re-recording of "Feel Good Drag" from "NTFP".
Favorite cuts: Breaking, Blame Me Blame Me, Breathe
DecembeRadio "Satisfied"
This one holds a special place for me. I helped "discover" this band in 2004 while visiting my friends Scotty Wilbanks at his home studio. He introduced me to 3 "good ole boys" from Virginia that he was producing, and let me hear some rough tracks of their demo. I chased Scotty down for 6-7 months to get a copy of this demo, finally finding one at the GMA convention in 2005. Immediately I went back to the label I was working with (Slanted) and told them we had to sign this band. After months of negotiations, we finally signed DecembeRadio. We released their debut album in 2006. Just months after the release, we found out this record was nominated for a Grammy award in the best Rock/ Gospel category. This afforded me my dream of attending the Grammy awards and the parties that surround it.
2008 brought their sophmore release, "Satisfied". The band once again delivered a "pedal to the metal roll down the windows and crank it up" record. One listen to the title track and you'll be hooked. They even ventured down the pop/country road with "Be Alright". Great job Dradio and Scotty! "I'm Glad I saw the Light, Hank Williams got it right!"
Favorite Cuts: Satisfy, Be Alright, Gasoline, Look For Me (should be a massive hit).
Honorable Mention:
After Edmund "Hello"
This is another record that is close to my heart, as they are another band I helped to "discover". This record was slated to be out in 2007, but the label allowed for more set up and touring and delayed it until Jan 2008. This record is so far outside the Christian bubble it isn't funny. If you like cookie cutter Christian albums, this one isn't for you. Similar to Coldplay, Keane, Snow Patrol with hints of Pink Floyd, don't miss it. It's Grammy Nominated this year!
Country:
Taylor Swift "Fearless"
On the first listen to "Love Story" I was sold. Then when Amazon ran it on their $3.99 special, I knew I couldn't go wrong. I'm glad I picked it up. This is one of those records that we'll be hearing singles from for quite a while.
Favorites: Love Story, White Horse, Fifteen
Phil Stacey "Phil Stacey"
After being a fan of his from American Idol, I was excited to hear this record. I received an advance copy in March this year and couldn't get it out of my CD player. I then had a chance to have lunch with him in April and was very impressed with his heart and what he was about. Unfortunately, the record didn't do well at all, which is a shame.
Favorites: It's Who You Know, If You Didn't Love Me, Looking Like Love.
