Matt's BEST & WORST in MUSIC: 2008 (by: Matt Todd)

THE BEST

1. COLDPLAY "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" (Capitol). Call these quasi-U2 knock-offs "overrated," "generic bubblegum rock," etc., but this is one album that has been all-too-difficult to stop listening to since its release back in June. Slinky violins, spotless production, and emotive vocalization, Coldplay are certainly the number one best sell-outs I know.
DOWNLOAD: "Strawberry Swing"

2. METALLICA "Death Magnetic" (Warner Bros.). Skinhead-friendly production and poetic lyrical stylings is the surefire elements responsible for Metallica's booming comeback. Not that they ever underperformed or were on hiatus, but this breakthrough really gave them the splashy return they deserved.
DOWNLOAD: "Broken, Beat & Scarred"

3. AMY WINEHOUSE "Frank (Deluxe Edition)" (Universal Republic). The album itself was her 2003 debut finally making it to U.S. soil last November. This repackaged "Deluxe Edition" adds a whole other CD full of brilliant demos, jazz covers, and fantastic live versions. It couldn't be better.
DOWNLOAD: "Teach Me"

4. ERYKAH BADU "New Amerykah, VOL. 1: 4th World War" (Universal Motown). Like a soundtrack score to a Blaxploitation film, Badu's long-awaited album generated that vintage 1970s feel. Minus "Honey," the songs on this album mark her most innovative creations yet.
DOWNLOAD: "Soldier"

5. KANYE WEST "808s & Heartbreak" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam). Trading the sample-heavy soul-hip-hop for more electronic, acid jazz-R&B, West is truly a master of creativity in the rap community. And even if his most devoted of fans reply with a "Huh?" to this CD, many others will surely be pleased.
DOWNLOAD: "Paranoid"

6. RAHEEM DEVAUGHN "Love Behind the Melody" (Jive). Smooth, silky ballads, catchy hooks, and graceful production sure brought out my love for these melodies.
DOWNLOAD: "Friday (Shut Down the Club)"

7. KATY PERRY "I Kissed A Girl" (Capitol). Say what you will about the song, but this bi-curious smash single really was a catchy (and great) song that got stuck in my head.

8. NE-YO "Year of the Gentleman" (Def Jam). Breaking out as one of the most pioneering young R&B singers/producers/writers, Ne-Yo gets better by the album and this one proved so worthy over most mainstream pop/R&B singers (e.g. Usher).
DOWNLOAD: "Closer"

9. RAPHAEL SAADIQ "The Way I See It" (Columbia). The way "I" see it? You couldn't have asked for a better record that sounds straight from the Civil Rights era, with its soulful and breathtaking entries that leaves its listeners powerless.
DOWNLOAD: "Just One Kiss"

10. Q-TIP "The Renaissance" (Universal Motown). FINALLY! After nine years and somebody had the smarts to release former Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip's follow up to the neo-hip-hop masterpiece AMPLIFIED. Clean, brisk, and gamely, this set veering from mainstream mode is the hip-hop album you NEED to buy.
DOWNLOAD: "Life Is Better"

THE WORST

1. CHANTE MOORE "Love the Woman" (Concord/Peak). Straying from mainstream pop-R&B to lighter, more airy jazz, Moore's transition from Faith Evans-esque soul hottie to more coffee-house Minnie Riperton is the biggest train-wreck of the year. Cliched production, predictable love, break-up, and infidelity themes, and laughably embarrassing lyrics make for the most unbearable and unlistenable album most deserving of the Grammy equivalent to the Razzies.

2. LEONA LEWIS "Spirit" (J). After Amy Winehouse took the U.S. by storm, English record labels have been projectile vomiting girlie pop acts right and left. The worst in particular is this synthetic, characterless, and droning cliche scraping from the bottom of the Celine Dion barrel.

3. JANET JACKSON "Discipline" (Island Def Jam). Vying for a Mariah-style comeback, Janet's new CD does go more dance-pop, yet it's drearily tedious with more of the same teenage sexual come-ons, erotic breathy coos, and songs about sex, love, and break-ups. Seriously Janet, you're 42!

4. USHER "Here I Stand" (LaFace/Arista). Another singer that sings of sex, love, and heartache like a love-struck, horny teenager. Usher's underwhelming new studio album was a commercial flop. And listening to this flightless, bland, and monotonous bore, it actually came as no surprise.

5. BEYONCE "I Am...Sasha Fierce" (Columbia). The alter-ego concept was brilliant. The CD[s], not so much. "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" were the healthiest choices for singles, but beyond these you have obtuse club-starters and sullen and lifeless ballads. Beyonce still has the pipes but has lost all the substance.