Top 10 Non-Hip Hop/Non-R&B Albums of 2008

Before we finish up our year end list with the Top Hip Hop albums of 2008, let’s take a look at a few outastanding albums that really can’t be classified in either hip hop or R&B…

10. Lady Gaga: The Fame
 

• Akon has uplifted another talent and made her the face of dance music for the time being. The album is hot and “Poker Face” is no joke. Consider her a guilty pleasure or just really good music; either way, she’s on this list for plenty of reasons.

9. Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak
 

• It was hard to classify this album as anything. Surprisingly, I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I did because it surely shows flashes of the potential it could’ve had. It still lacks plenty, but when it does do something right (“Welcome to Heartbreak”), 808s shines.

8. Guns N’ Roses: Chinese Democracy
 

• How many people were expecting this to suck? I was. I was, along with plenty of other purist, very surprised at the great comeback album. Musically, they might’ve lost a small step, but the title track shows flashes of rock and roll genius. It’s a loaded album; just brace yourself for tons of loud poetry.

7. T-Pain: Thr33 Ringz
 

• Yeah, it’s on the list. The album is catchy as hell and there are so many flashes of genius on this album. Also, I don’t think there has ever been an album in the last 3-5 years that had so much club music material on it. It knows what it is, it doesn’t get lost in any other identities because it is what it is — fun music. Pain isn’t trying to break any new ground with this, but he certainly is original on many aspects.

6. Leona Lewis: Spirit
 

• This beauty should clean up any award she is nominated for at the Grammys and rightfully so. With a team of super-producers, super-singers, and super-talent behind it, Spirit turned out to be as good as expected. Her voice is so soulful, and although the tracks don’t really have an R&B feel to them, Leona has a voice diverse enough to justifiably touch any genre.

5. Zo! & Tigallo: Love the 80’s
 

• When I heard “Africa,” I was pleasantly surprised. It was done so tastefully, and even though it was simply a remake, Phonte and Zo! made it their own. The entire album is like that: their own. Phonte displays some killer vocals on this and Zo! tidies up the production with his unique flavour. It’s all in all a great album with plenty of replay value and fun joints to sing along to. It’s also family friendly.

4. MGMT: Oracular Spectacular
 

• Have you peeped the video for “Electric Feel?” Probably one of the trippiest videos I’ve ever seen and although liquid pouring from a model earth is probably metaphorical for something, I was still lost in how amazing the track was. Of course, I peeped the album and couldn’t enjoy it more. It was always a strong contender for this title based on its unique, flavourful sound alone, but the songwriting was top notch as well.

3. Coldplay: Viva La Vida
 

• Even though it is probably the worst album Coldplay has released, Viva La Vida still provides plenty of groundwork for what a great group is. It’s Coldplay expanding and trying new sounds, all the while they keep their signature tidbits. The song writing is still very strong and the presence of the group is apparent. “Lost” and “Violet Hill” are great tracks in any genre and they have plenty of replay value to them like the rest of the album.

2. Adele: 19
 

• If the Mick Boogie 1988 mix didn’t catch your attention with this girl, hopefully this post will. She’s the real deal. Think of a non-R&B Jill Scott. She’s got plenty of skill and talent and she utilizes the uniqueness of her voice to the best of her ability. There was a great team behind 19 to push it and to make it the great piece it has become. “Cold Shoulder” and “Chasing Pavements” should be cranking out of your speakers right about now.

1. Santogold: Santogold
 

• “Brooklyn (Go Hard)” was certainly only a small, small piece of what this girl can do. It is not only so hard to classify this album, but it is so hard to explain how great it is. She may be a slightly less political, but just as innovative, version of M.I.A, with all the talent and support. This self titled debut offers plenty for any fan of music. It even includes some production work from the late legendary Disco D and newcomers, Spank Rock. It’s hip hop, it’s pop, it’s rock, it’s punk, it’s dance…it’s good music. Don’t miss out on this.

Honourable Mentions

• Radiohead: In Rainbows
• Deathcab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs
• Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping
• Metallica: Death Magnetic
• Seal: Soul

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