Top 10 Singles of 2008

Arts & Entertainment Editor Josh Mohar has loved and critiqued music ever since he heard Radiohead's "Karma Police" in 5th grade. Now a college senior whose favorite band is Radiohead, he enjoys pretentious music without being too pretentious about it. He can't dispute the fact that 2008 was a great year for pop music, even for rappers who decided to make the crossover. As consolation to Kanye for neglecting his new singles on the list, Josh has generously donated his profile picture in honor of the entertainer.
Disclaimer from the columnist: My only requirements for songs on the list were 1). Their release (as a single or on an album) had to be in 2008 and 2). Each song had to see a proper single release or promotional push by the label.10. No Age - "Eraser"
The duo had a huge 2008 which included the release of Nouns to unanimous critical praise, premiering their video on Pete Wentz's prestigious FNMTV, and being nominated for a Grammy ("Best Recording Package"). The magic of their year is synthesized in "Eraser," the album's grungy first single that revives the spirit of 80s DIY punk.

9. Chris Brown - "Forever"
Exclusive's fifth single may have topped out at the number 2 spot on Billboard's Hot 100, but it more importantly brought R&B to pop. Producer Polow Da Don continues to challenge Timbaland for the crossover crown, as Chris Brown tells MTV, "His record is more of a European, techno, house-type feel.We wanted to give it that other side of crossover, and go a little bit to that pop realm." The result is a truly genre-bending record that challenges urban radio to embrace electronic-dance music.

8. British Sea Power - "No Lucifer"
British Sea Power channels their inner-U2 on their third album to melodically epic proportions. "No Lucifer" sounds like something Bono would write after being stranded on a desert island with only a copy of Arcade Fire's Funeral for listening. That's definitely a good thing: pulsing percussion, jangling guitars, and a roaring chorus make the chants of "Easy! Easy!" all the more ironic.

7. Estelle featuring Kanye West - "American Boy"
"American Boy" is Estelle's first international single, finally garnering the worldwide attention and praise the British soul songstress deserves (I abhor Winehouse, find Duffy boring, and couldn't hum an Adele tune). The Grammy-nominated "Song of the Year" has stiff competition, but a strong cameo from Kanye West and producer Will.i.am's funky beat should boost its chances.

6. TV On The Radio - "Dancing Choose"
Initially, I questioned Tunde Adebimpe's "rapping" on "Dancing Choose," but his wordplay makes the band's second single all the more frantic. Dave Sitek's luscious production takes nothing away from the record's groovy core, one of many highlights on the universally acclaimed (and my personal album of the year) Dear Science. Watch them perform the song on a fire escape for Letterman on YouTube.

5. Empire Of The Sun - "Walking On A Dream"
The best pop song of the year isn't by Usher or Rihanna but Australian electronic duo Empire Of The Sun. One of those rare songs you can listen to on repeat for hours on end, "Walking On A Dream" recalls 80s glam and French house music. It's a surreal listening experience, with swirling synths and lyrics that question reality but encourage perseverance simply "for the thrill of it, thrill of it."

4. Lil Wayne featuring Static Major - "Lollipop"
What can be said about Lollipop that hasn't already been said? I'll give it a try in the form of two overlooked points. 1. Rest in peace, Static. The man who literally handed this number 1 smash to Weezy was one of music's most underappreciated musicians, penning hits like Ginuwine's "Pony" and Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?" On the verge of stepping into the limelight, Stephen Garrett will be sorely missed but not forgotten. 2. As inane as "Lollipop" may be, the song deserves credit for helping Wayne transcend rap and become a rock star. He has (almost) single-handedly paved the road for rappers to turn up their autotune and go pop.

3. T.I. - "No Matter What"
What's this, a T.I. single that's NOT "Whatever You Like" or "Live Your Life?" You better believe it. The Danja-produced first single from Paper Trail rises as the superior record on lyrics alone. "No Matter What" chronicles Tip's tumultuous year in which he witnessed the murder of his close friend, the stillbirth of his daughter, and his arrest on charges of possessing firearms. An inspirational story, no doubt, but the real clincher is Tip's new found responsibility to kids and proclamation of faith.

2. White Denim - "Let's Talk About It"
The Austin-band may be a success in Europe already, but American listeners are finally tuning in to their garage-rock style thanks to their catchy singles and strong live performances. Despite their debut album Workout Holiday remaining unreleased in America, buzz continues to grow on the strength of "Let's Talk About It" and the record's hooky guitar riffs. The strangely comical video also merits a viewing, lending itself to the song's brilliant pick-up-and-go nature.

1. Young Jeezy featuring Nas - "My President"
Epic beat, fire verses, an unforgettable Nas appearance-"My President" is Jeezy's victory lap before Obama even got elected. It's a record that will last long beyond Obama's time, an inspirational message of struggle and change. But more appropriately, it's a record that will leave you saying, "Yes we can.