Erykah Badu {thanks, MARC BAPTISTE}

If 2008 proved anything to the music industry, it was there’s plenty to feel optimistic about right now. New stars emerged (Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan) and veterans pushed their artistic boundaries (Kanye West, Lil Wayne), all resulting in a memorable year. Below are AP’s top 10 albums of the year, while the b staff picked records that should have made the list.

1.) Erykah Badu — New Amerykah, Part One (4th World War)
It’s been five years since Badu made any musical statement of merit. The Worldwide Underground EP was her last project, and it barely met the gold standard she set with her first two amazing albums. But Badu, one of R&B’s most creative voices, returned to form with New Amerykah, which played like an eclectic, absorbing jam session. We are already desperately awaiting part two.

2.) Estelle — Shine
3.) Sia — Some People Have Real Problems
4.) Kanye West — 808s & Heartbreak
5.) Jazmine Sullivan — Fearless
6.) Lil Wayne — Tha Carter III
7.) Taylor Swift — Fearless
8.) Anthony Hamilton — The Point of It All
9.) My Morning Jacket — Evil Urges
10.) Mariah Carey — E=MC2

b staff picks that should have made the list:

TV on the Radio — Dear Science
This is the sound of now — anxious, complex and surprisingly optimistic. The Brooklyn band has been known to experiment, but Dear Science was different. The group gave in to its pop sensibilities to create what Prince might sound like living in present-day Williamsburg, N.Y. The album’s gem, “Family Tree,” is the type of composition Coldplay wishes it could create. {WESLEY CASE, b}

Death Cab for Cutie — Narrow Stairs
This album accomplished what few artists can for me: They came out with a CD that I can listen all the way through without skipping any songs. I still can’t get “Cath” out of my head.  {MARISSA RICHARDSON, b}

Adele — 19
Adele’s 19 was one of my top albums this year. Her amazing voice and song-writing skills give the album so much feeling and depth. {AUBREY FORNWALT, b}

She & Him — Vol. 1
The best debut album of the year. Zooey Deschanel shares her singing voice with the world, a timeless voice that transcends generations. Coupled with M. Ward’s musical talents, Deschanel’s original songs prove some actresses do have a future in music. Plans for Vol. 2 are already under way. {BRIAN KRISTA, b}

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