Halfway through the year is a good time to reflect on what we've seen in pop music so far. These are the 10 best pop albums of the first half of 2008.
1. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'
Courtesy Capitol Records
With each album release, the temptation emerges to claim it is Coldplay at the peak of their powers. However, they then proceed to top themselves with the next album. This fourth studio album is the band's best yet, but it would be foolish to assume there's nothing better around the next corner.
2. Madonna - 'Hard Candy'
Courtesy Warner Bros.
Assembling a superstar cast including Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams, Madonna proved she's not only still relevant after nearly 25 years, she simply remains one of the most consistent pop musicians in the business. There's not a bad track in this entire bunch.
3. Duffy - 'Rockferry'
Courtesy Mercury
She may have initially seemed like just an Amy Winehouse soundalike, but a close listen to amazing songs like "Warwick Avenue" and the hit "Mercy" lets Duffy's unique vocal talents sink in. The overall atmosphere is retro, but the soulfulness of Duffy's instrument is timeless.
4. Usher - 'Here I Stand'
Courtesy Jive Records
Following a 9 million selling album is an exceptionally tall order. However, Usher made it look easy. Here he grows up as an artist and delivers some of the most satisfying R&B of 2008.
5. The Ting Tings - 'We Started Nothing'
Courtesy Columbia Records
Apple Computer's advertising has introduced us to some great pop music over the years. Power-pop duo the Ting Tings are among the best. Just try to get "That's Not My Name" out of your head.
6. Jack Johnson - 'Sleep Through the Static'
Courtesy Brushfire Records
He added a bit more electricity to his guitars and toughened up the lyrics here and there. The result is a Jack Johnson album that sticks a bit longer in the head. However, if you want laidback guitar pop, Jack Johnson hasn't abandoned you. He's still your man.
7. Katy Perry - 'One of the Boys'
Courtesy Capitol Records
She could be America's Lily Allen. Brash, irreverent, and funny, Katy Perry is also a bit of a magnet for controversy. All of that adds up to a perky pop album well worth hearing.
8. Alanis Morissette - 'Flavors of Entanglement'
Courtesy Warner Bros.
If you wondered whether Alanis Morissette could ever again muster the emotional intensity of her breakthrough Jagged Little Pill, you need to do yourself a favor and listen to Flavors of Entanglement. The circumstances and subject matter have changed, but this is unmistakably Alanis in full force.
9. Atmosphere - 'When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Sh*t Gold'
Courtesy Rhymesayers
The rap duo who call themselves Atmosphere have been referred to as emo rap. They are at their peak here as storytellers. This album will entertain your head with the experimental approach to the musical structures and tug at your emotions as the tales unfold.
10. Soundtrack - 'Juno'
Courtesy Rhino Records
This music is a key element at the heart of the Academy Award Best Picture nominee Juno. Kimya Dawson's do-it-yourself warm fuzziness in her songs warmed even some of the coldest hearts this past winter.
