Best of 2008 (So Far): Music

It's almost scary to believe that 2008 is already half-way through. It seems just like yesterday I was trudging through the snow, waiting for the bus in the sub-zero temperatures so I could go see There Will Be Blood at the movie theater near my campus (ah, the things we do for cinema). Now it's so hot that I don't ever want to leave my air conditioned house. The diva in me is never satisfied with the weather, what can I say?

Since we've reached the end of June, it now means I can make more lists honoring my favorites from the beginning of the year. This first one will cover the best songs and albums so far and in a couple of days (a week at most) I will honor the finest films and performances.

Best Albums

5.

Mariah Carey E=MC2
Not quite The Emancipation of Mimi, but it's still a great CD for the summer: smooth, relaxed and a ton of fun.
Key Tracks: "I Stay in Love", "Migrate", "I'm That Chick", "Touch My Body", "Cruise Control"

4.

Madonna Hard Candy
The more I listen to Hard Candy, the more addictive it becomes. I was generally meh for awhile but suddenly I found myself listening to it nearly every day.
Key Tracks: "Miles Away", "Heartbeat", "4 Minutes", "Incredible", "Beat Goes On"

3.

Kylie Minogue X
I know I've been talking about this album for forever, but it only got released in the U.S. in the beginning of the year so I'm considering it eligible now. Sixteen tracks of dance-pop perfection.
Key Tracks: "In My Arms", "Speakerphone", "Wow", "All I See", "Rippin' Up the Disco"

2.

Duffy Rockferry
I was hooked from the first time I heard "Mercy"; imagine my surprise when "Mercy" is hardly the greatest track on this impressive debut CD.
Key Tracks: "Warwick Avenue", "Delayed Devotion", "Rockferry", "Mercy", "Serious"

1.

Emmy-Award Winner Kathy Griffin For Your Consideration
I already told you all how much I loved this CD a couple of weeks ago, so let me just repeat that this is the funniest comedy CD you will ever buy. It's even better than some of her Bravo specials (and those are fucking amazing).
Key Tracks: "Oprah is a Deity (And I Think She's Full of Shit)", "The Clicker (For Maggie Fans)", "Cover Me", "Oprah's Favorite Things", "The Osmonds Were Never Cool"

Best Songs

5.

Estelle featuring Kanye West "American Boy"
I don't know how or where I first heard this song, but boy am I glad I did. Instantly catchy and her interaction with Kanye is golden.

4.

Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake "4 Minutes"
"4 Minutes" at number 4? Boy, I'm clever. I loved this song to death when it came out originally and I still listen to it all the time without getting sick of it.

3.

Duffy "Warwick Avenue"
The best song on Duffy's debut CD. And there's a lot of winners to choose from.

2.

Danity Kane "Damaged"
Until "Damaged," I always considered Danity Kane a second-rate Pussycat Dolls. Then I heard this gem of a track and it instantly overshadowed the latest PCD track "When I Grow Up." Unfortunately for my co-workers, I am always singing this damn song while at work.

1.

Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love"
I seriously doubt any single released in the second half of 2008 will match Leona Lewis' American debut "Bleeding Love." I haven't encountered a song this emotionally raw and poetic since ABBA's "Chiquitita."