All Mixed Up 12.31.08: The Top 41 (+1) Biggest Songs of 2008

Posted by Tom Santoro on 12.31.2008

Here is the play list that will sum up 2008 for future generations.

***Disclaimer*** This is my opinion as to what were the biggest singles of 2008. The 411 Mania Music staff, editors, etc. had nothing to do with compiling this list.


Welcome to the inaugural edition of All Mixed Up; where each week I will present a topic and put together a mix tape for you to enjoy. This week I will sift through all the biggest songs of 2008 so that future generations will remember the year in music.

In order to come up with my list, I decided I must be objective and subjective. What I mean is that I entered genres and artists I may normally not listen to in order to come up with a comprehensive list encapsulating 2008.

On the list you will find pop artists, country artists, uber indie artists and main stream rock acts. I took into account radio play, digital/retail sales, cultural impact and my own personal preference. By no means is this the end all be all of best songs of 2008, it is the opinion of me. So without further ado here is the list:

42. AC/DC - "Rock & Roll Train":

The album in whole has sold more than half the songs on this list. If you can sell a lot of units without the benefit of digital downloading services and only selling at Walmart then you have a genuine hit. When it was released "Rock and Roll Train" was played on every Walmart commercial and at various sporting events. But it is easy to market a formula that has been working for 30 plus years. From the album Black Ice

41. Alkaline Trio - "Help Me":

One of my favorite bands, Matt Skiba and company crafted a great song here about asking for help from the damaging and self destructive behaviors he is prone to committing. From the Album Agony and Irony

40. Saving Abel - "Addicted":

Now that every band on rock radio sounds like Nickelback, quite a few of them have written songs better than them, Saving Abel's "Addicted" is one such song. Another common theme amongst the Nickelback clones is somewhat dirty lines like "when you go down on me in between the sheets." A sure fire hit for pure dirt rockers these days. From the album Saving Abel




39. DJ Khaled (Featuring Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Plies, Trick Daddy, Ace Hood) – "Out Here Grindin'"

I chose this one primarily because it was the theme song to our college football team's season. Too bad we were mediocre at best. Anyways DJ Khaled won DJ of the year and this song featuring some of today's biggest hip hop artists helped garner him some attention. From the album We Global

38. Goldfrapp - "Caravan Girl":

The electronic duo of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory incorporated a little folkiness into their electronic music in this song. Alison's airy vocals are best and most catchy on "Caravan Girl." From the album Seventh Tree

37. Guns N' Roses - "Better":

Alright over a decade and a half of anticipation and production and Axl gave us a load of poop. I listed this purely for the monumental accomplishment of releasing Chinese Democracy. I kind of wish it never existed and they went out with the Use Your Illusion I & II albums. "Better" is the most tolerable of all the songs on the record and has the most heart of any song on Chinese Democracy. From the album Chinese Democracy

36. Jenny Lewis w/Elvis Costello - "Carpetbaggers":

When Jenny Lewis gets away from Rilo Kiley her style becomes more alt-country. The reason this song stands out as best of 2008 is because it features Mr. Elvis Costello on guest vocals. From the album Acid Tongue

35. The Hold Steady - "Sequestered in Memphis":

Bringing the bar band back is hard in this day and age, but Craig Finn has done it. On "Sequestered in Memphis", Finn talks about a drunken liaison he had on a business trip. It is a cool song with a very weird albeit catchy chorus "Subpoenaed in Texas/Sequestered in Memphis." From the album Stay Positive

34. Jonas Brothers - "Burnin' Up":

Hanson 2.0 became huge in 2008 with the power of Mickey Mouse behind them garnering them throngs of tweens and middle aged men as fans. Wait I hate the Jo Bros! Anyways, the popularity amongst people under 15 means they will only be around for about 2 to 3 more years when their demographic finally discovers The Beatles. From the album A Little Bit Longer

33. Ben Folds w/Regina Spektor - "You Don't Know Me"

This is a very fun song, but aren't all of Ben Folds' songs? It is a playful song about being dumped by a girl and trying to come up with the words to try and get her back because she does not know him. The best part is towards the end when they interact. From the album Way to Normal

32. Lil Wayne featuring Static - "Lollipop":

Grammy nominations for Album of the Year, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for "Lollipop" have helped Lil Wayne rise from the Dirty South and ascend to the top of hip hop's elite. From the album Tha Carter III

31. Trace Adkins - "You're Gonna Miss This":

This song was my wife's choice, as country is her genre. Having daughters and being a little sentimental I thought this was a good choice to be put on the list. Girls don't grow up faster than you need to; you have all your whole life ahead of you, so stay young, I don't want to be a grandfather until I'm 70. From the album American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. II

30. M83 - "Kim and Jessie":

This breath of airy synth pop comes to us from France. The song would be perfect in a John Hughes movie. Imagine it while Jake Ryan pulls up to the church. Trust me it works. From the album Saturdays=Youth


29. Gnarls Barkley - "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)"

This song is a fast paced ball of energy, perfect for a workout. Cee-Lo's soulful vocals give this song life and Danger Mouse's production featuring chanting children and an organ is amazing. I can't believe Cee-Lo keeps up the pace throughout the song. From the album The Odd Couple

28. Britney Spears - "Unusual You":

Speaking of natural disasters here is the comeback album of the year. When I reviewed this album I felt that the album was best when she would allude to the events that led to her meltdown. Of course she can not sing, but she hides that fact by picking great production teams to write songs for her. My favorite on this record is "Unusual You." It shows her vulnerability and actually stays in a range she can sing in with minimal computer help. It is about her trying to sabotage a relationship but the guy continues to keep coming back for more. K-Fed??? From the album Circus



27. Bon Iver - "Skinny Love":

Every year the critics pick one amazing album from some neo folk singer songwriter that they deem just depressing enough and cool enough to be the next Bob Dylan. Last year it was Iron and Wine, this year it is Bon Iver. "Skinny Love" is a great love song with great passion. Check it out. From the album For Emma, Forever Ago

26. Chairlift - "Bruises":

A good song that got a push because it was featured in an Apple commercial. From another electronic shoegaze synth band from Brooklyn (is there something in the water?), the song is about a woman who does everything for her man but it still isn't enough. From the album Does This Inspire You?

25. The Killers - "Spaceman":

Much better than "Human", "Spaceman" is a fun little ditty about being abducted by aliens. Flowers makes great use of his synth to make a great dance song reminiscent of Duran Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf." From the album Day and Age

24. Los Campesinos! - "My Year in Lists"

This group of 3 women and 4 men from Wales, put out a great little record that takes the best of Superchunk, Sonic Youth and other Lo Fidelity heroes of the mid 1990s and puts it into this song. I think the song is ironic considering that Lists are what music writers do most to get attention. Hmmm! From the album Hold on Now, Youngsters

23. MC Chris - "Older Crowd":

I love MC Chris and this song is awesome. "Older Crowd" is about the displeasure of hanging out with people who enjoy the club scene and generally do younger things. I relate, I don't pay cover charges nor do I go to trendy places. From the album MC Chris is Dead

22. Coldplay - "Lost?"

*Sigh* I had to put a Coldplay song on my list so here it is. I made it up to the guy who took offense to my comment in my Oasis review that Coldplay is the biggest band from "the Britain" by placing it higher on the list than my Oasis choice. From the album Viva La Vida…

21. Santogold - "Lights Out"

This song is reminiscent of vintage Pixies songs featuring Kim Deal's vocals. On an amazing album full of different 80s styles, this song is by far the best. From the album Santogold


20. Flogging Molly - "Float":

The open line alone makes this a winner: "Drank away the rest of the day/wonder what my liver'd say/drink that's all you can." ‘Nuff said. From the album Float


19. Vampire Weekend - "M79":

I do not understand why people hate these guys so much. I found the album to be refreshing with its eclectic styles and Ivy League lyrics. For me the standout single is "M79" with is liberal use of classical style music. From the album Vampire Weekend


18. Oasis - "The Shock of the Lightning":

The Gallagher Brothers are back, with a vengeance and for the most part have been quiet as they promote their latest comeback album. In the 1990s I did not get the hype surrounding them, but as time passed I realized they were a very underrated band. Yes, they rip off The Beatles left and right but that does not make them a bad band and "The Shock of the Lightning" is reminiscent of their earlier rocking days like on "Supersonic" and "Morning Glory." From the album Dig Out Your Soul

17. P!nk - "So What":

I think pop artists who expose us to a little bit of their personal matters through song achieve great success. Who cares about hearing P!nk tell Leno how her divorce with Cary Hart went in an interview. I think it is much better when it is immortalized in song forever. This song is fun and catchy and deserving of a top single of 2008. From the album Funhouse


16. Buckcherry - "Too Drunk…":

While not as good as the Dead Kennedys song by the same title, it pretty much sums up my sexual life. It used to be very problematic in my college years where many chances were squandered because of this problem. Josh Todd can write a party song about the excesses of drug and alcohol use. The formula has worked for him for a better part of a decade. From the album Black Butterfly

15. Flo Rida featuring T-Pain - "Low":

This song was everywhere I went in the first quarter of the year. It also introduced to the term "apple bottom jeans." Now this phrase is probably 5 years old, but it was new to me in March as I almost threw out my back getting "low" on the floor. It was also the start of a huge year for T-Pain who I think even appears on Slip Knot's album (kidding). From the album Mail on Sunday

14. Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart":

Death Cab's most recent album was released in May 2008. It is their most successful album to date however the long introduction on the album version of this song pissed off many of its fans. Personally, I like this song a lot. The bass line on this song alone sold me. From the album Narrow Stairs

13. Drive-By Truckers - "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife"

I stumbled across this single when I sampled this album when it was released. The title jumped out at me because I have two daughters and a beautiful wife, so I downloaded the album. When I played it, I found an instant alt country classic, as it is written as an obituary and may be the saddest song I have ever heard for me personally. I have asked my wife to play it at my funeral, but I also asked for my wife to purchase a nude statue likeness of myself as my gravestone. So we'll see where that goes. From the album Brighter Than Creations Dark



12. Black Kids - "I'm Not Gonna to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You"

I really like this single. I got it for free on ITunes and have been playing it a lot. However, I was very disappointed with the rest of the album. This one is for you Ducky (Pretty in Pink reference)! From the album Partie Traumatic


11. Fall Out Boy - "I Don't Care":

I hate Fall Out Boy. I hate them so much I regretfully own all of their albums despite all efforts to discount their albums as pop punk drivel. With "I Don't Care" they roped me in again with a catchy song about not falling into the pitfalls that comes with being a pop star, like groupies and entourages. I am happily miserable that I bought this record. From the album Folie a Deux



10. The Lonely Island - "Jizz in My Pants

The Lonely Island Boys are two Saturday Night Live writers and actor Andy Samburg. The song was featured as a digital short music video during the December 6, 2008 episode. The video has been watched over 12 million times on Youtube which makes this hands down one of the biggest songs of the year. From the Album Incredibad (To be released in Feb. 2009)



9. Taylor Swift - "Love Story":

What a year for the country pop teen. Coming off the heels of her wildly popular self titled debut, Swift released Fearless in November where it debuted at number one. "Love Story" is the first single and one of 11 tracks off of Fearless currently on the Billboard Top 100. "Love Story" is the perfect country pop song as it is a teen age girl's story about love at first sight. Hopefully she does not burn out writing pure pop country songs before she turns 20. From the album Fearless



8. Metallica - "The Day that Never Comes":

For their new album, Hetfield, Ulrich and company decided to go in a different direction and parted ways with long time producer Bob Rock in favor Rick Rubin. "The Day That Never Comes" is a epic song about domestic abuse and the ending will not end up tragic. This song features everything a Metallica fan of any kind would look for. The slow pacing during the lyrics reminiscent of the Load album leading into the frenetic array of guitar solos that harken back to their early days makes this song arguably the best of the record. From the album Death Magnetic



7. TV on the Radio - "DLZ":

TV on the Radio has been the darling of critics and people too cool for the room since their debut. Their recipe of funk, soul, alternative rock and glam are all best shown on "DLZ", an ominous song that gets angrier as it goes on. It is aimed at our democratically elected leaders and the poor decisions they have made in our name and how he are on the verge of being a lost country. They are always great but this song makes me "Jizz in My Pants. From the album Dear Science



6. T.I. - "Whatever You Like":

Most of this record was written while he was on house arrest waiting for trial for felonies of possessing illegal firearms. He made good use of the time as he has penned two of the biggest singles of his career, "Live Your Life" with Rhianna and "Whatever You Like". "Whatever You Like" broke the record for biggest jump in one week on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart when it went from #71 to #1 in late July (credit Wikipedia). Let's see what he writes when he is in full fledged prison starting in March 2009. From the album Paper Trail



5. MGMT - "Time To Pretend":

This single grew on me this year. It appeared in many a teen prime time soap drama, not bad for a couple of college kids from Brooklyn. The sound is very European, but this single about the decadence that comes along with being famous made this a synth pop gem. From the album Oracular Spectacular




4. Kings of Leon - "Sex on Fire":

The Followill kin got a little more mainstream with their new record (much to the chagrin of Liam Gallagher) but the sultry pained vocals of singer Caleb Followill made this single sexy. The guitar seems to be just as pleading as the vocals as Caleb describes an amazing sexual experience and his thirst for more. From the album Only by the Night



3. Weezer - "Pork and Beans":

Every time Weezer releases an album you can be sure there will be a lead single will be an anthem for slackers and geeks alike. "Pork and Beans" is no exception. A stellar pop song about living life by your own set of values and despite the popularity of certain brands and would be pop producers Weezer will stay the same dorks they always have been. From the album Weezer (The Red Album)




2. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl":

This song was everywhere this past summer. If this song was released when Janet Jackson showed her nipple during the Super Bowl in 2003, Katy Perry would be the most controversial artist of 2008, instead she is the breakthrough artist of 2008. This song was so mainstream this year that she played this song on the Today Show in front of dancing grandmothers and five year olds. Times have certainly changed. From the album One of the Boys



1. M.I.A. - "Paper Planes":

When you put all of my variables together, M.I.A. wins the biggest single of 2008. The irony is it was released in 2007 on the album Kala, but gained popularity by being used in the trailer to Pineapple Express. The song is on of the top singles on Itunes for the year and has garnered airplay on most Alternative rock and some hip hop stations. From the album Kala