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Home > Lists > Q's 50 Best Albums of 2008

Q's 50 Best Albums of 2008


LIST SUMMARY

List Rating: 74
Based on 310 album ratings

Genre Breakdown:
Rock (9), Alternative Rock (8), Indie Rock (8), Singer-Songwriter (4), Electronic (3), Indie Folk (3), Soul (2), Electropop (2), Indie Pop (2), Folk (2), Experimental Rock (1), Metal (1), Hard Rock (1), Hip Hop (1), Country (1), Psychedelic (1), Pop (1), Trip Hop (1), Post-Rock (1)

1. Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
Released: Sep 23rd, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
51
Based on
7 reviews
USER SCORE
62
Based on
7 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
MUST HEAR
Released: Jun 3rd, 2008
Genre: Indie Folk
CRITIC SCORE
84
Based on
12 reviews
USER SCORE
86
Based on
34 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

3. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Released: Jun 17th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
72
Based on
10 reviews
USER SCORE
70
Based on
15 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Released: Jan 29th, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
83
Based on
12 reviews
USER SCORE
83
Based on
28 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

5. Glasvegas - Glasvegas

Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Released: Jan 6th, 2009
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
68
Based on
9 reviews
USER SCORE
74
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

6. Duffy - Rockferry

Duffy - Rockferry
Released: May 13th, 2008
Genre: Soul
CRITIC SCORE
73
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
60
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

7. TV on the Radio - Dear Science,

TV on the Radio - Dear Science,
Released: Sep 22nd, 2008
Genre: Experimental Rock
CRITIC SCORE
87
Based on
14 reviews
USER SCORE
84
Based on
18 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

8. Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid

Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Released: Mar 17th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
83
Based on
8 reviews
USER SCORE
94
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

9. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Released: Mar 25th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
69
Based on
4 reviews
USER SCORE
83
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

10. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Released: Apr 8th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
83
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
85
Based on
10 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

11. Sigur Rós - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust

Sigur Rós - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust
Released: Jun 24th, 2008
Genre: Post-Rock
CRITIC SCORE
73
Based on
9 reviews
USER SCORE
79
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

12. Keane - Perfect Symmetry

Keane - Perfect Symmetry
Released: Oct 14th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
51
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
64
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

13. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Released: Jan 22nd, 2008
Genre: Electronic
CRITIC SCORE
70
Based on
7 reviews
USER SCORE
78
Based on
18 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

14. Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads

Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
Released: Oct 28th, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
65
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
70
Based on
2 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

15. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Released: Jun 10th, 2008
Genre: Hip Hop
CRITIC SCORE
80
Based on
9 reviews
USER SCORE
49
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

16. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
Released: Feb 5th, 2008
Genre: Electropop
CRITIC SCORE
74
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
82
Based on
8 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

17. Adele - 19

Adele - 19
Released: Jan 28th, 2008
Genre: Soul
CRITIC SCORE
66
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
56
Based on
6 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

18. British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?

British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Released: Feb 12th, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
82
Based on
11 reviews
USER SCORE
75
Based on
2 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

19. Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
Released: Feb 26th, 2008
Genre: Electronic
CRITIC SCORE
60
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
79
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

20. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
Released: Aug 19th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
80
Based on
3 reviews
USER SCORE
90
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

21. Razorlight - Slipway Fires

Razorlight - Slipway Fires
Released: Nov 3rd, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
50
Based on
3 reviews
USER SCORE
NR
Rate now



iTunes
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Spotify

22. The Killers - Day & Age

The Killers - Day & Age
Released: Nov 24th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
61
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
75
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon

23. Beck - Modern Guilt

Beck - Modern Guilt
Released: Jul 8th, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
71
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
78
Based on
7 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

24. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement

The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement
Released: Apr 15th, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
78
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
80
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

25. Metallica - Death Magnetic

Metallica - Death Magnetic
Released: Sep 12th, 2008
Genre: Metal
CRITIC SCORE
71
Based on
7 reviews
USER SCORE
65
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon

26. Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
Released: Aug 5th, 2008
Genre: Folk
CRITIC SCORE
70
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
84
Based on
2 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

27. Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark

Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark
Released: May 6th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
75
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
72
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

28. Paul Weller - 22 Dreams

Paul Weller - 22 Dreams
Released: Jun 2nd, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
74
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
75
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

29. AC/DC - Black Ice

AC/DC - Black Ice
Released: Oct 17th, 2008
Genre: Hard Rock
CRITIC SCORE
50
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
72
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

30. Portishead - Third

Portishead - Third
Released: Apr 28th, 2008
Genre: Trip Hop
CRITIC SCORE
88
Based on
10 reviews
USER SCORE
89
Based on
18 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

31. Black Mountain - In The Future

Black Mountain - In The Future
Released: Jan 21st, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
78
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
78
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

32. Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
Released: Oct 7th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
63
Based on
11 reviews
USER SCORE
64
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

33. Hercules And Love Affair - Hercules And Love Affair

Hercules And Love Affair - Hercules And Love Affair
Released: Jun 24th, 2008
Genre: Electronic
CRITIC SCORE
86
Based on
10 reviews
USER SCORE
89
Based on
7 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

34. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
MUST HEAR
Released: Feb 19th, 2008
Genre: Indie Folk
CRITIC SCORE
85
Based on
9 reviews
USER SCORE
90
Based on
32 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

35. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Released: Jul 14th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
81
Based on
11 reviews
USER SCORE
73
Based on
4 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

36. R.E.M. - Accelerate

R.E.M. - Accelerate
Released: Mar 31st, 2008
Genre: Alternative Rock
CRITIC SCORE
77
Based on
11 reviews
USER SCORE
82
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

37. Lykke Li - Youth Novels

Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Released: Aug 19th, 2008
Genre: Indie Pop
CRITIC SCORE
75
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
80
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

38. John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love and Freedom

John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love and Freedom
Released: Apr 15th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
75
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
77
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

39. Santigold - Santigold

Santigold - Santigold
Released: Apr 29th, 2008
Genre: Electropop
CRITIC SCORE
79
Based on
7 reviews
USER SCORE
87
Based on
8 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

40. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Released: Jun 10th, 2008
Genre: Indie Rock
CRITIC SCORE
69
Based on
10 reviews
USER SCORE
74
Based on
5 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

41. Lindsey Buckingham - Gift Of Screws

Lindsey Buckingham - Gift Of Screws
Released: Sep 16th, 2008
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
CRITIC SCORE
78
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
80
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

42. Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning
Released: Jan 22nd, 2008
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
CRITIC SCORE
76
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
87
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

43. Joan As Police Woman - To Survive

Joan As Police Woman - To Survive
Released: Jun 10th, 2008
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
CRITIC SCORE
71
Based on
7 reviews
USER SCORE
76
Based on
1 rating



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

44. Black Kids - Partie Traumatic

Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
Released: Jul 22nd, 2008
Genre: Indie Pop
CRITIC SCORE
62
Based on
8 reviews
USER SCORE
69
Based on
2 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

45. Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static

Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static
Released: Feb 5th, 2008
Genre: Folk
CRITIC SCORE
50
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
NR
Rate now



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

46. The Verve - Forth

The Verve - Forth
Released: Aug 19th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
62
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
77
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

47. Randy Newman - Harps and Angels

Randy Newman - Harps and Angels
Released: Aug 5th, 2008
Genre: Rock
CRITIC SCORE
84
Based on
6 reviews
USER SCORE
NR
Rate now



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

48. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
Released: Sep 23rd, 2008
Genre: Indie Folk
CRITIC SCORE
68
Based on
8 reviews
USER SCORE
72
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

49. Emmylou Harris - All I Intended To Be

Emmylou Harris - All I Intended To Be
Released: Jun 10th, 2008
Genre: Country
CRITIC SCORE
75
Based on
2 reviews
USER SCORE
NR
Rate now



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

50. Dido - Safe Trip Home

Dido - Safe Trip Home
Released: Nov 18th, 2008
Genre: Pop
CRITIC SCORE
66
Based on
5 reviews
USER SCORE
73
Based on
3 ratings



iTunes
Amazon
Spotify

Recommend:


MORE 2008 YEAR END LISTS:
A.V. Club
Drowned in Sound
musicOMH
No Ripcord
Paste
Pitchfork
PopMatters
Rolling Stone
Spin


MORE YEAR END LISTS FROM Q:
2011
2010
2009


COMMENTS

2008 YEAR END LISTS
A.V. Club
Drowned in Sound
musicOMH
No Ripcord
Paste
Pitchfork
PopMatters
Rolling Stone
Spin
TOP RATED FOR 2008
A.V. Club
Album of The Year
AllMusic
Beats Per Minute
Consequence of Sound
Drowned in Sound
musicOMH
NME
No Ripcord
Paste
Pitchfork
PopMatters
Spin
The 405
Tiny Mix Tapes
Under The Radar
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BEST ALBUMS OF 2008 BY GENRE
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