BEST ALBUMS OF 2008

You've seen plenty of top 10's, so here's my list of the 10 most underappreciated albums of 2008, THE TOP 10 ALBUMS NOT ON THE TOP 10 LISTS

20. JASON MRAZ, 'WE SING WE DANCE WE STEAL THINGS'
A little fluff never hurt anybody, right? Never one to rain on our parade, Mraz offers his signature giddy-go-lucky pop with a twist. The last track "A Beautiful Mess" is by far the albums best.

19. JOHN LEGEND, 'EVOLVER'
I cannot name a more refined voice of soul this side of the millenium. Mr. Legends' third album gives us more of what we've come to expect from this enormous talent, as well as a few well mixed surprises. The first single "Green Light" will be a sure max-play(heavy rotation) in the clubs.

18. ZAC BROWN BAND, 'THE FOUNDATION'
These guys are what grassroots songwriting and musical creation are all about. 'The Foundation' proves that Zacs' bunch is a truly multifaceted group of professionals. With fun uptempo fodder like the hit single "Chicken Fried," to the soulfull "Free" the bands third album delivers on all levels.

17. NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, 'DIG LAZARUS DIG'
The king of hard rockin quasi blues and his bandmates are showing no signs of slowing down just yet. Their 14th studio effort keeps pace with previous treasures, satisfying the most loyal of Cave dwellers.

16. BECK, 'MODERN GUILT'
Co-producer Danger Mouse' funkadelic influx is clearly heard throughout Beck's 10th, and possibly finest work to date. Beck even brings an original flair to a cover of the Doors' "People are Strange."

15. THRICE, 'LIVE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES'
Although not as inspired as their studio recordings, Thrice still delivers a strong performance. Definitely one of the years top rock submissions.

14. GEORGE STRAIT, 'TROUBADOUR'
The elder statesman of country music shows why he's still a Superstar with his latest collection of chart toppers. The title track, and my favorite, gives the listener an introspective look at where the artist has been and where he plans to go. Longevity has found its poster boy!

13. PINK, 'FUNHOUSE'
With one of the best voices in pop music, Pink turns the ordinary refrains into delightful sing-along anthems. Pink has always been more talented than the material she records, and although the same is true on 'Funhouse' overall her 5th album is a pleasing effort. As she proclaims on the smash single "So What" Pink is still a Rock Star!

12. HEIDI NEWFIELD, 'WHAT AM I WAITING FOR'
The former Trick Pony frontwoman's debut solo album was a delightful surprise. Introspective and soulfull, Newfields' sound is a considerable departure from her trio days. The single "Johnny & June" showcases her vocal strength and is an excellent introduction to what remains. Heidi is poised for a great career as a solo artist.

11. SARA BAREILLES, 'LITTLE VOICE'
Scoring one of the biggest radio hits of 2008, with "Love Song" Bareilles establishes herself as a prime time player. A big-studio reworking of her 2003 debut, 'Little Voice' demands our attention from this indisputable talent. Sara, in my opinion is by far the top songwriter of the year.

Keep posted for #10 through the #1 album of the year!