2008
in MusicAlbums
21
Artists
18
Milestones
25
Notable Releases
808s & Heartbreak
Kanye WestFourth album featuring heavy Auto-Tune production and synth-driven sound, influencing creative risks in hip-hop.
Circus
Britney SpearsSixth album featuring the chart-topping single "Womanizer" that marked Spears' return after conservatorship placement.
19
AdeleDebut album that entered UK charts at number one; became one of best-selling debut albums in UK history with hits "Chasing Pavements" and "Make You Feel My Love."
Troubadour
George StraitA critically acclaimed album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 160,000 copies in its first week and winning Strait his first and only Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 2009.
One of the Boys
Katy PerryBreakthrough pop rock album featuring debut single 'I Kissed a Girl' which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks, establishing Perry as a major pop star and selling 7 million copies worldwide.
I Kissed a Girl
Katy PerryDebut single that topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on July 5, 2008, and remained number one for seven consecutive weeks, creating significant cultural impact and controversy while launching Perry's career.
New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)
Erykah BaduFourth studio album receiving universal critical acclaim, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 with 125,000 copies sold in the first week.
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
BeyoncéFifth number-one hit from I Am... Sasha Fierce that sparked a global dance craze and won three MTV Video Music Awards.
I Am... Sasha Fierce
BeyoncéDouble album introducing her alter ego Sasha Fierce, featuring "Halo" and "If I Were a Boy," selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
Fearless
Taylor SwiftHer breakthrough album that spent 11 weeks at number one and became the best-selling album of 2009 in the US. Featured hit singles 'Love Story' and 'You Belong with Me' that achieved crossover success on both country and pop radio.
Love Story
Taylor SwiftA breakthrough crossover hit that became the first country song to top the Pop Songs chart and reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. The song established Swift as a major mainstream artist beyond country music.
The Fame
Lady GagaHer debut album that achieved global recognition and reached number one in multiple countries. Produced hit singles including 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face,' establishing her as a mainstream force in pop music.
Significant Milestones
Placed under conservatorship
AchievementFollowing mental health challenges and custody disputes, Spears was placed under a controversial conservatorship giving her father and attorney control over her affairs.
Becomes youngest female to have five number-one albums
DebutCircus album debuted at number one, earning Spears a Guinness World Record as the youngest female artist to have five albums debut at number one.
Debut Album & Grammy Recognition
Grammy WinReleased debut album 19, which entered UK charts at number one. Won Grammy Award for Best New Artist and appeared on Saturday Night Live, which earned NBC its best ratings in 14 years with 17 million viewers.
Best of Both Worlds Tour
TourHighly successful tour prompted Ticketmaster officials to comment that demand hadn't been seen since The Beatles or Elvis; led to theatrical release of 3D concert film Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Breakthrough with One of the Boys
DebutReleased debut album One of the Boys which garnered mixed critical reviews but reached number nine on the Billboard 200. The lead single 'I Kissed a Girl' topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks, establishing Perry as a major pop star and generating significant cultural conversation.
Grand Ole Opry Induction
AwardUnderwood is inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on May 10, 2008, by Garth Brooks, one of country music's highest honors achieved relatively early in her career.
New Amerykah Part One Success
DebutFourth album released on February 26 (her 37th birthday), debuting at number two on Billboard 200 with 125,000 copies sold in first week and receiving universal critical acclaim.
