20 of the Greatest Songs From 2008

One of the greatest years for music. 2008 may be the best year for pop music, with the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Kanye West all releasing major albums. Here are some of the songs that stood out in 2008:

1. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga - Poker Face (Official Music Video)Lady Gaga – Poker Face (Official Music Video)

The dance song that talks about sex and gambling. “Poker Face” was a huge hit in 2008, topping charts in 20 countries. The track has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and reached Diamond certification status.

2. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Video Version)Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Video Version)

A playful and timeless song about being single, “Single Ladies” was an instant classic. With its catchy lyrics and an iconic dance move, the song won Beyonce three Grammy Awards and is one of her most recognizable songs.

3. “So What” by Pink

P!nk - So What (Official Video)P!nk – So What (Official Video)

The pop-punk song of the year, “So What,” was a hit from the moment it was released. This rebellious anthem peaked at No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100. Pink’s explosive vocals only add to the song’s energy, making it one of her most popular singles.

4. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (Official Video) [4K]Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K]

This acoustic ukulele-driven love song was a sleeper hit in 2008. “I’m Yours” has since become one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, with over 12 million copies sold worldwide, reaching Diamond certification status. The track peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

5. “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne featuring Static Major

Lil Wayne - Lollipop (Official Music Video) ft. StaticLil Wayne – Lollipop (Official Music Video) ft. Static

The club banger that shot Lil Wayne to superstardom. “Lollipop” is one of Lil Wayne’s greatest hits and his best single to date. The song reached number one for five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song.

6. “Take a Bow” by Rihanna

Rihanna - Take A BowRihanna – Take A Bow

This emotionally charged ballad finds Rihanna singing about a cheating partner. The song was a worldwide success, topping the charts in five countries and reaching the top 10 in seven others. It has reached more than 6 million in sales and received multi-platinum certification.

7. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown

Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown - No Air (Official Video) ft. Chris BrownJordin Sparks, Chris Brown – No Air (Official Video) ft. Chris Brown

The love song of 2008. “No Air” is an ode to the passionate relationship between Sparks and her partner, who are not able to live without each other.

The song was one of the most popular songs of the year, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified multi-platinum in some countries.

8. “4 Minutes” by Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

Madonna - 4 Minutes feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland (Official Video)Madonna – 4 Minutes feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland (Official Video)

This sultry dance track was a hit from the start. With its funky beats and clever lyrics, “4 Minutes” reached the top of the charts in 21 countries. The song received two Grammy nominations: one for “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” and one for “Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical.” 

9. “Closer” by NE-YO

Ne-Yo - Closer (Official Music Video)Ne-Yo – Closer (Official Music Video)

The Motown-style love song was a favorite among fans. “Closer” was a popular song to dance to and was a huge hit.

The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum in four countries. The track was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

10. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga featuring Colby O’Donis

Lady Gaga - Just Dance (Official Music Video) ft. Colby O'DonisLady Gaga – Just Dance (Official Music Video) ft. Colby O’Donis

The debut single from Lady Gaga shot her to fame. “Just Dance” was a sleeper hit, not reaching the top of the charts until January 2009. The song gave Gaga her first Grammy nomination and a 9x platinum certification in the US.

The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it among the best-selling singles of all time.

11. “Right Now (Na Na Na)” by Akon

Akon - Right Now (Na Na Na) (Official Video)Akon – Right Now (Na Na Na) (Official Video)

The sing-a-long anthem of 2008. “Right Now (Na Na Na)” was a worldwide hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat production made it one of the most popular songs of the year.

The track was certified platinum in the US, UK, and 4x platinum in Australia and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. 

12. “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls - When I Grow Up (Official Music Video)The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up (Official Music Video)

This empowering pop anthem was a favorite among fans. “When I Grow Up” speaks of the desire for fame and the cost that comes with it.

The song reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, had five MTV VMA nominations, and eventually took home the award for “Best Dance Video.”

13. “In the Ayer” by Flo Rida feat. Will.i.am

Flo Rida - In The Ayer (feat. Will.i.am) [Official Video]Flo Rida – In The Ayer (feat. Will.i.am) [Official Video]

The breakout single from Flo Rida’s debut album, Mail On Sunday. “In the Ayer” with the help of Will.i.am made an entire generation want to throw their hands in the ayer.

The song was a hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified triple-platinum in the US and Canada. 

14. “Womanizer” by Britney Spears

Britney Spears - Circus (Official HD Video)Britney Spears – Circus (Official HD Video)

This upbeat pop song was a dance floor smash in 2008. “Womanizer” was Britney’s comeback single, and it proved that she still had the ability to make hit records.

The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and also earned Spears her sixth Grammy nomination, this time for “Best Dance Recording.” 

15. “Live Your Life” by T.I. feat. Rihanna

T.I. - Live Your Life ft. Rihanna [Official Video]T.I. – Live Your Life ft. Rihanna [Official Video]

This inspirational hip-hop track was a top-ten hit in multiple countries. “Live Your Life” speaks of seizing the moment and living life to the fullest. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned T.I. a “Best Male Video” award at the MTV VMAs.

16. “7 Things” by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus - 7 Things (Official Video)Miley Cyrus – 7 Things (Official Video)

The lead single from Miley Cyrus’ album, Breakout. “7 Things” is a catchy pop-rock track with a relatable story. The song peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Miley an MTV VMA nomination for “Best New Artist.” 

17. “Heartless” by Kanye West

Kanye West - HeartlessKanye West – Heartless

Kanye West brings his signature combination of rapping and singing to this heart-wrenching ballad. “Heartless” is a melancholic track that speaks of the pain of heartbreak.

The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and had over 8 million in sales. The single won 5 awards: 3 from the ASCAP and 2 from the BMI.

18. “Forever” by Chris Brown

Chris Brown - Forever (Official HD Video)Chris Brown – Forever (Official HD Video)

“Forever” is a bouncy, infectious pop hit with an unforgettable chorus. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has also received 6x platinum certification in the United States, as well as platinum and multi-platinum certification in 5 other countries.

19. “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.

M.I.A. - Paper PlanesM.I.A. – Paper Planes

The contagious, politically-charged dance track by M.I.A. was a hit in 2008. “Paper Planes” speaks satirically of immigrant perception in the US, using gunshots and police sirens to create an intense atmosphere.

The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually nominated for “Record of the Year” at the Grammy Awards. 

20. “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry

Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (Official)Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl (Official)

The empowering pop anthem was an instant hit. “I Kissed A Girl” is Katy’s debut single and speaks of the desire to explore and break gender roles without fear of judgment.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, earning Katy Perry her first number-one single in the US, and was eventually certified multi-platinum worldwide. 

Conclusion

2008 was a great year for music, with some truly unforgettable songs. These 20 tracks represent just a fraction of the amazing music that was released that year. Whether you were into pop, rock, hip-hop, or dance music, there was something for everyone in 2008.

Poker Face Alternative Cover Art Featured Image (Bottom) by: Lady Gaga, Meeno, Irene Silva – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B001T188EO, Fair use, Link