Chris Brown, Rihanna hit it big in 2008

2008 was another great year for Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Coldplay and ancient rockers like The Eagles and Metallica. Even the current idols of the tween set, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers and the kids from High School Musical like Zach Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens, did remarkably well. 

But it was probably the greatest year ever for hip-hop heartthrob Chris Brown and his beautiful lady love Rihanna. Both not only came up with one hit after another, but they also became one of the most popular, most watched and loveliest looking couples ever in the pop music firmament. Their success in 2008 would be very difficult to duplicate even for these two. 

 Chris, whom Billboard Magazine named Artist of the Year, had hit songs with Kiss Kiss, With You and Forever, all from his Exclusive CD. He also had this dramatic duet with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, No Air, that went into her debut album. 

Rihanna, who is all over the fashion glossies these days as the face of Cover Girl and the figure of Gucci had Don’t Stop the Music, Rehab, Disturbia and Take a Bow from her Good Girl Gone Bad album. Then as most of you doubtless already know, that CD also contains one of the most infectious hits of all time, Umbrella.

A look at the way foreign artists performed in the local charts last year also showed these two on top. Part of this must be due to their one-night only show in Taguig a few months ago. But it is still quite a surprise because although most Pinoys like American music they tend to favor pop or MOR or even rock over R&B or hip-hop. Trust me it was never this way for Jay-Z and Beyoncé out here. But these young lovers, they are only in their early twenties, easily tamed the opposition. And that is why it was also a great year for them hereabouts.

Here now are the Top 20 titles in the Hot 100 singles and the Top 200 Albums for 2008 in the Billboard Magazine yearender pop charts. Neither Chris nor Rihanna made No. 1 in the singles list but their having several titles in the Top 20 more than made up for what might be a slight disappointment. Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad, only got as far as No. 21 in the album chart but I do not think she should mind. After all, how many girls in this world can claim to be beautiful, to enjoy so much success and also have Chris Brown all at the same time.

So here we go now with the singles hit list: Low by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain; Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis; No One by Alicia Keys; Lollipop by Lil Wayne feat. Static Major; Apologize by Timbaland feat. OneRepublic; No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown; Love Song by Sarah Bareilles; Love in The Club by Usher feat. Young Jeezy; With You by Chris Brown; Forever also by Chris Brown.

Sexy Can I by Ray J & Yung Berg; Take a Bow by Rihanna; Viva La Vida by Coldplay; I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry; Whatever You Like by T.I.; Disturbia by Rihanna; Don’t Stop The Music also by Rihanna; Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield; Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown feat. T-Pain; and Closer by Ne-Yo.

The No. 1 CD among the top albums is As I Am by Alicia Keys, who was also in town last year. It is followed by Noel by Josh Groban; Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne; Long Road Out of Eden by The Eagles; Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift; Rock N Roll Jesus by Kid Rock; Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends by Coldplay; Now 26 by Various Artists; Carnival Ride by Carrie Underwood; The Ultimate Hits by Garth Brooks.

Hannah Montana 2 (The Soundtrack) Meet Miley Cyrus by Miley Cyrus; Growing Pains by Mary J. Blige; Exclusive by Chris Brown; Sleep Through the Static by Jack Johnson; Black Ice by AC/DC; Death Magnetic by Metallica; Jonas Brothers by the Jonas Brothers; Coco by Colbie Caillat; Spirit by Leona Lewis; and High School Musical 2, The Soundtrack by Various Artists.