The Best Electronic Music of 2008
A look at the best electronic music of 2008. From trance to techno, these are the tracks that defined the year.
Best Albums
2008 was a great year for electronic music. Many artists released fantastic albums that are still popular today. In this article, we’ll be talking about the best electronic music of 2008.
M83- Saturdays=Youth
This is the fifth studio album by French band M83, released on April 15, 2008 by Mute Records. The album was recorded with Ken Thomas, who has previously worked with Sigur Rós and Mogwai.
The first single from the album, “We Own the Sky”, was released on March 3, 2008. The second single, “Graveyard Girl”, was released on July 21, 2008. “Midnight City” was released as a single on August 7, 2011.
The album peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard 200 in the United States and number two in France. In the United Kingdom, it reached number forty-seven on the UK Albums Chart. Saturdays = Youth received generally positive reviews from music critics.
Cut Copy- In Ghost Colors
In Ghost Colors is the third studio album by Australian electronic music band Cut Copy, released on 3 March 2008 by Modular Recordings. It peaked at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 56 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was nominated for Best Dance Release at the ARIA Music Awards of 2008.
The album was recorded over a period of six months in Melbourne, Australia, and was produced by band members Dan Whitford and Tim Hoey. It features a more synth-based sound than its predecessor, In Ghost Colors features eight tracks with a total running time of 48 minutes.
Cut Copy released three singles from In Ghost Colors: “Lights & Music”, “Hearts on Fire”, and “Far Away”. The first single, “Lights & Music”, peaked at number six on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). “Hearts on Fire” peaked at number 37 in Australia and number nine in the United Kingdom.
Hot Chip- Made in the Dark
Hot Chip’s third album sees the group following in the same direction set by 2006’s The Warning, with a few new wrinkles. The biggest change is that singer/guitarist Alexis Taylor takes on a more central role, not only writing more songs than before, but also sharing lead vocal duties with fellow singer/keyboardist Joe Goddard on several tracks. It’s a nice change that gives the band’s music some variety and makes them sound less like a one-trick pony. That said, fans of The Warning won’t be disappointed, as Made in the Dark still delivers the same brand of catchy, quirky electro-pop. Album highlights include “Ready for the Floor,” “Hold On,” and “One Pure Thought.”
Best Tracks
It was a great year for electronic music. So many new artists emerged and established themselves as leaders in the field. 2008 saw a wide variety of musical styles and genres being explored. This list includes the best tracks of 2008, as chosen by the editors of Electronic Music.
M83- “We Own the Sky”
2008 was M83’s big year. The French electronic group, which is led by Anthony Gonzalez, released its fifth studio album, “Saturdays = Youth,” to critical acclaim. The record is a nod to ’80s synth pop, and “We Own the Sky” is one of its most infectious tracks. The song builds slowly, with a gentle keyboard melody and Gonzalez’s hazy vocals, before exploding into a sugary chorus. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sad, and it remains one of M83’s best tracks.
Cut Copy- “Hearts on Fire”
Cut Copy’s “Hearts on Fire” is one of the best electronic tracks of 2008. The song is a perfect example of the genre, with its thumping beat and catchy melody. The song is also notable for its use of samples, which add to the overall atmosphere of the track.
Hot Chip- “Ready for the Floor”
“Ready for the Floor” is a song by English electronic music band Hot Chip. It was released on 30 January 2008, as the third single from their second studio album, Made in the Dark (2008). The song peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the UK Dance Chart.
The song’s music video was directed by Peter Serafinowicz, and features a man dancing alone in a supermarket.
Best Remixes
In 2008, many artists took popular songs and remixed them into new electronic versions. This list will countdown the top 10 best remixes of 2008. These are in no particular order.
M83- “We Own the Sky (The Teenagers Remix)”
This remix of M83’s “We Own the Sky” by The Teenagers is one of the best electronic tracks of 2008. The original version of the song is a beautiful and atmospheric piece, but The Teenagers have taken it to another level with their remix, giving it a harder, more energetic edge while still retaining the original’s ethereal quality. This is a must-hear for any fan of electronic music.
Cut Copy- “Hearts on Fire (Lifelike Remix)”
This Lifelike remix of Cut Copy’s “Hearts on Fire” is one of the best electronic tracks of 2008. The original track is a great example of the Australian synth-pop that has been popular in recent years, but the remix takes the song to a whole new level. Lifelike has created a catchy and danceable track that is sure to get any party started.
Hot Chip- “Ready for the Floor (CSS Remix)”
This is one of the best remixes of the year. Hot Chip’s original track is a great dance tune, but CSS takes it to the next level with their remix. The bass line is heavier and the overall track is more energetic. This is a great song to dance to and it will get your heart pumping.
