31 Best Songs From 2008
Sometimes, despite the great songs of today, you can't beat those catchy and inspirational tunes from the past. They can take listeners back to a different time every time they listen, especially if it was an especially formative life stage.
Enjoy this blast from the past with the best songs from 2008!
Contents
“Take You There” by Sean Kingston
Song year: 2008
Who doesn't remember this iconic hit by Sean Kingston? Kingston reflects on bringing his new love to his childhood home throughout the song. What could be more nostalgic in this classic hit?
“See You Again” by Miley Cyrus
Song year: 2008
“See You Again” is a classic for those who grew up watching Hannah Montana. Cyrus's lyrics in this hit were so real and relatable, reminding everyone what it feels like to have a crush and to be in love. This song will definitely take you back to your teenage crush!
“Pocketful Of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
Song year: 2008
There's almost too much nostalgia to bear in this hit by Natasha Bedingfield. Are you in a bad mood? You won't be after you tune into this classic. Its upbeat tempo will certainly put some sunshine in your pocket.
“Burnin' Up” by the Jonas Brothers
Song year: 2008
Long before the Jonas Brothers released “Sucker” in 2019, they had their earlier albums that young girls and teenagers flocked to. “Burnin' Up” quickly became a popular tune in 2008, wowing listeners with its catchy lyrics and danceable beats.
“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry
Song year: 2008
When you think about good music from 2008, Katy Perry may come to mind. Katy Perry had several hits in the 2000s, and this hit is no exception. The song reflects a changing relationship dynamic, where one partner is becoming harder to read than before. Relatable, no?
“Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna
Song year: 2008
We love whirlwind relationships, no matter how much it hurts us. This song about a harmful relationship one can't let go of could resonate with people going through rough romantic relationships. The unknown might be harder to contend with, which is what Rihanna contemplates in this song.
“Love Song” by Sarah Bareilles
Song year: 2008
This 2008 anthem to the difficulty of relationships by Sarah Bareilles was a fun number to dance to; we can still smile despite the pain. While Bareilles is basically telling her ex-lover to take a hike in this song, she still manages to make it fun and not too emotional.
“Ain't No Rest For The Wicked” by Cage the Elephant
Song year: 2008
This tune by Cage the Elephant is one that kids sang along to without really knowing what the lyrics they were crooning meant. This is a song about a lady of the night, a would-be murderer, and a crooked preacher—pretty wicked stuff!
“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven
Song year: 2008
This song makes listeners tap their feet, which is exactly what the lyrics want you to do! 2008 wouldn't be the same without this feel-good jam. Check out the song for a stroll down memory lane.
“Disturbia” by Rihanna
Song year: 2008
“Disturbia” is one of the best songs from 2008 and quite ahead of its time, as the lyrics deal with mental health. In the song, the singer's mind is in a state of disturbance, and the heavy, distorted music adds to the overall uneasy feeling.
“American Boy” by Estelle & Kanye West
Song year: 2008
“American Boy” is an anthem that college students in the late 2000s will remember all too well. The black and white music video was different and fun, and the song practically begs you to dance, even all these years later.
“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
Song year: 2008
It wouldn't be fair to forego this hit by Kings of Leon on this 2008 good music list. Everyone can relate to looking for that perfect someone, and the song makes one feel almost hopeful for the future.
“So What” by P!nk
Song year: 2008
This post-breakup 2008 anthem by P!nk makes everyone feel better about a breakup and reminds listeners that things will be okay and you can be angry. This is key to making you feel better—just give it a listen to regain confidence!
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A
Song year: 2008
You can still dance to this song, even all of these years later! The lyrics are ones kids won't understand until much later in life, but when they do, they're still bound to enjoy the song's punky, rebellious message.
“Kids” by MGMT
Song year: 2008
This MGMT is another classic 2008 hit, talking about growing up and getting further and further away from childhood. It's a bittersweet tune, but that doesn't make it any less catchy. Check out the video here.
“I'm Yours” by Jason Mraz
Song year: 2008
This song is one of the best 2008 love songs, all about someone being so devoted in love with another. You can't help but dance and be hopeful to be loved in the way Jason Mraz sings about here.
“Sex On Fire” by Kings of Leon
Song year: 2008
Another hit that youngins wouldn't fully understand! Regardless, everyone was content and excited to dance or watch the music video that accompanied this slightly raunchy tune. It holds up, even all these years later, with lots of passion involved.
“Lollipop” by Lil Wayne
Song year: 2008
This song is memorable for a few reasons. Not only is the music itself catchy and an easy earworm, but those lyrics! The glitz and glamorous lifestyle in the music video were also fun to see, but that is easily outshined by the pretty explicit message of the song. Listen to it now; it will still feel the same as all those years ago.
“Feels Like Tonight” by Daughtry
Song year: 2008
This anthem reminds listeners of what it's like to make a mistake that breaks up a relationship. The lyrics beg the listener to forgive them and let them know that all they're doing is reflecting and thinking, hoping, hoping that they'll take them back.
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but the lyrics and music video of this 2008 hit remind listeners of what it feels like to lose a relationship and to have the end of it on their hands.
“Womanizer” by Britney Spears
Song year: 2008
Britney Spears is an iconic artist known for countless albums, songs, and music videos. “Womanizer” is a song about women's empowerment, being able to see through the lies that womanizers attempt to use to seduce their victims.
It's impossible not to dance along with the music and to sing the lyrics at the top of your lungs, even if you were too young to understand them when the song was released. Staying a step ahead of those that might hurt you is reassuring; it's revenge in a way.
“Crush” by David Archuleta
Song year: 2008
Everyone can relate to this hit by David Archuleta! Everyone knows what it feels like to have a crush, no matter if it ends up happily for us or if it's unrequited love.
It's fun to have a crush, but at the same time, it can be stressful and saddening. This hymn talks about the possibility for those feelings to be reciprocated, but how it can be complicated and painful not to know.
“The Time Of My Life” by David Cook
Song year: 2008
This hit is hopeful and sure to uplift anyone going through a rough time. It reminds listeners that things will be okay, even if they aren't right now, which is something people can hear from time to time.
David Cook performed the song on American Idol, and the judges swooned for the song too. Check out the song if you need some uplifting!
“If I Were a Boy” by Beyonce
Song year: 2008
Beyonce's hit “If I Were a Boy” was a revolution for thinking of the dating pool and how different things could be if we were the opposite sex. Relationships would hopefully be easier, as Beyonce invited listeners to think about in the song.
“No One” by Alicia Keys
Song year: 2008
This song helps listeners feel real love. This song sings so strongly of love and how much it means to be in love, to be endlessly devoted to one person that nothing, and no one, can get in the way.
The music video puts a pep in your step and makes you believe deeply in love and those strong emotions.
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
Song year: 2008
Coldplay is responsible for many great hits and albums; one is Viva La Vida. It's relatable because it reminds people that sometimes things fall apart and that it's still okay.
People can enjoy and reflect on the music, and the song effortlessly makes listeners feel good and hopeful for the future. Even if things aren't okay right now, they will fall into place later on.
“Skinny Love” by Bon Iver
Song year: 2008
Who doesn't remember this as one of the best songs from 2008? Or the emotions that come pouring out with it? “Skinny Love” has a few different meanings; one is begging the other to remember their love, and the other is two people who are in love but almost too shy to say so.
Even though it came out 15 years ago, those dual meanings can be comforting. Some things never really change.
“Leavin'” by Jesse McCartney
Song year: 2008
Everyone swooned for Jesse McCartney in the 2000s! “Leavin” represents a man who wants to be with a woman who's already taken, and in the lyrics, he implores her to leave her current beau, leaving him for the hopeful romantic singer.
While listeners know that it usually doesn't tend to happen that way, they keep hoping that the object of their desire will reciprocate those powerful feelings.
“Tattoo” by Jordin Sparks
Song year: 2008
“Tattoo” by Jordin Sparks speaks of permanent love, one that they love so much that they want to etch their names into the skin. Even though the love in question ends, despite the pain, the singer wants to hold on to the good feelings.
While everyone knows it's ill-advised to get a tattoo of a lover's name, this 2008 hit challenges the idea and even romanticizes how romantic it would be to have the name of the one you love with you all the time, forever—even if the relationship is doomed.
“Stop And Stare” by OneRepublic
Song year: 2008
“Stop and Stare” by OneRepublic is another great 2008 hit. It speaks about moving on, finding a new future beyond what you've seen before but also being so nervous about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Listeners will take comfort in knowing it's a feeling everyone relates to—sometimes, all you need is a little push. Listen to this song to remember that time of your life; things turned out okay back then, and they'll be okay now too.
“Decode” by Paramore
Song year: 2008
Those who enjoyed watching the film Twilight might remember this song making its way into the iconic movie soundtrack. The song talks about a couple struggling in a relationship, trying to figure out if the relationship will make it or if it'll break apart entirely.
Listeners can hear the desperation in the singer's voice, something that's relatable. How much work can one do until one simply give up? The singer and the listeners are still wondering, years and years later.
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2008
Most 2000s kids had their first introduction to Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet” through Taylor Swift's “Love Story.” While Swift has plenty of songs to enjoy, this hit will never be forgotten; the lyrics are permanently seared into some's brains! Revisit your childhood with this video and fall in love with possibility.
Top Songs From 2008, Final Thoughts
Going down memory lane through music is a wonderful privilege and is all the more reason for you to indulge in the best songs from 2008. Let them take you back to that time in your life to comfort you.
