History's Best Selling Music of 2008

Revisiting 2008 presents a grand parade of music history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Blomljud, 19, and Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Moon Safari and Adele led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Blomljud

   Released in 2008 by Moon Safari, Blomljud Records

   On January 3, 2008, the Swedish progressive rock band Moon Safari released their second studio album, "Blomljud," a sprawling double-disc epic that would solidify their reputation within the modern prog community. Released during a period of resurgence for the genre, the album stood out for its unabashedly optimistic and symphonic approach. It wasn't a mainstream chart-topper, but for fans of intricate musicianship and lush vocal harmonies, its release was a significant event, offering a bright and melodic counterpoint to the heavier or more experimental sounds that often characterized contemporary progressive rock, making it a cult favorite and a benchmark for the retro-prog style.

2. 19

   Released in 2008 by Adele, XL Recordings

   On January 28, 2008, the music world was formally introduced to a generational voice with the UK release of "19," the debut album by Adele. In an era dominated by polished pop and digital production, this album emerged as a raw, soulful, and emotionally potent counterpoint. Named for the singer's age during its production, "19" was not just a collection of songs but a diary of youthful heartbreak, delivered with a vocal maturity that seemed to defy her years. Its release marked the beginning of a meteoric rise for the London-born artist, setting the stage for her eventual global superstardom and her reputation as one of the most significant recording artists of the 21st century.

3. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

   Released in 2008 by Coldplay, Parlophone, Capitol Records

   Released on June 12, 2008, Coldplay's fourth studio album, "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends," marked a significant artistic evolution for the British band. The date represents the moment the band shed its previous alternative rock skin to embrace a more experimental, grandiose, and art rock-influenced sound. Working with legendary producers Brian Eno and Markus Dravs, the band aimed for a departure from their first three albums, incorporating new textures, orchestral arrangements, and unconventional instrumentation. The release was a major global event, eagerly anticipated after the massive success of "X&Y," and it immediately established a new, more ambitious chapter in Coldplay's career.