Blowin' Up in '08

Which artists will be huge this year? It’s anyone’s guess, but here are 13 who should be.

December 5, 2007

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In 2008, will it even be possible for new bands, singers and rappers to, as we trendspotters like to say, “blow up”? Album sales are in the toilet, top 40 radio is stuck playing “Umbrella” and the deafening roar of the blogosphere drowns out all but the loudest choruses of music critics.

But think back to a year ago: did you know who Amy Winehouse was? Or Colbie Caillat? Or Soulja Boy? So even with the white noise levels rising and the sales figures falling, it’s still possible for a worthy (or even unworthy) artist to break through.

Here, then, are 13 emerging artists who we believe have what it takes to make the world stand up and take notice. Some may become household names; some may wind up on an iPod commercial; some may settle for critical accolades and cult followings. But they’re all good reasons to be optimistic about the state of music in 2008.