Top Ten Albums of 1998

by Jason Cigarran

Editors' Note: Our original intention was to publish the first issue of AMP much earlier in the year. Clearly, that didn't happen. . . . But we thought this was a great piece that remained timely--even in May. Besides, we need these reminders of the year that was--and to prepare us for what will ultimately be featured ad nauseum on VH1's Behind the Music."

1. Alanis Morrisette - Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

Lyrics don't have quite the depth and insight that was so pervasive on her debut Jagged Little Pill, but with her uncanny knack for seizing the zeitgeist, she's still the Dylanette of the nineties. Thank U India? Thank U Thailand? No. Thank YOU Alanis for touching my heart in places I didn't know existed.

2. Vanilla Ice - Hard to Swallow

Ice is back (where were ya, buddy?!?) and he's angrier then ever. This rap icon with talent to spare sure didn't mellow with age as he hooks up with producer Ross Robinson of Limp Bizkit fame to give us his unique perspective on such topics as "Prozac" and "Ectasy." The only thing I found hard to swallow were my own tears listening to Ice describe his painful journey through a "Valley of Tears."

3. Hanson - Road To Albertane, Hanson Tour

Hendrix at Monterey. The Who Live at Leeds. The Stones at Altamont. Hanson at Albertane? These plucky youngsters from the mean streets of Oklahoma turn up the octane on such classics as "MMM Bop" and "The Hair Down There." They also offer up definitive versions of blues standards such as "Shake Your Tail Feather" that must have Ray Charles shaking in his boots. And as a special bonus, if you listen closely, you can actually hear the teenage girls in the audience ovulating during Zach Hanson's stormy rendition of "I Will Come to You."

4. VH1 - Divas Live (Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, Carol King)

Never before has so much talent been on one compact disc. The only thing missing is the vocal dexterity of one Barbara Streisand. But from the Latin stylings of the Senorita of Salsa Gloria Estefan, to the carthatic-croonings of mega-star Celine Dion, it all blends together into one sultry souflee of sounds that sets the night on fire.

5. Rolling Stones - No Security

I give these Rock and Roll Legends number 5 for always reminding us it's about the music, not the money.

6. Garth Brooks - Double Live

Now that Garth is around, you don't have to wonder if there are anymore real cowboys out there. This generation's Hank Williams treats us with two discs full of pure Garth magic. Not quite the energy of the Hanson Live set that came in at number 3, but Garth sure knows how to sing a ballad that makes this music fan cry in his beer. When Garth sings "If Tomorrow Never Comes," all I hope is the end of this disc never comes!

7. Shania Twain - Come on Over

The country super-sensation, and superfox I might add, stormed onto the scene in 1998. The insight into her songs provided by the Behind the Music special on VH1 really pushed her over the edge here. Is she the next Emmylou Harris? Only time will tell. Come on Over? Any time!!!

8. Vonda Shephard - Songs from Ally Mcbeal

Who said white people don't have soul? Watch out, Aretha, Vonda's here, and she's got more soul then you can shake your fat ass at. I've always loved her on Ally McBeal, but the sheer power and strength of her songwriting really shines through without being distracted by the off-the-wall antics of Ally and the gang. Great songwriting, great chops, and soul as it was meant to be played from a real up-and-comer.

9. Music from The Prince of Egypt - The Nashville Edition, The Inspirational Edition, and The Original Soundtrack

All I can say is Wow and THANK YOU. What a Christmas present for this soundtrack aficianado. Three different, all great, versions of the already timeless songs from the Dreamworks upcoming mega-smash The Prince of Egypt. While all three are bound to be in heavy rotation on my CD Player, I have to single out The Nashville Edition for the sheer amount of talent on a disc that almost gives those sassy VH1 Divas a run for their money.

10. Jewel - Spirit

While this album is divine, what I'd really like to talk about is this Alaskan Angel's recently published collection of poems. I spent all summer poring over A Night Without Armor, and can I say I am devastated? I am. Her sheer command of the English language and metaphors such as "His love was fierce like a grizzly bear" had my heart feeling her pain. Brilliant and moving stuff.