These are all pop artists set to hit big in the summer of 2008.
1. Katy Perry
Courtesy Capitol Records
It has been a long path for this 23-year-old singer-songwriter who released her first album under the name Katy Hudson seven years back. Her single "I Kissed a Girl" is truly one of the most memorable of the year thus far. With wit and attitude to spare, Katy Perry is the top artist to watch for the summer of 2008.
2. The Ting Tings
Courtesy Columbia Records
If you've seen the iPod commercial featuring the music of the Ting Tings, you know why pop audiences on both sides of the Atlantic are so excited. Their debut album opened at #1 back home in the UK the week of May 19, 2008. Keep an eye on them in the US as well.
3. Jesse McCartney
Courtesy Hollywood Records
The first time you heard Leona Lewis's masterful breakthrough hit "Bleeding Love," you could tell that 2008 would be a big year for co-songwriter Jesse McCartney. Now his own album Departure has appeared, and it is a sweetly soulful tour de force featuring the hit "Leavin'".
4. Coldplay
Courtesy Capitol Records
Coldplay are not a new name in the least. However, the frenzy that greeted the free release of their single "Violet Hill" online proves pop fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the band's next opus Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, due this June.
5. Kid Rock
Courtesy Atlantic Records
Kid Rock's latest album Rock n Roll Jesus was released back in October 2007. However, a track pulled from the album, "All Summer Long," is set to be the sleeper pop hit of the summer of 2008. The instrumental backing is a very appealing mash-up of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" and Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama."
6. New Kids on the Block
Courtesy Interscope
It's been 14 years since their last release, but the warm welcome for "Summertime" makes it almost feel like they were never gone. The song is a clever take on nostalgic views into the past.
7. Alanis Morissette
Courtesy Warner Bros.
Always emotional and always musically a bit unpredictable, Alanis Morissette returns this summer.
8. Shwayze
Courtesy Geffen
Alternative hip-hop outfit Shwayze are this summer's sunsplashed, gentle breeze on a hot, muggy day.
9. Duffy
Courtesy Mercury
Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy clearly shares some stylistic tendencies with Amy Winehouse. However, thus far, she is lacking in the tabloid complications. Listening to her breakthrough album, Rockferry, demonstrates that Duffy has the talent to go the distance.
