Your Top 10 Asian Artists of 2008 So Far

[Celaphorce]

Simple make a top 10 of the artists you think are very deserving of this year.

You can post explanations as to why you think so and such.

I hope this thread will be popular!!!

1. alan: With her 5 elements single release I thought it would be a "flop" with mediocre songs, but to be honest it was AMAZING, all the songs on the singles were jewels in and of themselves. She's definitely one of the best female artists in Japan currently, and even though there were 7 releases, 1 of which is a digital single, you won't be disappointed with any of her music.

2. Namie Amuro: She's had a phenomenal year by far, I would normally state her as #1 but alan was more deserving. Namie has release 6 new songs this year, 1 of them being a collaboration with Double, and with PLAY last year her popularity started to peak again, and upon the release of 60s70s80s us fans knew another "Amura Boom" was here. With Best Fiction reaching heights she hasn't had in a long while shows that she is still a prominent female artist in Japan.

3. Utada Hikaru: I love Hikki to death, she's definitely one of my faves even though I do think some of her music sounds the same, and yet some doesn't. This year she released an extraordinary album Heart Station, and I was blown away! Even with 3 releases this year she is still one of the top 5 imo for 2008 as an artist.

4. Ami Suzuki: I just fell in love with Amigo last year I believe, and it doesn't take much to impress me with music, I knew when she and Nakata were to do an entire album together that it would be simply amazing. With 2 singles and 2 albums released this year she should have sold more than she ultimately did. Dolce was a jewel and a definite 7/10, and Supreme Show is just a 20/10, Hopefully she'll regain the recognition as an artist she once had.

5. ayaka: I LOVE her so much, she's great, with four releases this year I can't help but just be amazed by her. Once again another artist who knows how to release singles and albums properly. Although her album FM is better than STTS, it seems to me STTS had stronger singles, and with her 2nd collaboration with Kobukuro known as Anata To it's a sure thing that when those 3 are put together you're sure that the single will be amazing!!

6. Koda Kumi: Even though her statement earlier on this year put her in a rut, it didn't stop Kuu from putting out great material! Kingdom was an amazing album, honestly I could say it should have been top 3 of this year! Moon was an okay single, then Taboo came along and I was WOWED again by Kuu. Stay With Me which is coming up is a typical Kuu ballad, very pretty. Even though she's had her fair share of ups and downs this year, Kuu is definitely one of the best this year!

7. misono: With 4 releases total this year and 1 upcoming release I was skeptical if I would like anything this year. Misono has been one of my favorite artists since their debut, and even though she will prolly never have another song like VS I'm still satisfied with what she gives. Her album this year was a decent 6.5/10 the best song on the album imo is Misono-Aji a GREAT opening track, so with that said she is my #7 artist of the year.

8. Anna Tsuchiya: Miss Virgin Cat has given me what I like to call hot flashes...lol Crazy World, Cocoon, Virgin Cat, and Nudy Show! I just can't help but wonder why it is she gives me chills all the time. She is by far one of the best artists I've come across and the way she can juggle different genres of music is amazing. Great job Anna!!!

9. BoA: With her American debut this year, she has just been on fire. Eat You Up, The Face, Vivid, and Be With You. Although I'm not a fan of TF I do love a few tracks from the album, and her single releases this year, she was originally my 6th choice of this year, but after TF I dropped her a few spots. Still she is a great artist, and hopefully she'll go back to her Korean roots sometime soon.

10. Ai Otsuka: With her 5th anniversary this year I was very excited for good releases but to much dismay one of her singles was lackluster RS/OxT the only song I enjoyed from that single was Sora To Kujira. Then KN came along and I fell in love!!!, and with the album Love Letter being leaked so soon I listened to it and only found I liked 3 other tracks aside from the singles... at least she's had a better year than Ayu imo!

Please post, I'd love to see everyone else's opinions!