The 100 Best Singles of 2008

85

"Kim & Jessie"   BY M83

Celebrating the glories of Eighties New Wave, this French act's radiant paean to young love would've sounded great on the Top Gun soundtrack.

86

"Cowboy"   BY THE RUMBLE STRIPS

Is doo-wop the new retro soul? These Mark Ronson protégés make a strong case for that idea with rollicking, horn-powered grooves and spooky harmonies.

87

"Jump in the Pool"   BY FRIENDLY FIRES

This vibrant U.K. breakthrough proves dance rock still has a pulse. Singer Ed Macfarlane's existential dread mixes with glitchy synths and a dizzying Afro-funk beat — it's LCD Soundsystem for emo kids.

88

"Skinny Love"   BY BON IVER

Forget "Heartless." The year's most wrenching split-up ballad is this acoustic dirge from everyone's favorite new beard-y troubadour. "I tell my love to wreck it all/Cut out all the ropes and let me fall." Ouch.

• View List: 2008 Singles of the Year