The 100 Best Singles of 2008

97

"Now That You're   Gone"   BY SHERYL CROW

All the sassy independence of Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," except 20 years wiser. With bluesy swagger, Crow has mastered the art of writing breakup anthems for grown-ups.

98

"Google Me"   BY TEYANA TAYLOR

Leave it to a Nineties-born Harlem teeny-rapper who grew up Googling to come up with a definitive love note to the search function that rules the world — and validates her famosity.

99

"You're Not Alone"   BY THE ENEMY

With the earnestness of U2, the consciousness of the Clash and the melodic grit of the Jam, the young British trio turn a fist-pumper about a factory closing into a defiant pub chant.

Artistically, it's not exactly "A Change Is Gonna Come." But in 2008, this R&B polemic was the anthem we needed, and in terms of votes swayed and ballots cast, it was the rare song that made a difference.

• View List: 2008 Singles of the Year