The Halftime Report

It's hard to believe that 2008 is already more than halfway over.

And since when December rolls around it's all a blur anyway, why not check in at the midway point? As we take stock of some of the most talked-about releases thus far (Al Green learns to Lay It Down), including flops (Trina is not Still Da Baddest) and annoyances (Mariah Carey—nobody but Nick Cannon even cares anymore), here's a look at some of 2008's most buzzed-about albums. 

Santogold

Santogold

What's the buzz? She's regarded by plenty of music critics as the black M.I.A., which is a sort of backhanded compliment in regard to her extraterrestrial creativity and hard-to-pin-down style. Someone as sonically "out there" as Santogold probably doesn't want to be compared to anybody—but then again, it can't help but boost her album sales. Along the way, she's gained the adoration of hipsters across the country. Plus, Rolling Stone, Spin and a host of other glossy magazines had previously labeled her as one of the biggest artists to watch in 2008.   

Is it worth a damn? It may take critics a couple of listens to come around, but this self-titled disc is one of the most lyrically creative projects released this year. Choice tracks such as "Creator" and "You'll Find a Way" play out like musical crack cocaine to electro junkies looking for their next fix. It's hard to understand the methodology behind the record, but it's a step beyond anything M.I.A. has ever come up with (and that's saying a lot). 

Chance it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 75 percent. Although the production on this album is overly computerized, Santogold's a shoo-in for a Best New Artist nod regardless of whether she wins it or not.

Lil Wayne

Tha Carter III

What's the buzz? Has there ever been a hip-hop album in history with this much anticipation? Just look at the countless online tracks and four double-mixtapes Wayne's camp has purposely leaked over the past 24 months, including The Drought Is Over 1 through 4—not to mention his nearly 100 cameos. Wayne's also the only American pop artist who does more drugs than Amy Winehouse, and the more he flaunts it, the more people love him for it. Late last year, it seemed like no rapper could have a bigger buzz than Kanye West. Now, halfway through 2008, it's like, "Kanye who?"

Is it worth a damn? After releasing so much stellar material for free, logic would suggest that Weezy couldn't possibly get any better, right? Bullshit. Spend a full week with Tha Carter III (let the excitement simmer down a bit), and you'll find that it's a hip-hop masterpiece. No, it's not perfect by any means, but Wayne does more than live up to most fans' expectations. Songs like "Mr. Carter," "A Milli" and "Lollipop" are guaranteed summer anthems. And let's face it, as far as pop appeal goes right now, Wayne can do no wrong. This album is no exception.  

Chances it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 95 percent. It's been a slow year for hip-hop thus far, and if all he's got to compete with is Flo Rida, Rick Ross and an eventual Nas album that may or may not be released, Wayne might as well start writing his acceptance speech now. 

Black Tide

Light From Above

What's the buzz? The Miami-Dade-based metal quartet is getting write-ups and cover stories galore these days—mainly because its lead singer is only 15. And yet the group already plays better than Metallica did in its prime.

Is it worth a damn? Definitely. With their scrawny, Slash-esque looks and chunky power chords, Black Tide's crew is the best young group to venture into the metal world in years. Cuts like "Hit the Lights" and "Live Fast Die Young" combine the best of '80s hair metal with four-to-the-floor adrenaline. Besides, who doesn't love tender-voiced teenagers that know how to rock out with their cocks out? Ask Catholic priests and Mary Kay Letourneau.

Chances it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 80 percent. The buzz behind these boys is strong enough on its own; couple that with a rock-solid debut album and the voting committee would be silly to leave them off the ballot.  

Robyn

Robyn

What's the buzz? This Swedish pop star is currently having her second "coming out" year in the United States. Back in the '90s she had a few dance-pop hits, the biggest being the bubblegum hit "Show Me Love." Now she's back with a new look, new record deal and a second shot at pop stardom. She's also cute and blonder than blond.