2008: 15 of the Best. #11...

#11 - Duffy - Delayed Devotion

From: Rockferry
Label: Mercury
Released: May 13, 2008
Buy it: Here.

Without a doubt, Duffy turned out to be arguably the most polarizing new artist of 2008, although it still kind of flummoxes me as to why. Sure the overexposure of "Mercy" didn't help her case, but I'd still argue it's a good (great, even) song. The "Pop Idol" background kind of knocked on credibility, but I'll take her over Clay Aiken (or any "American Idol" winner for that matter) any day. And maybe the comparisons to Amy Winehouse were a tad unfair, but as Amy herself has proven, there's a lot to be said for being able to show up for gigs coherent and on time. Plus, Rockferry brought Bernard Butler back into the limelight, and that's never a bad thing. Funnily enough, the album's best moment was never touted as a single, nor did it have any great input from Butler. "Delayed Devotion," like its peers on the album, ran that feel of "coulda-been-a-single-from-1965," but did it one better in delivering the best pop hooks and self-assuredness on the record. I don't care if you're a man or woman, if this song's chorus doesn't get into you and spark up a little fire, you might want to check your pulse. So forget all the baggage (or lack therof) that comes with Aimee -- just shut up and turn this one up.