Parsing The Pop: The Ones That Got Away

There were plenty of surprises to be found in the Jackin’ Pop results–The Dresden Dolls? Really?–but we were also shocked at what didn’t make the count. What follows is a brief look at some of the albums that didn’t place at all. And while none of them seemed like sure-fire hits, we figured they’d at least get one nod.

Matisyahu, Youth WHY WE THOUGHT IT WOULD AT LEAST GET ONE VOTE: When it was released in March, Youth was one of the most heavily covered albums of the first quarter, with profiles and reviews in most of the major music magazines and a smattering of mainstream publications (not that press equals votes, but the sheer volume of Matis love led us to believe that at least a few writers actually liked him). WHY IT GOT SNUBBED: Youth is completely unlistenable.

Rick Ross, Port Of Miami WHY WE THOUGHT IT WOULD AT LEAST GET ONE VOTE: Ross made a few dents on the singles chart, including “Hustlin’,” which landed at No. 36. Plus, wasn’t this guy at one point supposed to be a critics’ darling? Or did that just last a day? WHY IT GOT SNUBBED: He couldn’t stretch his “I used to deal, and I like Miami” bit past five songs.

Rascal Flatts, Me And My Gang WHY WE THOUGHT IT WOULD AT LEAST GET ONE VOTE: Even though it received less-than-favorable reviews, Gang sold more than 2 million copies; you’d think someone would champion it–or at least go the “It’s actually a new country-pop-rock gem!” route. WHY IT GOT SNUBBED: Soundscan be damned, it’s only slightly more listenable than the Matisyahu record.