| It can be safely said that the death of the music industry is a forgone conclusion. There's no need to debate this and this is neither the time or place to do so. Surprisingly, good music was released this year and was purchased legally in a store by yours truly. I'll will state the obvious and remind you that this is one persons opinion and will most likely insight rage within your elitist soul. I welcome all counter arguments but ask that before you dismiss my choice, that you actually listen to the albums and not simply base opinions on speculation or your own bloated sense of music knowledge. Let's count it down from ten to one.
#10 Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
This album is better than their debut yet received less praise from fans and bloggers. While we live in the hype machine, it is nice to see band produce results. While some might call this a sophomore (commercial) slump, the songs are cheery, yet heavier and the perfect soundtrack for a night of drinking at the local pub. Key Tracks: Brianstorm, Balaclava
#9 Against Me! -New Wave
I love when bands sell out. Seriously, I could care less about a band's principles, history or DIY ethics. The album sounds great (produced by Butch Vig), the choruses are catchy and the album is more Bruce Springsteen than Sex Pistols. That's so punk rock. Key Tracks: Trash Unreal, White People for Peace
#8 Hannah Montana/High School Musical 2/Now!
Honestly, I haven't heard a second of any of these albums but I figured that since they are the only record that sell these days, they might as well make the list. Plus, I'm trying to draw in that impressionable 8-12 youth market. Key Tracks: ?
#7 Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II: Fire and Water
It's hard to judge this release since it's technically only half of Thrice's elemental concept album. While somewhat corny and pretentious, the two EPs work under their frames with Water, clearly more effective, expressive and experimental, surpassing Fire. Unfortunately the fire Thrice had on The Artist in the Ambulance has long since been put out. Key Tracks: Firebreather, Digital Sea, Night Diving
#6 Relient K - Five Score and Seven Years Ago/Let it Snow Baby...Let it Reindeer
Two solid albums in one year easily earns them a spot. Both discs display great harmonies, poppy melodies and positive lyrics. They don't take themselves too seriously and as a result, their songs come off as genuine rather than contrived. If only people could look beyond their scarlet letter of a Christian rock band. Key Tracks: Up and Up, I Need You, Bite My Tongue, Handle's Messiah, Silent Night
#5 Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Despite all of her personal problems, Amy and her producers successfully tapped into 50's Motown and contemporary soul. Considered a breakout star, the second British act on the list was delightfully refreshing in a sea of garbage. Key Tracks: Rehab, Tears Dry on Their Own
#4 Vanessa Carlton - Heroes and Thieves
The fact that Vanessa Carlton signed to Murda Inc. (home of Ja Rule and Irv Gotti) is quite odd but thankfully, her songs remain unaffected and distinctly personal. She writes amazing pop songs and it's a surprise to me that she hasn't had more hits than her debut "Thousand Miles." Get over yourself and appreciate some great melodies and sing-a-longs. Key Tracks: My Best, The One, Heroes and Thieves
#3 New Found Glory - From the Screen to Your Stereo II
It's great when bands listen to fans and deliver. New covers of bigger hits from movies of the past decade. Pure sing-a-long fun. Key Tracks: King of Wishful Thinking, It Ain't Me Babe
#2 Rustic Overtones - Light at the End
It had been six years since Rustic Overtones broke up in 2001 but they're back and on Light at the End they are revitalized with a refocused passion. It simply rocks and again I am puzzled as to why they have not had a more successful career. Go see them live and see what musicians who play instruments look like. Key Tracks: Rock Like War, Troublesome, Oxygen
#1 Kanye West - Graduation
Was their any doubt that Ye' would dominate 50 Cent? With top notch beats, smart, clever and hilarious lyrics and NO SKITS, there was no competition this year. Ringtone rap is on notice. There's a reason Kanye is so cocky. He's that good. Key Tracks: Good Life, Champion, Coming Home, Big Brother
©Total Fest Media 2007
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