The 13 Best Albums of 2007

13. Dashboard Confessional- The Shade of Poison Trees- This album marked Chris Carrabba’s much desired return to his roots, acoustic emo ballads. One thing is for sure; Carrabba’s life has changed a lot since 2001, the year of the release of his greatest record, The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most. Though these tracks are as soft and tuneful as the one’s on that great record, the subject matter (and probably his fan base) has changed significantly, one needs to listen only to the first track ‘Where There’s Gold’, to be sure, a very good song, however, it’s about an actress and her pursuit of meaning in life, it may sound the same, but it’s harder for us “normal people” to relate to this record in any conventional sense. There are still some great tracks here, but the similarities between The Shade… and Places end with the instrumentation. Best Tracks: ‘Where There’s Gold’ and ‘The Shade of Poison Trees’

12. Modest Mouse- We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank- There are a number of very good tracks on this CD, but like their last album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, this album took a while to grow on me. It is quite plausible that if I were to revisit this list in one year (something I assure you I won’t do), I’ll unearth some other gems on this CD and fall in love with new songs that didn’t catch my ear until the third or forth listen, kind of like ‘Bukowski’ and ‘Dance Hall’ on Good News. Best Tracks: ‘Dashboard’ and ‘Missed the Boat’

11. Eisley- Combinations- Another much awaited follow-up, Eisley’s Combinations fell short of their stunning debut, Room Noises. The dreamscapes that they created on Room Noises are replaced here by more straightforward rock. As always, the girls of Eisley shine through their winsome vocal styling, unfortunately, their creative approach to songwriting took a backseat to what some might say is a ploy to attract more mainstream fans. The jury is still out on whether this worked, nonetheless, Combinations is still a very good album, still for those expecting Room Noises #2, don’t look here. Best Tracks: ‘If You’re Wondering’ and ‘Go Away’

10. Streetlight Manifesto- Somewhere in the Between- After a brilliant debut, Everything Goes Numb, Streetlight sidetracked themselves by remaking the classic Catch 22 album Keasby Nights. This was an effort by preeminent Streetlight member, Thomas Kaloney, to take back the songs he wrote from his former band (as he says on a track from Everything Goes Numb, “If you hate me so much then stop singing my songs.”). The best thing about Streetlight in comparison to Catch 22 is that they explore each song for longer, adding a very attractive element to the full album. Here, they shave some of that time, but retain all the essential elements that make Streetlight the most vital ska band today (fanboys are even mistakenly claiming that this album will usher in the fourth wave of ska, keep dreaming). Best Tracks: ‘We Will Fall Together’ and ‘The Receiving End of It All’

9. Kayne West- Graduation- Kayne continues to be the most original artist in mainstream rap, brining in fans from all over. His collaboration with Daft Punk on one of the biggest tracks of the year, ‘Stronger’ illustrates that point well. You’ll also hear Coldplay’s Chris Martin on Kayne’s love letter to Chicago, ‘Homecoming.’ The best thing about Kayne is that you never know what you’ll get next, which makes the first spin through Graduation exhilarating. Though the album fails to offer that level of excitement on subsequent listens, that feat is almost impossible. This is the perfect record for this point in Kayne’s career, and as always, I can’t wait to see what he does next. Best Tracks: ‘Stronger’ and ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’

8. The New Amsterdams- At the Foot of My Rival- Another solid release from former Get Up Kid, Matt Pryor’s workmanlike primary project, The New Amsterdams. This sizable release contains a number of very good songs, as well as some forgettable ones. Sometimes, I wish Pryor would focus a little more on the components that go in to some of the better New Ams songs, the understated guitar, a bit of piano and memorable lyrics. Sometimes I think Pryor gets a little to fancy with the New Ams, something he probably couldn’t do as part of the more pop-sensible Get Up Kids songwriting team. Also, at this rate it seems like Pryor is releasing a new New Ams album yearly, if he took a little more time to focus on some of the better songs, say on the last 2 albums, Story Like a Scar and At the Foot of My Rival, he could combine those two, pick the ten best tracks and have a very classic album. It seems crazy to complain that one of my favorite bands is too aggressive in releasing albums, but I really do believe that better judgment and more patience would serve the band well. Best Tracks: ‘Lay on the Rail’ and ‘ Story Like a Scar’

7. Tegan & Sara- The Con- Produced by Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, this album was my first foray into the land of Tegan & Sara. Most of the songs on the lesbian twin sisters’ album are superb. Without any previous reference point, I was able to enjoy much of what this band has to offer, they have very unique, sharp vocal styling and they do both straightforward rock, but also aren’t afraid to experiment with song arrangement as well as lyrics. Great record. Best Tracks: ‘The Con,’ ‘Are You Ten Years Ago’ and ‘Soil, Soil’

6. O.A.R.- Live at Madison Square Garden- I’ve still yet to purchase an O.A.R. studio album, but as long as they continue to put out live albums, I’ll continue to buy them. The only possible thing that I can say negative about this record is that this is the worst live version of ‘That Was A Crazy Game of Poker,’ that has been on any of the three live records. That said, it’s not that bad. Everything else here is great, from songs that have been on the live records before, like ‘Black Rock’ and ‘Hey Girl’ to songs that are new to the live CD, the haunting ‘James’ and ’52-50.’ Best Tracks: ‘Heard the World,’ ’52-50’ and ‘James’

5. Jimmy Eat World- Chase This Light- Jimmy Eat World followed Futures with this very solid release. Sometimes it seems like Jimmy Eat World doesn’t break new ground as far as subject matter and music style is concerned. This is true, however, they are damn good at what they do, and although they don’t reinvent themselves, they still now how to put together a very good track. There might not be any ‘The Middle’ here. There sure isn’t a new ‘Work,’ however these guys continue to write very good music. Though the first single, ‘Big Casino,’ left something to be desired, these guys were never really about singles. There are plenty of standout tracks here, and when they do divert from the Jimmy Eat World songwriting style, on ‘Here It Goes’ they do it effectively without pretension. Unfortunately, the best tracks here can easily be compared to some of Jimmy Eat World’s all-time best songs, and the new one’s just don’t stand up, ‘Dizzy’ plays the role of ‘23’ here, and though it is a great track with several great moments, it falls short of the plateau that ‘23’ reached. ‘Electable (Give It Up)’ has been compared to ‘Sweetness,’ a tough measuring stick for any song. Because of the strength of their back catalogue, this album doesn’t seem as good as it probably is. Best Tracks: ‘Dizzy,’ ‘Let It Happen’ and ‘Always Be’

4. Rilo Kiley- Under the Blacklight- Probably the most unexpected sounding release of 2007. When you have faith in a band, you generally give them room to make the music they want to make and hope that if they take a new direction, it opens your eyes. Though this album may have done that for some fans, to many this was a travesty. I like the new direction, though I’ve only ever listened to their previous record, More Adventurous and nothing before that. I can appreciate how let down some Rilo Kiley fans must feel. That said, I love this record. Jenny Lewis’ voice shines, and the musical path the record takes you down is unexpected and diverse. Though I didn’t enjoy Lewis’ solo record, Rabbit Fur Coat, this was right up my alley. Best Tracks: ‘Dreamworld,’ ‘Under the Blacklight’ and ‘Silver Lining’

3. Arcade Fire- Neon Bible- Arcade Fire is probably the most credible new band out there. This sophomore record is a gem, it’s hard for me to believe that there are two records I liked or listened to more than this one. From the opening chords of ‘Black Mirror’ to the sorrowful end of ‘My Body Is A Cage’ no band unexpectedly captured the imagination of listeners more than Arcade Fire. The music they make is at once breathtaking, beautiful and epic. It’s hard not to feel apart of something bigger when you are listening to Arcade Fire. The range of instruments, the depth of the lyrics and the richness in the voices are something that other bands simply don’t have. I can’t wait for their next release. Best Tracks: ‘Windowsill,’ ‘(Antichrist Television Blues)’ and ‘Black Wave/Bad Vibrations’

2. Radiohead- In Rainbows- Probably the most talked about album of 2007. Radiohead truly kept true to their legacy and did something astounding and unbelievable, giving this album away for whatever you were willing to pay. They’ve (assumedly) gained legions of fans, increased their credibility with rock journalists and validated many people’s belief that there is no band that is more important today. More importantly than all of that, this record, unbelievably, lived up to the incredible 10-day hype that was created when Radiohead, on their blog, stated that their new record would be coming out in 10 days. Combining the best elements of The Bends, OK Computer and Kid A, In Rainbows is the album Radiohead fans have been waiting for. To try and live up to their hype must be nervewracking, to actually attain and exceed expectations myst be incredible. Best Tracks: ‘Nude,’ ‘All I Need’ and ‘Faust Arp’

1. Bright Eyes- Cassadaga- This album is the home of not only my favorite song of the year, ‘Make a Plan to Love Me,’ but several other incredible tracks. Assisted by guest such as the girls of Eisley, Conor creates a remarkable collection of music that is sure to stand the test of time. After his previous dual release, fans probably wondered what direction Bright Eyes was going in, Conor answered that question, resolutely telling everyone that he will continue to explore through his lyrics and the music. As he grows, he doesn’t stop taking chances, which is one of the things that fans love most about Bright Eyes. There are a few missteps, but from the breathtaking opener, ‘Clairaudients (Kill Or Be Killed)’ to the heart wrenching ‘No One Would Riot For Less,’ Cassadaga is my favorite album of the year. Best Tracks: ‘Make a Plan to Love Me,’ Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)’ and ‘Four Winds’