2007 Albums of the Year

As we come to a close for the year 2007 I began to reflect over all the music from this past year. I had my usual dose of rock, country, and Christian music with a dose of blues, big band, and even some unknowns. The later three came about from listening to music streamed over my newly acquired high-speed internet connection.

It was another stellar year musically with some very impressive albums from several genres' of music. I decided to pick my top five albums which was still a challenge to pick the top four. The top album was an easy pick for me and I hope people will feel the same passion I did when I heard it.

With that said here are my top five picks for 2007 albums of the year;

Snakes and Arrows by Rush - Simply the best album for the year 2007. Rush proves on this album why they have remained a successful band for over 30 years. On Snakes and Arrows the band strips away a lot of the technical, keyboard laden songs for straight ahead rock and roll. In typical Rush fashion the first song, "Far Cry", rips open and smacks you in the face with wide open guitar chords and the driving beat they are known for. The album continues with powerful songs that showcase Alex Lifeson's ability to fill a song with full and wide chord voicing's and carefully etched riffs.

Geddy Lee's writing and singing abilities are growing with each album and Snakes showcases this. His bass playing continues to grow as well. Of course Neil Peart continues to write moving lyrics and lay down signature drum cadences. On Snakes the band also let's loose with three instrumental pieces showing that they are still as tight as ever. This is definitely my pick for Album of the Year. Rush also released Snakes and Arrows in MVI (Music Video Interactive) DVD format. This brings a whole new approach to the album. It includes a video documentary of the making of Snakes and Arrows, digital extras, and the entire album in 5.1 surround sound.

Exile on Mainstream by Matchbox 20 - It was great to hear Matchbox 20 producing hit songs again. When I heard the first song off of the album, "How Far We've Come", I couldn't help but thinking this was something different for the band. The song opens with a funky, rhythm guitar that grows into a powerful riff with Rob Thomas' soulful voice powering the song forward. This is a very powerful and lyrically moving song. The album continues with a song that sounds like it came out of the 70's era. A jazzed up guitar progression with an interesting bell ringing throughout. Almost a corny sounding song, but Rob seems to take any song and bring it's soul out. The next song takes on a 70's feel again with a bright and fun melody that is very contagious. The rest of the new songs on the album are typical Matchbox 20 with songs with an edge to them and one with a lot of soul. The album also includes some of Matchbox 20's greatest hits.

5^th Gear by Brad Paisley - Have you heard this guy sing and play guitar? If not you need too. Not only can Brad play guitar with the best, but he can also write with passion, excitement, and a touch of comedy. 5^th Gear opens with an upbeat song titled, "All I Wanted was a Car." This music catches you from the opening chords and the lyrics keep you laughing. The next three songs continue in the same manner with some driving, fun, and comedic country. Brad then hits you with a very moving song entitled, "Letter to Me." Brad slows it down for this song and lays the passion on thick to help with the mood of the lyrics. The rest of the album continues with music you would expect from this well rounded country star. You will hear more songs with power, fun, passion, and some good old country rockin. Of course the Outtakes continue on this album with some silly readings from some of the best known, old time, country stars.

My December by Kelly Clarkson - Ms. Clarkson continues to grow and define herself as a hard driving rocker. This album is no exception. The first song, "Never Again", is a driving rock song allows Kelly to growl her signature voice across. Kelly has definitely moved past the Idol days. The album's second song has a hipper feel to it with moving guitar chords sounding below Kelly's rich voice. I love the feeling Kelly puts into this album and she continues throughout by singing over heavy beats and power chords. Included on the ablum is a power balled that allows the full rang of Kelly's beautiful voice to sing out. There are some very heavy lyrics to this album and on a few songs remind me of Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" album.

Songs About Jane by Maroon 5 - It was a toss up between Maroon 5 and Robert Plant with Maroon 5 edging out Mr. Plant. I love the feel of the first song, "Harder to Breathe", with the staccato rhythm driving the catchy tune of this song. I feel this is Maroon 5's finest song to date. It takes a hold of the listener with the opening drum beat and then captures you with high octane singing and guitar. The album continues with another hit, "This Love", that includes an infectious opening piano rhythm and Maroon's signature singing style. Another very contagious song that makes the listener want to clap and stomp their feet. Another hit, "She Will be Loved", is a straight four-four beat song with a simply guitar riff ringing under a soulful voice from Maroon's lead singer. I soft and melodic song that begs one to get up, grab their partner, and dance close. I love the feel of the entire album and it steps Maroon up to a new level.

As a closing note I found Michael W. Smith's , "It's a Wonderful Christmas", to be a runner-up in my top five. The album includes traditional Christmas songs along with some new. The album is full of rich piano, orchestrations, instrumentals, and Michaels soul. A must have Christmas album if you want to add a new flavor.

I believe this could be Rush's year to finally win an award at an American show.