The Best Albums of 2007

Music is a big part of American life and is extremely diverse. So how can we decide which albums are the best of 2007? For the purpose of this article, I have combined both objective (total album sales) and subjective sources.

Alternative

Fall Out Boy's pop-punk album, Infinity on High, was the top album sold on iTunes' alternative list and is currently in their 44^th week of being on Billboard's top 100 list. Check out "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs," and "I'm Like a Lawyer," two of the top downloaded songs from this album.

A relative newcomer on the list is Feist. This Canadian punk-rocker has recently returned to the music scene with a light rock/pop, slightly jazzy feel with electronic movements that appeal to a wide range of listeners. Her album, The Reminder, comes in third on iTunes bestselling list in this category. Check out the song, "1234" from this album.

Christian & Gospel

Certainly Point of Grace has earned their spot in hit Christian music. The veteran group has been turning out bestselling albums since 1993. Their current album, How You Live, is a very focused work and the harmonies are superb. Worth the listen: title track, "How You Live" and "All the World."

Another veteran group, Casting Crowns, also tops the Billboard list for their album, The Altar and the Door. The mini-sermon songs are not only full of meaning but also are presented in an appealing manner. Check out, "East to West," "Slow Fade" and a beautiful rendition of "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus."

Classical

It's no wonder that Yo-Yo Ma has made the top of the list...again. This remarkable cellist continues his tradition of beautiful melodies and technique in his new album, Appassionato. His amazing rendition of "The Swan" from the Carnival of the Animals is worth the download. Also worth the listen, "Soledad."

An interesting crossover album to add is Sting's Songs from the Labyrinth. For making the Billboard's top albums list for nearly 62 weeks, this album has remained relatively unheard of. The album is an ambitious work for Sting and takes him far beyond his pop roots. He tackles the work of John Dowland, a 16^th century composer. By far, the most popular track is his new version of "Fields of Gold." There's no mistaking the familiar melody or words despite the Renaissance-era sound. Also worth the listen, "Flow My Tears."

Country

There were a lot of new releases from familiar artists such as Big & Rich, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and others. But the artist who made the biggest gain on the charts was a relatively fresh face. Taylor Swift's self-titled album is a sweet mix of fresh talent and confidence. Belying her age, she wrote or co-wrote every song. Check out her songs, "Tim McGraw" and "Invisible."

A great crossover album to add is Raising Sand. Bluegrass celebrity Alison Krauss and British hard rocker Robert Plant paired up to produce an amazing album that explores the roots of certain music styles. From swamp blues to old standbys, like the Everly Brothers, Plant & Krauss duet every song and maintain a beautiful, almost haunting sound. Worth the listen: "Rich Woman," "Gone Gone Gone," and Van Zandt's "Nothin'."

Dance/Electronic

I must admit to not knowing much about this genre of music. But according to sales and charts, two artists leap to the top.

The first is LCD Soundsystem's, Sound of Silver. A more mature album than their first, Sound of Silver showcases their signature electrodisco sound. Check out favorite tracks such as "Get Innocuous!" and "Someone Great."

M.I.A's sophomore album, Kala, was one of the most anticipated releases by fans. Billboard describes the music as, "a bold, righteous amalgamation of hip-hop, electro, dancehall, grime, and baile funk" (Billboard.com) Check out popular tracks, "Boyz" and "Paper Planes."

Hip-Hop/Rap

Kanye West's Graduation is his third album and has been a very well received. It has hit the number one spots on both the overall Billboard charts and hip-hop category charts. It is also number one on iTunes Best of 2007 list for Hip-Hop/Rap. Popular tracks include, "Stronger" and "Good Life."

50 Cent also put out his third album entitled, Curtis. Following closely on West's heels in the charts, Curtis features artists such as Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Akon, and Robin Thicke. Check out popular tracks such as, "Ayo Technology" and "I Get Money."

Holiday

Since Christmas is right around the corner, what could be more fitting than albums in the holiday genre?

Topping out at number one right now is Josh Groban's classical crossover album, Noël. The incredibly talented baritone put together a beautiful mix of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary songs. Enjoy "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with real letters of soldiers stationed overseas and "The First Noël."

Also in the top charts, veteran Christmas-album producers, Mannheim Steamroller. This neo-classical electronic music has been a staple in the holiday genre since 1994. Their current album, Christmas Song, includes favorites such as "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Feliz Navidad."

Jazz

One couldn't mention contemporary jazz without bringing up Michael Bublé. His easygoing, Sinatra-influenced sound bridges the gap between pop and traditional jazz seamlessly. His latest album, Call Me Irresponsible, still tops the jazz charts. Check out the popular tracks, "Everything" and "Wonderful Tonight."

Another jazz album not to be missed is Jane Monheit's Surrender. Arguably one of the best female jazz vocalists, Monheit has a charming yet smoky-sensual quality that fits perfectly in the genre. Check out "Moon River" and "Surrender" from the album. Also, be sure to check out iTunes exclusive track, "Pure Imagination." Monheit's rendition of the haunting melody is perfection.

Pop

Like the country genre, pop music has a wide variety of talented artists to choose from. Certainly one of the freshest voices not to be missed is Colbie Caillat. This native Californian's first album, Coco, is airy and sunny feeling and showcases her amazing voice perfectly. Check out the tracks, "Bubbly" and "Realize."

In a departure from her American Idol roots, Kelly Clarkson deserves recognition for her third album, My December. More insightful and more mature than her early work, Clarkson wrote all the songs herself. Savor songs such as "Sober" and "Be Still." Also be sure to check out "Irvine" and hear for yourself the amazing vocal range Clarkson has.

R&B/Soul

Alicia Keys is at top of the charts and isn't budging. Her first album in nearly 3 years has garnered much acclaim. Fans are impressed with her lack of "filler" songs and her smoky voice rings true on top hit song, "No One." Also worth the listen, "Like You'll Never See Me Again" and "Lesson Learned."

Also popular in the R&B charts is Amy Winehouse. Her sophomore album, Back to Black, showcases her doo-wop era/ballad style. Check out popular tracks, "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab."

Rock

Last, but not least, the ever popular rock category. Again, there are hundreds of artists to choose from but there were a few standouts.

First is a relatively new group, The Long Goodnight. Their first album, Poison Kiss, doesn't categorize easily as they are a unique blend of rock, pop, and electronic influences. Worth the listen: "Pictures of You" and "One Trust."

Daughtry is also a newcomer on the scene. Lead singer, Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame, has taken his dark, unapologetic hard rock sound to this noteworthy first album. Worth the listen: "Home" and "What I Want," featuring Slash.

While this listing isn't comprehensive, I do hope it has served to introduce you to some of the standout albums of the year.