Just a quick word, to let you guys know that as we whittle our way down to the end, each record’s place is chosen based on how much I enjoy it from here on out. That’s how it works with those records rated a perfect 5 stars on my scale; they will be listed by how much I enjoy them (meaning that the number one will be my number one record of the year). I felt the need to clarify, because someone asked me how I could say a record was flawless, and it not be my number one. Basically, if I rate something a 5 out of 5, then by definition, there really isn’t anything that I would say is bad about the record; it is in essence, pretty much near-perfect. However, I do enjoy some amazing/near-perfect albums more than others, and as such, those would rank higher on my list. That makes sense, right?
I hope that you are enjoying the list, as it has caused me a little stress trying to “rank” all of these amazing albums. However, I feel fairly confident that I have nailed down the list order from here on out, to truly and accurately reflect my ranking of each record by how much I enjoy it, and as such, but how amazing it is.
Finally, if there is something that you want to see in the next twelve days, SPEAK UP; it’s never too late for me to incorporate (or ignore… HA!) suggestions. I hope that everyone is enjoying the countdown, and I hope that everyone has found something to listen to that they enjoy. Today’s selection is coming shortly, so stay tuned!!
Now here is an album that no doubt will be in most of the “best of” album lists this year, and the reason is simple, it is a flawless record. There is no denying it; Amy Winehouse is an amazingly talented artist, and her retro-smoky voice is just the best thing to happen to hip-hop infused jazz in a long time. Couple her raw talent with top notch production, and hot as hell songs like Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own, and you are bound to have a winner; and that is exactly what 
is. 
I am sure that more than a few of you are surprised by this next pick, the Kaiser Chief’s second album, 
I will admit that I didn’t expect their album to strike me in quite the way it did when I first heard the single Ruby, but after a few listens, I had to pick up the album. Upon my initial listen, I was not only impressed, but I was surprised at how much they reminded me of Blur, who happen to be one of my all time favorite groups. Admittedly, they aren’t always as quirky as Blur can be, but they definitely have similar rock sensibilities that made me fall so deeply in love with Blur. 
Appearing as the final four star rated album of this year, Shayne Ward’s newest CD 
makes the second time Shayne has made my year end list. His new CD makes this year’s list for much the same reason his debut did last year; but there is something distinctly different about his new record. The difference, is that his new album is much better than his debut was; mainly because of the over-reliance on covers on his debut. While I am a fan of a cover song done correctly (No Promises was a great cover from Shayne), too many covers just seems like wasted potential; because this guy can really sing, and it really begs you to wonder why the producers behind him don’t give him the opportunity to sing some “original” stuff that he could truly make his own. Fortunately, that is exactly what he gets to do this time around, and the result is an album chock full of polished pop anthems, ballads, and club ready dance tracks. 
Nicole Atkins was an amazingly unexpected, but fantastic, discovery for me. I went to see one of my favorite girl groups, The Pipettes, in concert, and after a not-so-great opening act, they announced that the next opening act would be Nicole Atkins. I had never heard of her before that moment, but that would quickly change, and I am thankful that it did. 
in a more polished form. She has some stories to tell, and you really get the sense that she has been around and unfortunately, has had some love and loss. I think that the slight raspy quality of her voice really allows you to feel the ache that she feels. I also love how she often borders on dramatics in her vocal play, and the effect really gives you sense of drama, love, and loss; all while keeping you entertained and enthralled by her performance. All of this “depressing” nature is still, however, kept upbeat by her rock-and-roll sensibilities, and the result is one of those records that you fall for, and love throughout (as I did). Nicole is definitely a fantastic artist, and this CD stands out among the others that I have loved this year. The only reason that it didn’t land amongst the top records of the year for me, unfortunately, is because I found out about it so late in the year (it came out at the end of October), and I haven’t had enough time to truly explore and enjoy the intricate nuances of Nicole’s sound. 
Perhaps they named their new record 
because of the fact that it is technically the first record they have done with newcomer, Amelle, but whatever the motivation, the record, in my opinion, is a hit. The Sugababes, for all of you in the States that haven’t a clue who they are, are one of the most successful UK pop acts over the past nine years, and they don’t seem to be slowing up. In fact, with the release of Change, I think they have gone past having a few hits, and a few number one singles, to a bona fide girl group capable of delivering an album that demands recognition.
Propelled by a powerful, rock infused cover that identifies the record’s namesake, 
by Brandi Carlile, represents itself as what it truly is: a magnificently orchestrated album. Comparison to the Indigo Girls is unavoidable, so it’s best to get it out of the way right away. That similarity is even present on the record, where Brandi teams up with them on the song Canonball. However, despite the strong similarities, The Story is a great indication that Brandi definitely can carry herself nicely as a solo artist. Brandi brings an impassioned performance on The Story, that reverberates right through you every time her voice cracks at the height of her song’s emotion. There is no doubt, after listening to Brandi perform on this record, that she is passionate about the music she is making; it is clear and refreshing to hear in her performance. 
Initially, I was so blown away by the record 
by Jon McLaughlin, that I was quick to rank it among the other five star records for this year; and that is where I wanted it to stay… it deserves it. However, unfortunately, the more I listened to it, I managed to find a few flaws that I just couldn’t ignore. Now don’t get me wrong, the great tracks on this record (and their are MANY), are just that, GREAT; but, there are a couple that I would have seriously considered leaving off, or doing slightly differently… that’s if I were in his shoes when he was making Indiana.
“Technically” 
was released in 2006, but since it was re-released here in the states in early 2007, it can “technically” make my year end list. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I get to talk about why a potentially amazing album did not make it to a higher spot on my year end list.
Here we are at 21, with Westlife, and it should be clear by now; there is no stopping the pop on this year end list! Seriously, though, did you really expect anything else? You will find a few rock/indie albums stashed here and there, but I am a boy who loves pop, and is more than willing to embrace it and share that information with the world.
made my year end list. First of all, if there is one thing that makes me weak in the knees, is a male vocalist to swoon over, as he sings me seemingly heartfelt love songs; and with Westlife, you get four of those in one package. Secondly, I have been a fan of Westlife for as long as I have known they existed, and if there is one thing that they have, is that they can consistently bring those pop-laced love songs that I adore so much. Finally, and most importantly, this record really is a testament of them going “back home”; allow me to explain.