best of 2007 - albums

2007 was an interesting year in music. For me it didn't really have that one definitive album of the year. That album that was 5-star tracks from start to finish. Last year that was Butch Walker's "The Rise & Fall". The year before it was Jack's Mannequin with "Everything In Transit", and the year before that, yet again Butch Walker with "Letters". Thats not to say 2007 didn't have great albums, but for the first time in awhile i had to consider what my album of the year was. Heres what i came up with.1. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light: I liked "Futures" more, but this album has "Dizzy" which i consider to be the best song they've ever recorded. As a whole the album is less emotionally moving, a little more upbeat, but with a few more tracks in the "ok" range. Other great songs include "Always Be", "Big Casino", "Let It Happen", "Carry You", "Firefight", and the title track.2. Emerson Hart - Cigarettes & Gasoline: Once the frontman of 90's one hit wonders Tonic (remember "if you could only see?), emerson hart is surprisingly brilliant on his solo debut. The songs run a range of emotions, with Hart's brilliant tenor voice carrying them all. Songs like "Flyin'", "If You're Gonna Leave", "I Wish The Best You", "Vanity", "Run To", "When She Loves You", and the title track are all gorgeous,catchy, and lyrically and vocally impressive.3. Moses Mayfield - The Inside: This is the major label debut from this powerhouse of talent, and unfortunately, the final album as well. Just this week they announced their break-up, but that only adds to this amazing record. They can rock out, or slow it down for excellent emotional bits. Songs like "A Cycle", "Control", "Element", "Fall Behind", and "Keep My Distance" are among the very best of the year.4. ONCE - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova: This is probably the best movie soundtrack I have ever heard. "Falling Slowly" is one of the most beautiful songs ever, with the two voices giving all the emotion they have over the music. "Say it to me now" and "Leave" are almost as good, with Hansard singing alone at the top of his lungs. The songs are great on CD, but its the movie that blew me away. The emotion in the two performances is absolutely incredible, and they captured me in chills several times. 5. Matt Nathanson - Some Mad Hope: This guy is a legendary live star, and apparently this is his first studio album that compares to his live shows (i've never seen one myself). "Car Crash" and "Detroit Waves" rock out, while "Falling Apart", "Wedding Dress", and "Sooner Surrender" are beautiful and meaningful. I'll definitely be looking for his next album.