Best Albums of 2007

I'm not really satisfied with this list. I listed to quite a bit of good music this year, but most if it was released previously. All told, I only picked up six albums from 2007, but at least they were all listenable. Fear of a Blank Planet by Porcupine Tree was decent, but not nearly as good as their earlier work.

Best of 2007

5. Between the Buried and Me - Colors


A solid metal album that grabbed my attention by branching off into different genres at various points, it was a little long but still managed to hold my interest. They're pretty solid musically and know how to do a variety of things.

4. Coheed and Cambria - No World for Tomorrow


The finale of the concept storyline that has now spanned four albums, the lyrics are obtuse as ever but they still make an enjoyable hybrid of pop punk and harder elements. If you can get past the voice and maybe swallow your pride if you think you hate emo (which it isn't), there's a lot to like.

3. The Good, The Bad, & The Queen


I'm still unclear about whether this is the actual name of the band or not, but it's basically Gorillaz with acoustic instruments instead of electronic ones. Some of the songs are kind of similar but there's a lot of good stuff to be found.

2. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam


A unique and satisfying album even if it's a bit sparse in parts. The highs are pretty high, and the lows are never too low. They know exactly what they're doing, giving each song just enough to be whole while a feeling of emptiness still exists.

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows

A somewhat strange album, filled with clashing instrumentation, moods, and themes. It was nice to hear some new Radiohead music that didn't seem strange for its own sake. Some of their best work in a while, at least from my perspective.