Top 5 Albums of 2007 (according to me)

5. Derek Webb - The Ringing Bell

One reason this CD is on here is because I had the joy of seeing many songs performed live right in front of me, which was amazing considering the band was Mr. Webb along with Andrew Osenga, Cason Cooley, and Paul Eckberg. But even though I'm somewhat biased, I would be hard-pressed to find a better album that came out this year (other than the four listed below). Derek Webb seems to keep reinventing his sound and with an album that involves more electric guitar riffs than ever, The Ringing Bell is different than any before it.

Of course, that makes it sound like the rock setup is the only reason this CD is so good. But that's not the case at all. Derek Webb has always been an amazing songwriter and he continues to have well-written, sometimes fun and sometimes serious songs that make me want to listen to the CD again months after I have gotten it. His voice has always been amazing, and continues to be so. Plus the CD has lots of piano, organ, and strings mixed in as well. All in all it is very creative.


4. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light

Electable (Give it Up) may be my favorite song I've heard all year. It's definitely the catchiest and most fun. Chase This Light is similar in nature, being an all around fun, catchy, turn-it-up-real-loud-in-your-car type of album. I could listen to it at any time, no matter what mood I'm in. If I'm in a bad mood, I feel better. If I'm in a good mood, I continue to feel good and possibly even feel like dancing.

There's just no other way to put it. The songs are good. The vocals are good. Everything is GOOD. That's why this CD lands at number 4.


3. Jeremy Casella - Recovery

If I had a male vocalist of the year award to give out, Jeremy Casella would definitely get it. Recovery may be the most original album I've heard all year. Because the guy is a singer, songwriter; but no matter how hard I try I can't see how he performs these songs without a full band. The lyrics are beautifully well-written, as are the songs. The vocals are best of any album this year. But what really makes Recovery is how the songs are presented musically. A drum-roll on a tympani here, a single trumpet melody there, a snare drum build, and so much more. The background additions of a string section and brass section make the good moments of the album truly great. They don't necessarily stick out, and are not flashy at all. Most of the time the orchestra holds out a few long notes to go with the chords while the vocals or guitar (or both) play the melody on top. It seems small, but it really makes all the difference.


2. Caedmon's Call - Overdressed

Derek Webb is back! Honestly, how much better can this band get? Derek Webb is a great re-addition to the band for their latest album, but the main reason this one is so great is because of Andrew Osenga. He wrote most of the songs, and his influence can be seen all over the album.

I was surprised at how fast and upbeat the CD is. It seems to flow at a really good pace, especially the second half. Without question, every song is good. I could see them all being my favorite on the CD at any time. And the folk-rock feel is better than it has been in a long time.

This is the best Caedmon's album to date, which is really saying something. The creative juices are still flowing and it definitely shows on Overdressed.


1. Lovedrug - Everything Starts Where It Ends

Piano rock is very much alive in my life. But to call Lovedrug piano rock is to call Jesus a pretty nice guy. He is, but he's so much more than that.

This CD is weird, creative, emotional, and fun all at the same time. It takes you from slow songs to faster songs quickly, but the flow goes really well. I can't decide whether I like the first or second half of it better. There's just so much creative goodness in it that each song is an individual treat of its own.

It was hard to decide between the top 3 of the list, but what made this album rise to the top is the fact that it has several really good songs - and then it has several amazing songs. Too many of the songs on this CD blow me away and because of that I can't find any other place on this list than numero uno.

So... there you have it.