My Favorite Things 2007-Part One

The Albums Edition

2007 wasn't a bad year in music. That's a sentence that your favorite music critic would probably cringe as they read. In retrospect, pop music is becoming more diverse, as niche rappers (crack rap) seen more mainstream presence. With the rise of diversity on the singles charts however, the album continues to suffer.

Long gone are the days where pop artists got double and triple platinum. Shit, I remember N'Sync selling 10 million albums in the late 90s. With more and more artists and record labels focusing on the immediate bang for their buck, the album has suffered. I don't knock artists who can make a cool million off of a catchy hook and sone ringtones. But, in this short attention-span day in age, special consideration must be given to those artists producing cohesive, well-conceptualized pieces of work.

So below is a list of my favorite albums of the year. There has also been a host of albums I didn't get to while entertaining all of the other new music I've been listening to. There are a couple I just haven't listened to yet (Get Back by Little Brother and The Big Doe Rehab by Ghostface, just to name a few). If it's hot and I didn't mention it, I haven't heard it!

If You Don't LiKe These Albums, Kill Yourself (Not Really)

American Gangster by Jay Z

Hands down, the best album of the year. Each track is potent and progresses the concept of the album. Jay Z at his most passionate since the Black Album. After a string of halfhearted attempts at a comeback, true Jigga fans can see the swagger, lyrical prowlness and maturation of their favorite rapper in American Gangster.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse

Sadness and abuse in its most beautiful state, Amy Winehouse drags us through the ruins of her broken heart, while recruting some of hip hop's finest emcees as collaborators (Ghostface Killah, and Pharoah Monche and Jay Z on remixes). Showing that pop music can be vivid and soulful, as long as Amy Winehouse doesn't end up overdosing, she has more than proved herself with this collection of interesting and witty music.


Ear Drum by Talib Kweli

Talib has everything for every type of hip hop fan, hence his opening track Everything Man. Providing the best mix of intelligent, yet bangin' hip hop, you can't go wrong with any of the stunning tracks on this CD.

Finding Forever by Common

Common more than met his goal for creating "forever music" with this gem, as he continues to create and stretch his niche in adult contemporary hip hop music. Though his main producer, Kanye West, continues to overshadow him in the media, Finding Forever more than overshadows West's efforts.

Left by Eric Roberson

Your favorite artist's favorite artist, Erro raises his own bar with a futuristic, soulful collection of ballads that work as uptempo songs and dance grooves that can be slowed down. Basically, the most versatile soul record probably since Roberson's last attempt. Definately an artist at the height of his artistic game, and his growing legions of fans are always anticipating his next move.


The Real Thing by Jill Scott

Big girls do cry, sorry Fergie! Jill Scott is probably the most believable when it comes to mixing vulnerability, lonliness, pride, sex appeal and overall femininity. On her latest, and probably most underrated work, Scott goes through a kalediscope of emotions after her recent divorce, but manages to keep her confidence and artistry at its peak.

Honorable mentions to: Desire by Pharoah Monche, Introducing Joss Stone by Joss Stone, The Return of the Magnificent by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Graduation by Kanye West