Comments on: Allmusic’s Favorite Albums of 2007

By: SD

SD — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:27:24 +0000

Any end of 2007 list that elides National’s Boxer cannot be taken seriously.
A pity that The Twilight Sad’s excellent debut album is ignored on most of the “end of” top album lists.

By: erik

erik — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:41:50 +0000

There hasn’t been a great record that spoke directly to me like the Kings of Leon’s Because of the Times since the Beastie Boys released Paul’s Boutique. I was really hoping to see that on more lists this year. Amy Winehouse, Iron & Wine, LCD and the Battles also.

By: J

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:50:29 +0000

The Cult - Born Into This

By: Kristi

Kristi — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:45:54 +0000

Your own site lists the Lily Allen as a 2006 record, so how is it that it qualifies for your best of 2007 list?

By: Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Stephen Thomas Erlewine — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:43:40 +0000

Lily Allen’s Alright, Still — just like Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black — was released in the UK in 2006 and the US in 2007. AMG publishes the original release date in our discographies, which explains why both albums have 2006 release dates in Lily and Amy’s discographies. Making year-end lists is not an exact science — there are a lot of different factors that come into play, including where a publication is based. AMG is based in the US which lead to our decision that Alright, Still and Back To Black can count for a 2007 year-end list, given that they were released in America in ‘07 — just like how the British magazines Mojo, Uncut and Q all put the Hold Steady’s Boys & Girls in American on their lists this year because it’s an ‘07 release in the UK. Now, there’s a good argument to be made against this line of thought — especially these days when albums are easy to hear via imports and whatever — but that was our line of thinking on the inclusion of Lily and Amy.

By: Jack

Jack — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:01:13 +0000

The National are overrated. Glad to see somebody isn’t wrapped up in their hype.

By: Dak Rim

Dak Rim — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:09:14 +0000

List is sadly uneven and misses the mark: The National “Boxer” is a great record (the drumming by Matt Berninger alone make this a must hear; Crowded House “Time on Earth” is an album that gains strength listen after listen; Efterflang’s ‘Parade’ is genre defying.

The reissues list misses Prefab Sprout ‘Steve McQueen’ two disc reissuse, cleaned up sound, great mastering and a second disc of all new reinterperations from Paddy. Also should give some love to the two Firetown reissues. Great lost Americana roots rock records from the precursor to Garbage.

By: Urmas K

Urmas K — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:53:22 +0000

How could you miss “Automatic for the People”? It was released in Burma this year, and should have made your list.

By: Dasein

Dasein — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:39:37 +0000

Ben Harper “Lifeline”

By: Charlie

Charlie — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:12:20 +0000

You have made decisions that are different than the decisions I would have made!!!1!!

By: alongwaltz

alongwaltz — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 15:02:23 +0000

List looks to be about perfect.

Even with the ones I don’t like, I’m well aware that they are considered the tops in their particular field.

No list can be perfect as tastes are subjective but this is about as close as you’ll come.

By: Lee

Lee — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 15:02:36 +0000

I haven’t seen Lucinda Williams’ West on any year-end lists so far, which surprises me. This very website labelled it as “…destined to become a classic,” and I’m inclined to agree. Much as I enjoy the other selections, West is the one album that I can imagine still resonating with me in 20 years time, and it seems to have been largely forgotten by the music intelligentsia.

By: Mike Hanrahan

Mike Hanrahan — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:11:40 +0000

Ok, how in the world did Protest The Hero “Kezia” fail to show up on any of these lists?

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:35:17 +0000

There were a handful of albums you guys never bothered to review that I really enjoyed this year, and I have to wonder where they would’ve ended up. I doubt Earlimart, Ash, Charlotte Hatherley, Ken Andrews, Voxtrot, Lovedrug, and the Bird and the Bee would’ve made much waves… but they might’ve, and it’s a shame nobody on your staff got around to review/listen to them, even when most of those artists’ previous works had been reviewed here…

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:37:02 +0000

Nix the Bird and the Bee part of that comment. Jurek gave it 3.5. My mistake.

By: Fredrik ESP

Fredrik ESP — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:49:06 +0000

Sad to see that genres that are rooted in metal are completely excluded from your list. I don’t see the rationale for including as diverse genres like jazz, rock, indie, soul and pop, but not metal related releases. The only ones that are rooted in metal sound as far as I can see are QOTSA and Boris.

Bands like Alcest, Wolves in the Throne Room, Deathspell Omega, Akercocke, Baroness, Pelican, Primoderial, Angelic Process, Neurosis all released stellar albums this year, that would definetely warrant for an inclusion here.

Even good releases that got good reviews on this site were excluded, like Dillinger Escape Plan, The Ocean, Machine Head and
Porcupine Tree, the last you even called “one of the most substantial prog albums to come out in years”.

Sure, maybe the records I have mentioned here simply weren’t good enough in your eyes (though also Wolves in the Throne Room, Alcest, Baroness, Pelican, Deathspell Omega and Neurosis got good AMG reviews). I still doubt that not a single record of any metal sub-genre was worthy an inclusion here based on it’s musical accomplishments.

Sadly, it seems like the whole genre and dismissed. If so, the All in All Music Guid certainly is misleading. Metal is still going strong, and that should be reflected in year end best-of’s like this.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:40:57 +0000

I just don’t get it. How is the Shins “Wincing the Night Away not top 10 on every website’s list?????

I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!
I love radiohead and MIA but seriously that or Magic by the Boss were album of the year!
Was Shins consudered a 2006 release then?

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:51:11 +0000

Wilco’s “Sky Blue Sky” is the only record I OBSESSED on this year, sadly, most of the music publications (with the exception of Rolling Stone, when are they ever right?) didn’t feel it merited much notice. That is the one CD from this year I will play start-to-finish for many years to come.
AND to Mr. Erlewhine, I bought Amy Winehouse in America in December, not on import and not to a store breaking street date (Borders). I won’t pretend that I know the street date on that CD but I did have it in December.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:43:23 +0000

Solid list.

By: mikem1234

mikem1234 — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:48:38 +0000

Hey Fredrik ESP…. there’s a separate list for metal, and they’re working on part two of it apparently,

By: Kent Ford

Kent Ford — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:46:14 +0000

Too many Go4/MoB wannabe bands on this list. Prefer the real deal. I really liked Cat Power, “The Greatest,” but that may have been last year. Also Solomon Burke’s “Nashville” and Van Morrison’s “Pay the Devil,” which, come to think of it, both also might have been 2006. Ok, ok, The Gourds’ “Noble Creatures.” “We Belong to the Staggering Evening” by Ike Reilly. Eilen Jewell’s “Letters from Sinners and Strangers.” “The Fall Box Set.” I also really liked Sandy Rogers’ “Green Moon,” but that one was released over a decade ago. I didn’t think “Icky Thump” was all that good, same with “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga,” but since they’re on all these critics’ end of year lists I will give them another chance. Thurston Moore’s CD was surprisingly good, definitely SY-ish but a strong mood of his own.

By: David

David — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:52:13 +0000

Another vote for ‘kezia’ from ‘protest the hero’, that albums is simply the best of the year for me.

http://wc05.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3pftxqudld0e

By: Pete

Pete — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:15:01 +0000

A solid list overall. I would make two changes. Remove Wu-Tang and Little Brother. Add Devin Tha Dude and Pharoahe Monch. I’m also really happy The National was omitted. There is too much hype around that album for no reason.

By: Ian

Ian — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:36:09 +0000

every time i look at any year end list here, people are blathering on about the fact that the National have been excluded. hate it break it to y’all, but there’s a world outside of children’s indie pop.

By: Nick

Nick — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:09:07 +0000

Leaving off Iron & Wine is a shame. Also, I think Goon Moon, Soulsavers and The Aliens merit a place on the list.

By: Patrick Phillips

Patrick Phillips — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:12:22 +0000

thank you for your inclusion of PJ Harvey’s “White Chalk”- one of the most haunting and insular albums to come out this decade.

By: Leedog

Leedog — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:35:15 +0000

I understand the rationale for including Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, but by the same logic, Róisín Murphy should not be included, as her Overpowered has not been released domestically to this point. However, this bring up an interesting point: what if it never does get a stateside release? Or what if it gets one in, say, 2010? Would it be considered for that year’s “best-of” list? That would be sort of ridiculous, no?

By: antisocialite

antisocialite — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:22:34 +0000

Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse are jokes everywhere else but America and neither are very talented. 8 Diagrams is horrible. Even the rest of the Wu stepped up and said RZA dropped the ball. You had some credibility with Aesop but then that all went away when you added Jay-Z. Seriously, 8 Diagrams and American Gangster are better than El-P’s None Shall Pass??? come on!!! Joan As A Police Woman was released like 2 years ago in the rest of the world. You could have at least picked Bat For Lashes if you’re going to pick an album that was released in America in 2007. Not that Joan is bad, album is great, but still a little dated. i love the site in general, but sorry this list is just really disappointing. Too many safe choices and pseudo-obscure stuff to try to show credibility.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 04:52:04 +0000

A bit disappointed not to find “Year Zero” on here (since it did garner a four and a half star rating) but otherwise a noble effort.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:11:41 +0000

Okkervil River, The Twilight Sad, Les Savy Fav, The National and Gravenhurst are missing on the list.
Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon are major disappointments of the year, IMHO.

By: eric Van Assche

eric Van Assche — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:14:16 +0000

Great opinions and selection.
Just a few additions.
BEIRUT - The flying Club Cup: Zach Condon (21 year old talented American) with his intreging Balkan, mediterrian and a dozen more styles (V.B.).
WILCO - Sky Ble Sky. listen!
BLONDE REDHEAD - 23 superb sounds, developped since 1993 in NY and at taste now.

By: Chase Tremaine

Chase Tremaine — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:57:25 +0000

I love the allMusic guide, but I really get mad at yall when these lists come around. There are so many amazing albums that came out during the year that arent getting recognized. It seems like when you make these lists, you aren’t actually picking from all the year’s albus, you’re just picking the obvious ones.

What about
The Receiving End of Sirens - The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi
(that got 4.5 stars!)
My American Heart - Hiding Inside the Horrible Weather
(that got 4.5 stars!)
The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel
(that got 4.5 stars!)
Relient K - Five Score and Seven Years Ago
(that got 4.5 stars!)
Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home
(that originally got 4 stars!)

I didn’t even like the new 4.5 star albums by Emery and Mae, but I’d prefer to see those on this list than some others you have.

There are also a lot of potentially great albums you guys haven’t even rated yet by Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Chiodos, The Secret Handshake, Thousand Foot Krutch, Oh Sleeper, just to name a few.

Please consider what I’ve said. Thank you.

By: xn

xn — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:50:39 +0000

Decent list - I couldn’t care less about half of what was released this year, but it’s nice to see M.I.A. and Arcade Fire up there, and deservedly so. Too bad Type O Negative “Dead Again” didn’t make the cut. Also, Akala, “Freedom Lasso”, if you can find it, should be considered as one of the greats of 2007.

By: Tim Poundstone

Tim Poundstone — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:54:22 +0000

Missing!!

Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
The National - Boxer
Okkervil River - The Stage Names
Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:52:35 +0000

cassadaga has grown on me. it reminds me of how i felt during ‘being there’ era wilco. their live show has improved as well; warranting more notice. not too hard to believe its not mentioned on amg since they wrongfully panned early efforts, ‘wide awake it’s morning’, and rightfully panned ‘digital ash’.
okkervil river has replaced bright eyes as being most whiny; i prefer their previous effort.
boxer is a casual grower.
my tops are dinosaur jr / white stripes / bright eyes / thurston moore’s (surprisingly dynamic; acoustic textures like a mature beck w/one track hitting a malkumus vibe).
honorable mention: first time in a while i felt son volt outdid wilco
arcade fire has made some good echo and the bunnymen records, love the passion but still feels forced

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:00:20 +0000

oop - massey hall is also incredible;
elliott smith’s new moon shouldn’t get overlooked as well as
BAND OF HORSES - latest line-up has strengthened its live show and ben’s more confident than ever…add BoH to my tops list w/dino; stripes; bright eyes and thurston!
sleeper - robert pollard’s ‘coast to coast carpet of love’ - hard to believe he’s not UNDER-appreciated.
spoon and modest mouse have their moments; but the later is a bit too long and frantic w/o matching their past best efforts

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:07:38 +0000

earlimart - if that lost 3 or 4 weaker droners it’d be fairly special. that was sort of my disappointment from the year considering the 3 downloads pitchfork had available were sooo good about 7 months before it came out.
was ted leo ‘living with the living’ this year? he’s never bad - but that ska song is a major skipper, much like pollard he’s become now under-appreciated and taken for granted…

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:13:45 +0000

weirdest album of the year: MENOMENA ‘Friend and Foe’ - i never reach for it; but throw that puppy in shuffle mode with some others to break up the spazziness, and you’ll find yourself thinking there are some standouts. not that they sound like ‘the national’ but they’ll be on everyone’s year end list 2 years from now for an album that’s not as special as this one - i just hope they don’t loan their quirkiness out to some car commercials and tarnish the underground vibe (sorry, BoH)

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:26:49 +0000

Speaking of commercials - THANK YOU AMG FOR NOT PUTTING FEIST on your list. UGH. really, COUNTING NUMBERS, and ‘oh-ey-oh’! then to have an indie we-are-the-world ensemble pour it on when being performed on late night tv. ENOUGH! is it me or would that rudimentary 1-2-3-4 ditty be more excusable if pulled off as a folksy solo number with leslie fiest gently stepping through it alone with and acoustic.

By: bulut

bulut — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:29:31 +0000

Amg’s favorites are nearly same with my list http://www.themodernmusic.com/2007/12/top-50-records-of-2007.html
You have a really great list. But, you forgot some of the names, John Vanderslice, Fiery Furnaces, Enon, The National, Low…

By: david ham

david ham — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:39:41 +0000

Once again they have overlooked my favourite band, Nine Inch Nails!!! I don’t understand why Year Zero isn’t on here espically after they gave it 4-and-a-half-stars!!! I demand justice.

By: spencer

spencer — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:05:06 +0000

way to leave off thrice and say anything.

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:39:09 +0000

glad Numero got some love…that Home Schooled album is probably my favorite release on the label so far.

By: Les Hectic

Les Hectic — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:20:15 +0000

ah yes, FIERY FURNACES - more gtr back on widow

By: mare gaiux

mare gaiux — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:45:42 +0000

electrelane ???
the veils ??
frank zappa ??

By: Charles Stanley Heimbach IV

Charles Stanley Heimbach IV — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:04:17 +0000

Not a bad list. Although Young Modern by Silverchair deserves some mention just because it’s amazing that in 2007 not only can you talk about Silverchair still being a band but they’re actually making some damn fine music.

Here’s my top five:

5. The Rosebuds - Night of the Furies

4. The Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills

3. The Thrills - Teenager

2. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

1. The National - Boxer

By: Wesley California

Wesley California — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:24:46 +0000

Felix Da Housecat - Virgo Blaktro & the Movie Disco

Felix has a way of mixing familiarity and exploration that’s like traveling through space with all the comforts of home.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 06:54:00 +0000

Brother Ali’s The Undisputed Truth is a glaring omission. But at least Little Brother gets some love.

By: sam

sam — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:09:14 +0000

Were there any five star albums this year?
only some 4.5’s?
It would have been interesting to see the reviews for these albums in ten years when they are considered 5 star classics.
However the list is good still a few i havent heard yet but MIA, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and Jens Leckman were all fantastic.
Yet as to was the shins release “Wincing The Night Away”, a real grower.
And also appreciating your review on “Shooters Nation” By Babyshambles, good record but no “Down In Albion”….
Thanks Allmusic crew!

By: Charles

Charles — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:27:50 +0000

I hate these kind of lists, but I look at them to find music I may have missed over the year. I have to agree with a previous poster that the omission of Springsteen’s Magic is silly. The list is kind of silly. A lot of those albums were pretty good, but few of them will be listened to next year. At least by me anyhow.

By: Robel

Robel — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:24:44 +0000

I’m very surprised not to see Graduation on your list. It’s the best rap album this year behind Underground Kingz and American Gangster. I agree with most your picks though.

By: Davin

Davin — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:20:54 +0000

Maybe I’m missing something, but it seems bizarre that not only did Daft Punk’s “Alive 2007″ not make the list, but nobody’s complained about the fact yet. Otherwise, I’d say a pretty solid collection!

By: Mizidy

Mizidy — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:50:26 +0000

I am very pleased to see Caribou on the list. I havn’t seen it anywhere else, but it is my top album of the year.

By: Mitchell Brodus

Mitchell Brodus — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:17:10 +0000

Top 5:

Art Brut
Band of Horses
The National
Arcade Fire
Fiery Furnaces

… pretty much the most experimental stuff, but still: waaaay better than that pop-smith bullshit that wreaks havoc on our radiowaves.

long live creative minds.

By: Av

Av — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:24:30 +0000

List is SORELY missing, first and foremost, Burial’s new album (probably my #1 this year). Other oversights include Daft Punk’s Alive 2007, El-P’s new disc, and !!!.

By: oldbay

oldbay — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:12:04 +0000

What about Tullycraft-Every Scene Needs A Center?

By: RoadtoRuin

RoadtoRuin — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:15:12 +0000

Very nice, diverse list–just like the site in general. A couple of under the radars from the Steel City (Pittsburgh!)The great Power-Pop/Garage influenced record by the Breakup Society “Nobody Likes a Winner” on Get Hip Records and the charming New Wavey/Power Poppy record by the Blacktie Revue “Code Fun” which was released on Gearhead Records.
What about the new ones from Dean and Britta, Rickie Lee Jones, The Avett Brothers?

By: SysTooL

SysTooL — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:39:31 +0000

I’d have added…

- THE NATIONAL : “Boxer”
- DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN : “Ire Works”
- ANDREW BIRD : “Armchair Apocrypha”
- EL-P : “I’ll sleep when you’re dead”

But allmusic’s list is great

By: Thelonious T

Thelonious T — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:44:40 +0000

No “The Cool” and No “Big Doe Rehab”. Wow just because they came out in December don’t make them irrelevant, I’m not trying to hate on the critic that reviewed “The Cool”, but when a artist makes a concept album and it’s nothing like the original ninjas want to hate on it because it ain’t the same, that’s what makes a album special. Allmusic get some real hip hop reviewers, So basically what ya’ll trying to say is that Hip Hop hasn’t had a Classic CD this Century yet, which is a lie.

By: irish27

irish27 — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:17:55 +0000

I will probably draw some fire on this one but the Saosin album which I believe came out in 2007 needs to be included somewhere.

By: sebas

sebas — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 20:17:30 +0000

Buena lista pero con ausencias sorprendentes. Donde estan The Shins con “wincing…? Quizás están en la lista del 2006? Disco maravilloso y lleno de emoción . De lo mejor.

By: m. zelf

m. zelf — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:36:08 +0000

funny. i am a music reviewer myself and there is not one album of my top ten in your list. am i a weirdo then for having selected beirut, editors, twilight sad, dopplereffekt, robert plant & allison krauss a.o.?

By: scotthocking

scotthocking — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:56:43 +0000

leaving Of Montreal’s Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer? off the list is surprising… bordering on retarded.

By: emmett

emmett — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:47:16 +0000

Lists will never please everyone. There is an almost infinite well of recorded music. I like lists like these because they can point out albums I’ve never heard of before. I just sample the things that intrigue, then, every now and then, get turned on to a great new album.
I was just going to admonish all of the whiners, then I realized that the pouters and complainers regarding this list are just adding to it, and that is cool for me. So, keep whining! Right on.

By: concernedreader

concernedreader — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:39:13 +0000

After reading this list, I have come to the conclusion that Stephen Thomas Erlewine has no idea what he is talking about.

By: organicfruit

organicfruit — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:30:41 +0000

The Apples in stereo “New MAgnetic Wonder”!!! Pop music for ELO lovers.

By: regnif

regnif — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:00:37 +0000

my 2007 10

Animal Collective-Strawberry Jam
Radiohead-In Rainbows
Hanson-The Walk
M.I.A.-Kala
Velvet Revolver-Libertad
Battles-Mirrored
PJ Harvey-White Chalk
Rihanna-Good Girl Gone Bad
Underworld-Oblivion With Bells
Tori Amos-American Doll Posse
Justice-Justice

By: regnif

regnif — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:02:02 +0000

whoops that was 11…minus PJ Harvey then

By: Karmen

Karmen — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:08:48 +0000

Where is The New Pornographers’ “Challengers”?
And Kate Nash’s “Made Of Bricks”?
And “The Historical Conquests Of” Josh Ritter?
Rufus Wainwright’s “Release The Stars”?
…

By: Frederick

Frederick — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:44:06 +0000

I love reading lists of the best or the worst in music at the end of the year, and I always think that because of the different taste of people we’ll never agree… So people don’t you get mad, as soon as you work for AMG you’ll be able to put your bands… :)
But c’mon! Rihana… that’s nasty! Anyway… I accept it… Peace!

By: toddm

toddm — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:18:20 +0000

Happy Holidays! Interesting reading over these lists. Reminds me that I have a few more releases to listen to before making my final list of the year. Here’s a few I enjoyed that weren’t on anyones list that I saw-
Phil Keaggy - Jammed!
Rush - Snakes & Arrows
Bryan Ferry - Dylanesque
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
Robert Plant & Allison Krauss - Raising Sand
Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain
Ted Nugent - Love Grenade

By: ave

ave — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:15:51 +0000

Surprise: No Apples In Stereo. And since you included the Winehouse and Allen CD’s which were released last year overseas but released here in the U.S. this year, why not include The Cat Empire’s ‘Two Shoes,’ which I think was released down under last year but debuted in the States this year? Oh well, the list is made! Everyone has different tastes. Pretty good list either way. And thanks for including The Clientele. They’re great, as was that album.

By: mpsoucie

mpsoucie — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:58:10 +0000

Of Montreal didn’t cut it for you guys? I’m shocked. That album was the pants-poopingest thing I heard all year. Otherwise, ’tis a fair list given the pile you gotta sift through to make one of these things…and BTW, Donnie- great album!

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:17:58 +0000

A few I would add to the list.

The Besnard Lakes
Feist
The Field
Klaxons
The National

By: migue

migue — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:25:32 +0000

What about Cinematics “A strange education”? The best for me this year

By: a.w.

a.w. — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 06:11:22 +0000

Your reissues list looks great, except that Vee-Jay: The Definitive Collection is missing.

By: Aman

Aman — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:20:36 +0000

Where is El-P’s ‘I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead’?

By: Kendall

Kendall — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:47:33 +0000

Feist-The Reminder
Wilco-Sky Blue Sky
Ryan Adams-Easy Tiger
JJ Grey and Mofro-Country Ghetto
Bright Eyes-Cassadaga

By: Chad

Chad — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:59:12 +0000

For all those wondering why Bruce Springsteen’s “Magic” isn’t on the list, go read the review, AMG only gave it three stars (I couldn’t disagree more, just stating why it’s not on the list). That’s the album of the year, IMO.

And thank goodness there’s finally a website or publication that did not include Arcade Fire in the best of 2007. Not a bad album, and it very well may be one of the best albums of the year, but top 3 (I’m talking to you, Spin and Rolling Stone)? When Spin and RS originally reviewed that album, neither gave it more than 3 1/2 stars, yet now it’s one of the top 3 of the year? I don’t understand that. I guess I shouldn’t expect much from RS, it originally gave Nirvana’s Nevermind 3 stars.

By: eM

eM — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:38:41 +0000

Well, I have to jump sides from the majority of readers/critics here who have responded so far and say ‘Well Done AMG!’

Many of those albums are decent, respectable choices and reading the reviews for some of them was nearly as entertaining as the listening to the albums themselves. Sure, a lot of them have appeared on other critics’ polls going around at the moment. In Rainbows, Shepherd’s Dog, Neon Bible and Your Worst Favourite Nightmare to name but a few. Perhaps that’s because they’ve deserved their mention anyway.

What better’s so many of those other critics’ lists though is that you can always be counted on to cover a wider variety of genres without making many disastrous choices. It keeps things from getting too repetitive or boring. I’m quite surprised to see albums like ‘City of Echoes’ in there (it is there if you check ‘Fredrik ESP’)

The only small addition I would have made is the wonderful observation on modern youth that is ‘Fear of a Blank Planet’ by Porcupine Tree. Highly-praised by your writers too and has already topped lists in magazines like ‘Classic Rock’. But then I didn’t expect that to make it here.

Cheers for your views yet again on what has been a pretty good year! Hopefully next year will be even better! Come on ‘The Bedlam in Goliath’…

By: ed

ed — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:05:17 +0000

I’ll buy the Amy Winehouse inclusion because it was released so late in the year. Alright, Still was released in July of ‘06 in the UK. Granted, it’s been nominated for a 2007 Grammy, but that still seems absurd to me.

I think it’s a pretty good list, as well. The only thing -I- think is missing is Tegan and Sara’s “The Con,” (and okay, Kate Nash’s effort), which got outrageously heavy rotation on our station.

For what it’s worth, I host a women in music program, here’s my top ten women in music list:

10. Northern State - Can I Keep This Pen?
9. Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
8. New Pornographers - Challengers
7. Daisy May - Mother Moon
6. Mary Bue - A Boat with No Oars
5. Erin McKeown - Sing You Sinners
4. Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
3. Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
2. Patty Griffin - Children Running Through
1. Tegan and Sara - The Con

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:31:54 +0000

Then again, they simply ignored the electronic releases almost entirely, like Apparat’s “Walls” or “Rushup Edge” by The Tuss, or one of the best album of 2007 in my opinion: Björk’s “Volta”. What a shame…

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:10:47 +0000

Good list but in my humble opinion you’ve left out a number of indispensible CDs, in particular: (1)The Aliens (best UK album of the year–heck, maybe the best CD period); (2)The Sadies (amazingly good (as usual) from this Canadian folk\country outfit);(3) Besnard Lakes (even better than the one from that other Canadian band with a weird name);(4) The Effigies (80s punk powerhouse reemerges with an astonishing comeback CD);(5)Rogue Wave(way, way underrated and unfairly maligned);(6)The Apples In Stereo (ear candy for psychedelic popsters);(7)Fields (shoegazer revivalists with talent, charisma and enthusiasm); (8)Great Northern (kind of like Fields, but from LA);(9)Great Lake Swimmers (beautiful melodies; slow but engaging);(10) St. Vincent
(still under the radar; impress your friends by turning them on to this terrific talent).

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 02:17:00 +0000

Personally, I find this list a little ridiculous. With no “Magic” on the list, I have a hard time associating credibility with Allmusic’s “reviewers.”

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 03:50:46 +0000

I’m so pleased to see Roisin’s ‘Overpowered’ included. It’s the best pop album of the year by far.

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:13:54 +0000

Forget the National. I’m just thankful that over-hyped talentless hacks like Bright Eyes and Ryan Adams missed the list as well!!!

By: J. Bennett

J. Bennett — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:21:01 +0000

Alright, The National crafted an exceptional album this year - but I don’t think it’s monumental enough to warrant inclusion into every single year-end-best-of list.

I think AllMusic, as usual, has compiled a solid list of worthy titles. It’s really all relative anyway.

I may think The Cribs and Les Savy Fav both deserve spots - but that doesn’t mean anyone else does.

By: m.leslie

m.leslie — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:18:56 +0000

Don’t even bother making a list next year AMG. because everyone will just tear it apart. No list will ever have all the albums that Johnny or Jenny thinks should be there – we all have different opinions and like various styles and genres of music. Let’s just admit that 2007 was a good year for music and keep listening…

cheers
but one clear miss that no one has seemed to mention yet: Burial - Untrue

By: gxus

gxus — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:55:32 +0000

I really love AMG’s lists (and the accompanying responses) because they give me avenues of discovery. I appreciate the reminder of albums I intended to delve into more deeply and a head’s up on the ones I missed altogether. So what if AMG didn’t include my favorite CD of the year (Avett Bros. - Emotionalism). Does that make the music any less pleasurable for me? No, of course not. Furthermore, it prompts readers to petition for their favorite music thus leading to an even broader selection for discovery. My thanks to everyone.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:01:38 +0000

Ok, my two cence:

5- Wilco “sky Blue sky”
4- The National “Boxer”
3- Ryan adams - “Easy Tiger”
2- Bruce Springsteen “Magic”

and my choice for years best

1- Band of Horses “Cease to Begin”!!

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:02:16 +0000

I meant cents.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:06:08 +0000

To Andy:

Ok you may not like them and but you lose all credibility when you call Ryan Adams and Conor Oberst “talentless”. That’s just stupid talk.

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:17:14 +0000

How did you miss Costello Music bu the Fratelli’s????

By: Cal

Cal — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:48:12 +0000

Well firstly I would like to question the interpretation of this list… It is the AMG peoples’ FAVOURITE albums, not the BEST. There is a difference. I think that Blackwater Park is my favourite Opeth record, but I accept Ghost Reveries is in fact the BEST Opeth record.

BUT of course, as ever, it’s tragic to see a heap of mediocrity piled to the top of the walls. When will the real music (not pop, rap, conventional rock, dance or indie, basically) be recognised? Are we ever going to escape the spiral of mediocrity crippling mainstream music?

How on earth anyone dare commend Amy Winehouse after this years events, yet neglect to praise genuinely ARTFUL acts such as the Dillinger Escape Plan is beyond me! (Disclaimer - unless I misread!) Someone with a passion for innovative music, go listen to “Ire works”.

BUT, let it be said, I am commenting here on the assumption it is a breakdown of the best albums, when the actual title “Favourites” suggests otherwise (as mentioned).

Does this mean the guys at AMG simply listen to bland music? One would hope not!

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:29:46 +0000

Cal
I’m not sure there is a distinction here between FAVORITE and BEST. In fact, I would think it presumptuous of any critic to call something the BEST of the year. And how could they do it and not [in some way] consider it their FAVORITE?
Re Amy Winehouse: I consider her CD one of my favorites of the year despite her personal issues. Frankly her issues are merely a distraction that the media loves to report. Her CD is a good one.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:27:23 +0000

where is burial’s untrue? seriously. and daft punk’s alive 2007? i am heartbroken.

By: Madison Music Fan

Madison Music Fan — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:28:15 +0000

Other great 2007 releases CRIMINALLY not mentioned above:

1. Shining “Grindstone”
2. Efterklang “Parades”
3. Future Kings of England “The Fate of Old Mother Orvis”
4. Of Montreal “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer”
5. Burial “Untrue” (ESSENTIAL)
6. Grizzly Bear “Friend EP”
7. Nyles Lannon “Pressure”
8. Stars of the Lid “And Their Refinement of the Decline” (ESSENTIAL)
9. Animal Collective “Strawberry Jam”
10. Yeasayer “All Hour Symbols”
11. The Field “From Here We Go Sublime”
12. Menomena “Friend and Foe”

National’s “Boxer” is way overrated beyond a couple of its songs. It’s not bad, but it’s plain and immitates many older bands and does not live up to some of National’s earlier, raw works. Overall, indie rock is becoming much more mainstream, more boring, bland, and overhyped. Just like what happened to alternative. But the above (omitted) releases are at least somewhat along the original “alternative/indie” vein of interesting music.

By: Seb

Seb — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:15:49 +0000

Glad to see Arctic Monkeys on your list. Favourite Worst Nightmare is a very good album, probably my favorite of this quite deceiving year.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:58:52 +0000

I love end of year lists. Yes. they’re essentially meaningless. Yes, they’re a source of frustration, but they certainly stoke the argument. For my penny worth, I would’ve liked to see the releases by Gravenhurst, Jim White and Malcolm Middleton in there somewhere. For folk fans, Rough Trade’s album of the year Alela Diane’s ‘The Pirate’s Gospel’ is well worth getting. Also, the Rough Trade 100 best albums of 2007 is worth checking out.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:09:06 +0000

Neglected to add Little Wings’ ‘Sof Pow’r’.

By: Phil

Phil — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:39:10 +0000

I love the year-end lists as well. They make a good starting point for finding music that may have eluded me during the year.

But, too often (and I believe this is especially true for Allmusic’s list) they are self-aggrandizing lists attempting to show the reviewer’s alt/indie cred.

By: Cain

Cain — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:52:50 +0000

Too American focused. Can you have a little more euro sound?

By: MartinRoma

MartinRoma — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:59:32 +0000

Great work, music junkies appreciate both the end-of-the-year lists and the debate they arise.

happy 2008 ya´ll

By: Benjo

Benjo — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:06:27 +0000

The exclusion of Josh Ritter’s ‘Historical Conquests..’ makes me die a little. Thanks AMG.

By: Corey

Corey — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:47:11 +0000

Why no love on the massive Townes Van Zant reissues of most all his albums?

By: Jeff Combs

Jeff Combs — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 04:26:16 +0000

Seems very odd that Nine Inch Nails “Year Zero” wasn’t included after Jurek’s bubbling, almost giddy review. Is he backing out?
You can’t really go on and on about an album like that and not include it in your year-end list. How are we supposed to believe you when you do it the next time?

By: Count Skogg

Count Skogg — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:31:13 +0000

How about:

Midnight Juggernauts - Dystopia

…it could do with a review, too! awesome “electro-pop synth rock” in your own words…

and glad to see Liars on the list.

By: redsun666

redsun666 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:31:38 +0000

Ian Hunter is still alive!! bugger must check that album out!

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:38:30 +0000

Chris Potter Underground - Follow the Red Line: Live at the Village Vanguard

I am largely disappointed that AMG fails to recognize this as a major contribution in 2007. Here is a group of musicians making some of the most important leaps forward in instrumental jazz. Do not be turned away by the fact that it is a live set; the songs are seamless, performed with unbelievable energy, and captured beautifully on the recording. I would also disagree with omitting the Wynton Marsalis “From the Plantation to the Penitentiary” album, but seeing as though it actually received a review (which the Potter album did not despite being released months ago), and a good one at that, I figure that people have an avenue available to discover it and receive positive feedback about it. I write this only to say that jazz is still alive and continues pushing the boundaries of accessible and relevant music.

On the other hand, I am pleased to see the recognition of the Antibalas “Security” album.

By: Ritz

Ritz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:42:42 +0000

You’d better list the best albums of 2007 in different genres.

By: Andy Kellman

Andy Kellman — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:20:30 +0000

http://blog.allmusic.com/category/2007-in-review/

By: Geelicious

Geelicious — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:04:44 +0000

Interpol
Angels and Airwaves

this is why i’m hot

By: Paulo, Lisbon - Portugal

Paulo, Lisbon - Portugal — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:36:31 +0000

Hello there, for all it’s worth, here are my 2007 faves:
1. Neon Bible - Arcade Fire (the winner)
2. In Rainbows - Radiohead (in a class of their own)
3. Magic - Bruce Springsteen (He who knows will never forget)
4. Era Vulgaris - Queens of the Stone Age (great power)
5. Liars - Liars (innovative)
6. Sound of Silver - LCD Soundsystem (idem)
7. Weekend in the City - Bloc Party
8. AIR - Pocket Simphony
9. Chrome Dreams II - Neil Young
10. Caribou - Andorra

that’s my arguable choice for anyone to comment! Happy 2008!

By: Kira Hodge

Kira Hodge — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:33:12 +0000

I love that you included Radiohead’s “In Rainbows”. It is an absolute masterpiece. And the inclusion of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” (an amazing CD) was inspired, however, I cannot believe Rihanna made the list. Her album was terrible. Granted, “Umbrella” was decent, but come on. How could you guys miss Jill Scott’s “The Real Thing”? It was a well-crafted CD with lush R&B music (also rated four stars on your website). You also left out Musiq Soulchild’s “Luvanmusiq”, a great CD (one of his best - also rated four stars on your website).

Of course not everyone is going to be satisfied with any “Best of” list, so I will now end my reply. Peace and many blessings. Happy New Year everyone! Be safe.

P.S. - Be sure to have a designated driver or call a cab after you party this evening.

By: lou tibbs

lou tibbs — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:08:01 +0000

arch enemy rise of the tyrant
the national the boxer
alcest souvenirs d’autre monde
queens of the stone age era vulgaris
baroness red album
michael ian black i am a wonderful man
hoots & hellmouth hoots and hellmouth
shadows fall the threads of life
rush snakes and arrows
leng t’che marsmus

By: João Tomaz

João Tomaz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:49:38 +0000

Can anyone tell me how can t be that a lot of 4 star albuns are in this list and a 4.5 star album like West from Lucinda Williams (superb as almost all the others of her)isn´t. Andthis is just an example because there are others like this one missing (Joe Henry’s Civilians, wich is in a top 10 list is missing here!!!)

By: Robert - from Oz

Robert - from Oz — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:00:07 +0000

The Costello (re) reissue seems a curious choice as does the expensive George Jones 1962-1964 set that has yet to be reviewed by AMG.

By: Maciek

Maciek — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:04:58 +0000

Personally I would add Oceansize album “Frames” to this list. For me it is one of the greatest albums of the year 2007.

By: mark

mark — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:19:21 +0000

aseop is good but overrated seriously..
but more so are the white stripes,
i mean musically they are equivillant to a 10 yr olds first band
and lyrically they mess up words and people think so highly of that, really dont just praise something that merely suggests but not shows,
that;s my honest take
have a gd year

By: Mike N

Mike N — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Hellooo, where’s Burial?

By: Sten

Sten — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:43:27 +0000

Good list, except for the exclusion of Burial’s “Untrue” (which was criticized before), and how could you not put Bloc Party on the list? It’s not easy on first listen, but it’s full of good songs hat will last after 2007.

By: richard

richard — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:55:15 +0000

The Knife. Silent Shout. (??????)

By: Precious

Precious — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:20:17 +0000

I loved that Get Back Little Brother made the list.
Saw the national live last year and they are WAAAAY better live. Really one of those bands better live. The fact that not only Donnie but Rahshann Patterson made your listing empress the $hit out of me.

By: Whine and Moan

Whine and Moan — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:54:08 +0000

(Expression of dismay)! You guys forgot to include (Band #1), and you obviously forgot that (Band #2)’s (Album #1) is the best (Genre #1) record since 1994! Man!! Too bad your opinions and tastes don’t exactly match my own. Perhaps I’ll write a pathetic comment… one which which I bash the All Music Guide while simultaneously contributing to its total page views and blog participation! Sure, that makes total sense. VIVA LA RESISTANCE!

By: Bddrex

Bddrex — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:31:16 +0000

How could you not choose Rushes Snakes & Arrows off your list of favorite albums list? That album is the best Release of 2007!

By: Niemand

Niemand — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:29:56 +0000

Favourite Reissue of 2007: The Jimi Hendrix Experience Live at Monterey.

–
Niemand