As 2007 winds down, it seems only fitting to take a ride through the past twelve months of music.  Also, with the holiday season approaching, hopefully some of my reviews can prompt most of you strapped-for-cash students to ask your parents to purchase one or two of the following to put in your stockings. Ladies and Gentleman, feast your eyes on my favorite releases of 2007.

Dustin Kensrue - “Please Come Home” [1/23]: Kensrue, the well-respected guitarist and lead vocalist of Thrice, traded in his heavy sound for a stripped down one and proved to fans and critics that he was capable of much more than just heavily distorted riffs and bellowing vocals. The album is filled with passionate lyrics, many detailing with his search for faith in his life, like the ones in “Please Come Home,” which gives me chills even 11 months after the release.

The Academy Is… - “Santi” [4/3]:  Although they are still one of the only bands on Fueled By Ramen (Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Gym Class Heroes) who have continued to fly (relatively) under the radar, The Academy Is… released one of the most impressive rock releases of the year. It’s not that the group isn’t well equipped to release pop friendly music, it just seems that they aren’t concerned with that. Songs like “LAX to O’Hare” and “Bulls in Brooklyn” prove The Academy Is… sound like nothing else in music right now.

The Almost – “Southern Weather” [4/3]: underOATH’s drummer, Aaron Gillespie, stepped out from behind the drumset to provide vocals for his side project The Almost. Side projects are always a tough sell, but Gillespie proved capable of releasing a remarkable first release without his usual bandmates. Impressively, Gillespie also recorded all the instruments for the album, except for bass on a couple of tracks where Kenny Vasoli from The Starting Line offered his services.

Circa Survive – “On Letting Go” [5/29]: Circa Survive might be one of the easiest experimental rock groups to listen to. After great reviews of their first album, “Juturna,” the band released their solid sophomore full-length without stumbling like many artists do. The album, which peaked at #24 on the Billboard Music Charts, a feat impressive in and of itself for an experimental rock group, is filled with soaring guitar riffs and Anthony Green’s distinct vocals, that separate the band’s sound from any other comparable band.

Paramore – “RIOT!” [6/12]: For those who enjoy alternative and punk music but are searching for a woman’s voice to make a name in the genre, Paramore is a perfect band to take a listen to. In all probability, Paramore is a band that most people are already familiar with because of their hit single “Misery Business.” However, the entire disc is packed with impressive vocals from singer Williams and sound musicianship from the rest of the bandmates. The band definitely isn’t reinventing the wheel, but they sure have some bright moments on this album.

Colbie Caillat – “Coco” [7/17]: When a relative unknown in the music industry debuts at #5 on the Billboard charts, there must be something behind it. That is most definitely the case with Colbie Caillat and her debut release “Coco.” The album is full of impressive and stripped down music that beckons comparisons to male artists like Jack Johnson and John Mayer’s earlier work. The first track, “Oxygen,” is a great track and should instantly encourage listeners to listen to the CD without skipping any track.

The Starting Line – “Direction” [7/31]: With their third studio album, The Starting Line further establishes themselves as one of the top groups in the alternative market. The songs on this album range from pop-friendly singles like “Island” to unique acoustic tracks like “Something Left to Give.” Whether you’re a fan of the band or have never heard them before, The Starting Line is a band that most anybody will be able to find appealing.

Kanye West – “Graduation” [8/4]: Controversial? Maybe. Incredible? Yes. Kanye West released the best rap album of the year with his immensely successful third studio album. West proved to rapper 50 Cent and his fans that he was a force to be reckoned with by selling more than 300,000 copies more than “Curtis,” 50 Cent’s album that debuted the same week. West takes steps in different directions that 50 Cent could never be capable of.

Thrice – “Alchemy Index: Vols. I and II” [10/16]: With the first installment of their double-disc concept album, Thrice released possibly one of the best rock releases in recent years. The musicianship and inventive song constructions are present throughout each song on both six-song discs. “Firebreather,” kicks off the first disc with instruments wailing, and “Night Diving” is definitely a choice track of mine from their second disc.

Carrie Underwood – “Carnival Ride” [10/23]: Say what you will about country music, but no one can deny the talent that Carrie Underwood possesses. Carnival Ride may still be a guilty pleasure with its cliché country moments, but overall it is  an album full of stunning vocals from the former American Idol winner. Underwood, without a doubt, has proven herself as one of the best female voices not only in country music but music in general, with her second studio release.

Say Anything – “In Defense of the Genre” [10/23]: The band Say Anything released quite possibly my favorite album of the year, filled with genius lyrics and the most creative song structuring I’ve heard from their genre. Say Anything riffs on different styles from folk, pop punk, post-hardcore and straight-up rock and pull all of them off with ease. The 27-song, double-disc release is also chocked full of guest appearances, including Hayley Williams of Paramore, Chris Conley of Saves the Day, Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory, Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line and Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio…just to name about half of them. The supporting cast is a testament to the respect that the band has, with members ranging from well-respected bands to up-and-comers.

Alicia Keys – “As I Am” [12/13]: Alicia Keys might as well tell other female R&B artists to either stop trying or step up their game, because “As I Am” blows anything I’ve heard recently in the genre out of the water. Key’s vocals are raw and powerful at times, while subtle and brilliant at others. “Superwoman,” is definitely one of the best tracks on the album, as Key’s vocals soar, providing young women with an anthem of sorts. Keys provides popular music with something real and authentic, while similar artists seem to concern themselves more with finding the best beats and catchiest hooks.

In the end, 2007 proved to be a year rich with diversity as big-name and independent muisicians alike found success. While this list highlights some of the best of the year, it by no means encompasses all there is to relish in music. For instance, a friend and fellow editor would have me tell you to pick up a copy of Iron & Wine’s newest CD, “Shepherd’s Dog,” as soon as you can. In a year as successful as this, all one can hope for is that next year will continue to showcase the big and small, the famous and unknown and, most importantly, the artists who are challenging themselves and the musical world.

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