I know there’s some amazing music out there. There’s a lot of stuff that I would probably know and love more if i just went out looking for it (or just listened to the recommendations of my wife and siblings). But now the year is over and sadly I’m limited to what I have known. I thought long and hard to try to get to my favorite 10 albums. But after working on this post three separate times I figured I needed to go ahead and post it before we get too far into 2009. So here are my top eight albums of the year. I’m not certain the order of significance is perfect but it’s pretty close to what I think.
8. Hillsong – This is Our God
If there were a Hillsong United album out this year that was more than a bunch of live recordings of tunes I’ve heard before, it would probably knock this one off the list. Even so this one still makes it in. There’s enough Brooke Fraser to make the Album. And even though Mike Guglielmucciwas totally screwed up when he wrote Healer, we still use it. (if you don’t know – the downfall of this artist and church leader forced hillsong to pull the record from the shelves and re-release it without the song.)
7. Sara Groves – O Holy Night
Not quite as refreshing as the Sufjan Stevens EPs but still a terrific Christmas album. I hope Sara doesn’t quit showbiz to be a stay at home soccer mom any time soon.
6. Copeland – You Are My Sunshine
This is a recent recommendation from my friend Michael. I think it’s tiding me over until the new Mute Math comes out. Abbey hears an hint of Imogen Heap in the vocals. Sometimes I think these guys have some similarities to Leeland, but the songs are so much better than Leeland’s. Did I mention the lead singer spends a lot of time in his falsetto? I aspire to his kind of falsetto greatness.
5. Mates of State – Re-arrange Us
I fell in love with this one the very first time through. Thanks to Abbey for introducing me. This album makes me want to write inde-pop-rock songs and tour with a family band.
4. Dave Barnes – Me & You & the World
He’s got rhythm and soul and makes me wanna shake my booty.
OK Stop thinking about my butt now.
3. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
My feelings for this band were just kinda lukewarm for the longest time. This album changed everything. I know this album is probably near the top of most best of 2008 lists. But I’m not one to give up on a great band just because they become popular. Only if they start to stink or just get boring.
2. Jon Foreman – Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer
OK technically the first installment released in 2007 but this is my vote for best Male solo album. Truly a departure from Switchfoot.
1. Brooke Fraser – Albertine
I think this was released as early as 2006 in some places, but 2008 was the year of Brooke Fraser for me. So even though it’s old, it’s my favorite album of the year.
January 10, 2009 at 2:09 pm |
I was going to add all the albums that I was introduced to this past year that were’t released in 2008 on my “top albums of 2008″ but it the post started too get long. Jon Foreman would have definately made that list.