Runner-Up #10
Outkast
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Outkast's double-disc album was quite an amazing feat, but at times it seemd a bit too self-indulgent for its own right. Then again, this is Outkast, so self-indulgence is not all that surprising. Besides, Andre did make Polaroid film cool again for the first time since the mid-80s.
full review

Runner-Up #9
Chris Knight
The Jealous Kind

People who dismiss country music off the bat obviously haven't heard the right country music, as Chris Knight has demonstrated on his album The Jealous Kind. His latest showcases a tremendous songwriting ability, making Knight one of the best songwriters currently recording.
full review

Runner-Up #8
Kenna
New Sacred Cow

Kenna's album, New Sacred Cow seemed like it might never come out, as tracks for it were floating around for years. Thankfully it did, and showed Kenna as one of the most innovative artists of the year, blending hip-hop, electronica, rock and more into a sound all his own.
full review

Runner-Up #7
Akrobatik
Balance

The debut album from Akrobatik demonstrates just what is needed in a great hip-hop album, a balance between dope beats, intelligence, and bouncy fun. If you're a hip-hop fan, there's no way you missed out on this... did you?
full review

Runner-Up #6
The Dandy Warhols
Welcome to the Monkey House

The Dandy Warhols took a bit of a sidestep with their most recent album, due mostly to the fact that their love of Duran Duran went almost a bit too far - but that didn't stop "You Were The Last High" from being one of the year's coolest song, and Welcome to the Monkey House one of the cooler albums - Simon LeBon guest vocals and all.
full review

Runner-Up #5
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
Country Music

Marty Stuart, despite his mighty silvered mullet and the "Marty Party" persona, has rebirthed himself as one of country music's truest believers. This album doesn't just sport the most apt title of the year; it's a testament to the different sounds and textures of country music...if this is corny, then bring the butter and some extra napkins!
full review

Runner-Up #4
Death Cab for Cutie
Transatlanticism

Featuring even more of Ben Gibbard's trademark lyrical introspection, as well as a masterful level of song composition, Death Cab for Cutie finally found themselves with Transatlanticism.
full review

Runner-Up #3
The Stills
Logic Will Break Your Heart

Following the current trend to explore 80s new wave and post-punk influences, The Stills decided to incorporate these into their sound rather than simply rehash. This, along with the fact that Tim Fletcher can write a damn fine song, make The Stills not only a great band now, but one to watch in years to come.
full review

Runner-Up #2
Radiohead
Hail to the Thief

Radiohead's latest album found them embracing a more mainstream sound, creating an album that their more standard fare from Amnesiac and Kid A had interspersed throughout. Still, it felt a bit disappointing in the end, when many people expected another step forward from the group.
full review

Runner-Up #1
The Shins
Chutes Too Narrow

The Shins brand of summery indie pop was further developed on their sophomore release, showing that their debut, Oh Inverted World, was no fluke. Fans of intelligent, fun music rejoice - and run and out and get yourself a copy of Chutes Too Narrow if you haven't.
full review