As the list gets closer and closer to number one, it gets harder and harder not to just foam at the mouth, and gush incessantly about how great these CDs are; but for the most part, just understand that I am trying. Up today, at number 6, is the fabulous third album by Aussie bombshell, Delta Goodrem, titled simply, Delta.
The likeness in voice to Celine Dion may be apparent, but Delta definitely has something Celine is majorly lacking; the talent behind the voice. Delta writes her songs and plays piano beautifully, and doesn’t come across as egotistical or shallow with her powerhouse vocals; in fact, she has a sincerity to her that Celine could learn from. With this album, Delta has clearly taken her music to a new level, and made a greatly crafted, and well produced pop record.
While many of the songs are upbeat, and have sunny disposition, it is clear that she has been through, and continues to struggle with, many different issues in her life. The girl beat cancer on her last album, and on this one, she talks about her struggles with relationships, and the divorce of her parents. Regardless of the topic in these songs, there is no denying that Delta has been able to tap into the best that she has to offer, and for this album, has trimmed away the fat (albeit, it was only a little bit of fat; the other records are quite good) that slow down her previous two efforts. It is still a surprise to me that such a talented artist is practically unheard of here in America; but at least I can say that I am one American that has got my ears pointed towards the land down under. Delta is definitely a treat, and the entire album is a great listen. You will find yourself listening to it over and over again; which is exactly why it made it this high up on my list… I can’t get enough of Delta!
Favorites from Delta:
Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_woman.mp3]
Brave Face
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1102_braveface.mp3]
The Guardian
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/delta-theguardian.mp3]
In This Life, I Can’t Break It To My Heart, and One Day (link for youtube video, as always).
Rating: 
In at number seven, is the amazing sophomore album 
by the Orange county pop-rock quartet Melee. Melee is more than just another one of those emo-punk-pop groups from California; these kids have some amazing talent, and it shows on each one of the songs on this great record. With perfectly polished rhythm, great song writing ability, and production value through the roof, you are really in for a treat when you pop this album into your player. The singing on this record is also a major treat, with all of their beautiful voices melding together in perfect harmony. This is something that puts them amongst my favorite singers in my vast music collection. 
Perhaps one of the catchiest records I have heard in many, many years, Mika’s debut album, 
solidified itself a spot on my top list right after my first listen. Mika is one of those artists that you listen to, and instantly recognize not only a great deal of talent, but you genuinely believe that he makes music because he loves to do it. Interestingly enough, I pegged this as one of the best albums of 2007 
I should start by saying that I had never heard of Aqualung before this year, and it was only when I was invited to a concert by some friends of mine, that I had even heard a mention of the group. I agreed to go because Sara Bareilles was opening for them, and I always jump at the chance to see Sara live. Little did I know, that I would totally fall in love with Aqualung at the show; the performance knocked my socks off, and I knew that I wanted to hear more from this great artist. After the show, I went out and picked up their most recent release, 
only to have it also knock my socks off too, as well as to cement itself amongst my top records of the year. 
Now, let’s get to my number 10 selection, the AMAZING second album by the pop/rock outfit Paramore, 
Paramore fall into that category of groups that I had never heard of, but because they were mentioned somewhere, I felt compelled to check them out; and I have to say, I have damn good instincts. From the first energetic riff on their CD 
In at number 11 on this year’s list, is the fourth solo album by the amazing Scottish diva, Annie Lennox, entitled 
Being a fan of Annie Lennox for as long as I can remember definitely plays into how much I enjoyed this record, but even without a prior following, this record is totally brilliant. Annie comes back to us after her last raw effort, Bare, and this time, she has something that has been bugging her, and somethings that she needs to get off of her chest. She is clearly upset with the way things are going in the world with regards to war, poverty, AIDS, and women’s rights, and as such, these topics permeate many of the heartfelt songs on 
In at number 12 on my year end list, is the self titled debut record by 
This is one of those records that you listen to, and think, well, isn’t this just a swell record? You get images of Wally and the Beav, and think about picnics in the park on a quaint 60s afternoon… and then you listen to the lyrics. You quickly realize that underneath those airy, sweet, and innocent vocals, Inara Gorge is telling you like it is; and that often includes lyrics about violence, irritations in her life, and of course fucked up boyfriends.
Those songs compliment the debut album, and really show that they are moving forward with making their own great music; for which I am grateful to have discovered. Specifically, one of the songs on that EP (
Now here is an album that no doubt will be in most of the “best of” album lists this year, and the reason is simple, it is a flawless record. There is no denying it; Amy Winehouse is an amazingly talented artist, and her retro-smoky voice is just the best thing to happen to hip-hop infused jazz in a long time. Couple her raw talent with top notch production, and hot as hell songs like Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own, and you are bound to have a winner; and that is exactly what 
is. 
I am sure that more than a few of you are surprised by this next pick, the Kaiser Chief’s second album, 
I will admit that I didn’t expect their album to strike me in quite the way it did when I first heard the single Ruby, but after a few listens, I had to pick up the album. Upon my initial listen, I was not only impressed, but I was surprised at how much they reminded me of Blur, who happen to be one of my all time favorite groups. Admittedly, they aren’t always as quirky as Blur can be, but they definitely have similar rock sensibilities that made me fall so deeply in love with Blur.