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 Back to Black
There really isn’t anything negative to say about this record, because it is pretty much flawless. The use of jazz elements, and the layering of dancable beats from the 50s and 60s is sheer brilliance, and cannot be ignored. Amy channels some of the great jazz songs, and with her powerhouse voice, creates the perfect soundtrack for a late night smoky jazz club; one that I would LOVE to attend.
It is clear that the rest of the world is listening to her, and are being impressed as well; just look at how many Grammys Amy Winehouse is nominated for! Seriously, when I first heard Rehab, I was blown away, but I thought to myself, self, she is probably too good for the US to take notice; but as it turns out, I was wrong. I am glad that I was wrong about this one; Amy is too great for her UK citizenship to keep her from being loved on this side of the pond.
Overall, the main thing that should be said about this record, is that if you have been waiting for whatever reason to give it a chance, you are definitely missing out on one of the biggest phenomenons to happen in music in 2007 (and even part of 2006 in the UK). Amy surely has her own “Shirley Bassey” thing going, and it is a feast for the ears, and a soundtrack for the dance floor.
With all of the praise I can lavish upon this record, I can’t help but also say this: I hope that she can pull her rapidly descending life together, so that we can see if she can turn this raw talent into a well deserved long career in music. I would caution, that there be no more drugs Amy, and no more drinking binges; just give us the gift that you were so gracious to share with us on this record – the music! I can’t help but fear that what we are seeing is another tragic example of how such talent can literally drive someone to the grave (Janis Joplin comes to mind when I think of Amy); and I really hope that she can pull it together before it goes that far.
Favorites from Back to Black:
Tears Dry On Their Own
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/amyw-tearsdry.mp3]
Me & Mr Jones
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/amyw-meandmrjones.mp3]
Back To Black (not the infamous live version… sigh)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/amyw-backtoblack.mp3]
Rehab, You Know I’m No Good, and Love is a Losing Game (links are to youtube goodness).
Rating: 
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. 
Appearing as the final four star rated album of this year, Shayne Ward’s newest CD 
makes the second time Shayne has made my year end list. His new CD makes this year’s list for much the same reason his debut did last year; but there is something distinctly different about his new record. The difference, is that his new album is much better than his debut was; mainly because of the over-reliance on covers on his debut. While I am a fan of a cover song done correctly (No Promises was a great cover from Shayne), too many covers just seems like wasted potential; because this guy can really sing, and it really begs you to wonder why the producers behind him don’t give him the opportunity to sing some “original” stuff that he could truly make his own. Fortunately, that is exactly what he gets to do this time around, and the result is an album chock full of polished pop anthems, ballads, and club ready dance tracks. 
Nicole Atkins was an amazingly unexpected, but fantastic, discovery for me. I went to see one of my favorite girl groups, The Pipettes, in concert, and after a not-so-great opening act, they announced that the next opening act would be Nicole Atkins. I had never heard of her before that moment, but that would quickly change, and I am thankful that it did. 
in a more polished form. She has some stories to tell, and you really get the sense that she has been around and unfortunately, has had some love and loss. I think that the slight raspy quality of her voice really allows you to feel the ache that she feels. I also love how she often borders on dramatics in her vocal play, and the effect really gives you sense of drama, love, and loss; all while keeping you entertained and enthralled by her performance. All of this “depressing” nature is still, however, kept upbeat by her rock-and-roll sensibilities, and the result is one of those records that you fall for, and love throughout (as I did). Nicole is definitely a fantastic artist, and this CD stands out among the others that I have loved this year. The only reason that it didn’t land amongst the top records of the year for me, unfortunately, is because I found out about it so late in the year (it came out at the end of October), and I haven’t had enough time to truly explore and enjoy the intricate nuances of Nicole’s sound. 
Perhaps they named their new record 
because of the fact that it is technically the first record they have done with newcomer, Amelle, but whatever the motivation, the record, in my opinion, is a hit. The Sugababes, for all of you in the States that haven’t a clue who they are, are one of the most successful UK pop acts over the past nine years, and they don’t seem to be slowing up. In fact, with the release of Change, I think they have gone past having a few hits, and a few number one singles, to a bona fide girl group capable of delivering an album that demands recognition.
Propelled by a powerful, rock infused cover that identifies the record’s namesake, 
by Brandi Carlile, represents itself as what it truly is: a magnificently orchestrated album. Comparison to the Indigo Girls is unavoidable, so it’s best to get it out of the way right away. That similarity is even present on the record, where Brandi teams up with them on the song Canonball. However, despite the strong similarities, The Story is a great indication that Brandi definitely can carry herself nicely as a solo artist. Brandi brings an impassioned performance on The Story, that reverberates right through you every time her voice cracks at the height of her song’s emotion. There is no doubt, after listening to Brandi perform on this record, that she is passionate about the music she is making; it is clear and refreshing to hear in her performance. 
Initially, I was so blown away by the record 
by Jon McLaughlin, that I was quick to rank it among the other five star records for this year; and that is where I wanted it to stay… it deserves it. However, unfortunately, the more I listened to it, I managed to find a few flaws that I just couldn’t ignore. Now don’t get me wrong, the great tracks on this record (and their are MANY), are just that, GREAT; but, there are a couple that I would have seriously considered leaving off, or doing slightly differently… that’s if I were in his shoes when he was making Indiana.
“Technically” 
was released in 2006, but since it was re-released here in the states in early 2007, it can “technically” make my year end list. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I get to talk about why a potentially amazing album did not make it to a higher spot on my year end list.
Here we are at 21, with Westlife, and it should be clear by now; there is no stopping the pop on this year end list! Seriously, though, did you really expect anything else? You will find a few rock/indie albums stashed here and there, but I am a boy who loves pop, and is more than willing to embrace it and share that information with the world.
made my year end list. First of all, if there is one thing that makes me weak in the knees, is a male vocalist to swoon over, as he sings me seemingly heartfelt love songs; and with Westlife, you get four of those in one package. Secondly, I have been a fan of Westlife for as long as I have known they existed, and if there is one thing that they have, is that they can consistently bring those pop-laced love songs that I adore so much. Finally, and most importantly, this record really is a testament of them going “back home”; allow me to explain.
Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.