The Script are a pop-rock trio from Ireland who made a splash with me when I heard their AMAZING song, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. When I heard that track, I knew that I had to get their album, because it reminded me of acts that I love, namely Daniel Bedingfield and David Gray. Well, after getting their debut album, also called The Script,
I am sure that they will pull comparisons to fellow pop-rock sets like Maroon 5, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and even The Police (as well as the aforementioned David Gray and Daniel Bedingfield), but these guys definitely put their own polish on their sound, and they made a darn great record in the process. Additionally, like some of the aforementioned acts, these guys are really, really good at turning out a viable single; this CD is definitely filled with radio-ready tracks. Songs like Breakeven just beg to be played on the radio, and recently, BBC 1 is amongst those playing the track in heavy rotation (which makes me happy, because it is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I love hearing it on the radio).
While these guys aren’t really breaking ground in any “new” realm of pop rock, they are definitely staking claim on their own little corner of the pop-rock island. It’s great to hear well produced pop records like this one, and with as many great single-worthy tracks as there are on this album, I am sure that this is just the first that we have heard from the Script. One thing is for sure; they may be called the Script, but they have definitely written their own musical, and doing a damn fine job of performing it.
Sparkle Factor: 
Standouts: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_thescript-themanwhocantbemoved.mp3]
Breakeven, Anybody There, Talk You Down.
: As much as I love the Cardigans (they are definitely amongst my favorite groups of all time), putting a Best Of collection amongst the other contenders kind of isn’t fair for the rest of the studio albums on the top 31 list; even if the record (a double record in this case) is amazing. That being said, it’s a great collection with a ton of songs that I hadn’t heard before, mostly because they were B sides or on soundtracks. If you love the Cardigans, it is a MUST have. It is a solid five star album.
: What should I say that hasn’t been 
: If this album would have been released this year, for the first time, it would have probably been number one (if not amongst the top spots) on this list. However, this CD was originally released in 2005, and there isn’t enough new here to make it a contender. That being said, IF this album had of been released this year, it would have fit perfectly; which is a testament as to how forward and amazing this record is… it can stand the test of 3 years, and do so effortlessly. I can’t wait for the next record from Robyn.
: I love Antony and the Johnsons, and if this EP is any indication as to what we have in store from his next full length release in January, well, you will see this name again next year around this time. The first song on this EP is breathtakingly amazing. 
: Here’s a great record that didn’t connect with me as much as their previous release, but it’s definitely a good record, and I am glad that it’s in my collection. 
: It was Paste Magazine’s number one, and while I do really love this record, it didn’t resonate with me on that level. Zooey Deschanel’s voice is amazing; I can’t wait for volume two.
: And here’s our first casualty ladies and gents… if there were 32 spots, it would be on the list. Fantastic record throughout, it just waivers at the end with the ultra long track, and that is really all that hurts it.
: Here’s another album that should have made the list, but didn’t because there are only so many days in December. It’s a great record in the same vein as Jason Mraz with a little bit more Marc Broussard. There are some eloquent and beautiful songs on this album that captivate me every time I hear them.
: A solid pop album, with some definite movers and dance floor shakers on there. There are a ton of singles on this record, so I don’t know why he has only released two. Either way, he’s maturing nicely.
: Another solid, and hilarious, album from the great Ben Folds. Just missed the cut, seriously.
:This one is kind of a conflict for me, because there are some AMAZING songs on it, but there are more than a couple filler tracks that really drug it down. I am definitely happy to have this in my music collection though, because when Matt’s good, he’s GREAT, seriously, seriously GREAT.
: There are some stunning songs on this album, and they remind me a lot of last year’s top ten group Melee, but they just missed the mark for this year’s list. Note that you cannot by the physical CD on amazon, so the link is for the MP3 CD. If you must only get one song, you have to get Bigger Than Love. That song is amazing.
: Lastly, I HAVE to mention Aqualung, not only because he made my top ten last year, but because he released possibly one of the most amazingly beautiful songs on this record, called Arrivals. It is the last track of a record that feels sort of hurried, but there is nothing about this song that isn’t beautiful, sweet, and oh-so elegantly constructed. This is a MUST have just because of that one song, I tell you; I only wish the rest of the album would have been as amazing.