MY Top 10 Albums of 2005

Okay - a couple of disclaimers... I realize that this in no way is a definitive top ten of the best albums of the year, it is merely my own favorite releases of the year. I am not a music critic - but I do love music. I also realize that this list transcends genres and mixes some very unknown bands with some very mainstream bands with some Christian worship bands. So - enjoy the list, and if it sparks some debate - so be it - but if it helps you discover some new music then that would be just great too.

1. Come On Feel the Illinoise - Sufjan Stevens.
I am at a loss to remember the last time that an album has had such a sustained and visceral impact on me as this one has. The haunting melodies and inventive arrangements that vary from acoustic folk, to garage punk, to high school marching band, to soft piano ballad, all have a very soothing yet complex affect on me. This is the second state that this artist has memorialized (out of a lofty goal of doing all 50). A Masterpiece.

2. A Collision or (3+4=7) - David Crowder*Band.
While other "worship bands" seem mired in a creative slump, DCB continues to innovate and produce brilliant music. I agree with the synopsis offered by a good friend upon some intense listening when he stated, "It's like they (DCB) gave the Christian music world the first five worship tracks that everyone expects, then the album just goes in a completely different direction, creatively and musically. I think it is seriously one of the best albums, ever." From the heart pounding anthem of "Here is Our King" to the keytar looped hooks of "Forever and Ever etc...", the worship pastors of America have plenty of material to try to emulate and ultimately destroy by repitition. Heartfelt covers of Hank Williams and Sufjan Stevens add to an eclectic mix of well produced tracks that all add up to a brilliant album, the best to date by the band.

3. Mockingbird - Derek Webb
It remains to be seen if Christians are ready for a record with this much truth to tell. Webb, the former lead singer of CCM darling Caedmon's Call, has truly created a powerful work that touches on legalism, the war, materialism, service, capitalism, and the kingdom of God. Not for the faint of heart or washed of brain. It is very well recorded and musically competent, but the real strenght of this record is in the message. His trademark rasp is in top form as he crafts singable choruses that you may catch yourself humming, until you realize what you are actually singing. The truth must be told, and Derek Webb has tacked his 11 Thesis to the door of the church, but will anyone notice? (Listen to A New Law, My Enemies are Men Like Me, Love is Not Against the Law to understand what I'm saying.)

4. X & Y - Coldplay
The much anticipated follow-up to the absolute smash A Rush of Blood to the Head delivers another list of songs to add to the canon of Coldplay mastery. Even though mainstream radio threatens to take the songs to Hootie and the Blowfish levels of overplay, there are some gems on here that won't reach the radio. Swallowed in the Sea, Kingdom Come, and What If showcase the classic existential crisis tunes that define the band's greatest efforts to date. Fix You is a song that has a supernatural weight to it, and it will be seen as a timeless classic for future generations to enjoy.

5. Look to You - Hillsong Music Australia
There isn't a better factory for producing fist-pumping worship anthems than these guys. Uncontainable energy and catchy songs that you find yourself singing along to after only seconds of introduction. They truly have crafted a list of songs that evoke some serious emotional response - pop this in when you want a quick spiritual pick-me-up and let the tracks work their magic. Arena rocking worship at its finest - Tell the World, Look to You, Salvation is Here will ignite any worship gathering with their high octane energy. All for Love is a tender yet stirring ballad that leads into the destroy your vocal chords for a week track, Shout unto God. A must have.

6. I Wish We All Could Win - The Afters
Filled with uber-catchy pop tunes, this band is destined for a decent level of mainstream success, as evidenced by some appearances on MTV (and the fact that I heard them on the radio once at the California Pizza Kitchen). Quite possibly the album that defined the summer of 2005 for me. Tight harmonies, aw-shucks lyrics, and some spiritual undercurrents make this a great listen. Standout tracks - Beautiful Love, Until the World, Someday, Love Lead Me On, Love will make you beautiful.

7. Silent Alarm - Bloc Party
Raw, high-energy Brit rock at its finest. A drummer apparently on high doses of speed. Very tight harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and tracks that patiently unfold multiple layers of complexity. Fun and head-bobbing infectious tunes from beginning to end, but the true standout track is definitely "This Modern Love". I have subjected so many friends to this song's captivating musicality, and have yet to be stifled. As I listen to it right now, I just love the way it keeps revealing more and more complexity, all the while building more and more momentum as you speed towards the beautiful closing harmonies. Man - I love the Brits.

8. Employment - Kaiser Chiefs
Yet another entry that reveals my unhealthy obsession with anything British. The Kaiser Chiefs have a rare ability to capture energy, excitement, and exuberance on a studio record with such gusto that it feels like a great live record. I dare you to try to listen to this album without being led from a subtle head bob to a flat out raging dance party once you reach the track of your destiny, Born to be a Dancer. Some of the standout tracks are I Predict a Riot, Modern Way, Na Na Na Na Naa, Oh My Gosh, and the aforementioned Born to be a Dancer. As Rolling Stone magazine declared, "...the Kaiser Chiefs make you want to sing along with practically every song by the second chorus. They predict a riot? They already are one."

9. Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul - 4th Avenue Jones
Lead "singer" Ahmad Jones, formerly part of the West Coast Hip Hop explosion of the early 90's, had a huge hit, Back in the Day off his 1994 debut album, Ahmad. He was 18 back then, and being compared to Dr. Dre, Montell Jordan, and Tupac... But a tepid response to the rest of his album and some shady record company dealings caused him to fade into obscurity. Back on the scene in 2005 with his musical brainchild, 4th Avenue Jones, a hip hop collective full of friends and musicians that form a new genre of music, self-titled as HipRockSoul. Their first release, Stereo, is just that - mixture of hip hop, hard rock, and R&B soul that both satisfies and leaves you wanting more. Standout tracks Stereo, Take Me Away, Sorry, It's Over Now. Stereo could be a huge hit if it wasn't for the mystifying running time of just 2 minutes.

10. How Great is Our God - Passion Worship Band
Failing to list the latest effort from the cutting edge musicians of the Passion movement would be a treasonous offense to everything that I stand for. Ok - that might be a little strong, but still, these guys just keep writing the songs the whole world is singing (sorry Barry). Standout tracks from David Crowder*Band, Chris Tomlin, and Shane and Shane highlight a great worship project. I continue to struggle with Charlie Hall and Matt Redman's live performances, although Charlie is starting to win me over with his efforts on this album, especially his great performance of Delirious' brilliant song, Majesty. Unfortunately, Matt Redman continues to be an artist who is best utilized by handing off his songs to other more talented singers to perform than himself. The Glory of Your Name is a powerful song, but has been eternally etched into my subconscious. It is Well showcases the underappreciated talents of Shane and Shane - and their rendition renders me a quiverying, emotional mess.

Well there you have it.... My top 10 albums of 2005. Feel free to weigh in and comment, disagree (Eric), and even post your own top 10. I will close this post with a list of honorable mentions that almost made the list - but alas, the tribe had spoken.

Honorable mentions - Speak for Yourself, Imogen Heap; Leaders of the Free World, Elbow; Live in Seattle, Shawn McDonald; Nothing is Sound, Switchfoot; The Bravery; Gimme Fiction, Spoon; Imagination, Bethany Dillon; Catalogue of Generous Men, Modern Skirts.

Feel free to agree, disagree, or even to add some that you thought were deserving during this past year...