Yes, it’s that time of year again.
Last year I started the tradition of doing a “Top Albums” post in which I listed my top albums of the past year. There was however some confusion over this, so let me be clear — these selections are not supposed to be “the” top ten albums of the year. In other words, I am not trying to be a music expert. In no way am I suggesting these albums are better than all other albums that were released this year. These are simply the ones that I liked best. Hence the hopefully clearer title “My Top 11 Albums of 2006.”
2006 was a very good year for music, and, like last year, I was not able to narrow my choices down to a top 10. So again, here are my top 11 albums of 2006, in descending order:
1. The Black Parade – My Chemical Romance
Incredible. Simply put, My Chemical Romance’s third studio album is a masterpeice. The whole concept album idea was executed masterfully, and the “emo” label and sound have been completely erased from MCR’s new image. There is not a single song on this album that I do not absolutely love.
Favorite tracks: Dead!, The Sharpest Lives, Welcome to the Black Parade, Mama, Teenagers, Famous Last Words
2. Sam’s Town – The Killers
The Killers had a tall order to fill in following up on the smash hit Hot Fuss. They found a way, however, and although their sound shifted rather perceptibly towards the rock ballad sound of Hot Fuss’s “All These Things That I’ve Done” and less of the synth of “Mr. Brightside,” they managed to retain just enough of the old Killers to satisfy my expectations. Brandon Flowers and company have released a excellent sophomore album that showcases the band’s broad lyrical and musical prowess.
Favorite tracks: Sam’s Town, Bling (Confessions of a King), For Reasons Unknown, Read My Mind, My List, This River Is Wild
3. Albatross – The Classic Crime
The best debut album of 2006, The Classic Crime have crafted an outstanding rock album that is easy to fall instantly in love with — and indeed I did. I listened to this album for three months straight this summer, and never got sick of it. With unbelievably catchy hooks and choruses, The Classic Crime has the potential to be the next big thing.
Favorite tracks: The Fight, Who Needs Air, Blisters and Coffee, The Coldest Heart, Say the Word, Bitter Uprising, Headlights
4. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me – Brand New
I’m going to be honest: I hated this album when I first heard it. It had been three years since Brand New released Deja Entendu, a staple of the emo wave of the early 2000’s. The Devil and God is so different from their previous work that I think I was in shock. Once I listened to the album a few times through, however, it began to grow on me — a lot. Elements of the old sound can still be seen, in the blistering single “You Won’t Know,” for example, but even there the band’s transformation is evident. Brand New’s radical shift paid off, and I think this album has shown that they’re here to stay. Also, the lyrical genius of this album cannot be overstated.
Favorite tracks: Millstone, Jesus Christ, Degausser, You Won’t Know, Not The Sun, Luca, The Archer’s Bows Are Broken
5. Good Monsters – Jars of Clay
Oh Jars. What can be said but that they are one of those great bands that really does improve with every album. As a lifelong fan who has bought every single one of Jars’ six studio albums (as well as the live album), I love Good Monsters. The band’s maturity shows clearly in both the lyrical and musical arenas, and the band has also pushed it’s musical boundaries and explored a new sound, departing somewhat from the stripped-down bluegrass/gospel sound of Who We Are Instead and bringing back a bolder, almost British-rock-esque sound, as showcased in the opening track “Work” and “Dead Man (Carry Me).” There’s still plenty of fantastic acoustic work mixed in though, and the haunting “Oh My God” sends chills down my spine every time.
Favorite tracks: Work, Dead Man (Carry Me), Good Monsters, Oh My God, Surprise, Mirrors & Smoke
6. The Bravery – The Bravery
The obvious comparisons to The Killers’ debut aside, The Bravery have managed to release a debut album that brings something unique to the synth-pop wave. Dance rock is alive and well with The Bravery, and slick synth riffs (“Out of Line” is one of my favorites) coupled with killer beats and frontman Sam Endicott’s perfectly laid-back vocals make this album irresistable.
Favorite tracks: An Honest Mistake, Fearless, Tyrant, Swollen Summer, Out of Line, Unconditional, The Ring Song
7. Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! – Hellogoodbye
I have been a fan of Hellogoodbye ever since I heard their demo, released back in 2004, and I was not disappointed by their first full-length album. Combining some of the best synth dance riffs around with catchy vocals, Zombies! is a fun and well-produced album that is very, very hard not to dance to every time it is played. Also, the acoustic mandolin-driven “Oh, It Is Love,” is one of the most adorable songs I have ever heard.
Favorite tracks: Here (In Your Arms), All Time Lows, Stuck To You, Homewrecker, Oh, It Is Love, Figures A and B (Means You And Me), Two Weeks In Hawaii
8.Under The Iron Sea – Keane
An absolutely amazing follow-up to their debut, Under The Iron Sea shows how much the British 3-peice Keane has grown. Strings and organs add depth and richness to Keane’s sound while staying true to their pop-rock roots. It’s one of those albums that is even better as a whole when you listen to it all the way through.
Favorite tracks: Is It Any Wonder?, Nothing In My Way, Bad Dream, Hamburg Song, Crystal Ball, The Frog Prince, Let It Slide
9. The Chess Hotel – The Elms
Really. Good. After a long hiatus, The Elms are back with The Chess Hotel, and have abandoned their old Beatles-esque pop-rock for pure, old-fashioned, unadulterated rock ‘n roll. With killer guitar riffs and lyrics that any small-town Midwesterner can sympathize with, The Elms are one of my new favorites.
Favorite tracks: Who Puts Rock ‘n Roll In Your Blood, Nothing To Do With Love, She’s Cold!, The Chess Hotel, Bring Me Your Tea, The Downtown King, The Towers and The Trains
10. Decemberunderground – A.F.I.
I’m not really a huge A.F.I. fan, but my friend Adam made me listen to Decemberundergroundand I must admit it is an excellent album. I also think it’s ironic that my two favorite songs on the album are “Love Like Winter” and “Summer Shudder.” Ha.
Favorite tracks: Miss Murder, Summer Shudder, The Interview, Love Like Winter, The Missing Frame, 37mm
11. Chroma – Cartel
It may be average, typical pop-punk, but I like it. And, after seeing them live, I do think the lead singer’s voice is very impressive. The big guitars and hooks may not be anything new or unique, but they succeed in making some really catchy songs. Especially the chorus of “Burn This City,” which sometimes gets stuck in my head for days at a time.
Favorite tracks: Say Anything (Else), Honestly, Runaway, Burn This City, Settle Down
Alex's Top Albums 