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Notable Albums of 2007
By an Amazon.com customer
As I AmAs I Am by Alicia Keys
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $6.55
Alicia Keys has arguably outdone herself with her third album. She decided to branch out a little with her sound, providing just enough variety to keep her sounding fresh without alienating her fans.
Just Like YouJust Like You by Keyshia Cole
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $8.25
Keyshia Cole's album was one I was most worried about, not because I thought it would be bad, but because I didn't think it could possibly top her debut. The result was a consistent album giving Keyshia ample room to show off the power of her voice. She may not have topped her debut, but she certainly matched it.
Growing PainsGrowing Pains by Mary J. Blige
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $2.46
It would be hard for Mary to top an album like The Breakthrough, which was in itself a very powerful comeback. This album continues much in the same vein, judging by recently leaked samples. Mary's provided a very balanced album filled with both happiness and her classic emotional ballads.
Ms. KellyMs. Kelly by Kelly Rowland
Buy new: $13.97 / Used from: $2.44
The thing that's most disappointing about the album is that they are re-releasing it. Quality-wise, there were no major problems. The only problem was inadequate promotion. While Kelly's debut was good, this album takes thing a step above, featuring Kelly's beautiful vocals in the style they suit best (for the most part). It's too bad frequent delays caused this album to do poorly.
Good Girl Gone BadGood Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna
Buy used from: $1.49
I've never been a huge Rihanna fan, despite owning all three of her albums. Although she's beginning to get on my nerves due to overexposure, this is easily her best album. That's not to say it's perfect, but it's a step in the right direction.
Because I Love ItBecause I Love It by Amerie
Buy new: $22.99 / Used from: $10.09
No one knows why this album hasn't been released yet in the U.S., although it could again be chalked up to poor promotion. As with Kelly, the material was great, and there were quite a few single-worthy songs. And once again, this album has been pushed back, and is being re-vamped for an American release.
Sunshine at MidnightSunshine at Midnight by Sunshine Anderson
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $1.19
One of the most widely ignored releases of the year. This album came out in January, with little promotion (but then, what do you expect from Matt Knowles?). This album is a great follow-up to Sunshine's also widely ignored debut. It's really a shame she's been so overlooked.
Jordin SparksJordin Sparks by Jordin Sparks
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $7.54
The youngest winner of American Idol also had a lot to prove with her debut, since most consider albums from Idol winners too contrived. Jordin manages to pull the songs off convincingly, aided in large part by her powerful voice. However, by the same token, her voice gets little chance to really shine. It's especially disappointing that I Who Have Nothing was not added.
Katharine McPheeKatharine McPhee
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $2.49
Another album to come out of the crop of American Idol competitors. Katharine's album is actually one of the better contributions of the many that came from Idol contestants, with catchy material and ample opportunity to showcase her voice. It will be interesting to see how she follows it up.
Elliott YaminElliott Yamin by Elliott Yamin
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $2.00
Yet another album from an Americal Idol contestant. Elliott was always one of my favourites, and his album easily demonstrates why. The material is great, and showcases Elliott's voice. It's hard to believe he's partially deaf.
Based On A True StoryBased On A True Story by Kimberley Locke
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $7.34
This album really went under the radar for a while. I heard the first single (Superwoman)probably about a year before the album was released, and then heard nothing until a couple of days before the release. This album has some of the same problems as her debut, namely some of the material is kind of cheesy, although for the most part it shows great improvement.
Princess PPrincess P by Paris Bennett
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $1.49
I haven't actually heard this entire album, but the pieces I have heard sounded great. Paris's material suits her age and voice well, and it will be interesting to see what she comes out with in the future.
Heroes & ThievesHeroes & Thieves by Vanessa Carlton
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $2.00
When Vanessa proclaimed this "the best patch of songs [she's] ever written", I have to admit I was doubtful. However, this album definitely did not disappoint. Her voices seems to have matured, at least somewhat, and her material has also grown accordingly. Her being on a Hip-hop label is irrelevant, since the music is still the style we know and love.
My DecemberMy December by Kelly Clarkson
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $2.20
The negative reviews this album has received just baffle me. No, it is not as instantly likeable as Kelly's others, but that doesn't make it a terrible album. In fact, it arguably contains some of her BEST songs. There are a few missteps, but the good far outweighs the bad.
Wild HopeWild Hope by Mandy Moore
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $5.00
This is the first album of original material Mandy has released since she was a teenager, competing with the likes of Britney and Christina. This album is easily Mandy's best, showing incredible growth and maturity. It seems as though Mandy has finally found her niche.
The Best Damn ThingThe Best Damn Thing by Avril Lavigne
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $3.48
I'm amazed by all the reviews bashing this for not being a "deep" album. News flash: Avril herself stated she was making a FUN, upbeat album this time. And she's succeeded in doing just that. I wouldn't call it her best, but it's a good listen as a whole.
Trust MeTrust Me by Craig David
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $2.93
Craig has not really caught a break since his debut. His sophomore album was widely bashed, as was his third for being "too ballad-y". This album is a clear attempt to go back to his roots, and for the most part it works. There is a good balance of ballads and upbeat tracks, although the album is a little short.
BlackoutBlackout by Britney Spears
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $5.92
What would this list be without one of the most widely anticipated albums of the year? It's classic Britney: synthesized vocals, catchy beats, average lyrics. However, those of us expecting something a little more substantial now that she has all this life experience will be sorely disappointed.