Best albums of the decade

As promised, here we have something between the reviews! With the closure of 09, here's a music round-up.

2009
Found Songs – Ólafur Arnalds

I’m very glad I found these songs! That’s an almost childish thing to say about this little collection of songs. The music strikes such a deep cord with me I may even put this at best album of the decade. I wish I could also include Arnalds’ previous album, “Variations of Static”. Music on earth just simply doesn’t get much better than this. I better stop here before I say something that’s not true. ;)

2008
Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter – Jon Foreman

With these four 6 song EPs, Foreman has created a unique yet approachable style in his solo work. It is one of the most consistently good collection of songs (with the 25 tracks, there may be only 2 I skip over). The songs are testament to this guys songwriting experience.

2007
Cannons – Phil Wickham

There is something very inspired about this album that I think sets it apart from a lot of CCM. There may be one song on the entire album that I have rated less than 4 stars. Wickham’s voice carries each one and channels his heart and passion with each breath. It doesn’t get old.

2006

Vittorio - Vittorio Grigolo

Here we have a mighty strong debut album from this young Italian tenor. From the epic “In the Hands of Love” to the catchy “Magia De Amor” is a diverse collection of songs, all presented with the trained and heartfelt voice that may give this guy a name.

2005
Plans – Death Cab For Cutie

This may be as mainstream as I’ll get here. Sometimes there’s a reason a band is popular. This is just…great. With this offering, the maturing band has become more confident and comfortable with their sound. A sound that I happen to connect with.

2004
Between the Fence and the Universe – Kevin Max

This is an interesting one to award, and even seems a little strange to me. I really haven’t heard anything like it though. The blending of the upbeat music with Kevin’s refined vocals is a listening pleasure.

2003
O – Damien Rice

With a rather down-and-depressed-artist view of the world, this Irish singer/songwriter has a level of soul that few artists are able to make find the way up their throats and to their lips. It seems through his style, he’s not as concerned about being popular. Which makes it that much more meaningful.

2002
Me Died Blue – Steven Delopoulos

Cutting a little slack here because this is actually 03. But here’s a guy who can play the guitar. He has a way with words too. Doesn’t always make sense, but interesting all the same.

2001
Miracles – Paul Cardall

One of the wonderful voices in romantic piano, Paul Cardall gives us a quiet and pleasing work in Miracles. It’s hard not to imagine there were some deep things happening in this artist’s heart as the album was being written.

2000
Ten Thousand Days – Bebo Norman

The fresh, sophomore Bebo is some of the best Bebo. It’s a lovely, heartfelt collection of folk flavored songs. (A little more slack here as this is Sept 99).