A.L. Harper's Top Ten Albums of 2007
Published December 23, 2007
Cary Brothers – Who You Are
Brothers’ voice exudes a warm sensuality and romanticism that is absolutely necessary when singing music that is so passionately felt and hungrily listened to. He has filled Who You Are, his full-length debut, with luxurious, sensuous, velutinous music; nothing about this album feels sparse, slip-shod or economical. Stunning in its magnitude and scope, Who You Are has quickly won my heart with its richly textured sounds, creamy smooth guitar, gorgeous synth and honeyed vocals.
Dan Wilson – Free Life
This multi-talented frontman of sporadically active pop-band Semisonic (“Closing Time” and “Secret Smile”), and Grammy-winning songwriter (for his part in writing the Dixie Chicks track “Not Ready to Make Nice”) Dan Wilson has released his first solo album Free Life. This beautifully reflective album perfectly conveys feelings of death and rebirth with each song as they start with an edge of melancholy but quickly become more hopeful. His music is streaked with a kind of tender vulnerability and saturated with an air of raw honesty. Wilson’s breathy vocals are filled with a tranquil humility and sentimental sweetness that never feels cheesy or overdone. As you would expect from the veteran of a successful pop band, his philosophical style folk-pop is completely accessible while maintaining an intelligent and erudite manner.
A Fine Frenzy – One Cell in the Sea
She calls herself A Fine Frenzy but was born Alison Sudol and she is easily one of the most talented and promising new-comers of 2007. The debut album One Cell in the Sea is a magnificent alternative singer-songwriter concoction full of haunting melodies, stripped back piano and raw, vulnerable lyrics. This atmospheric album is as much artistry as mainstream music can be. With alt-folk sensibilities, this 23 y.o. has crafted an album that is fresh and nostalgic together. A Fine Frenzy is far from being poppy or conventional but is still captivating and accessible. Her rich hypnotic vocals weave a tapestry of portentous emotions, while lulling the listener into a quiet, melancholic frame of mind. After listening to One Cell in the Sea, you’ll be blinded by her subtle waves-crashing-on-rocks voice, the power of her intense lyrics and finally you’ll be enchanted by her charisma and intelligence. One Cell in the Sea should have gotten so much more attention than it has, and I making it my number-one album of 2007. A title it has earned fully.
A.L. Harper is an American lost in the history and passion of living in Scotland. She enjoys motorbikes, music, art and wanking. She is Blogcritics Assistant Music Editor and runs the Band of the Week feature, profiling a different indie (unsigned/inde label) band every week (contact her for more information). She is also the Managing Editor for AllThingsGirl.com and a freelance writer.
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- A.L. Harper's Top Ten Albums of 2007
- Published: December 23, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: R&B, Music: Pop, Music: New Wave, Music: Indie Rock, Music: Funk, Music: Folk, Music: Electronica, Music: Blues, Music: Ambient, Music: Adult Alternative, Music: Acoustic, Review
- Writer: A.L. Harper
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Comments
I like this list a lot just because it is so different from everyone else's (including my own). There are a lot of titles here that I'll make a point to check out where I might not have done so otherwise.
On a closing note Andrea, I hope 2008 is a much better year for you, and I bet that it will be.
-Glen
Thanks very much, both of you, for your support. Things are certainly much brighter for me now.
I'll be sure to check out Lonely China Day. Thanks for the tip Chris.
oh, i like this...sending recommendations to ms. harper.
here's one from my list. no...two (since i can't make up my mind):
1. Erin McKeown's "Sing You Sinners"
or
2. John Doe's "A Year In The Wilderness"
and honestly, i do hope that 2008 brings better things.
Thank you Mr. Saleski I will check those out right now, if you promise to check out a couple of mine.
i promise!
(currently listening to A Fine Frenzy on the myspace thingie...)
And what are your feelings? Doesn't she have an amazing voice....
yeah, sort of reminds me of Harriet Wheeler (The Sundays)
Yeah, I can see that. But overall what do you think?
what i think is that i've got to get her cd...because while i liked "Come On Come Out", i love "Hope For The Hopeless".
wow, love that voice.
I agree. EVERYONE should have One Cell in the Sea. Now listen to Jem and Bat For Lashes.
Ms. Harper:
I responded to your comments in my essay "The Top Ten Douche bags" of 2007 rather harshly. Well, first, your comments were harsh towards me. Then, two wrongs don't make a right do they?
Now, I read this essay and understand what you have gone through this year and why you reacted so negatively to my article, especially because I joked about Dennis Miller taking his own life.
Ms. Harper, I invite you to read this article I wrote about suicide some months back. It may put a smile on your face or at least make you think.
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I have to say that your list is very unique. But Joss Stone - I could never get into her. Very soulful voice, but sort of boring. Oh well, each to their own.
I think you have the most intriguing list of any of the ones I've seen on BC (including ones I've participated on). I've loved Joss Stone since her debut and was fortunate to have seen her open for the Rolling Stones in '05. I also really enjoy Colbie Caillat's album.
And I just purchased A Fine Frenzy's album based on your recommendation.
I'm currently looking into your other selections as well. So, thanks for broadening my musical curiosities!
- Donald
You are so welcome Donald. Thank you for such a lovely comment. I hope you enjoy One Cell in the Sea as much as I have.
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Sorry to hear about your troubles this year. I hope things are looking up for you.
That said, I have not heard any of the albums on your list. Although, I do have a recommendation from my list, Lonely China Day's Sorrow. I think you would dig it. I was surprised when I did.