The best way to describe how I feel about the music of 2007 is "wide open." I don't think I've ever had such an eclectic list of favorites as I do for 2007. My list features pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, dance, and some stuff I might best describe as "other." There are releases that are indie and not-so-indie, as well as releases that are critically acclaimed and surprisingly underrated.

Even as I still digest potentially great albums released late in the year (albums by Lupe Fiasco and Ghostface Killah, for example), it's time to recap my 10 favorite albums of 2007, in no particular order:

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam: 2007 was the year that I really discovered Animal Collective after hearing a track here and there. When I first heard Strawberry Jam, I couldn't fathom what I was listening to. My reaction was somewhere between WTF and giddy admiration. There was just no way the music on this album should work, let alone be enjoyable to listen to. However, it just did. It's excellent electro-folk-pop on a drug that has yet to be invented, let alone outlawed.

Jay-Z - American Gangster: Don't call it a comeback. Call it a return to form. Jay-Z sounds positively rejuvenated on American Gangster as he tackles familiar territory. Backed by great beats (including some by the also-rejuvenated Diddy and his crew), Jay-Z has created his best album since The Black Album and his most consistent album since The Blueprint. Although it's best enjoyed in full, the songs can stand alone quite easily. While it may not be better than his great albums, it certainly deserves to be mentioned right along with them.

Justice - † (Cross): Somehow, some way, Justice avoided the pit of one-hit-wonderism and the shadow of Daft Punk to craft an immensely (and unapologetically) fun dance album. For other artists, a perfect little track like "D.A.N.C.E." would be the peak of their career. For Justice, it's not even the best song on their album. No matter how uptight you are, you will be move right along with the music on †, especially when you least expect it.

The Go! Team - Proof Of Youth: When I first listened to this album, I was a little disappointed. It sounded a lot like the group's debut, Thunder, Lightning, Strike. Eventually, I figured out that it didn't matter if it sounded like the first album as long as it sounded good. This album is like a good sequel as opposed to a tired remake. It's a blast to listen to and even manages to have a quiet moment or two. It's as good a pick-me-up album as I've ever heard.