The eMusic Dozen: 2007 User Poll: 10 - 1

10 Probably the last innovative thing in the world of music, combining Beach Boys vocals with freakfolk, psychedelia and subtle electronica. Masterpiece! -- EMUSIC-007F6A94

The most inventive record of the year. -- wattsup

Oh God. -- samb

9 There's no one out there doing what Jens Lekman is doing. It's fun, it's witty, it makes you think, it makes you move. I'd pick him over Sufjan Stevens any day! -- ItsOKtoExplode


How can I describe the way this album makes me feel? Something between taking a bike ride on a warm sunny day and riding the best carnival ride ever invented -- colorful flashing lights everywhere you look -- while eating lots of cotton candy. -- sophcw

Witty, whimsical, and rich - this is the year's grand pop opus. While the infectiousness is what draws you in, the fully-developed songwriting voice of Jens Lekman is what makes this a classic.-- LyonsMoose

8 It's a record that creates its own unique world. It's deeply weird, yet deeply tuneful -- soulful, even. I can't say I've heard anything like it. -- The_Giraffe

The one album I've listened to most consistently throughout the entire year. Beautifully rendered and heartfelt. The band has taken a concept that shouldn't work (glam confessional) and made it a masterpiece. -- NealK

Dense and weird, it's an unrelenting journey inward through despair and longing. -- marcusharwell

7 It just doesn't get much better than this. A fine blend of pop and rock, harmony, lyric and melody. Love at first listen. -- Lizzie

It's The New Pornographers, therefore it is awesome. -- EMUSIC-008838AC

A softer side of this star-studded band. This is a fantastic album, well-composed and thoughtful. -- joshuarhayden

6 Beirut will make you feel nostalgic for places you've never been. Hauntingly beautiful. -- EMUSIC-00E23062

The more I listen to this album, the more I love it. The awesome rhythm and energy of Gulag Orkestar is still there, but the French influence makes it smooth and pretty. The track "Cliquot" is one of my favorite of the year. Go, Owen Pallett! -- sophcw

A coup. Indescribable, indecipherable, gorgeous. -- slayde

5 Original, lyrical, quirky! I never tire of Andrew Bird's music and this album proved that he's not even close to running out of ideas. -- culturechick

Sublime, infectious, intelligent, moving, deep, soulful -- an instant classic. -- imaginery

Quirky and clever, this album is full of arresting melodies and equally arresting lyrics. -- Streamheat

4 A band I'd never heard of that made an album I can't stop listening to. -- DrNick

Will Sheff is a novelist in music form; mind-blowing writing, tightly woven into Americana pop tracks. -- EMUSIC-00C7B6D3

An album of pure unrelenting musical energy from start to finish. The Stage Names is another poetic piece of work from the guys who brought you 2005's fabulous Black Sheep Boy. A playful criticism on the image-based media world, Stage Names jumps from foot-stomping rock songs like "Unless it's Kicks" to quieter ballads like "Savannah Smiles." An album that plays well on many different musical levels. -- Siriustar

3 This record is an amazing feat. The band is in top form and only seem to get better as they mature. Songs like "Keep the Car Running" take on anthemic proportions, both musically and emotionally, and the passion behind the lyrics shines through. -- EMUSIC-00D21356

This album sounds huge, it sounds important. You can't ignore the power behind songs like "Windowsill". This is the soundtrack to a potential change in the world. -- ItsOKtoExplode

Exhilarating in the same way Funeral was, but with a greater coherence and relevance. Arcade Fire is one of too few contemporary bands tackling the themes of war, terrorism and ecological decline. A perfect mini-diorama of 2007. -- Rui

2 Boxer is one of those albums that gets under your skin and into your heart. A rare gem I've come back to time and time again when other records have grown tired. -- ChunkyCheeks

Literate yet down to earth, this is the most re-listenable rock album of the year. -- Streamheat

It's an album that is both immediately engrossing and rewarding in the long-term. After 50+ listens, I'm still finding new things to love. -- kmwinter

I'm sorry, but anyone who's not moved by the exquisite lyrics of "Fake Empire" or the frenetic drumming in "Mistaken for Strangers" has something wrong with them on a fundamental level. -- RealRamona

1 A breath of fresh air. Proof that "The Way We Get By" was not the only trick up their sleeve. -- joerdie

Careens through styles like a car chase. It's a sprawling, beautiful, heartfelt collection of songs without a moment of filler. -- marcusharwell

Spoon's music is the essence of cool: confident, intense, under control. On Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, the band remains faithful to its minimalist formula of sly, sinuous bass, understated guitar and piano riffs. However, the band is also assured enough to weave horns into the mix and to add a bit more pop sensibility. A solid listen from beginning to end -- Spoon proves once again why they're indie rock royalty. -- pistolpete