Okay, first off – I hate ranking music. I just can’t, it’s impossible. I change my mind about albums and artists all the time. And I hate “best of” lists as well, regardless of the topic. But obviously I had no choice this time so I, uh, did my best to narrow it down. Which wasn’t easy considering what a great year in music 2007 turned out to be!

#1: Young Galaxy – Young Galaxy
If it hadn’t been for my curious streak, I might have actually missed out on Young Galaxy. I’d never heard of them, but thought “Searchlight” was a pretty name for a song and decided to check it out. And soon the rest of their self-titled debut album followed, filled with music that can be described as dream pop with a soundtrack quality to it – because this album sure has been a big part of the soundtrack to my 2007.

#2: Beirut – The Flying Cup Club
I missed the first train to Beirut, but luckily I caught the second one. To be honest, a few years ago this album wouldn’t have appealed to me whatsoever. It would probably have been a bit too “exotic” for my taste and wouldn’t gotten the attention it deserves. But after listening to similar artists like The Magnetic Fields and The Black Heart Procession I was ready this year.

#3: Kent – Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Ah, Kent – Sweden’s little golden boys. I didn’t have any real expectations for this album, as the first single, “Ingenting” didn’t appeal to me at first. It grew on me though, and once I heard the whole album I pretty much surrendered. Weird thing is though how the majority of critics hailed “Tillbaka Till Samtiden”, while the hardcore Kent fans weren’t that impressed. I wouldn’t say it’s their best ever, but it sure is good.

#4: The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns & Thirteen Winters
That’s it – I’m moving to Scotland. That pretty much sums up my thoughts on this album. Fine, I’ll elaborate a bit more then: Scottish accent + angsty shoegaze = love. And no, I ‘m not a fourteen year old.

#5 Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Like Beirut, I somehow missed Arcade Fire the first time around. But then came “Neon Bible” and I was hooked. However I still don’t see why so many think its predecessor “Funeral” is better. I mean it’s good, but not as captivating as this one. “Neon Bible” is dark and intricate yet have some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard all year.

Honorable mentions: M.I.A. – Kala, Apartment – The Dreamer Evasive, The National – Boxer, The Mary Onettes – The Mary Onettes, Great Lake Swimmers – Ongiara

~ Young Galaxy – “The Sun is Coming Up and My Plane is Going Down” ~