Well, I figured that the first post in the newly designed chrislent.com (thanks to Kyle over at kylelent.com) ought to be something a little more fun! Maybe others want to offer their picks as well in the comments.

I don't consider myself to be a really good music critic, because I tend to find something I like in just about everything. But I am related to a professional musician, so I am at least partly qualified. It's always hard to boil down my favorite albums, because I like different ones for different reasons. But I'm going to try to do that in this post. Three albums are from last year, and two are from this year. I've decided to stay outside of the explicitly 'Christian' genre for this post. Maybe I can tackle that one later.

So, in alphabetical order by band, here are my top five!

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

Leader Ben Bridwell moved the band from Seattle to South Carolina for their second album, which sees a number of new members and the departure of others, including co-founder Mat Brooke. But the change is a positive one, and Cease to Begin presents listeners with a wide range of sounds, all centered around numerous guitars, vocals, and reverb (compare to My Morning Jacket). To my ears, while Band of Horses spans the range from Northwest alternative to hard pop to atmospheric rock (ala Explosions in the Sky), there is Southern rock at the core. My favs: "Is There a Ghost," "Ode to LRC," "No One's Gonna Love You." (Editor's Note: Some songs may have words/themes not appropriate for all ages.)

Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

For his third album, Floridian turned Texan Sam Beam, who IS Iron and Wine, left behind the raw 'living room' sound of The Creek Drank the Cradle and Our Endless Numbered Days (both excellent albums) and created a more full orbed sound with a band. A risky move, since Beam's strength is his lyric writing and voice, but the results are incredible. Though Beam is an agnostic, he has great respect for the biblical story, and makes use of parts of the biblical narrative. More than anyone I know, Beam has a way of painting a portrait of real human life and emotion with his lyrics. My favs: "Carousel," (probably my favorite song of 2007), "Pagan Angel in a Borrowed Car," "Lovesong of the Buzzard," and "Boy with a Coin." (Editor's Note: Some songs may have words/themes not appropriate for all ages.)

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

This is exactly what Rock and Roll is supposed to be. Jack White (from The White Stripes) teamed up a few years back with pop songwriter and vocalist Brendan Benson, formed a band, and released Broken Boy Soldiers. On their second album, The Raconteurs cover so much ground I hardly know where to begin! Each song is different, and offers a different sound. From the punk sound of "Salute Your Solution" to the country rock of "Old Enough," listeners can hear the influence of The Ramones, Kinks, The Who, U2, Grand Funk Railroad, and more! My favs: "Consoler of the Lonely," "Old Enough," "Top Yourself," and "Rich Kid Blues." (Editor's Note: Some songs may have words/themes not appropriate for all ages.)

Radiohead - In Rainbows

Radiohead's first post-EMI album is absolutely stunning. Like the Beatles and U2 in previous generations, Radiohead have once again asserted themselves as the clear trendsetter and model for rock music worldwide. In my opinion, they are at present the best rock/alternative group in the world. In Rainbows does keep in step with all of their previous albums, in that it is completely different than all their previous work! The sound here is pared down considerably. Many of the songs are very economical; others feature beautiful orchestration. Hence, yes, it is different than OK Computer, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief, but just as delightful. My favs: "15 Step," "Bodysnatchers," "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi," and "House of Cards." (Editor's Note: Some songs may have words/themes not appropriate for all ages.)

Sigur Ros - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust

Who would have thought 10 years ago that a group from Iceland would be one of the most popular and creative bands in the world? Sigur Ros' fifth album is definitely a departure from past work. The clear vocals and definable melodies make for a nearly flawless, feel-good listen. I can't really recommend any particular song here over another. It's a whole album, and the whole things deserves a listen. It took me longer than a lot of people, but I can't hold back anymore - I'm a fan!!! (Editor's Note: Some songs may have words/themes not appropriate for all ages, but it's in Icelandic, so we don't really know anyway.)

Runners-up: Feist (The Reminder), Avett Brothers (Emotionalism), Mudcrutch (Mudcrutch), Ryan Adams (Easy Tiger), Bright Eyes (Cassadaga), Derek Webb (The Ringing Bell)

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