01 Patience--George Michael
It was well worth the wait. His most personal album. It took me a while to get into it. Best song is "Round Here" about his parents immigrating to the UK. "My Mother Had A Brother" made me cry, the song about his assumed "gay" uncle will go down as one of his finest. "Amazing" and Flawless are some of his best dance tracks since the Wham! days. So sad if this is really his last album.
02 EveryBody Loves A Happy Ending--Tears For Fears
This album blew me away it could tie for the # 1 spot. This is the album they should have released in the late 80's. It sound so "Beatlesque" There are so many good songs, the title track that twist and turns very Beatles sounding, "Call Me Mellow", "Who Killed Tangerine" a shame nothing will make it to radio. A must buy for any 80's fan.
03 Scissor Sisters
They have to be the best new artists this year. I was so sure they were British but the five mates hail from New York city. The album is a mix of Beegee's influence in the cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" and Elton John on the great "Take Your Mama". The best is the hysterical 80's new wave "Tits On The Radio". Very Fab!! A must for any queer folks and friends.
04 Astronaut--Duran Duran
Their best album since 1986's "Notorious" . Sunrise is worthy of a # 1 single. Favorites are the title track (love the guitar), "What Happens Tommorrow" (their statement about the middle east war), "Finest", and "Nice". Simon vocals sound great and the rest of the band sound like they never left. The album is 80's sounding but modern enough to sound very fresh.
05 Just For You--Lionel Richie
Who would have thought yes Lionel Ritchie. I like his stuff but I was never a huge fan. This album rocks, definitly the best of his career. Best is the title track, " I Still Believe", the reggea flavoured "She's Amazing", "One World" and the duet "Do Ya" with Brit Daniel Bedingfield (which sound very much like Jackson's" The Girl Is Mine"). The whole album is great nothing to skip. If you ever liked his stuff this album is a must.
06 Turn It On Again--Ronan Keating
His 3rd solo album and his best. A little bit pop, a little bit country and a little bit Bryan Adams. Best is the tile track, "Back In The Day" and the duet "Last Thing On My Mind" with LeAnn Rimes"
07 Anastacia
Also her 3rd LP. Big voice very Taylor Dayne. Anastacia is another American with huge success in Europe but is unknow in the US. This album is more rock then her previous 2 dance ones. Best is "Left Ourtside Alone" one of the biggest Euro hits of the year.
08 California--Wilson Phillips
OK another cover album but this one makes you think of all those wonderful summers you had as a youth. Best is title track, Neil Young "Old Man", Already Gone, and Turn, Turn, Turn"
09 One Love--Kimberly Locke
One of my favorite finalist from Amercan Idol. 8th World Wonder is one of the best song of the year.
10 Autobiagraphy--Ashlee Simpson
Ok so she can't sing live. I needed one guilty pleasure this year, plus she is way better then her sister.