10. The Glorious Unseen - The Hope That Lies in You
Let it be known that I am not a big fan of praise and worship music. It's not that I feel its outdated by any means, often times it is just filled with cliches and extremely unoriginal. However, one of my friends at Belmont introduced me to this band right when their record was about to be released and I managed to catch their CD release show at the Anchor. As soon as I walked in I knew their worship style was of a different kind, and I still feel a connection with my faith when I listen to this record that I can't find with most worship albums. I recommend listening to "All Around".
9. Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
Would this be a typcial top ten pick for me? No. I can't deny that I am sucker for that one pop song every now and then but something about Kelly Clarkson always does it for me. Breakaway is still one of the best pop albums I've ever heard, but AIEW is as good in its own way. With tracks like "whyyouwannabringmedown", "I Do Not Hook Up", and "Save" (the list goes on and on) I would argue she's the true queen of pop right now. I think another reason I'm such a fan is because of the value I place on an artist's ability to perform live matching what I hear on the record. And man, does she have some pipes.
8. The Rocket Summer - You Gotta Believe EP
In 2006, when I first heard the Rocket Summer, I knew Bryce Avary was going to be one of those guys that influenced and inspired me. I love his lyrics. I love his honesty. I love him. He seems to write a lot about the human condition and I identify with that. Though I do think the lead single "You Gotta Believe" is the weakest track on this EP, that isn't really saying anything. The song "Light" blows me away everytime I listen to it and I think its the perfect track to wake up to, dancing in your underwear. The full length may well be my most anticipated record of 2010.
7. Sherwood - Qu
In my opinion, Sherwood is indie pop's best kept secret. I wish it weren't this way because I believe this band deserves to be huge. Sometimes, bands are literally just too good for the general public to catch on to and I think Sherwood is one of them. Initially when I listened to Qu I wasn't sure how I felt about the record because it deviates so far from the sound of A Different Light. The good news is, after a few listens you realize its a more mature, honed sound that showcases their musicianship. "Ground Beneath My Feet" "Maybe This Time" and "No Better" are personal favorites.
6. Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane
Months before Switchfoot's latest record, Hello Hurricane was released, I was hearing all kinds of buzz about how it was brilliant. I guess hearing this time after time, I set myself up for intial disliking of this album when every song didn't sound like "The Sound". However, after I listened to the album many times through and saw them perform it in its entirety at Exit/In this album had a new place in my heart. Though you do have the usual Switchfoot sound in songs like "The Sound" and "Needle and Haystack Life", some of the best tracks tend to be the slower ones. "Free" and "Sing It Out" are my current favorites but it generally changes daily.
5. All the Day Holiday - The Things We've Grown to Love
These guys were my find of Cornerstone this year. I happened to seem them by mistake but it turned out to be a welcome accident. Though the record is a fantastic debut, it doesn't compare to seeing them live. Their set is so intense to watch and will have you dancing before you even know it. The record flows together so well and standout tracks include "Real Time", "Greener" and "Atmosphere".
4. fun. - Aim and Ignite
One word. FUN.
3. Deas Vail - Birds and Cages
Deas Vail makes me feel like I live in Wonderland. Everytime I hear Wes' vocals they take me far away and I got lost in a sea of symphony. I thought this record was an improvement over All The Houses Look the Same and that's certainly saying something. The track combo of "Excuses", "Cages" and "Birds" find me pressing repeat over and over again. It's also nice to see Thiessen lend some vocals to "Birds" which happens to be my favorite off of the record.
2. Relient K - Forget and Not Slow Down
Though this is my favorite band, I warn you not to assume that this record would end up on this list. It certainly had to earn its spot and it had some very some stiff competition. That being said, this is probably the first Relient K record that I have ever heard that sounded what I think a full length Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes record would. A lot of people were turned off by this, but I ate it up. "I Don't Need a Soul", "Part of It", "Sahara" and "If You Believe Me" are the best offerings on the record, im my opinion. I'm interested to see where their sound progresses next.
(Drumroll, please).....
1. Paramore - Brand New Eyes
I know so many 14-17 year old girls that would probably list this album as the best thing they've ever heard. Though I wouldn't go that far, I can say I'm in agreement that it is my favorite of the year. After RIOT! which is in my top 10 albums of all time, I knew Paramore would always be a band I loved. I just never expected them to put out anything that touched RIOT!. Not only did it touch it, it may even be better. No the songs aren't as explosive and in your face as on that record, but Brand New Eyes is packed with the same level of emotion. I feel like this band are masters at using drum patterns and guitar riffs in unison to accent certain phrases. I find myself screaming them from time to time. I hope this is a band I grow old with.
Also, there are three albums I have somewhat ignored since I got them so they may or may not fall on the list after I give them a chance. Say Anything, Thrice and Brand New.
And finally, my favorite movies of the year....
