With the music industry in a current state of dwarfing - record buyers feasted on a variety of new and recycled goods in 2007. From new wave inspired hip-hop to the rediscovery of doo-woop - it was a year of stellar debuts and brilliant returns - where digital singles became the competition and albums were picked through as if the whole was no longer the goal. A slew of contenders offered noise worthy of mention and here are my picks.

Make Sure They See My Face - Kenna

With his sophomore album, “Make Sure They See My Face”, Kenna returns to the formula that made his debut, “New Sacred Cow” a critical favorite. A new label and increasing presence through advertising endorsements should help this wunderkind land some much deserved success. His blend of melody, beat and beyond-the-surface lyrics are not to be missed. Check out the tracks “Daylight,” “Be Still” & “Wide Awake”.

Act II: The Blood and The Life Eternal - Neverending White Lights

Not yet available stateside, “Act II” is a masterpiece of epic proportion. The brainchild of Musician/Songwriter/Producer Daniel Victor, NWL is a collaboration of Victor’s atmospheric pop/rock arrangements and vocalists from all sides of the pond. His first single “The Grace” was a smash in his native Canada and led to a nomination for New Artist of the Year at this year’s Juno Awards. I recently spoke with Daniel concerning the US release of “Act II” and he assured me it would be available in the near future “as soon as we find a good home.” “Act II: The Blood and Life Eternal” can currently be found on Canada’s iTunes Music Store.

Victorious - The Perishers

On their fourth collection of new material, The Perishers bring melancholy to the masses. Quickly becoming the “go to” of music supervisors the world over - this band of boys turned out my favorite rock recording of the year. Filled with sad song fair and heartbreaking lyrics, “Victorious” is a sleepy ride through the mind of Singer/Songwriter Ola Klüft. Check out the irresistible brilliance of “Come Out of the Shade,” “Get Well Soon” & “Never Bloom Again”

Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

If you bought this record for no other reason than vocal prowess, I applaud you. Amy Winehouse (in a sober state) is one of the finest female voices to grace the pop landscape in recent memory. Not concerned with overly dramatic runs or dolphin call acrobatics, Winehouse dives into honest like no one else. The effortless, real life drama that saturates the majority of “Back” is proof that confessional brilliance is not restricted to the likes of more “organic” artists - pop music can be creatively relevant too! Though stylistically confined at times, “Back to Black” is easily one of the most refreshing releases of 2007. Bypass the first two US singles and listen to the title track - gotta love those dirty brits!

Graduation - Kanye West

Bring the insults and hate all you like. If we are being honest, most people who dislike this urban Messiah are simply mad that someone completely devoid of humility is this damn talented. Just another rapper, you say? I beg to differ. Whether you want to admit it or not Mr. West is a phenom behind the boards. Though his skills in front of the mic are debatable, track after track Kanye proves why he is one of the most successful producers/entertainers of our generation. From the emotional backdrop of “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” to the undeniable pulse of “Stronger” - West creates musical hip-hop that transcends the genre. My advice - ignore his media persona and check out why HE believes he’s the best. The music speaks for itself.

It Won’t Be Soon Before Long - Maroon 5

After nearly five years of touring and promoting the hugely successful, “Songs About Jane”, the “5″ return with a safe, “ready for radio” second outing. “Long” boasts great hooks and polished production. Adam and Co. shatter the fear of “the sophomore slump” and prove “Jane” was no fluke. From the groove heavy first two singles (”Makes Me Wonder” & “Wake Up Call”) to the Police-influenced third, “Won’t Go Home Without You” - this record is pretty close to pop/rock perfection. I predict a stronger presence in 2008 and hopefully SEVERAL more singles. Check out “Can’t Stop,” “Not Falling Apart” & my personal favorite “Figure It Out.”

In Rainbows - Radiohead

I will never forget the first time I heard “Rainbows.” I was sitting midway, in a large empty arena - not overly excited but curious to hear what the fuss was about. I had honestly never been a super fan nor spent much time laboring over past recordings. Radiohead had always been a “song” not “record” band to me. I appreciated their talents but apart from a handful of tunes, never peered to closely. That all changed in a matter of thirty seconds. The record was playing quietly on the FOH (Front Of House) engineer’s speakers and then it happened. The fader for the house speakers was pushed to five and “All I Need” began attacking the atmosphere. The simple - almost urban beat, the melancholy melotron and then that chorus! Are you kidding me!?! It was and is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I spent the next several days pouring over the rest of the album. Experimental yet commercial - somber yet full of hope - “In Rainbows” is the full circle opus from one of rock’s most celebrated bands. Though only available online at this point, the band recently announced the US street date and partnership with famed indie powerhouse ATO/Slide One Records. You can have your own experience January 1, 2008.

Goodnight - William Fitzsimmons

So you want something new and fresh? Look no further. I first introduced you to William back in February of this year. Since then his brand of folk meets electronica has stormed the indie scene. William may not make the year’s list of pop royalty but in this day & age - who cares. “Goodnight” is a painfully honest story, told by a man who chooses truth over guarded metaphors - trading the expected for the uncomfortable. Check out my favorite track “Please Don’t Go” and see for yourself why Fitzsimmons is my favorite discovery of 2007.

A Hundred Miles or More - A Collection - Alison Krauss

This collection of new and old ditties is long overdue. Alison’s angelic voice and devastating delivery of song have been around for over two decades but with “More” we see the stretching of wings. Bluegrass, country, folk and rock collide - bringing you an album that has something for almost any music lover. Highlights include The Louvin Brother’s cover of “How’s the World Treating You” (a duet with James Taylor), “Down to the River to Pray”, “Missing You” and award-winning Brad Paisley duet, “Whiskey Lullaby”. If not your speed, this is the perfect gift for someone who enjoys the softer side - check it out.

Because of the Times - Kings of Leon

Wow - talk about a change of heart. I’ll be completely honest with this one - before “Times” I was a complete hater. I won’t say that the latest record from these Tennessee natives changed my opinion of their previous releases, but I will say I am a huge fan of their latest evolution. First single “On Call” meshes the grit of lowfi rock-n-roll and the sound of an arena howl to create a hybrid of the King’s original sound. This approach is perfected on songs “Mcfearless” and “True Love Way” - further solidifying their brand of raw, seventies inspired rock. With talk of a new record starting in early February, Kings of Leon could be on the threshold of becoming the next great American rock-n-roll band. Maybe Lenny was wrong… Maybe rock and roll isn’t dead. Maybe it’s been waiting on the right band to bring it back. Bottom line - this record is not to be missed!