The Grammy’s confuse me to no end. How can an album be selected for awards in 2005 and then come back around and be nominated again in 2006 for awards and win again? Albeit that it wasn’t the exact same awards, but U2 had songs off of “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” nominated in 2005. So…doesn’t it make sense to have the entire album nominated in 2005 as well? Instead it got nominated again this year, knocking out some poor blokes and racking up more metal for the ole mantle. And I am not knocking U2 mind you. I like those kids and everything Bono is doing for the world. As Pat Wilson from Weezer said, anybody who still puts that much passion into the rock music they’ve been doing for twenty-five years has my respect. I just think that system needs tweaking a wee bit. I mean giving awards for art is arbitrary anyway, so at least get it right if you are going to do it. Right?
Anyway, watching part of the Grammy’s gave me heartburn and also sparked me into finally getting around to doing this article. Because everybody…I mean everybody…whether they annoy you or whether you just can’t get enough of them…everybody loves a list. So, here’s my list of the Top 5 Albums of 2005. Relish, get pickled and enjoy.
Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal
Solid hard rock – metal – alternative rock really took a plunge in the latter days of the 90’s. And here and there in the years since, the rock world has been blessed with a few sparks that actually give fresh breath to this dead scene. Anberlin, although not widely known, has been one of those groups. This album soars in a way that good rock should and its lyrics take you far beyond the common schlock found on rock radio. And hey, any group who endorses the use of Epiphones is a band after my own heart.
Mae – The Everglow
This may be the best album of last year. If it weren’t for the sheer power of Anberlin’s songs or the rebirth of sweet soul in John Legend’s music, this one would have my vote hands down. Anberlin’s label mates, Mae, followed up their first album with an even stronger sophomore effort in 2005. A freaking opera that starts with enlightenment and ends with the question, “So when you say forever can’t you see…you’ve already captured me?” This album, like several others on this list, is one that can spin from front to back, give you firm hooks, squash you and lift you at the same time, and never seem like something that has been ripped out of the bowels of radio. My hats off to this band and Tooth and Nail Records.
John Legend – Get Lifted
The Grammy’s got it right, giving John his 3 awards. However, he deserved much more. Actually it started “getting lifted” off the shelves back in 2004, but this album grew in 2005, bringing something back to R&B that’s been missing since the mid 90’s. Front to back, this album produced by Kanye West and featuring West, Snoop Dogg, and the whole Stephens family, is smooth and refreshing. The music does what music is supposed to do: hit you, move you and make you feel good. And it is John’s delivery…both on the mic and on the keys that gets you there. R&B has not sounded this good in years.
Randall Goodgame – War and Peace
A singer songwriter, strong in his faith, but with eyes wide open on the world, let’s his pen roll for eleven songs…one never imitating the other…but nevertheless taking the listener on a gentle rollup through times of war and times of peace. The first three songs are all a trilogy dedicated to the memory of Charles Schulz and his Peanuts comic strip, which have been part of Randall’s live staple for years now. The album is also a must have for Randall fans because it features his classic “The Opener” lamenting about all the pitfalls and simple delights of being the opening acts for bigger named stars. Catch Randall in concert if you can, you will not be disappointed. If he’s nowhere near you right now, you can check him out at www.randallgoodgame.com
Gavin DeGraw – Chariot (Stripped Edition)
I am not sure where Gavin stands in today’s society. I don’t know much about him. I don’t know how other people feel about him. The only fact that I can hold in my hand about the guy is the fact that chicks dig him. In some circles, that is enough to be disrespected as an artist. If so, well…okay, shoot me. If so then…yes, yes, I know by placing this album on this list that it will no doubt cause some folks to curse me, some folks to pelt themselves with rocks, call me a sellout, and possibly start another war in some third world country. But look, let’s be honest…outside of “I Don’t Want to Be” being played a wee bit too much on the radio…is Mr. DeGraw really that mainstream? He has some killer lyrics on this set, gave most people a second CD with the album of the same songs re-arranged and they are still freaking good and then topped it off with a little Sam Cooke at the end. All the while, you can’t get the piano laden stuff out of your head. Knock it if you want, but I say, “Thank you, Mr. DeGraw, I’ll have another.”
Early front runners for 2006? Not sure yet. But I do know that it will be hard to find a better sounding single than Rosanne Cash’s “Black Cadillac.” The baseline alone hits like an unholy rumble of thunder and man, the passion of that song…pure classic.
