Adam’s World Top 25 of 2007 Part III of V
Part three of my five part Top 25 Albums of 2007 features albums 15-11, which include a foul mouthed foreign MC who strums on the guitar, a well known songstress, something from LA’s indie scene, a very retro jazz album and a kick ass pop artist.
15) Plan B – Who Needs Actions When You Got Words
Foul mouthed and lyrically shocking, Plan B is the angry, dirt stained, socially conscious version of The Streets with one major difference, the accompaniment of live instrumentation, including a fantastic acoustic guitar Plan B strums on himself on a number of tracks and a piano that’s played hauntingly on one song. The sheer musicality of the album alone would have placed Who Needs Actions… on this list, but add in Plan B’s ability to tell stories that are both shocking and thought provoking at the same time and it’s clear why it ranks so high. American audiences may have to adjust to his accent, but it’s well worth the effort.
Song you need to hear: Everyday
Website: time4planb.co.uk
14) Joss Stone – Introducing… Joss Stone
Maybe if Joss Stone had a coke habit, or had visited rehab, we’d all be hearing about her more, but as is she’s well adjusted, so she gets very little press. Regardless of how regular her personal life may be, Stone’s voice is spectacular and Introducing… Joss Stone showcases that voice with songs that have the feel of classic soul, a sound that is now all her own in today’s music scene. The smattering of pro-woman content on the album only makes it even more reminiscent of soulful women of the past. If this is Joss Stone’s official introduction, I’m very pleased to meet her.
Song you need to hear: Put Your Hands On Me
Website: jossstone.com
13) Foreign Born – On The Wing Now
With On The Wing Now Foreign Born has managed to capture exactly what my idea of a perfect evening on a California beach must feel like. It’s a sonic version of a slight breeze blowing, small waves crashing and the temperature being just right. In fact, every song on On The Wing Now sounds like it could have been used on The O.C. The guitars and drums can be very strong at times, but there’s still an overall laid back vibe that, combined with mellowing vocals, provide the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable evening whether on the beach, or on your sofa.
Song you need to hear: Letter of Inclusion
Website: myspace.com/foreignborn
12) Koop – Koop Islands
Somewhere, someone decided they wanted to release an album of smoky lounge music with classic vocals and Koop happened to be in the right place at the right time. Koop Islands is, by far, the most out of leftfield album to come out this year. It sounds like it’s from another era and that’s what makes it so cool. Koop Islands literally transports you back to a time when the words like “dame” and phrases like “dig that crazy cat” were in style. It was a time the vast majority of is didn’t live in, but by putting on this album we can imagine the simplicity and beauty of the jazz era.
Song you need to hear: Forces… Darling
Website: dieselmusic.se/koop
11) Carina Round – Slow Motion Addict
In a world of pop princesses Carina Round doesn’t fit in and as it turns out that’s a very good thing. From the sound of Slow Motion Addict none of those princesses could last a round in the ring with her, either musically or attitude-wise. Kick ass doesn’t even begin to describe Round’s sound and her vocals. Slow Motion Addict proves pop doesn’t have to begin and end in one’s teenage years. Just be warned, if you play this in your car’s CD player you might end up catching a speeding ticket.
Song you need to hear: Stolen Car
Website: carinaround.com
Adam’s World Top 25 of 2007
Part I: Albums 25-21
Part II: Albums 20-16
Part III: Albums 15-11
Part IV: Albums 10-6
Part V: Albums 5-1
15) Plan B – Who Needs Actions When You Got WordsFoul mouthed and lyrically shocking, Plan B is the angry, dirt stained, socially conscious version of The Streets with one major difference, the accompaniment of live instrumentation, including a fantastic acoustic guitar Plan B strums on himself on a number of tracks and a piano that’s played hauntingly on one song. The sheer musicality of the album alone would have placed Who Needs Actions… on this list, but add in Plan B’s ability to tell stories that are both shocking and thought provoking at the same time and it’s clear why it ranks so high. American audiences may have to adjust to his accent, but it’s well worth the effort.
Song you need to hear: Everyday
Website: time4planb.co.uk
14) Joss Stone – Introducing… Joss StoneMaybe if Joss Stone had a coke habit, or had visited rehab, we’d all be hearing about her more, but as is she’s well adjusted, so she gets very little press. Regardless of how regular her personal life may be, Stone’s voice is spectacular and Introducing… Joss Stone showcases that voice with songs that have the feel of classic soul, a sound that is now all her own in today’s music scene. The smattering of pro-woman content on the album only makes it even more reminiscent of soulful women of the past. If this is Joss Stone’s official introduction, I’m very pleased to meet her.
Song you need to hear: Put Your Hands On Me
Website: jossstone.com
13) Foreign Born – On The Wing NowWith On The Wing Now Foreign Born has managed to capture exactly what my idea of a perfect evening on a California beach must feel like. It’s a sonic version of a slight breeze blowing, small waves crashing and the temperature being just right. In fact, every song on On The Wing Now sounds like it could have been used on The O.C. The guitars and drums can be very strong at times, but there’s still an overall laid back vibe that, combined with mellowing vocals, provide the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable evening whether on the beach, or on your sofa.
Song you need to hear: Letter of Inclusion
Website: myspace.com/foreignborn
12) Koop – Koop IslandsSomewhere, someone decided they wanted to release an album of smoky lounge music with classic vocals and Koop happened to be in the right place at the right time. Koop Islands is, by far, the most out of leftfield album to come out this year. It sounds like it’s from another era and that’s what makes it so cool. Koop Islands literally transports you back to a time when the words like “dame” and phrases like “dig that crazy cat” were in style. It was a time the vast majority of is didn’t live in, but by putting on this album we can imagine the simplicity and beauty of the jazz era.
Song you need to hear: Forces… Darling
Website: dieselmusic.se/koop
11) Carina Round – Slow Motion AddictIn a world of pop princesses Carina Round doesn’t fit in and as it turns out that’s a very good thing. From the sound of Slow Motion Addict none of those princesses could last a round in the ring with her, either musically or attitude-wise. Kick ass doesn’t even begin to describe Round’s sound and her vocals. Slow Motion Addict proves pop doesn’t have to begin and end in one’s teenage years. Just be warned, if you play this in your car’s CD player you might end up catching a speeding ticket.
Song you need to hear: Stolen Car
Website: carinaround.com
Adam’s World Top 25 of 2007
Part I: Albums 25-21
Part II: Albums 20-16
Part III: Albums 15-11
Part IV: Albums 10-6
Part V: Albums 5-1
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