Quite awhile back (When I first started this blog) I wrote an entry about what makes up A Great Album.

Since then I have realized that I have missed out a few artists that are worthy of mentioning.

So here it is, Kris' list of top albums (In no particular order):

Matchbox Twenty "Mad Season"



I mentioned this album in my past entry and it still stands as one of my favorite albums. Every song is a work of art. So I guess it was inevitable for me to be disapointed with their follow up album "More Than You Think You Are". They became a little too mainstream for my tastes. I guess I also like this album for sentimental values. It goes way back for me.

Great Tracks: "Mad Season", "Black & White People", "Rest Stop"


Live "Throwing Copper"



I would guess this album gets mixed reactions. It is definetly not easy listening. It pretty raw hard rock, which is the beauty of this album. Every song manages to make you bob your head up and down. Check this out when you want to rock out, otherwise, you're probably better off with John Mayer.

Great Tracks: "Lighting Crashes", "Selling The Drama"


John Mayer "Room For Squares"



Speaking of John Mayer. I don't care how mainstream he is becoming, this album is just great. The follow up to this album, "Heavier Things" lost the charm of this album. And I guess thats the perfect word to describe this album. It has charm. The combination of acoustic guitar with a full band never seems to grow old. It took me awhile to admit to myself that I like John Mayer, but after seeing him live my appreciation for him grew ten fold.

Great Tracks: "Why Georgia", "St. Patrick's Day"


The Brian Setzer Orchestra "BEST of the BIG BAND"



This collection of Setzer's big band best is just stunning. I recieved this CD as a birthday gift along with two tickets to his concert (It was an awesome show). If you are anyone who really appreciates jazz I guess you would hate these pop rendition tracks. But hey, I love it. Gets me dancing anytime.

Great Tracks: "Jump Jive An' Wail", "Lady Luck", "The House Is Rockin'"


Santana "Supernatural"



This was the first piece of music that made me realize how amazing music is (Not exaggerating here). Anyone who does not have this album. Get it. That is all I have to say.

Great Tracks: "(Da Le) Yaleo", "Corazon Espinado", "Smooth"


Jack Johnson "Brushfire Fairytales", "On and On"




These two albums have had an enormous impact on me, musically. I have seen Jack Johnson perform twice and both shows were awesome. Through his acoustic tracks he once again proves that even when you get down to the basics, music still has that power to move people. These albums are great as background music and for headphone listening. Must buys.

Great Tracks: "Rodeo Clowns", "Flake", "Tomorrow Morning", "Taylor", "Fortunate Fool", "Middle Man", "Inaudible Melodies"


Jimmy Eat World "Clarity"



A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I know most people know Jimmy Eat World by their hit "The Middle", but forget that. Because anything you hear on this album is nothing like "The Middle". This album is a work of art. Get this album. And for those interested, they are coming to Osaka in April (Tickets are on sale).

Great Tracks: "Table For Glasses", "For Me This is Heaven", "A Sunday"


Sister Hazel "Fortress"



This may not be fair to put up because I love this album purely out of sentimental reasons. Every track takes me back to different memories. Nevertheless, there are some great tracks on the album. Call me bias but the whole album is amazing.

Great Tracks: "Fortress", "Champagne High", "Out There"


Elton John "One Night Only", Eric Clapton "One More Car One More Rider"




As far as live albums go these two are probably the best I have heard. Not only is the musicianship amazing on both albums, the sound quality is top notch as well. You truely forget that you are listening to a live album until you hear the cheering of the crowd. These two are the best of the best, and their live albums work as a foil to reflect their greatness.

Great Tracks: All of them. No Kidding.

Check these out. If you have the time...and the money...