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 Michael Hubbard - Editor-in-Chief:
1. Madonna - Confessions On A Dancefloor
Stuart Price is little short of genius with his production here, and the Abba sample dominated Hung Up is just one of many highlights. But credit too for Her Madgesty - she really knows how to pick 'em, and this record proves her innate ability to entertain is still intact as she heads towards the big 5-0.
2. Arcade Fire - Funeral
One of the best debut albums ever. The Canadians were a word of mouth hit, but before long Bryan Ferry, Chris Martin and sundry other celebs were singing their praises and showing up at gigs. Funereal for sure, but misery never sounded so powerfully uplifting.
3. The Boy Least Likely To - The Best Party Ever
A sublime debut full of cutesy song titles and even more cutesy drawings, The Boy started the year unknown and finished it runner-up in the Smash Hits Newcomer award and supporting James Blunt on tour. Dubious honours aside, they're still excellent, and entirely in their own way.
4. Antony and the Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now
That voice. Comparisons with Nina Simone only hint at its depth. And in reality Antony Hegarty was born in Chichester. This, his second record, featured Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed, Devendra Banhart and Boy George. It became a triumph for a likeable outsider as the Mercury Music Prize was duly awarded and tours sold out.
5. Gorillaz - Demon Days
If the first album was stunning, Damon Albarn and his loose collective of all sorts proved it could be bettered. With guests ranging from child choirs to Shaun Ryder, Demon Days successfully genre-hopped with gay abandon - and never forgot to lavish songs with hooks and killer beats.
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