Listen, I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to say, who am I to tell you what tracks from 2007 you should listen to? Answer: No one at all. In fact, I strongly urge you to go check out Pitchfork’s Top 100 of 2007 if you want something innovative to listen to. Or hey, I’ll even drive you right into the arms of MuchMusic.com’s list of top stuff for 2007. I’m like Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street – my concern is for you, the music fan, and I’m not afraid to tell you about the competitor’s wares. But those lists are all subjective. We’ve all got our tastes, complete with guilty pleasures, so I thought I’d throw my hat in. Without further adieu, here are some of my favourite 2007 songs. They may or may not be in particular order.

Young Leaves – Attack in Black

I’m a sucker for a catchy tune and good lyrics along with well-constructed composition and Attack in Black hit the mark on all three accords with this year’s release, Marriage, best illustrated by Young Leaves. You probably won’t find this stuff on many other year-end lists, but that’s probably because not many people took a listen. I predict big things for these lads from Welland, Ontario.

505 / Florescent Adolescent – Arctic Monkeys

Some other young men to make a splash in the rock world were now-seasoned rock vets, The Arctic Monkeys. With wry lyrics detailing working class life in Britain and some danceable tunes, The Monkeys were able to successfully hit the nail on the head again with their sophomore release, Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Capital G – Nine Inch Nails

My personal feeling is that if we were living in the late 90s, Year Zero would be topping a few 2007 best-of lists. But we’re not, and folky emo-type stuff rules the day at the moment. So we didn’t hear much about Trent this year. But Capital G was a worthy addition to my iTunes and I appreciate its obvious anti-George sentiment.

Paper Planes – M.I.A.

Even non-M.I.A. fans such as myself had to do a little booty shake to this tune. The infectious beat and drawling vocals could draw the most jaded hip-hop/dance hall fan. M.I.A.’s fresh take on political beats isn’t lost on many and this song lets us protest in style. Well, that’s nice of her. Kala features more of the same, be warned.

Gronlandic Edit – of Montreal

Appearing on Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?, this is the kind of song that weaves its way into your conscience until you’re sort of considering going to church for some reason. Again, I’m a sucker for wry lyrics, this song really encompasses the modern day poppy rock mentality and raises the bar a little bit. The line, “Physics makes us all its bitches” might be my favourite lyric of the year.

Can’t Tell Me Nothing – Kanye West

The moment I heard this track, I fell in love with Kanye all over again. Sure, Stronger was the bankable hit, but Can’t Tell Me Nothing has a certain masculinity about it that proves it even sexier. Sort of reminds me of one of my favourite N.E.R.D. tracks, Provider. Can’t stop Mr. West.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place – Radiohead

This year’s most anticipated release came out just in time to shock everyone from record label execs to Radiohead fans. In Rainbows was an obvious embrace of the band’s past, more accessible music, but still managed to maintain Radiohead’s unmistakably original sound. Jigsaw Falling Into Place, which seems simultaneously cacophonic and listenable was my pick, but the entire album is amazing.