OK, so the old year is out and I'd like to share with both people that read this my favorite albums that were in the year that was.

Now, remember this is not the BEST albums. They are not the most well-written, the most prolific or the most meaningful. These are just the ones I like best.

Raconteurs, "Broken Boy Soldiers" -- A little bit rock, a little bit of those things Jack White does. The group put out a album strong all the way through. From the poppiness of "Intimate Secretary" to the straightforward "Steady As She Goes" to the more White Stripes-esque "Store Bought Bones" the band doesn't miss. White will have to manage his time well to give Raconteurs and Stripes fans what they want.

Gnarls Barkley, "St. Elsewhere" -- A lot of people weren't ready for "Crazy" when it came out, but then couldn't get enough of it. I'm one of them. There really wasn't anything else like the group out this year. And there version of "Gone Daddy Gone" takes the tune to another planet. This is one of those albums that isn't just a collection of songs; it's an experience.

Arctic Monkeys "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" -- They were supposed to "save" rock 'n' roll. They didn't of course, but they did put out a catchy set of songs that renewed interest in British rock. "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" and "Mardy Bum" made you think for just second that they might live up to all the hype.

Jet, "Shine On" -- This might be my most questionable pick, but it's my list so there. The group builds on the pub rock of "Get Born" and adds a little more in the way of melody. Tracks like "Bring It On Back" and "Shine On" show off some Beatleesque inspiration. "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" and "Rip It Up" show the band still likes to bring the flat-out rock.

Thom Yorke, "The Eraser" -- Radiohead's frontman shows he can produce great songs without his great band. Yorke blends strangebeats and melodies with a variety of more traditional sounds (well, traditional for him). "Analyze" and "Black Swan" are oddly alluring.

John Legend, "Once Again" -- John Legend is smooth, melodic and romantic. Basically, he's everything I'm not. Put this album on to chill out and get into a groove. Got a date? Let him do the talking. "Stereo" and "p.d.a." are among my favs.

The Beatles, "Love" -- It's still all you need.

Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins, "Rabbit Fur Coat" -- The Rilo Kiley lead singer breaks out on her own. She goes a little bit more country on her solo effort. She brings the Watson sisters along for the ride. "Run, Devil Run" sets the tone out of the gate. "Rise Up With Fists" and her version of The Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" (with Bright Eyes and Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard in tow) are standout tracks.

The Decemberists, "The Crane Wife" -- OK, this is probably my favorite album of 2006. Every song is a story. Colin Meloy crafts intricate tales of love lost and found, criminals and heatbreak. The title track comes in three parts; all are wonderful. "O, Valencia" is a Romeo and Juliet kind of tale of forbidden love and death. "Summersong" is a sweet, simple song of love. Buy it.