Untrue – Burial

Don’t be put off by its ‘dub-step’ tag. This was the most beguiling album of the year. Dark and haunting, yet comforting and engrossing, it is electronic music that is like listening to yourself dream. No one made a record as otherworldly or as innovative as this.

The Reminder – Feist

She’s hardly the first singer to tug on heartstrings and dwell on loving and losing, but Canada’s Feist is one of the few who combines the spark of Björk with the soul of Dusty Springfield to make almost unique pop music that is at once sophisticated, honest and spellbinding.

Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind – Vashti Bunyan

A comprehensive and gorgeous collection of Bunyan’s early songs. Titled after her debut single, which was penned by Jagger and Richards, this stuck in one’s mind for being the place where 1960s folk met pop.

Bombshell – King Creosote

The true King of Scotland rocked, albeit in a country kind of way. Irresistibly hooky songs from top to bottom.

Being There – Tord Gustavsen Trio

The masters of ‘quiet’ jazz took their microscopic study of individual notes to an enchanting new level. Being There was subtle, intricate, harmonic and wonderfully captivating. Perhaps the most atmospheric jazz release of the year.

Boys And Girls In America – The Hold Steady

The most talked-about band in the US gifted the world one of the best albums of the decade, let alone the year. There wasn’t much new here – Springsteen, certainly, had done it all before – but it was big and clever, and, most importantly, it rocked like a boulder.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis: A to Z The Roots of Rock 'n' Roll – Various Artists

The rock’n’roll revival steams ahead thanks to these three canny teenagers and their ace compilation of jump blues, country and western, early rock’n’roll and R’n’B of the non-bling variety. Your pants are guaranteed to swing.

Overpowered – Roisin Murphy

The best pop album of the year came from the ex-Moloko lady who, rather sensibly, decided to stuff her new album full of great disco hooks, acid squelches and sassy vocals.

The Very Best Of Ethiopiques – Various Artists

Ethiopiques has become a legendary compilation series, digging up nuggets of Ethiopian jazz and funk. It might not sound like your normal cup of mint tea, but this is a thrilling listening experience that documents the connection between North Africa, James Brown and Elvis Presley. You better believe it.

Baby Comes Home – Patrick Cleandenim

A startlingly confident jazz/pop album from a newcomer in his early twenties that, whilst being in debt to Scott Walker and David Axelrod, isn’t short of a wealth of charm and big hooks.

Made In Dakar – Orchestra Baobab

Senegal’s number-one cult band followed their 2002 comeback album Specialist In All Styles with a vintage collection of newish compositions, in which their trademark live feel worked perfectly with a beefed-up brass section and their funky-as-hell Afro-ska-meets-calypso sound.

The Pirate’s Gospel – Alela Diane

Ensconced in a wigwam to the right of the Joanna Newsom camp, singer-songwriter Alela Diane’s strength lies in her assured yet drowsy voice, and an affinity for placing the perfect melody exactly where it lodges beneath your skin.

Oblivion With Bells – Underworld

A fine album of warm and textured electronic music that will convert non-believers through sheer sharp execution and a little soulful oomph.

Rakehell’s Revels – Various Artists

This was the album for anyone prone to dressing up like an Agatha Christie glamourpuss. Brilliantly compiled by the cads behind the club night of the same name, it featured big-band jazz, mambo and swing from the likes of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.

Adjagas – Adjagas

Joik, a form of traditional music practised by the Sami people of remote northern Scandinavia, was, until recently, something of a well-kept musical secret. Then Adjagas opened Glastonbury and blew us away with their enchanting and ethereal voices.

Between Me & The Wardrobe – Gwyneth Herbert

Rich and complex yet intimate and incredibly beautiful jazz/folk from a scintillating young British voice.

Transnormal Skiperoo – Jim White

Masterful Southern gothic, but not in a panda-eyed Cure or flour-covered Mission kind of way. Simple but spellbinding alternative country music that treats you right.

Fantastic Playroom – New Young Pony Club

The ‘now’ sound of 2007 was all about the punk-funk. Here was the most successful and fun example of where Joy Division, Franz Ferdinand, ESG, Eno and Byrne meet in perfect harmony.

Aman Iman – Tinariwen

Just as intoxicating as their live show, this was one of the best world music releases of the year. Beguiling bluesy rock music all the way from the deserts of Mali.

Mr & Mrs Smith: Something For The Weekend Volume 4 – Various Artists

Whilst you’re in the mood for splashing the cash on damn fine tunes, you’d do well to invest in the latest edition of Mr & Mrs Smith: Something For The Weekend, which has now reached the grand old age of Volume 4. You’ll find Bill Withers, Alan Parsons and Frankie Valli no less, rubbing shoulders with hot newcomers such as Patrick Cleandenim, Alela Diane and Dr Rubberfunk. It’s literally the very latest thing.