“I’m a Flirt (Remix)” by R. Kelly feat. T.I. and T-Pain

Sorry ladies. It may not be the most popular choice around, but no single released this year had a more bodacious vibe than this song from the self-proclaimed “King of R&B.” R. Kelly’s typical bravado swagger is accompanied by a superfresh verse of T.I. and T-Pain’s trademark synthed-up vocals. I challenge anyone to hear the “Benny And The Jets”-esque piano work in the beginning and not feel the funky power of R. Kelly take over. No matter what the situation, R. Kelly is always a flirt, and America thanks him for that.

-Chris Krapek

“The Black and White Album” by the Hives

The Hives rock my socks. This disc is so awesome it made my Thanksgiving-weekend-traffic-jam wait through Chicago a fun time. I wasn’t the sulky driver you see mouthing off inaudibly. I was the driver grooving, having a good time and making others feel totally inadequate because I was having so much fun. The album is an onslaught of different sounds, completely in tune with the band’s creativity. A song consisting solely of piano and handclaps meets a song produced by Pharrell Williams. Never thought I’d say it, but I’m most definitely a fan.

-Nyssa Bulkes

“Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco

While it may not be his most impressive song lyrically, Lupe Fiasco has managed to find a niche in the pop world with “Superstar,” a beautifully orchestrated track from his sophomore album “The Cool.” With a soothing chorus by Matthew Santos, this track stirs up a good feeling in the ear of any avid music listener. A welcoming instrumental laced with piano also helps make this a soulful tune.

-Patrick Battle

“Get Warmer” by Bomb the Music Industry

When it comes to self-expression, it just doesn’t get any better than this album. Songs about depression, drinking and introspection fill this album with more character and flavor than any album that came out in 2007.

-Tony Martin

“Rag and Bone” by The White Stripes

The rock duo’s album “Icky Thump” exhibits their ever-expanding style, using bagpipes and bugles to explore areas veering from the hearty rock/blues origins. At the same time though, “Rag and Bone” demonstrates that they’re still holding strong to those roots with their sparse arrangement and full, confident sound.

-Ben Burr

“Knowledge” by Operation Ivy

Earlier this year one of the defining ska albums was re-released with new songs added to the original track list. While the song has been released more than once and covered by the more infamous Green Day, the original still can’t be beat. Before anyone picks up a diploma, they should be forced to listen to the first few words on Operation Ivy: “I know things are getting tougher when you can’t get the top off the bottom of the barrel / All I know is that I don’t know nothing.”

-Keith Cameron

“Potential Breakup Song” by Aly and AJ

As a huge fan of the the Disney Channel, it’s only fair that I pick Aly and AJ’s “Potential Breakup Song” as my favorite of 2007. With sarcastic lyrics and the beautiful voices of the two young singers, the song hits hard and stands proud.

-Lindsey Kastning