Music: Top 40 Best Albums of 2007 19-15

15) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band– Magic
Springsteen returns with his most vital and enjoyable disc since the mid-80s.
Here’s the Boss doing “Living in the Future” live in Madrid:


16) Low – Drums and Guns
Low found tempos in the midrange on their last album and continue to poke at their old slowcore sound on Drums and Guns. Drum machines and spare construction give the songs a skeletal beauty that's new for this band.
Here’s the video for “Breaker”:


17) The National – Boxer
Less immediate than its predecessor, Boxer is a grower that unfolds its knotty lyrics and subtle songs on repeated listening.
Here’s the video for “Mistaken for Strangers”:


18) The New Pornographers – Challengers
This may not be their best album but there are some great songs and performances here, augmented by bigger arrangements and half an orchestra.
Here’s the video for “Challengers”:


19) The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
This was a whipping boy for plenty of critics but the strong melodies and the variety of approaches kept me coming back to it's Kinks-y goodness.
Here’s the video for “Australia”: