50. TEDDY THOMPSON - "Separate Ways"(Verve Forecast, 2005)
And to think I almost missed out on this guy after his first recording contract came and went in 2000. But fortunately the folks at Verve saw fit to bring him back five years later with this excellent sophomore package of folk-rock tunes, including "I Should Get Up", "Altered State", "That's Enough Out Of You", and "Everybody Move It". Rarely has anti-social behavior ever sounded this enjoyable.
49. WILLIAM SHATNER - "Has Been"(Shout! Factory, 2004)
Everyone would probably agree that once in 36 years is more than often enough for an album as patently bizarre as Shatner's "The Transformed Man". But thankfully, since we now know to expect the guy to be a little warped (pun intended), this follow-up -- produced by Ben Folds and featuring a host of guest artists such as Henry Rollins, Aimee Mann, and Brad Paisley -- is far more coherent and enjoyable ... even a little inspired.
48. WILL YOUNG - "From Now On"(BMG/UK, 2002)
The very first winner of the "Idol" program that started it all, Will Young also continues to be one of the most successful "Idol" alumni in the world, and this debut album makes it eivdent why he captured the winning vote. It may not be remarkable fare as far as pop music in general goes, but it's infinitely enjoyable when sung by his nimble, resonant voice -- especially "You and I" as well as his take on the José Feliciano arrangement of "Light My Fire".
47. VERTICAL HORIZON - "Everything You Want"(RCA, 2000)*
Their major-label breakthrough deserved every bit of the attention it got, if not more. Four amazing singles were spawned from this album, including the #1 hit title track and the Top-Ten "You're a God". But the good solid rock songs definitely don't stop there ... nearly every one of the eleven tracks on this double-platinum tour-de-force will leave you humming to yourself for hours.
46. JAMIE CULLUM - "Catching Tales"(Verve Forecast, 2005)
With its thoroughly entertaining blend of original tunes (the tenderly nostalgic "Photograph", the witty marketing satire "7 Days To Change Your Life", and the enchanting "Mind Trick") and innovative cover arrangements ("Our Day Will Come", "I Only Have Eyes For You", and the Doves' "Catch The Sun"), this is the album that made me fall in love with the British jazz-pop singer-songwriter and his adorably raspy voice.
*Okay, this one was actually released in 1999, but I didn't realize that until I was writing this entry, and I didn't feel like swapping it out for another item. It's not my fault -- the printing I have actually states 2000 as the copyright date!
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