When I review a new release, I also give the album a score based on the quality of each individual track and the cohesiveness of the album as a whole. To be eligible for this list, the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007. The following albums have scored highest this year so far. I update these Standings every time an album or albums break into my Top 20.

Update: The new self-titled album from progressive metal band Avenged Sevenfold is the latest addition to the list. Meanwhile, Kala, the sophomore album from M.I.A. gets bumped out of the Top 20. There are only two new-release Tuesdays left this year, so the final list will start taking shape very soon.

1. Band of Horses Cease to Begin (Sub Pop)
2. Menomena Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
>>Watch Video Review
3. Bright Eyes Cassadaga (Saddle Creek)
>>Watch Video Review
4. Portugal. The Man Church Mouth (Fearless)
5. Patrick Park Everyone’s In Everyone (Curb Appeal)
6. The Good Life Help Wanted Nights (Saddle Creek)
7. Okkervil River The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
8. Aesop Rock None Shall Pass (Definitive Jux)
9. Parts & Labor Mapmaker (Jagjaguwar)
10. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars) >>Watch Video Review
11. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
>>Watch Video Review
12. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
13. Tim Fite Over the Counter Culture (Anti-)
14. Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino)
>>Watch Video Review
15. The National Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
16. Pharoahe Monch Desire (SRC/Universal Motown)
17. Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold (Warner Brothers)
18. The Veils Nux Vomica (Rough Trade)
19. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Definitive Jux)
>>Watch Video Review
20. Wilco Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)

Additional Video Reviews (from former Top 20 Albums):
Nine Inch Nails Year Zero (Nothing/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review
Feist The Reminder (Cherry Tree/Interscope)
>>Watch Video Review
Kings of Leon Because of the Times (RCA)
>>Watch Video Review