When I review a new release, I also give the album a score based on the quality of each individual track and the album as a whole. To be eligible for this list the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. 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: T.I.’s star-studded, hit-filled LP Paper Trail demonstrates an unprecedented sense of urgency for the popular Southern rapper and moves in to the top 5. TV On the Radio’s latest Dear Science and Jazmine Sullivan’s debut Fearless also find their way on to the list. Meanwhile, Portishead’s Third, The Raconteurs’ Consolers of the Lonely and The Hold Steady’s Stay Positive all get nudged out of the Top 20.

1. My Morning Jacket Evil Urges (ATO)
2. Conor Oberst Conor Oberst (Merge)
3. Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend (XL)
4. T.I. Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic)
5. Adele 19 (XL/Columbia)
6. Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple (Atlantic)
7. Lupe Fiasco The Cool (Atlantic)
8. Hot Chip Made in the Dark (Astralwerks)
9. The Hush Sound Goodbye Blues (Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic)
10. Kardinal Offishall Not 4 Sale (Kon Live/Geffen)
11. Wolf Parade At Mount Zoomer (Sub Pop)
12. Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs (Atlantic)
13. Dizzee Rascal Maths & English (Definitive Jux)
14. Death Angel Killing Season (Nuclear Blast America)
15. Shy Child Noise Won’t Stop (Kill Rock Stars)
16. Beck Modern Guilt (Interscope)
17. TV on the Radio Dear Science (Interscope)
18. Disturbed Indestructible (Warner Brothers/Reprise)
19. Jazmine Sullivan Fearless (J Records)
20. Jaguar Love Take Me To the Sea (Matador)