To paraphrase esteemed cultural critic Greil Marcus, criticism is not the end of discussion, but the beginning. In that spirit, we present our year in review. Here you will find some albums that you've heard too much about and many that may have passed you by. The common link that cements them is the passion our writers have for this music. Of course, not everyone agrees. Vent your own critical impulses on our Message Board, and submit your own year's best lists in our Readers Poll.
Best Pop/Punk/Rock Albums
Best Hip-Hop Albums
Best Metal Albums
Best Electronic/Dance Albums
Best World Albums
Best Country/Folk/Blues Albums
Best Experimental Albums
Best Soul/R&B Albums
Best Films
Best Concerts
Best Song/Single
Biggest Surprise
Biggest Disappointment
Biggest Hype
Most Important Label
Most Important Trend
Most Influential City
Sleeper of the Year
Best Pop/Punk/Rock Albums
Best Hip-Hop Albums
Best Metal Albums
Best Electronic/Dance Albums
Best World Albums
Best Country/Folk/Blues Albums
Best Experimental Albums
Best Soul/R&B Albums
Best Films
Best Concerts
Best Song/Single
Biggest Surprise
Biggest Disappointment
Biggest Hype
Most Important Label
Most Important Trend
Most Influential City
Sleeper of the Year
