Home is a definite top pick for 2002, and certainly kicked country music in its ass once again when it needed it the most.

Every so often there is a true musical "moment" when an act breaks through that is so complete, so utterly surprising, that as a music critic, I can't help but throw my hands up in the air and leave behind any hope of real criticism as each spin pushes me further into fandom. Lemon Jelly is that act of the moment.

It's shallow, pretentious, flamboyant, catchy, and just plain freaky at times, but unlike all the empty pop music you hear on mainstream radio today, this is one pop album that gets it right for once, and what a pure blast it is.

These eight tracks positively bristle with energy and exuberance.

At 36 minutes, Girls Can Tell packs more hooks than most bands fit into their entire discography... This is truly one of the most intense pop records since This Year's Model.

Like Nick Drake, he's a master at crafting melodies so simple, so memorable, it makes your heart melt.

Throughout Send, Wire strike the right compromise, pushing their songs to brink of chaos without ever allowing them to disintegrate.

Such perfectionism can easily be construed as soullessness, but I think what Deakin and Franglin are actually striving for here is to strike a balance between the warmth and humanity of their music's sounds and the machine-like grace of its flawless production.

There's no other way to say it: Tammy Ealom is one of the most unassuming and perfect songwriters in modern pop.

The New Pornographers have made such a great album, tuneful, overdosed with hooks, that all the past sins of our Northern neighbors are forgiven. Well, maybe not Rush, but close.

One of the year's best pop albums.

For those who only know Amy Ray as an Indigo Girl, or as a socially active label owner will find this record a snarling, beautiful surprise.

In some sense, it is true that any of these new songs could fit comfortably among his earlier works. Yet now there is an even more polished grace to the undertakings, as if age and experience have refined and further honed what already was smooth.

The album marks the high point of an amazing band's amazing career.

A whole lot of fun to listen to.... Anna is one of this year's best records.

Gutterflower will undoubtedly take the Goo Goo Dolls to greater success, and deservedly so, such is it's quality and consistency.

13 tracks which magically blend heavenly guitar weavings with penetrating melodies.

On Red Devil Dawn, Crooked Fingers have made huge strides towards becoming one of the most fascinating bands in some time.

A sense of humor is definitely required, as is an appreciation for everything rockin'.

The Sadies' best album yet.

Last Exit, while being one of the year's most cutting-edge releases, is, most importantly, a warm, friendly, entirely accessible pop album.

A new pop classic...

If Shake the Sheets lacks the subtle, nuanced excursions of its predecessor, it's redeemed by an urgent, unrelenting focus.

The best album the Beasties have put out since Paul's Boutique.

Every aspect of the project is an improvement on the last.

Pearl Jam has made some of the most vital music of its career.

He and his producers have constructed a monument to this New New New South. And you don't really have to believe in it in order to appreciate what a great record this is.

A defining moment for the band.