1. Born and Raised - John Mayer: Never really considered myself a John Mayer fan until I heard the single Queen of California, liked its laid-back vibe, and thought I'd give the rest of the album a try since I had a few bucks left on a giftcard. That was in May and damned if I haven't played that disc at least once a week since. (I'm actually listening to it as I write this). Each of the 12 tracks is a soothing, melodic little gem, like a lost classic from the singer/songwriter era of the '70s. It's the perfect listen for a Sunday morning or a lazy day at the beach. Favorite tracks: Queen of California, Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967
2. Privateering - Mark Knopfler: I've been a fan of the erstwhile Dire Straits frontman's solo work since 1996, have all of his albums and one thing has remained remarkably consistent over the last 16 years: the guy can not release a bad collection of songs. His new one, a 20-track, Celtic-infused double album, is no exception. This is another set I haven't stopped listening to since I got it. Favorite tracks: Miss You Blues, Go Love
3. Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen: The Boss' 17th studio album, his fifth in the last seven years, is a timely 11-track mix of folk-tinged arena rockers and recession-themed ballads that prove America's favorite Jersey boy is just as relevant today as he was 40 years ago. I actually saw him perform live last week, my fifth such occasion over the past 20 years, and the 62-year-old is nothing short of a miracle: simply the best live performer on the planet. Favorite tracks: Shackled and Drawn, Wrecking Ball
4. Blunderbuss - Jack White: Jack White's first solo album since the White Stripes disbanded last year is an infectious, wildly original 13-song set that gets you moving from the opening track and doesn't let up until the needle slips off the disc 40 minutes later. We knew going in that White was a great musician. With Blunderbuss, he emerges an artist. Favorite tracks: Sixteen Saltines, I'm Shakin'
5. Tempest - Bob Dylan: My wife always laughs when I tell her a new Dylan album is coming out. Granted the 71-year-old's voice may a bit gravelly and incoherent at times, but there's no denying he's still a great musician and songwriter. His 35th studio album offers 10 richly textured folk tracks, half of which are over seven minutes in length, that seem just as pertinent and impassioned as anything he's done in the last 50 years. Favorite tracks: Duquesne Whistle, Tempest
Next Week: Top 5 Blu-rays of 2012
