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In this election year we put out a call for music about politics. What we wanted was satire; what we got were earnest and passionate songs that mostly bashed the incumbent president

A Dust Brothers collaboration from Beck; New music from Manuel Guajiro Mirabal; A soundtrack from Gustavo Santaolalla; 1920s crooning from Rufus Wainwright; Electronic lullabies by Efterklang and more

Mick Jagger's soundtrack to Alfie; Ennio Morricone performed by Yo-Yo Ma; New music from Malian Rokia Traore; Trading guns for guitars: Tinariwen; Reggae's golden age with The Paragonse and more.

Guitarist, actor and author Guy Davis; A radio tale from bluesman Dave Alvin; Seattle singer/songwriter Laura Veirs; Bach cantatas from Lorraine Lieberson and more.

The soulful and inspired Ray LaMontagne; The homespun songs of Amy Correia; Listening to TV on the Radio; The unpredictable Vincent & Mr. Green; Ever-dry, ironic rockers Cake and more.

Folk Alley presents a sampling of its favorite albums this year, submitted by hosts and staff. Selections include venerated legends (Levon Helm, Ricky Skaggs), up-and-comers (The Greencards, Eilen Jewell) and successful folk favorites (Patty Griffin, Susan Werner).

KUT's David Brown offers up his picks for 2007's most memorable recordings, and finds that his hometown of Austin, Tex., is well-represented. But alongside the local likes of Spoon and Okkervil River were international juggernauts like Radiohead and Amy Winehouse.

For WFUV's Rita Houston, 2007 was about great new CDs and great live shows — most of which were by the same artists. Her list includes albums by Amy Winehouse, Iron and Wine, Dan Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Wilco, Stars and more.

WBGO Morning Jazz host Gary Walker shares his favorite jazz recordings of 2007. Among the artists he singles out: Michael Brecker, Abbey Lincoln, Maria Schneider and Ron Carter.

Best-ofs tend to be most effective when the selections are purely a matter of personal taste — "favorites" rather than "best."