The indisputable, absolute best music albums of 2006

Nekesa Mumbi Moody
AP Music Writer
Dec. 15, 2006 12:00 AM

There are no rights and wrongs when it comes to opinions. One person's masterpiece is another's travesty. Few things in life are absolute - except this list of the best albums of 2006.

Once again, The Associated Press has determined, through a complicated, scientific and top-secret mathematic equation, the absolute best albums released over the past year. No debates are alloWed since the facts are indisputable ... at least to this writer. So here they are, in order:

1. "Pick a Bigger Weapon," The Coup - For everyone who carps that hip-hop is dead, do yourself a favor: turn off the radio and turn on The Coup. There is another world besides the shoot-em-up missives, party jams and coke-anthems of commercial rap, and this Oakland-based act is the best of that underground scene. "Pick a Bigger Weapon" combined the revolutionary spirit of Huey P. Newton and an acerbic comic wit that recalled Dave Chappelle for a poWerful commentary on the plight of those of a darker hue, and the political turmoil of the day.

2. "The Breakthrough," Mary J. Blige: Blige is more than a singer - over the past few years, she's become the ultimate life coach, using her own transformation from a self-destructive, drug-abusing diva to a self-assured, spiritual goddess as an example for us all. But never has her message been so on point, and so poignant, as on "The Breakthrough." Though technically this came out in the waning days of December 2005, Blige's triumphant comeback album dominated the music scene in 2006.

3. "B'Day," Beyonce: Could Beyonce be the ultimate feminist? Granted, the idea may seem a bit ridiculous, given her come-hither glances, plunging necklines and sexy gyrations. But those who take a closer listen to her poWerful gem of an album will find that her songs aren't just Beyonce boosters, but female empoWerment anthems. If a man is trifling, she lets you know he's not "Irreplaceable." Keep him in check with your "Freakum Dress." He needs you more than you need him ("Upgrade U"). Track after track, she comes off as the ultimate superwoman - disguised as a sex kitten.

4. "Taking the Long Way," the Dixie Chicks: Don't be fooled by the defiant single, "Not Ready to Make Nice" - the Dixie Chicks have a lot more to offer than angry tomes about becoming the pariahs of country music. Though there is a lot of emotion on "Taking the Long Way," it's a multifaceted disc that reflects the very public growing pains this Texas trio endured over the past three years, both professionally and in their personal lives. Writing for the first time and stretching beyond country's confines, the Dixie Chicks show they have more to offer than tart tongues and sassy attitudes.

5. "Once Again," John Legend: This year's Grammy winner for best new artist sounds like an old-school, veteran RandB act on his sophomore album, filled with genteel love songs and sexy come-ons. But he's not trying to be retro - he captures a soulful, authentic sound lost in much of today's RandB.

Honorable mentions:

"Continuum," John Mayer
"The Little Willies," The Little Willies
"Comfort of Strangers," Beth Orton
"Under The Iron Sea," Keane
"Loose," Nelly Furtado
"Pretty Little Head," Nelly McKay
"Tha Blue Carpet," Snoop Dogg

6. "Corinne Bailey Rae," Corinne Bailey Rae: Rae's debut garnered her a lot of comparisons to Erykah Badu for her Billie Holiday-eque vocal delivery, but she was more like her British counterpart Sade, delivering mellow, sexy soul grooves that entice and soothe at the same time.

7. "Testimony, Vol. 1: Life and Relationship," India.Arie: She could probably make a horrible death sound like an opportunity to learn about the wonders of life and its ultimate beauty - India.Arie is the eternal optimist who gleans the silver lining in the most painful of situations, like the end of a relationship that was supposed to last forever. But it's not some saccharine attempt to put a good spin on a bad situation: with clear head, pure heart and sage wisdom, she actually does shine light where there once seemed only darkness - a rare gift that keeps giving with each new CD.

8. "Before Me," Gladys Knight: For years, there has been a flood of standards albums performed by a variety of fading pop, rock and RandB veterans Find a new way to capture the spotlight. It's easy to lump Knight into this category - until you listen to this album. Gorgeously orchestrated and lushly produced, "Before Me" shows why Knight is one of the all-time greats: though the album is designed to be a tribute to past jazz greats, she owns each record.

9. "The Evolution of Robin Thicke," Robin Thicke: Justin may have brought sexy back, but Robin Thicke was the master of sensuality and passion on his CD, packed with alluring bedroom grooves that made your knees wobble with just one listen.

10. "FutureSex/LoveSounds," Justin Timberlake: Though Timberlake co-wrote this album, give much of the credit to superproducer Timbaland for this club-driven collection's hypnotic, surreal beats. Of course, it's Timberlake's charismatic falsetto that brings it altogether. Though it lacks much of the warmth of its predecessor, "Justified," this stealth version of Timberlake is still captivating, though a bit too mechanical.