If you haven’t been bombarded with year-end lists yet, here’s a look back at the best albums of the last 12 months. Actually, I’d rather call it my favorite albums of 2007. There are plenty of albums that came out this year that I haven’t heard; some that I expect a lot from and others that I’ve fought off with a festive 39-and-a-half-foot pole. On the other hand, I have a feeling you’ll find a couple albums you haven’t heard on this list.

1. Radiohead - “In Rainbows”: The music industry is in a period of transition and this album indicates that the artists are going to be ready to make changes before the labels. Few bands are in the position to pull off a pay-what-you-want self-release, but even the smallest of groups are already using MySpace in a similar way. Oh, and there’s something to be said for the music too. Thom Yorke is as mysterious and intriguing as usual with his wavy voice and penchant for madness. Key tracks: “15 Step,” “Body Snatchers,” “Faust Arp”

2. The White Stripes - “Icky Thump”: You know an album is good when there are a handful of tracks that could easily be the next single. “Icky Thump” is filled with pounding jams fueled by Jack White and his electric guitar. While it seems odd to hear brass and bagpipes on tracks from a band that was once so adamantly minimalist, the extra instruments don’t sound out of place. Long live Jack and Meg White. Key tracks: “Icky Thump,” “Conquest,” “Little Cream Soda”

3. Against Me! - “New Wave”: Although this is their fourth album, it’s their first on a major label and has garnered them more attention than their previous three. For better or worse it’s catchier and broader in style than their previous efforts, which is fairly risky for a punk band. Tom Gabel shouts his points across as effectively as always; this is a band that always has something to say and Gabel could become the loudest voice in punk. Key tracks: “Thrash Unreal,” “Stop!,” “Americans Abroad”

4. Lily Allen - “Alright, Still”: She may not have to fight as much paparazzi as the other British female vocalist in the spotlight, but her music is just as compelling. Her sound has a pop base with hip-hop leanings; she’s as witty with her insults as most of the rappers out there. What really makes her stand out is her voice. I don’t know if it’s just the accent, but the way she delivers her lines is simply unique. Key tracks: “Smile,” “LDN,” “Alfie”

5. I:Scintilla - “Optics”: The only local entry on this list (well, now they’re a Chicago band but they were still based in Champaign when this album came out in May) is one that I listen to just as frequently as the albums above. “Optics” is the band’s first full-length release on Belgian record label Alfa Matrix. It combines new songs with some re-recorded old favorites. The band has a knack for blending heavy guitar with driving electronic beats. Look for I:Scintilla to make some big noise in the future. Key tracks: “Toy Soldier,” “Havestar,” “Salt of Stones”