It’s hard to believe, but this will be the 25th consecutive year we’ll count down the year’s 97 Best albums. Yep, on Thursday, December 18th @ 10am, we’ll start at #97 and won’t stop until we reach #1 (apologies to Casey Kasem). As in previous years, the 97 Best is determined by airplay. We feel that’s the most accurate reflection of the sound of the station in 2008 although, again this year, Shiv, Joe, and myself will weigh in on our favorites separately during our YEAR IN REVIEW program. So, plan to carve out the whole day to listen and see where your favorites land on this years list.

If you’re a history buff, here’s a look back at the previous #1 records (click the link to see that year’s entire list). You’ll notice the musical shifts from one decade to the other and sometimes, one year to the next.

Check out the full listing after the jump…

2007 – The National Boxer
2006 – Built To Spill You In Reverse
2005 – Bloc Party Silent Alarm
2004 – Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand
2003 – The White Stripes Elephant
2002 – The White Stripes White Blood Cells
2001 – Gorillaz Gorillaz
2000 – Travis The Man Who
1999 – G. Love & Special Sauce Philadelphonic
1998 – Beastie Boys Hello Nasty
1997 – James Whiplash
1996 – Everclear Sparkle and Fade
1995 – Dave Matthews Band Under The Table and Dreaming
1994 – Green Day Dookie
1993 – Soul Asylum Grave Dancers Union
1992 – U2 Achtung Baby
1991 – R.E.M. Out Of Time
1990 – Depeche Mode Violator
1989 – The B-52’s Cosmic Thing
1988 – Sinead O’Connor The Lion and The Cobra
1987 – U2 The Joshua Tree
1986 – Violent Femmes The Blind Leading The Naked
1985 – Tears For Fear “Shout”*
1984 – Frankie Goes To Hollywood “Two Tribes”*

*the first two years’ 97 Best counted down songs rather than albums

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