Till the Sun Turns Black by Ray LaMontagne

One of our favorite new artists of 2004, Ray LaMontagne is back with Till the Sun Turns Black ($10). The follow-up to his promising debut album Trouble, Till the Sun Turns Black is an album full of tracks that let LaMontagne do what he does best — take simple songs and let his soft, raspy voice explain the complex emotions behind them. A must have for 2006. Standout tracks: "Empty," "Lesson Learned," "Three More Days."