24. Kathleen Edwards, 'Voyageur'

A really great producer brings out the behind-the-scenes best of an artist, and that is just what Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) did for Kathleen Edwards. Her previous work was good, but it was just good. Voyageur is great, and not because of Vernon but because of what he was able to elicit from Edwards. Their duet on "Going to Hell" also wins my vote for best of this year. -- Caitlin White