best albums of 2007: 12. pj harvey

12. PJ Harvey - White Chalk
Her best work since “Is This Desire?”, Chalk is mostly piano-based, Polly Jean’s vocals much more ethereal than on her previous, growling “Uh Huh Her” album. This strummed live version of Chalk standout “Grow Grow Grow” reflects the isolation and introspection of these heartbreakingly poised 30 minutes of fine-tuned grief and surrender.