Essential Albums of the 2000s

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1. 1
   Mer de NomsA Perfect Circle

   Mer de Noms

   A Perfect Circle · 2000 · Metal

   A dark, melodic alt-metal debut of moody precision. Polished and acclaimed. A strong arrival.

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2. 2
   Oops!... I Did It AgainBritney Spears

   Oops!... I Did It Again

   Britney Spears · 2000 · Pop

   A glossy teen-pop blockbuster, home to its title smash. Bright and huge. A commercial peak.

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3. 3
   ParachutesColdplay

   Parachutes

   Coldplay · 2000 · Pop

   A gentle, atmospheric debut of melancholic Britpop-adjacent songs, home to 'Yellow'. Tender and tuneful. A quiet success.

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4. 4
   Like Water for ChocolateCommon

   Like Water for Chocolate

   Common · 2000 · Hip-Hop

   A warm, soulful peak of conscious rap with the Soulquarians. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

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5. 5
   VoodooD'Angelo

   Voodoo

   D'Angelo · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   A slow-cooked, deeply musical neo-soul landmark built on loose, behind-the-beat grooves and Questlove's drums. It rewards patient, repeated listening. One of the genre's defining statements.

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6. 6
   White PonyDeftones

   White Pony

   Deftones · 2000 · Metal

   Atmospheric, dynamic and heavy, the record that lifted them above nu-metal peers. Beautiful and crushing by turns. Their finest.

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7. 7
   DopethroneElectric Wizard

   Dopethrone

   Electric Wizard · 2000 · Metal

   Monolithic, fuzz-drenched doom of crushing slowness and occult menace. Heavy beyond reason. A stoner-doom classic.

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8. 8
   The Marshall Mathers LPEminem

   The Marshall Mathers LP

   Eminem · 2000 · Hip-Hop

   A technically dazzling, provocative blockbuster that made him the most discussed rapper alive. Funny, dark and razor-sharp. A defining record of its era.

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9. 9
   Mama's GunErykah Badu

   Mama's Gun

   Erykah Badu · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   Warmer and more expansive than the debut, blending soul, funk and confession. 'Bag Lady' leads it. A neo-soul high point.

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10. 10
    Supreme ClienteleGhostface Killah

    Supreme Clientele

    Ghostface Killah · 2000 · Hip-Hop

    A dazzling, abstract solo peak of vivid imagery and soul loops. Dense and acclaimed. A Wu-Tang high point.

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11. 11
    Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to HeavenGodspeed You! Black Emperor

    Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

    Godspeed You! Black Emperor · 2000 · Alternative & Indie

    A monumental post-rock double album of orchestral crescendo. Immersive and acclaimed. A genre landmark.

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12. 12
    Brave New WorldIron Maiden

    Brave New World

    Iron Maiden · 2000 · Metal

    A triumphant Dickinson-return comeback of classic Maiden. Bold and beloved. A late peak.

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13. 13
    Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Jill Scott

    Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1

    Jill Scott · 2000 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, poetic neo-soul debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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14. 14
    Hybrid TheoryLinkin Park

    Hybrid Theory

    Linkin Park · 2000 · Metal

    A blockbuster blend of nu-metal and rap-rock that defined an era. Tight and enormous. A 2000s landmark.

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15. 15
    MusicMadonna

    Music

    Madonna · 2000 · Pop

    A playful, electronic-leaning pop peak, home to its title track. Inventive and big. A strong record.

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16. 16
    The Moon & AntarcticaModest Mouse

    The Moon & Antarctica

    Modest Mouse · 2000 · Alternative & Indie

    An expansive, philosophical indie peak of jagged beauty. Ambitious and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

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17. 17
    No Strings AttachedNSYNC

    No Strings Attached

    NSYNC · 2000 · Pop

    A record-shattering boy-band peak, home to 'Bye Bye Bye'. Polished and huge. A pop landmark.

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18. 18
    StankoniaOutKast

    Stankonia

    OutKast · 2000 · Hip-Hop

    A wildly inventive blend of funk, electro, gospel and rap that pushed Southern hip-hop into the future. 'B.O.B.' and 'Ms. Jackson' anchor it. Restless, joyful and ahead of its time.

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19. 19
    XTRMNTRPrimal Scream

    XTRMNTR

    Primal Scream · 2000 · Alternative & Indie

    A furious, electronic-punk peak of political noise. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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20. 20
    Kid ARadiohead

    Kid A

    Radiohead · 2000 · Alternative & Indie

    Radiohead abandon guitars-first rock for electronics, jazz textures and abstraction, alienating some fans and inspiring countless others. Cold on the surface, it reveals deep feeling underneath. A brave swerve that defined their second act.

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21. 21
    HeartbreakerRyan Adams

    Heartbreaker

    Ryan Adams · 2000 · Country & Americana

    A raw, affecting alt-country solo debut of break-up songs and easy melody. Honest and beloved. His finest record.

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22. 22
    Hot ShotShaggy

    Hot Shot

    Shaggy · 2000 · Reggae & Dub

    A blockbuster dancehall-pop crossover, home to 'It Wasn't Me'. Bouncy and huge. A commercial landmark.

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23. 23
    Since I Left YouThe Avalanches

    Since I Left You

    The Avalanches · 2000 · Electronic

    A joyous, sample-collage masterpiece of sunny plunderphonics. Dazzling and beloved. A singular record.

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24. 24
    All That You Can't Leave BehindU2

    All That You Can't Leave Behind

    U2 · 2000 · Rock

    A back-to-basics comeback of anthems, home to 'Beautiful Day'. Tuneful and big. A commercial peak.

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25. 25
    AaliyahAaliyah

    Aaliyah

    Aaliyah · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A polished, forward-thinking final album of cool sophistication. Smooth and acclaimed. A poignant peak.

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26. 26
    Labor DaysAesop Rock

    Labor Days

    Aesop Rock · 2001 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, verbose underground peak of intricate wordplay. Bold and beloved. A cult landmark.

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27. 27
    Songs in A MinorAlicia Keys

    Songs in A Minor

    Alicia Keys · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A classically informed neo-soul debut that announced a major talent, anchored by 'Fallin''. Soulful and assured. A blockbuster on release.

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28. 28
    DrukqsAphex Twin

    Drukqs

    Aphex Twin · 2001 · Electronic

    A sprawling double album swinging between brutal drill-and-bass and tender prepared-piano miniatures. Eclectic and divisive. A maximal late peak.

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29. 29
    ConfieldAutechre

    Confield

    Autechre · 2001 · Electronic

    A dense, abstract IDM landmark of generative complexity. Challenging and acclaimed. A genre high point.

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30. 30
    Love and TheftBob Dylan

    Love and Theft

    Bob Dylan · 2001 · Rock

    A loose, witty roots-music peak of American song forms. Warm and acclaimed. A late high point.

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31. 31
    The Cold VeinCannibal Ox

    The Cold Vein

    Cannibal Ox · 2001 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, sci-fi underground landmark over El-P's beats. Bold and acclaimed. A cult classic.

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32. 32
    Jane DoeConverge

    Jane Doe

    Converge · 2001 · Metal

    A chaotic, cathartic metalcore masterpiece of raw emotion and ferocity. Intense and influential. A genre landmark.

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33. 33
    DiscoveryDaft Punk

    Discovery

    Daft Punk · 2001 · Electronic

    A euphoric, nostalgic blend of house, disco and filtered French touch, home to 'One More Time' and 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'. Glossy, joyful and impeccably sequenced. The duo's most beloved record.

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34. 34
    SurvivorDestiny's Child

    Survivor

    Destiny's Child · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A confident, hit-stuffed peak, home to its title anthem. Polished and huge. A commercial high.

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35. 35
    Southern Rock OperaDrive-By Truckers

    Southern Rock Opera

    Drive-By Truckers · 2001 · Country & Americana

    An ambitious double-album meditation on the American South. Bold and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

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36. 36
    Endless SummerFennesz

    Endless Summer

    Fennesz · 2001 · Electronic

    A gorgeous blend of guitar and glitch, warm and melodic. Singular and beloved. An ambient-pop landmark.

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37. 37
    Time (The Revelator)Gillian Welch

    Time (The Revelator)

    Gillian Welch · 2001 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A spare, haunting Americana landmark of voice and guitar. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.

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38. 38
    GorillazGorillaz

    Gorillaz

    Gorillaz · 2001 · Electronic

    A grimy, eclectic debut blending hip-hop, rock and dub, home to 'Clint Eastwood'. Fresh and fun. A striking arrival.

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39. 39
    The BlueprintJay-Z

    The Blueprint

    Jay-Z · 2001 · Hip-Hop

    Released to instant acclaim, it paired Jay-Z's confident writing with soul-sampling production from a young Kanye West and Just Blaze. Cohesive, quotable and influential. A peak of early-2000s rap.

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40. 40
    FeverKylie Minogue

    Fever

    Kylie Minogue · 2001 · Pop

    A glittering disco-pop comeback, home to 'Can't Get You Out of My Head'. Glossy and irresistible. Her peak.

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41. 41
    Things We Lost in the FireLow

    Things We Lost in the Fire

    Low · 2001 · Alternative & Indie

    A hushed, slowcore peak of fragile beauty. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

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42. 42
    No More DramaMary J. Blige

    No More Drama

    Mary J. Blige · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A triumphant, empowered peak of hip-hop-soul. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.

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43. 43
    Miss E... So AddictiveMissy Elliott

    Miss E... So Addictive

    Missy Elliott · 2001 · Hip-Hop

    A futuristic, Timbaland-driven peak, home to 'Get Ur Freak On'. Inventive and huge. A high point.

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44. 44
    StillmaticNas

    Stillmatic

    Nas · 2001 · Hip-Hop

    A focused, lyrical comeback, home to the famous 'Ether'. Sharp and acclaimed. A return to form.

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45. 45
    Blackwater ParkOpeth

    Blackwater Park

    Opeth · 2001 · Metal

    The album that perfected their blend of death-metal heaviness and acoustic, proggy beauty. Dynamic and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

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46. 46
    AmnesiacRadiohead

    Amnesiac

    Radiohead · 2001 · Alternative & Indie

    A companion to Kid A of fractured electronics and jazz, more abstract still. Cold and rewarding. A grower among fans.

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47. 47
    Melody A.M.Royksopp

    Melody A.M.

    Royksopp · 2001 · Electronic

    A warm, melodic downtempo debut of Scandinavian cool. Smooth and beloved. A chill-out staple.

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48. 48
    GoldRyan Adams

    Gold

    Ryan Adams · 2001 · Country & Americana

    A sprawling, classic-rock-leaning solo peak. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.

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49. 49
    IowaSlipknot

    Iowa

    Slipknot · 2001 · Metal

    A brutal, claustrophobic peak of nu-metal aggression. Heavy and intense. Their darkest record.

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50. 50
    ToxicitySystem of a Down

    Toxicity

    System of a Down · 2001 · Metal

    Frenetic, political and weirdly catchy, blending thrash with Armenian melody. Inventive and huge. A defining 2000s metal record.

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51. 51
    Oh, Inverted WorldThe Shins

    Oh, Inverted World

    The Shins · 2001 · Alternative & Indie

    A jangly, lo-fi indie-pop debut of bittersweet melody. Charming and beloved. A 2000s favourite.

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52. 52
    Is This ItThe Strokes

    Is This It

    The Strokes · 2001 · Alternative & Indie

    The lean, effortless debut that sparked the 2000s garage-rock revival, all taut riffs and detached cool. Short and near-perfect, it influenced a generation of guitar bands. Still sounds fresh.

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53. 53
    White Blood CellsThe White Stripes

    White Blood Cells

    The White Stripes · 2001 · Alternative & Indie

    The breakthrough that distilled their sound to its purest, urgent and tuneful. Lean and exciting throughout. The album that made them stars.

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54. 54
    LateralusTool

    Lateralus

    Tool · 2001 · Metal

    An ambitious, mathematically intricate suite that asks to be heard whole. Hypnotic and immersive. Many fans consider it their finest.

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55. 55
    Simple ThingsZero 7

    Simple Things

    Zero 7 · 2001 · Electronic

    A lush, downtempo debut of warm, soulful chill-out. Smooth and beloved. A genre highlight.

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56. 56
    The MantleAgalloch

    The Mantle

    Agalloch · 2002 · Metal

    A folk-tinged, atmospheric black-metal peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult landmark.

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57. 57
    Sea ChangeBeck

    Sea Change

    Beck · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    A stark, gorgeous break-up album of orchestrated melancholy, far from his playful collages. Honest and moving. His most affecting record.

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58. 58
    GeogaddiBoards of Canada

    Geogaddi

    Boards of Canada · 2002 · Electronic

    A darker, denser follow-up to Music Has the Right to Children. Eerie and beloved. A high point.

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59. 59
    StrippedChristina Aguilera

    Stripped

    Christina Aguilera · 2002 · Pop

    An ambitious, defiant record of vocal power and reinvention, home to 'Beautiful'. Bold and varied. Her artistic statement.

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60. 60
    Lord Willin'Clipse

    Lord Willin'

    Clipse · 2002 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp coke-rap debut over the Neptunes' beats. Tough and beloved. A genre highlight.

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61. 61
    A Rush of Blood to the HeadColdplay

    A Rush of Blood to the Head

    Coldplay · 2002 · Pop

    The album that made Coldplay huge, anthemic and melancholic, from 'Clocks' to 'The Scientist'. Polished and emotional. Their breakthrough.

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62. 62
    ODamien Rice

    O

    Damien Rice · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A raw, intimate folk debut of heartbreak, home to 'The Blower's Daughter'. Tender and beloved. A breakthrough.

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63. 63
    The Eminem ShowEminem

    The Eminem Show

    Eminem · 2002 · Hip-Hop

    A more personal, rock-tinged blockbuster of fame and family, home to 'Without Me'. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

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64. 64
    Turn on the Bright LightsInterpol

    Turn on the Bright Lights

    Interpol · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    A sleek, melancholic debut reviving post-punk for the 2000s, all taut guitars and shadow. Atmospheric and assured. A defining record of its scene.

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65. 65
    OceanicIsis

    Oceanic

    Isis · 2002 · Metal

    A spacious, immersive post-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A genre high point.

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66. 66
    American IV: The Man Comes AroundJohnny Cash

    American IV: The Man Comes Around

    Johnny Cash · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A devastating late peak, home to a definitive cover of 'Hurt'. Raw and beloved. A profound farewell.

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67. 67
    JustifiedJustin Timberlake

    Justified

    Justin Timberlake · 2002 · Pop

    A sleek solo debut of Neptunes and Timbaland pop-R&B that established Timberlake as a star. Smooth and fun. A turning point.

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    Alive or Just BreathingKillswitch Engage

    Alive or Just Breathing

    Killswitch Engage · 2002 · Metal

    A landmark metalcore record of melody and aggression. Heavy and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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69. 69
    Songs About JaneMaroon 5

    Songs About Jane

    Maroon 5 · 2002 · Pop

    A tuneful, funk-pop debut, home to 'This Love'. Smooth and huge. A breakthrough.

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    RemissionMastodon

    Remission

    Mastodon · 2002 · Metal

    A heavy, sludgy debut of riff-driven power. Brutal and acclaimed. A strong start.

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71. 71
    NothingMeshuggah

    Nothing

    Meshuggah · 2002 · Metal

    A downtuned, hypnotic djent landmark. Crushing and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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72. 72
    DeliveranceOpeth

    Deliverance

    Opeth · 2002 · Metal

    A heavier, death-leaning peak of progressive metal. Brutal and acclaimed. A high point.

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73. 73
    Dutty RockSean Paul

    Dutty Rock

    Sean Paul · 2002 · Reggae & Dub

    A blockbuster dancehall crossover, home to 'Get Busy'. Bouncy and huge. A commercial landmark.

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74. 74
    Kill the MoonlightSpoon

    Kill the Moonlight

    Spoon · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    A spare, rhythmic indie peak of clever minimalism. Sharp and beloved. A cornerstone.

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75. 75
    HomeThe Chicks

    Home

    The Chicks · 2002 · Country & Americana

    A bluegrass-leaning, acoustic peak of harmony and craft. Beautiful and acclaimed. A creative high.

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76. 76
    Yoshimi Battles the Pink RobotsThe Flaming Lips

    Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

    The Flaming Lips · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    A whimsical, emotional psych-pop landmark of robots and mortality. Beloved and acclaimed. A high point.

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77. 77
    Up the BracketThe Libertines

    Up the Bracket

    The Libertines · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    A ramshackle, romantic debut of scrappy British guitar rock. Raw and influential. A defining 2000s record.

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78. 78
    PhrenologyThe Roots

    Phrenology

    The Roots · 2002 · Hip-Hop

    An adventurous, eclectic peak of live-band hip-hop. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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79. 79
    AliceTom Waits

    Alice

    Tom Waits · 2002 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A haunting, theatrical song-cycle of broken beauty. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult favourite.

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80. 80
    Yankee Hotel FoxtrotWilco

    Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

    Wilco · 2002 · Alternative & Indie

    An adventurous blend of Americana and studio experimentation, famously rejected then revered. Beautiful and restless. Their masterpiece.

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81. 81
    The Disintegration LoopsWilliam Basinski

    The Disintegration Loops

    William Basinski · 2002 · Electronic

    A haunting ambient landmark of decaying tape loops, tied to 9/11. Elegiac and singular. A profound record.

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82. 82
    Get Rich or Die Tryin'50 Cent

    Get Rich or Die Tryin'

    50 Cent · 2003 · Hip-Hop

    A blockbuster debut of menace and hooks, powered by Dre and Eminem's production. Inescapable in its moment. A defining 2000s rap record.

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83. 83
    Thirteenth StepA Perfect Circle

    Thirteenth Step

    A Perfect Circle · 2003 · Metal

    A polished, melodic alt-metal peak. Atmospheric and acclaimed. A creative high.

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84. 84
    The Diary of Alicia KeysAlicia Keys

    The Diary of Alicia Keys

    Alicia Keys · 2003 · Soul & R&B

    A polished, soulful follow-up of confident craft. Smooth and huge. A commercial peak.

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85. 85
    Dangerously in LoveBeyoncé

    Dangerously in Love

    Beyoncé · 2003 · Pop

    A solo debut that established Beyoncé as a force, home to 'Crazy in Love'. Polished and huge. A landmark.

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86. 86
    TransatlanticismDeath Cab for Cutie

    Transatlanticism

    Death Cab for Cutie · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, yearning indie-rock record about distance and longing, anchored by its title epic. Emotional and beloved. Their defining album.

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87. 87
    Decoration DayDrive-By Truckers

    Decoration Day

    Drive-By Truckers · 2003 · Country & Americana

    A sharp, storytelling Southern-rock peak. Raw and acclaimed. A high point.

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88. 88
    The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead PlaceExplosions in the Sky

    The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

    Explosions in the Sky · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

    A soaring, emotional post-rock landmark of wordless drama. Cinematic and beloved. A genre favourite.

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89. 89
    RoundsFour Tet

    Rounds

    Four Tet · 2003 · Electronic

    A warm, organic blend of folk textures and electronic beats, intricate and humane. A folktronica landmark. Endlessly replayable.

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90. 90
    The Black AlbumJay-Z

    The Black Album

    Jay-Z · 2003 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, reflective 'retirement' record of star production and quotable verses. Confident and cohesive. A peak.

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    VeneerJose Gonzalez

    Veneer

    Jose Gonzalez · 2003 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A hushed, fingerpicked folk debut of gentle beauty. Intimate and beloved. A breakthrough.

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92. 92
    As the Palaces BurnLamb of God

    As the Palaces Burn

    Lamb of God · 2003 · Metal

    A ferocious modern-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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93. 93
    MeteoraLinkin Park

    Meteora

    Linkin Park · 2003 · Metal

    A tight, hit-packed follow-up to Hybrid Theory. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

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94. 94
    DamnationOpeth

    Damnation

    Opeth · 2003 · Metal

    A soft, mellotron-led prog-rock detour with no death growls. Beautiful and acclaimed. A bold pivot.

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95. 95
    Speakerboxxx/The Love BelowOutKast

    Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

    OutKast · 2003 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling double solo set, home to the inescapable 'Hey Ya!'. Adventurous and huge. A genre-blurring blockbuster.

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96. 96
    Hail to the ThiefRadiohead

    Hail to the Thief

    Radiohead · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling, politically tinged blend of rock and electronics. Dense and varied. An underrated entry.

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97. 97
    DopesmokerSleep

    Dopesmoker

    Sleep · 2003 · Metal

    A single hour-long riff-pilgrimage of monumental stoner-doom. Hypnotic and uncompromising. A cult monument.

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98. 98
    The Magnolia Electric Co.Songs: Ohia

    The Magnolia Electric Co.

    Songs: Ohia · 2003 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A raw, country-rock peak of Jason Molina's haunted songwriting. Powerful and beloved. A cult masterpiece.

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99. 99
    Room on FireThe Strokes

    Room on Fire

    The Strokes · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

    A tight, confident follow-up that refined the debut's formula. Sharp and tuneful. A strong second record.

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100. 100
     ElephantThe White Stripes

     Elephant

     The White Stripes · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

     Raw, primal blues-rock recorded fast and cheap, exploding on 'Seven Nation Army'. Stripped to guitar, drums and voice, it hits hard. A garage-rock landmark.

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101. 101
     Fever to TellYeah Yeah Yeahs

     Fever to Tell

     Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2003 · Alternative & Indie

     A raw, electric debut of garage-punk swagger and unexpected tenderness on 'Maps'. Wild and heartfelt. A 2000s landmark.

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102. 102
     Talkie WalkieAir

     Talkie Walkie

     Air · 2004 · Electronic

     A warm, melodic downtempo peak. Dreamy and beloved. A high point.

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103. 103
     FuneralArcade Fire

     Funeral

     Arcade Fire · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     A grand, cathartic debut about grief and neighbourhood memory that helped define 2000s indie. The arrangements swell and crest with real emotion. One of the decade's most beloved records.

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104. 104
     IsaEnslaved

     Isa

     Enslaved · 2004 · Metal

     A progressive, atmospheric black-metal peak. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

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105. 105
     Franz FerdinandFranz Ferdinand

     Franz Ferdinand

     Franz Ferdinand · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     A sharp, danceable art-rock debut built for the floor, home to 'Take Me Out'. Angular and fun. A 2000s landmark.

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106. 106
     American IdiotGreen Day

     American Idiot

     Green Day · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     An ambitious punk-rock opera of post-9/11 anger. Anthemic and huge. Their commercial and creative peak.

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107. 107
     AnticsInterpol

     Antics

     Interpol · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     A sharper, hookier follow-up to the debut. Tuneful and assured. A strong second record.

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108. 108
     Our Endless Numbered DaysIron & Wine

     Our Endless Numbered Days

     Iron & Wine · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A warm, fuller-band step from the lo-fi debut. Gentle and beloved. A standout.

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109. 109
     The Milk-Eyed MenderJoanna Newsom

     The Milk-Eyed Mender

     Joanna Newsom · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A startling harp-and-voice debut of idiosyncratic folk. Singular and acclaimed. A cult landmark.

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110. 110
     The College DropoutKanye West

     The College Dropout

     Kanye West · 2004 · Hip-Hop

     The debut that broke the gangsta-rap mould with soul samples, humour and middle-class anxiety. Warm and witty, it announced a major new voice in production and persona. Still his most likeable record.

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111. 111
     The End of HeartacheKillswitch Engage

     The End of Heartache

     Killswitch Engage · 2004 · Metal

     A polished metalcore peak of melody and power. Heavy and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
112. 112
     Ashes of the WakeLamb of God

     Ashes of the Wake

     Lamb of God · 2004 · Metal

     A ferocious modern-metal peak of groove and precision. Heavy and acclaimed. Their best.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
113. 113
     Van Lear RoseLoretta Lynn

     Van Lear Rose

     Loretta Lynn · 2004 · Country & Americana

     A raw, Jack White-produced late-career triumph that introduced her to a new audience. Vital and acclaimed. A remarkable comeback.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
114. 114
     Mm..FoodMF DOOM

     Mm..Food

     MF DOOM · 2004 · Hip-Hop

     A playful, food-themed art-rap peak of dense wordplay. Quirky and beloved. A cult favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
115. 115
     MadvillainyMadvillain

     Madvillainy

     Madvillain · 2004 · Hip-Hop

     MF DOOM's dense, allusive rhymes over Madlib's dusty, short-loop beats, an underground touchstone with no choruses and no rules. Cryptic and endlessly rewinding. A cult masterpiece.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
116. 116
     LeviathanMastodon

     Leviathan

     Mastodon · 2004 · Metal

     A Moby-Dick concept album of intricate, crushing progressive metal. Ambitious and ferocious. Their breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
117. 117
     Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)Slipknot

     Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)

     Slipknot · 2004 · Metal

     A more melodic, dynamic peak that broadened their sound. Heavy and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
118. 118
     Seven SwansSufjan Stevens

     Seven Swans

     Sufjan Stevens · 2004 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A hushed, banjo-led record of faith and intimacy. Gentle and beloved. A quiet favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
119. 119
     Hot FussThe Killers

     Hot Fuss

     The Killers · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     A glossy, new-wave-indebted debut full of huge hooks, from 'Mr. Brightside' on. Instantly catchy. A 2000s staple.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
120. 120
     A Grand Don't Come for FreeThe Streets

     A Grand Don't Come for Free

     The Streets · 2004 · Hip-Hop

     A witty, kitchen-sink concept album of UK garage-rap storytelling. Clever and beloved. A British classic.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
121. 121
     ConfessionsUsher

     Confessions

     Usher · 2004 · Soul & R&B

     A blockbuster R&B record of slick production and dramatic storytelling, one of the best-sellers of its era. Polished and assured. His commercial peak.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
122. 122
     A Ghost Is BornWilco

     A Ghost Is Born

     Wilco · 2004 · Alternative & Indie

     A noisier, more experimental follow-up to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Bold and Grammy-winning. A challenging peak.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
123. 123
     The Massacre50 Cent

     The Massacre

     50 Cent · 2005 · Hip-Hop

     The blockbuster follow-up that arrived as the best-selling album of 2005, all hard-bitten bravado and polished G-Unit production.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
124. 124
     FeelsAnimal Collective

     Feels

     Animal Collective · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     A warm, exuberant experimental-pop peak. Inventive and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
125. 125
     GueroBeck

     Guero

     Beck · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     A return to genre-mashing collage with the Dust Brothers. Fun and varied. A strong mid-career record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
126. 126
     Silent AlarmBloc Party

     Silent Alarm

     Bloc Party · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     A taut, danceable post-punk debut of jittery guitars and urgency. Sharp and exciting. A mid-2000s indie cornerstone.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
127. 127
     The Campfire HeadphaseBoards of Canada

     The Campfire Headphase

     Boards of Canada · 2005 · Electronic

     A guitar-tinged, hazy electronica peak. Warm and acclaimed. A strong record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
128. 128
     PinkBoris

     Pink

     Boris · 2005 · Metal

     A loud, eclectic blend of drone, punk and psych. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
129. 129
     I'm Wide Awake, It's MorningBright Eyes

     I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

     Bright Eyes · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     A literate, folk-leaning peak of emotional indie songwriting. Earnest and acclaimed. Conor Oberst's breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
130. 130
     X&YColdplay

     X&Y

     Coldplay · 2005 · Pop

     A widescreen, anthemic peak of stadium pop-rock. Polished and huge. A commercial high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
131. 131
     BeCommon

     Be

     Common · 2005 · Hip-Hop

     A warm, soulful return powered by Kanye West's production, concise and assured. Smooth and grown-up. A conscious-rap high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
132. 132
     Welcome to JamrockDamian Marley

     Welcome to Jamrock

     Damian Marley · 2005 · Reggae & Dub

     A hard-hitting, modern dancehall-reggae peak, home to its title track. Bold and acclaimed. A crossover landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
133. 133
     From Mars to SiriusGojira

     From Mars to Sirius

     Gojira · 2005 · Metal

     A crushing, environmentally themed progressive-death record of monumental riffs. Heavy and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
134. 134
     Demon DaysGorillaz

     Demon Days

     Gorillaz · 2005 · Electronic

     A dark, genre-blending peak of the virtual band, home to 'Feel Good Inc.'. Inventive and huge. Their masterpiece.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
135. 135
     Blessed Black WingsHigh on Fire

     Blessed Black Wings

     High on Fire · 2005 · Metal

     A thunderous, Albini-recorded peak of riff-driven metal. Heavy and acclaimed. A genre favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
136. 136
     Late RegistrationKanye West

     Late Registration

     Kanye West · 2005 · Hip-Hop

     A lush, orchestral leap forward with Jon Brion's strings behind soul-sample beats. Ambitious and warm. A peak of his early run.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
137. 137
     Confessions on a Dance FloorMadonna

     Confessions on a Dance Floor

     Madonna · 2005 · Pop

     A seamless disco-house comeback, home to 'Hung Up'. Glossy and acclaimed. A late peak.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
138. 138
     Catch ThirtythreeMeshuggah

     Catch Thirtythree

     Meshuggah · 2005 · Metal

     A single, hypnotic continuous djent piece. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
139. 139
     With TeethNine Inch Nails

     With Teeth

     Nine Inch Nails · 2005 · Metal

     A sharp, song-focused comeback, home to 'The Hand That Feeds'. Polished and acclaimed. A strong return.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
140. 140
     Ghost ReveriesOpeth

     Ghost Reveries

     Opeth · 2005 · Metal

     A lush, progressive death-metal peak of dynamic range. Ambitious and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
141. 141
     Takk...Sigur Rós

     Takk...

     Sigur Rós · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     Warmer and more melodic than its predecessors, soaring and cinematic. Uplifting and grand. A post-rock high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
142. 142
     IllinoisSufjan Stevens

     Illinois

     Sufjan Stevens · 2005 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A maximal, orchestral song-cycle about a US state, brimming with marching-band flourishes and tender storytelling. Ambitious and joyful. His most acclaimed record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
143. 143
     MezmerizeSystem of a Down

     Mezmerize

     System of a Down · 2005 · Metal

     A frantic, political peak, home to 'B.Y.O.B.'. Heavy and huge. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
144. 144
     HypnotizeSystem of a Down

     Hypnotize

     System of a Down · 2005 · Metal

     A sharp, political companion to Mezmerize. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
145. 145
     Push the ButtonThe Chemical Brothers

     Push the Button

     The Chemical Brothers · 2005 · Electronic

     A varied, hit-laden peak, home to 'Galvanize'. Loud and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
146. 146
     PicaresqueThe Decemberists

     Picaresque

     The Decemberists · 2005 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A witty, literate indie-folk peak of narrative songcraft. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
147. 147
     The DocumentaryThe Game

     The Documentary

     The Game · 2005 · Hip-Hop

     A polished, Dre-and-50-backed West Coast debut. Tough and huge. A commercial landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
148. 148
     AlligatorThe National

     Alligator

     The National · 2005 · Alternative & Indie

     A tense, literate breakthrough of slow-building indie rock. Sharp and beloved. The album that made them.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
149. 149
     AscendancyTrivium

     Ascendancy

     Trivium · 2005 · Metal

     A polished, melodic metalcore breakthrough. Sharp and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
150. 150
     Ashes Against the GrainAgalloch

     Ashes Against the Grain

     Agalloch · 2006 · Metal

     An atmospheric, post-metal-tinged peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
151. 151
     Back to BlackAmy Winehouse

     Back to Black

     Amy Winehouse · 2006 · Pop

     A modern soul classic that fused 1960s girl-group sound with brutally honest, contemporary lyrics, produced with Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. Winehouse's voice carries genuine ache throughout. Brief, perfect and bittersweet in hindsight.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
152. 152
     Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm NotArctic Monkeys

     Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

     Arctic Monkeys · 2006 · Alternative & Indie

     A whip-smart, fast-selling debut of witty Sheffield character sketches and taut guitars. Sharp and vital. A defining 2000s British record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
153. 153
     BurialBurial

     Burial

     Burial · 2006 · Electronic

     A ghostly, rain-soaked dubstep debut of nocturnal London. Atmospheric and influential. A genre landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
154. 154
     Hell Hath No FuryClipse

     Hell Hath No Fury

     Clipse · 2006 · Hip-Hop

     A stark, brilliant coke-rap peak over the Neptunes' minimal beats. Sharp and acclaimed. A cult classic.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
155. 155
     Somewhere Along the HighwayCult of Luna

     Somewhere Along the Highway

     Cult of Luna · 2006 · Metal

     A vast, atmospheric post-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A genre high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
156. 156
     St. ElsewhereGnarls Barkley

     St. Elsewhere

     Gnarls Barkley · 2006 · Soul & R&B

     A quirky, soulful pop-soul record, home to the inescapable 'Crazy'. Inventive and fun. A 2000s landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
157. 157
     The WarningHot Chip

     The Warning

     Hot Chip · 2006 · Electronic

     A witty, melodic synth-pop peak, home to 'Over and Over'. Tuneful and beloved. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
158. 158
     DonutsJ Dilla

     Donuts

     J Dilla · 2006 · Hip-Hop

     An instrumental masterpiece of chopped soul loops, made as the producer was dying. Warm, witty and deeply moving. A beat-tape that became sacred text.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
159. 159
     YsJoanna Newsom

     Ys

     Joanna Newsom · 2006 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     An ambitious, orchestral harp-and-voice song-cycle of literary depth. Singular and acclaimed. A bold masterpiece.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
160. 160
     FutureSex/LoveSoundsJustin Timberlake

     FutureSex/LoveSounds

     Justin Timberlake · 2006 · Pop

     A sleek, Timbaland-produced peak of dancefloor R&B-pop, from 'SexyBack' on. Inventive and huge. His defining record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
161. 161
     SacramentLamb of God

     Sacrament

     Lamb of God · 2006 · Metal

     A ferocious, Grammy-nominated modern-metal peak. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
162. 162
     Lupe Fiasco's Food & LiquorLupe Fiasco

     Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

     Lupe Fiasco · 2006 · Hip-Hop

     A sharp, conscious debut of literate craft. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
163. 163
     Blood MountainMastodon

     Blood Mountain

     Mastodon · 2006 · Metal

     A dense, progressive-sludge concept peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
164. 164
     The Crane WifeThe Decemberists

     The Crane Wife

     The Decemberists · 2006 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     An ambitious, literate indie-folk peak of storytelling. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
165. 165
     Sam's TownThe Killers

     Sam's Town

     The Killers · 2006 · Alternative & Indie

     A grandiose, Springsteen-indebted second album of heartland anthems. Ambitious and big. A fan favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
166. 166
     First Impressions of EarthThe Strokes

     First Impressions of Earth

     The Strokes · 2006 · Alternative & Indie

     A denser, more ambitious third album. Bold and varied. A divisive record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
167. 167
     Curtis50 Cent

     Curtis

     50 Cent · 2007 · Hip-Hop

     The third chapter, leaner and more commercially polished, with a harder pop sensibility running through its collaborations.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
168. 168
     None Shall PassAesop Rock

     None Shall Pass

     Aesop Rock · 2007 · Hip-Hop

     A dense, verbose underground peak. Bold and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
169. 169
     Strawberry JamAnimal Collective

     Strawberry Jam

     Animal Collective · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A vivid, hook-laden experimental-pop peak. Inventive and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
170. 170
     Neon BibleArcade Fire

     Neon Bible

     Arcade Fire · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A darker, grander follow-up to Funeral of organ-swelled anxiety. Bold and acclaimed. A strong second act.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
171. 171
     Favourite Worst NightmareArctic Monkeys

     Favourite Worst Nightmare

     Arctic Monkeys · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A faster, heavier follow-up of frantic energy and sharp writing. Tight and confident. A strong second record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
172. 172
     Red AlbumBaroness

     Red Album

     Baroness · 2007 · Metal

     A vibrant, melodic sludge-metal debut of riffs and color. Heavy and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
173. 173
     ColorsBetween the Buried and Me

     Colors

     Between the Buried and Me · 2007 · Metal

     A sprawling, genre-hopping progressive-metal landmark. Ambitious and acclaimed. A cult peak.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
174. 174
     For Emma, Forever AgoBon Iver

     For Emma, Forever Ago

     Bon Iver · 2007 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     Recorded alone in a remote winter cabin, its falsetto and layered harmonies feel both raw and otherworldly. The origin myth fits the music. A quietly influential debut.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
175. 175
     BlackoutBritney Spears

     Blackout

     Britney Spears · 2007 · Pop

     A dark, forward-thinking dance-pop record now regarded as her artistic peak, all icy production and hooks. Influential and assured. A critical favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
176. 176
     UntrueBurial

     Untrue

     Burial · 2007 · Electronic

     Ghostly, rain-soaked dubstep built from pitched vocal fragments and vinyl crackle, evoking late-night London. Deeply atmospheric and emotional. One of the century's defining electronic albums.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
177. 177
     AndorraCaribou

     Andorra

     Caribou · 2007 · Electronic

     A sunny, psychedelic-pop peak. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
178. 178
     The Shepherd's DogIron & Wine

     The Shepherd's Dog

     Iron & Wine · 2007 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A richer, more rhythmic folk peak of layered arrangement. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
179. 179
     CrossJustice

     Cross

     Justice · 2007 · Electronic

     Maximalist, distorted French electro-house, brash and thrilling. 'D.A.N.C.E.' anchors it. A defining dance record of the late 2000s.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
180. 180
     GraduationKanye West

     Graduation

     Kanye West · 2007 · Hip-Hop

     A bright, stadium-sized pivot toward synths and anthems, home to 'Stronger'. Polished and huge. A turning point in mainstream rap.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
181. 181
     Sound of SilverLCD Soundsystem

     Sound of Silver

     LCD Soundsystem · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     Dance-punk with genuine heart, balancing irony and real feeling on 'All My Friends' and 'Someone Great'. Smart, propulsive and emotional. A defining record of its decade.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
182. 182
     Lupe Fiasco's The CoolLupe Fiasco

     Lupe Fiasco's The Cool

     Lupe Fiasco · 2007 · Hip-Hop

     A conceptual, literate peak of conscious rap. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
183. 183
     KalaM.I.A.

     Kala

     M.I.A. · 2007 · Electronic

     A wild, globe-spanning blend of dancehall, electro and protest, home to 'Paper Planes'. Bold and acclaimed. A genre-blurring landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
184. 184
     Oracular SpectacularMGMT

     Oracular Spectacular

     MGMT · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A psychedelic synth-pop debut of inescapable hits like 'Kids' and 'Time to Pretend'. Bright and beloved. A 2000s landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
185. 185
     Year ZeroNine Inch Nails

     Year Zero

     Nine Inch Nails · 2007 · Metal

     A dense, dystopian concept peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
186. 186
     Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?Of Montreal

     Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?

     Of Montreal · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A frantic, confessional psych-pop peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
187. 187
     Person PitchPanda Bear

     Person Pitch

     Panda Bear · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A blissful, sample-built solo landmark of layered vocal pop. Inventive and influential. A cult favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
188. 188
     In RainbowsRadiohead

     In Rainbows

     Radiohead · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A warm, intimate masterpiece released by pay-what-you-want, balancing electronics and emotion. Beautiful and acclaimed. Many fans' favourite.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
189. 189
     Good Girl Gone BadRihanna

     Good Girl Gone Bad

     Rihanna · 2007 · Pop

     A glossy pop-R&B breakthrough, home to 'Umbrella'. Sleek and huge. The album that made her a superstar.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
190. 190
     Raising SandRobert Plant and Alison Krauss

     Raising Sand

     Robert Plant and Alison Krauss · 2007 · Country & Americana

     A hushed, atmospheric Americana collaboration that swept the Grammys. Beautiful and acclaimed. A late-career landmark.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
191. 191
     Ga Ga Ga Ga GaSpoon

     Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

     Spoon · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     A taut, soulful indie-rock peak of rhythmic precision. Sharp and beloved. Their finest.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
192. 192
     From Here We Go SublimeThe Field

     From Here We Go Sublime

     The Field · 2007 · Electronic

     A hypnotic, looping minimal-techno landmark. Immersive and acclaimed. A genre cornerstone.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
193. 193
     BoxerThe National

     Boxer

     The National · 2007 · Alternative & Indie

     Slow-burning, literate indie rock built on Berninger's baritone and intricate drumming. Understated and rewarding. The album that won them devotion.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
194. 194
     Two HuntersWolves in the Throne Room

     Two Hunters

     Wolves in the Throne Room · 2007 · Metal

     An atmospheric, nature-themed black-metal peak. Immersive and acclaimed. A genre high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
195. 195
     19Adele

     19

     Adele · 2008 · Pop

     A soulful, jazzy debut of mature songcraft. Warm and acclaimed. A striking start.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
196. 196
     Twilight of the Thunder GodAmon Amarth

     Twilight of the Thunder God

     Amon Amarth · 2008 · Metal

     A triumphant, Viking-themed melodic-death peak. Heavy and beloved. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
197. 197
     Viva la Vida or Death and All His FriendsColdplay

     Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

     Coldplay · 2008 · Pop

     An ambitious, Eno-produced peak, home to its baroque title smash. Bold and huge. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
198. 198
     Crystal CastlesCrystal Castles

     Crystal Castles

     Crystal Castles · 2008 · Electronic

     An abrasive, glitchy electro-punk debut. Bold and influential. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
199. 199
     In Ghost ColoursCut Copy

     In Ghost Colours

     Cut Copy · 2008 · Electronic

     A bright, nostalgic dance-pop peak. Tuneful and beloved. A genre highlight.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
200. 200
     New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)Erykah Badu

     New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)

     Erykah Badu · 2008 · Soul & R&B

     A dense, political neo-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
201. 201
     Fleet FoxesFleet Foxes

     Fleet Foxes

     Fleet Foxes · 2008 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A lush, harmony-drenched debut of pastoral baroque folk. Timeless and beautiful. A defining record of its indie moment.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
202. 202
     Los AngelesFlying Lotus

     Los Angeles

     Flying Lotus · 2008 · Electronic

     A dense, woozy beat-scene landmark. Inventive and influential. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
203. 203
     The Way of All FleshGojira

     The Way of All Flesh

     Gojira · 2008 · Metal

     A crushing, ambitious progressive-death peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
204. 204
     808s & HeartbreakKanye West

     808s & Heartbreak

     Kanye West · 2008 · Hip-Hop

     A cold, Auto-Tuned grief record that reshaped pop-rap. Bold and influential. A pivotal record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
205. 205
     Only by the NightKings of Leon

     Only by the Night

     Kings of Leon · 2008 · Alternative & Indie

     A widescreen, arena-sized peak, home to 'Sex on Fire' and 'Use Somebody'. Polished and huge. Their commercial breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
206. 206
     The FameLady Gaga

     The Fame

     Lady Gaga · 2008 · Pop

     A glittering electro-pop debut that made Gaga a superstar, hook after hook. Bold and fun. A defining late-2000s record.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
207. 207
     Tha Carter IIILil Wayne

     Tha Carter III

     Lil Wayne · 2008 · Hip-Hop

     A blockbuster peak of Wayne's wordplay and weirdness, home to 'A Milli'. Eccentric and huge. His commercial high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
208. 208
     Saturdays = YouthM83

     Saturdays = Youth

     M83 · 2008 · Electronic

     A nostalgic, 80s-drenched synth-pop peak. Dreamy and beloved. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
209. 209
     obZenMeshuggah

     obZen

     Meshuggah · 2008 · Metal

     A crushing, polyrhythmic djent landmark of mechanical precision. Heavy and influential. A genre high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
210. 210
     WatershedOpeth

     Watershed

     Opeth · 2008 · Metal

     A dynamic, progressive peak balancing beauty and brutality. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
211. 211
     ThirdPortishead

     Third

     Portishead · 2008 · Electronic

     A stark, abrasive comeback far from their trip-hop roots. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
212. 212
     Dear ScienceTV on the Radio

     Dear Science

     TV on the Radio · 2008 · Alternative & Indie

     A vibrant, art-rock peak of horns, funk and urgency. Bold and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
213. 213
     FearlessTaylor Swift

     Fearless

     Taylor Swift · 2008 · Pop

     The country-pop blockbuster that made Swift a star, home to 'Love Story'. Tuneful and huge. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
214. 214
     Vampire WeekendVampire Weekend

     Vampire Weekend

     Vampire Weekend · 2008 · Alternative & Indie

     A bright, preppy debut blending Afropop guitars with witty literate pop. Fresh and instantly likeable. The start of a great run.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
215. 215
     Merriweather Post PavilionAnimal Collective

     Merriweather Post Pavilion

     Animal Collective · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A blissful, sample-swirled experimental-pop peak, home to 'My Girls'. Adventurous and beloved. Their masterpiece.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
216. 216
     HumbugArctic Monkeys

     Humbug

     Arctic Monkeys · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A darker, heavier desert-rock pivot. Bold and acclaimed. A turning point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
217. 217
     Blue RecordBaroness

     Blue Record

     Baroness · 2009 · Metal

     A melodic, vibrant sludge-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
218. 218
     Axe to FallConverge

     Axe to Fall

     Converge · 2009 · Metal

     A ferocious, dynamic metalcore peak. Brutal and acclaimed. A high point.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
219. 219
     Bitte OrcaDirty Projectors

     Bitte Orca

     Dirty Projectors · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     An inventive, angular art-pop peak. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
220. 220
     LungsFlorence + the Machine

     Lungs

     Florence + the Machine · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A dramatic, baroque-pop debut of huge voice and harp. Bold and beloved. A breakthrough.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
221. 221
     VeckatimestGrizzly Bear

     Veckatimest

     Grizzly Bear · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A lush, intricate indie-folk peak of harmony and arrangement. Beautiful and acclaimed. Their finest.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
222. 222
     The Fame MonsterLady Gaga

     The Fame Monster

     Lady Gaga · 2009 · Pop

     A darker, sharper companion to The Fame, home to 'Bad Romance'. Bold and immaculate. Arguably her pop peak.

     Vinyl →CD →More →
223. 223
     Born Like ThisMF DOOM

     Born Like This

     MF DOOM · 2009 · Hip-Hop

     A dense, dark late peak of intricate wordplay. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.

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224. 224
     Crack the SkyeMastodon

     Crack the Skye

     Mastodon · 2009 · Metal

     Their most progressive and melodic record, layered and conceptual. Dense and rewarding. A high point of modern metal.

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225. 225
     BLACKsummers'nightMaxwell

     BLACKsummers'night

     Maxwell · 2009 · Soul & R&B

     A lush, mature neo-soul comeback. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

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226. 226
     ModeratModerat

     Moderat

     Moderat · 2009 · Electronic

     A sleek, melodic techno-and-bass collaboration. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

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227. 227
     Sigh No MoreMumford & Sons

     Sigh No More

     Mumford & Sons · 2009 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

     A rousing, banjo-driven folk-rock debut that sparked a revival. Anthemic and huge. A breakthrough.

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228. 228
     Rated RRihanna

     Rated R

     Rihanna · 2009 · Pop

     A dark, edgy pop-R&B peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative turning point.

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229. 229
     Monoliths & DimensionsSunn O)))

     Monoliths & Dimensions

     Sunn O))) · 2009 · Metal

     An ambitious, orchestral drone-metal peak of immense weight. Singular and acclaimed. A genre high point.

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230. 230
     xxThe xx

     xx

     The xx · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A spare, intimate debut of whispered vocals and minimal guitar. Atmospheric and acclaimed. A striking, influential arrival.

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231. 231
     It's Blitz!Yeah Yeah Yeahs

     It's Blitz!

     Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2009 · Alternative & Indie

     A synth-driven dance-rock reinvention, home to 'Heads Will Roll'. Bright and acclaimed. A bold pivot.

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