Albums Of The Decade: Part One (30 - 21)

As the premier decade of the new Millennium comes to a close, music fans worldwide are trying to figure what is album of the decade. I am one of those music fans and over the next few weeks I will be presenting my 30 favourite albums of “noughties”.

It has been a decade that saw changes in the way we purchased, discovered and heard new music, the word 'emo' being stereotyped with dark, depressing music for upset, angry teenagers, the rise of online social networking, bands breaking up and than reuniting, vinyl records becoming cool again and much, much more.

Part One: 30-21

30. Angels and Airwaves – We Don’t Need To Whisper

Despite front man Tom Delonge ridiculously over-hyping and claiming this record would change the world of music; AVA’s 2006 debut was expansive, uplifting record of cinematic proportion. Delonge and co’s was an exit from individual band members’ past bands as the band went down a spacey, alternative rock dominated by layers guitars combined with inspirational songs about love and war.

Listen on Spotify

29. Crime In Stereo - Crime In Stereo Is Dead

The Long Island-based 2007 album took the melodic hardcore elements of the bands previous efforts and used them to their best ability, as tracks such as ‘Nixon’ and ‘Small Skeletal’ especially showed a more layered and accessible side. It is also worth noting that the production work of Mike Sapone, as his contribution elevated the bands better characteristics to another level.

Listen on Spotify.

28. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP

The as-ever-controversial Detroit rapper’s 2000 album was a personal tale of coping with new found fame, mocking the celebrity media circus and troubles in his private life, delivered in a style that certified hip-hop’s place in the mainstream as Eminem’s rhyming skill blended with pop-friendly hooks, led to tracks like ‘Stan’ and ‘The Real Slim Shady’ broke new ground and sparked much conversation.

Listen on Spotify.

27. The Ataris – So Long, Astoria

The Ataris’ major label debut was a cleaner produced record that complimented and ideal to post-millennium pop-punk bands that were ruling the airwaves back in 2003. Although the bands punk rock roots were still intact, they were joined by more radio-friendly hooks, as heard on ‘In This Diary’ and ‘Looking Back On Today’. Whilst lyrical it was more intimate and personal, as Kris Roe provided us with a soundtrack for broken teenage hearts and long-forgotten summers.

Listen on Spotify.

26. Billy Talent – Billy Talent

The Canadian punk quartet self-titled 2003 debut was a rawkus punk rock record with occasional melodic parts blended with intense energy and massive chorus that soar above and beyond. Add to this a subtle hardcore, underground sound and you are left with a foundation that took the Ontario all over the world.

Listen on Spotify.

25. Against Me! – New Wave

After several independent releases, the Gainesville, Florida’s 2007 release was a socially and politically aware record, which took the bands punk rock roots and combined them with radio-friendly overtone that gained the band new fans. Tracks like ‘Stop!’ and ‘Borne on the FM Waves of the Heart’ represented the latter, whilst ‘New Wave’ and ‘Piss and Vinegar’ was fierce with plenty of attitude and bite.

Listen on Spotify.

24. Fall Out Boy – Take This To Your Grave

Once upon a time there was an unknown 4-piece Illinois band, who went on to dominate the pop-punk world for 2nd half of the decade. ‘Take This To Your Grave’ was the first stepping stone towards world domination. It introduced us to Pete Wentz’s lyrical wit and the R n B-esque vocal styling of Patrick Stump. Tracks like ‘Dead On Arrival’, ‘Saturday’ and ‘Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy’ set the blueprint for what was to become a pop-punk powerhouse, with their bouncy, hook-filled structure and punk rock undertone.

Listen on Spotify.

23. Snow Patrol – Final Straw

Snow Patrol’s 2003 breakthrough album was a mixed of radio hits such as ‘Run’ and ‘Chocolate’ with strong and passionate indie pop songs, like ‘Grazed Knees’ and ‘Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking’, that were delicately delivered vocally by Gary Lightbody and musically drew the listener more with each listen.

Listen on Spotify.

22. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

The New York 4-piece brand of stripped indie rock mixed with African music and reggae vibes resulted in a charming 11 track journey, as Ezra Koenig sang about being late for class (‘Campus’) and wondered if anyone gave a fuck about an Oxford Comma. Add to this occasional, simple hook (‘A-Punk’) and an overall tight, clean sound that was refreshing in a genre filled with scrappy-looking, tight-jean wearing indie rock n roll bands at the time.

Listen on Spotify.

21. Lydia – Illuminate

Mix passionate, emotional ballads with a hint of American indie rock and you are left with a record that flows beautifully, as Lydia’s vocalist’s Leighton Antelman and Mindy White cleverly blended sweet vocal harmonies that pulled at the heart strings and leave you hook wanting more. Musically its layered style, complimented the bands strong song writing and sensible, mature pop piano-based sound.


-Sean Reid (Alter The Press! Co-Editor)