20. Subcircus—Carousel
Debut album from these Brit rockers presents slick indie underground hit “20th Century Bitch.” Awesome guitar work and Suede-like lyrics earn this album’s spot in the top 20 of the year.
19. Live—Secret SamadhiAfter taking some time off after extensive touring for the hit album Throwing Copper, these Pennsylvania boys finally came back with a much darker, introspective album. Includes hits “Lakini’s Juice,” “Freaks,” and “Turn My Head.”
18. Third Eye Blind—Third Eye BlindA commercial and critical success, Third Eye Blind’s self titled album is one of those you can pop into the CD player and listen straight through…each song is wonderfully crafted and belongs on the album. Has sold 4 million copies on the strength of the singles “Semi-Charmed Life,” “How’s It Going to Be,” and “Graduate,” among others.
17. Ash—1977A leading band in the youth rock movement in the UK, Ash doesn’t disappoint their fans on this release, a collection of love songs and pop/rock ballads. One of those albums that’s hard NOT to like. Includes the dark, catchy “Goldfinger” and the pop sensation “Girl from Mars.”
16. The Verve—Urban HymnsThe comeback album for the Verve, who broke up briefly in 1995 after the release of A Northern Soul, come back strong on this release, which made them critical darlings and made a star out of aging vocalist Richard Ashcroft. Pounding guitars and strong vocals make this a must-listen.
15. Bis—The New Transistor HeroesAn album impossible not to like, The New Transistor Heroes presents Bis as a hypercharged Scotch-punk outfit hellbent on changing the world. And a fine job they do, creating a slew of the catchiest songs of the year while still conveying their messages about modern cynicism with excellence.
14. U2—PopIt’s not The Joshua Tree. It’s not War. But it is U2, and it is a solid album. Pop explores a totally different side for one of alternative rock’s most influential bands, going into techno, ambience, and, well, pop! Check it out!
13. Supergrass—In It for the MoneySupergrass’ sophomore effort is certainly no jinx. An album chock full of what could’ve been radio hits, In It for the Money has the deft musicality and lyrical smarts to take this group to the top. Includes the semi-hits “Cheapskate,” “Richard III,” and “Late in the Day.”
12. Björk—HomogenicThe Icelandic diva delivers yet another stunning album with Homogenic, ditching kitsch-pop for techno grooves. An album that creates a definite scenery, Björk’s 3rd symphony leaves little to be desired. “Jóga” is one of the emotional masterpieces of the year.
11. Prodigy—The Fat of the LandThese weirdos really know how to lay down the beats, and they are smart enough to know what people want to hear. All people. So what they’ve created in The Fat of the Land is a collection of genre-bending techno-pop gems, bordering on hard rock, alternative, pop, rap, and R & B all in one! Great stuff, and, likely, a sign of what to expect in the 21st century.
10. Cool for August—Grand WorldMatchbox 20’s cousins, these guys know that rock music isn’t dependent on 3 minute 30 second radio hits. As poetic as they are brash, and as complex as they are transparent, Cool for August serve as evidence that rock music in America’s South is still alive and kicking. Includes the stunning “Don’t Wanna Be Here” and the hit “Walk Away.”
9. The Honeyrods—The HoneyrodsThis power pop outfit knows how to write a hook without ditching their ability to craft lyrics. Their debut album, The Honeyrods present 12 solid, catchy tracks that will keep you and your stereo happy for a long, long time! Includes the singles “Love Bee,” “Soap Opera,” and “Float.”
8. Foo Fighters—The Colour and the ShapeModern rock radio, here come the Foo Fighters to the rescue! One of America’s most played out radio sensations, the Foos have created a post-grunge album where the songs DON’T all sound the same. From the rock anthem “Monkey Wrench” to the radio classic “Everlong” to the breathy “Walking After You,” The Colour and the Shape is a delightful listen.
7. Depeche Mode—UltraThe album everyone thought we’d never see, Depeche Mode comes back with this stunner after a few years of convalescence. While some fans were annoyed at the band’s decision to drop their old sound for a more radio-friendly synth-pop labelling, the album delivers solid hits like “Barrel of a Gun,” “It’s No Good,” and one of my favorite songs of the year, “Home.” Rock on, and welcome back!
6. Stereolab—Dots and LoopsStereolab has no choice but to use instrumentals to convey the messages behind their music, as most of the lyrics are sung in French! And what they’ve created is an emotional roller coaster ride, as composed as it is free. Combining jazz elements with sampling and other technological mumbo-jumbo, Stereolab has come through with one of the most surprisingly likable album of the year.
5. The Promise Ring—Nothing Feels GoodOne of the best albums no one has ever heard of, let alone HEARD, Nothing Feels Good is a journey into the soul. Songs which seemingly mean nothing twist inside and out of your mind, behind simple, catchy melodies and terse harmonies. A must-own album for any punk-pop or emo-punk fan. C’mon, it’s the “feel good” album of the year!
4. The Divine Comedy—CasanovaIncorporating a 60-piece symphony orchestra into every song, The Divine Comedy is definitely one of the most creative bands out there. Lead singer Neil Hannon is the missing link between Frank Sinatra and Jarvis Cocker! And they have some great songs, to boot! “Middle Class Heroes” and “A Woman of the World” will leave you singing all day. It’s an album not everyone will like, but one that nearly everyone will admire.
3. Stereophonics—Word Gets AroundSporting the best Britpop song of the year in “A Thousand Trees,” as well as 11 other solid Welsh gems, Word Gets Around combines extremely smart lyrics, wicked guitar work, and a pop sensibility to create one of the most likable albums in recent memory. Range is also incredible on this release, where songs go from the slow tempo hit “Traffic” to the speedy “Check My Eyelids for Holes.”
2. Mansun—Attack of the Grey LanternOne of the most remarkable debut albums EVER, Mansun’s Attack of the Grey Lantern takes the sweeping guitar rush of Radiohead, the lyrical cynicism of Suede, and the new-wave keyboard madness of the Charlatans and crafts a symphonic masterpiece that sounds not exactly like ANY of the aforementioned bands. And, yes, it is quite fashionable for men to wear make-up!
1. Radiohead—OK ComputerProbably the best rock album ever, OK Computer defines 20th century lifestyle, uses cutting edge technology, yet still clings to influences of the past in this haunting epic masterpiece. Containing the year’s best song “Paranoid Android,” the glowing “Let Down,” and the lullaby “No Surprises,” OK Computer shows Radiohead is definitely “standing on the edge” of a musical revolution. And they’re leading the way…
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