The Top Pop Albums of the Decade 2000s
12/01/2009 11:59:00 PM
kenmouse
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Amy Winehouse
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Green Day
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Justin Timberlake
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Kanye West
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Kelly Clarkson
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As the decade nears its end, one thing that will be missed is the music. Remember those albums we left on repeat because they really were worth listening to? From the catchy dance tracks to the political rock records that defined the 2000s, we saw artists like Justin Timberlake and Amy Winehouse grow up and deliver pinnacle records we never saw coming. When it came to the Top 40 set, this was a great time to love music. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Pop albums of the '00s:10. Amy Winehouse -- 'Back to Black'
No matter how many times she goes into rehab or messes up, nobody can dismiss the fact that Amy Winehouse's debut album showed how much promise and soul the troubled British songstress has. From the hyper-autobiographical 'Rehab' to 'You Know I'm No Good,' Winehouse's burnt vocals mixed with Mark Ronson's brilliant beats, Winehouse shines in a way that makes seeing her recent decline that much more painful.
9. Green Day -- 'American Idiot'
Yes, it's a great rock record of the decade, but its smash success (Grammys included) and the immediacy of the songs on this concept album also make it a universal pop smash too. No disc of the decade was more direct at speaking for a lost generation. From the thrilling title track to the nine-minute 'Jesus of Suburbia' suite to the radio-ready fury of 'Holiday' to the heart-shattering 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' make it an album that the punks could celebrate with their parents. And those are just the first four tracks we're mentioning.
8. Outkast -- 'Stankonia'
The Atlanta duo of Dre and Big Boi struck gold with 'Stankonia,' as the album went triple platinum in a few quick months. With catchy hits like 'Ms. Jackson' and 'So Fresh, So Clean,' who can deny this album a top spot? Oh, and not to mention 'B.O.B.,' which Pitchfork recently declared as the single best track of the 2000s.
7. Beyonce -- 'B-Day'
Mark this as the best dance album of the decade. Beyonce manages to 'Get Me Bodied' with that 'Freakum Dress' all while collaborating with Jay-Z. This album proves she knows how to throw a party and has mastered her presence as a solo artist. If this is how Beyonce celebrates a B-Day, who really needs cake, candles or drinks.
6. Gwen Stefani -- 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'
Ever since Gwen brought us 'Hollaback Girl,' we've been impressed with her solo power. The album's '70s pop throwbacks and hip-hop beats make it stand up against No Doubt's 'Rock Steady' return.
5. Scissor Sisters -- 'Scissor Sisters'
For many of you, it's the best party album of the decade that you've likely never heard. A contagious synthesis of glam, disco and alternative rock powered by vocals that stretch from Elton John kitsch to Justin Timberlake swagger. All of that, plus a club-thumpin cover of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb.'
4. Kelly Clarkson -- 'Breakaway'
'Since U Been Gone' cemented 'Breakaway' as Clarkson's best album yet, proving she's more than just another 'American Idol.' The rock'n'roll pop tracks dig deeper, proving the innocence from her debut 'Thankful' is long gone.
3. Gorillaz -- 'Demon Days'
A side project doesn't usually hit gold, but this Gorillaz's album actually hit platinum and turned into a surprise worldwide hit. Blending hip-hop and pop beats, this album is genius and we still can't get enough of the band's first single, 'Feel Good Inc.'
2. Kanye West -- 'The College Dropout'
Before his ego consumed him, Kanye West's debut was a musical masterpiece. When it comes down to it, this album may wash away all of Kanye's blunders, as it stands above the rest with 'Jesus Walks' and 'All Falls Down.'
1. Justin Timberlake -- 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'
'Justified' showed us that the former boy-bander could make it on his own. But it was 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' that put him on the map as one of the great talents of his generation with hits like 'SexyBack' and 'What Goes Around.'
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