Lefondres top 50 of the decade
A lil somethin I whipped up |
| 50 |  | Polaris (AUS)
The Mortal Coil
A debut release with a distinct focus on guitar technicality allows Polaris to shed the ‘generic metalcore band’ label. With an effective albeit not completely original scream/clean combo riding the coattails of some truly exceptional performances Polaris show that they are a band to watch heading into the next decade. |
| 49 |  | Silverstein
This Is How the Wind Shifts
Fast-paced drumming, punchy guitars and a passionate vocal performance from lead singer Shane Told lifts Silverstein out of (a near 10 year) creative mire. An excellent post-hardcore album that deserved every accolade it received upon release. |
| 48 |  | Mastodon
Emperor of Sand
Psychedelic, sludgy, stoner-metal played by some of the greatest musicians in the genre. Be it Brent Hinds mind bending guitar work or the ridiculous double act of Brann Dailor on the mic and behind the kit. Touted as a return to an older sound for the band (although not quite) Emperor of Sand showcases a level of catchiness and terrific prog-songwriting that has seen the band become the standard for the genre. |
| 47 |  | The Contortionist
Clairvoyant
A focus on ambience and atmosphere accompany delightfully memorable choruses on The Indianapolis prog-rockers 4th LP. The band appear more restrained in their technicality on this release allowing each track to seamlessly transition onto the next. Wonderfully produced and an album that rewards multiple listens. |
| 46 |  | Lorde
Melodrama
Far more than a typical Indie pop album. Melodrama is an intensely introspective look at the psyche behind the teenage pop behemoth. An album with a surprising amount of lyrical depth and the perfect example of not needing to sacrifice artistic integrity in order to gain mainstream appeal. |
| 45 |  | Tame Impala
Currents
From Psychedelic rock to synth pop. Kevin Parker continues to make groove-driven music on ‘Currents’ he just does so with a lot less guitar than the bands first 2 LP’s, instead opting for outrageously catchy bass lines and 80’s style synths. |
| 44 |  | Dance Gavin Dance
Instant Gratification
A record that you’ll either despise or love depending on how you feel about Tillian Pearsons voice. Regardless Instant Gratification features Will Swan at his inspired (guitar playing) best and Jon Mess continuing his weird, off the wall lyrics. Instantly Gratifying sure but there’s plenty of depth on offer here for repeated listens. |
| 43 |  | Julien Baker
Turn Out The Lights
This album is a dark (geddit lol) and dense trawl through personal struggles. The instrumentation is minimalistic allowing Julien’s voice to shine while the lyrics are brutal, highly relatable and evocative all at the same time. However what truly sets this album apart is the outstanding vocal performance from Julien Baker. A must listen Indie-folk album. |
| 42 |  | Tyler, the Creator
IGOR
Tyler opts for a more RnB/Soul infused sound that features some of the best vocal work of his career with his voice being downright unrecognisable at times. His lyrics have never felt more focused and the instrumentation and production suit this style to a T. A signature breakup album. |
| 41 |  | Kids See Ghosts
Kids See Ghosts
Kanye and Kid Cudi combine for a 24 minute odyssey through their mental health struggles. Some really cool and original beat ideas are present and the record almost has a punk/grunge vibe (There’s even a Kurt Cobain sample!). Hardly a full album but certainly a record that had a bit of a capturing lightning in a bottle vibe upon its release. |
| 40 |  | Twenty One Pilots
Trench
The album where 21P strike the perfect balance in their sound. Trench is the successful amalgamation of their emo driven rock/hip hop sound. Poignant lyrical themes and fantastic song-writing abound on the bands best album of their career. |
| 39 |  | Foxing
Nearer My God
A fresh and unique indie rock album drawn from a wide range of influences. Full of risks and with varied instrumentation (There’s bagpipes!). Lead vocalist Conor Murphy strikes a wonderful balance eliciting uplifting emotion from a thematically downtrodden collection of songs. |
| 38 |  | Deftones
Diamond Eyes
An album that flows from start to finish. This is Deftones with the perfect light/heavy balance. The dense guitars juxtapose perfectly with Chino Morenos light melodic vocals. An aesthetically pleasing album for any melodic metal fan. |
| 37 |  | The Hotelier
Home, Like NoPlace Is There
An album focused on the survivalist guilt of living through a friends suicide. A deeply affecting and passionate record that incorporates some truly impressive pop punk/emo songwriting. |
| 36 |  | The Story So Far
Under Soil and Dirt
One of the most consistent debut pop punk albums of all time. The Story So Far burst on to the punk scene in 2011 featuring Parker Cannons gruff vocals, sharp lyricisms and arguably the best guitar/drum 1-2 punch in the genre in Kevin Geyer and Ryan Torf. Catchy, memorable and with enough depth to keep you coming back for more USAD is just about the perfect pop punk album. |
| 35 |  | Arctic Monkeys
AM
Arctic monkeys make an R&B infused Indie rock album and it… works? Features Alex Turners greatest lyrics since their debut and some downright seductive beats. Sprinkle in some Josh Homme influence for good measure and the monkeys have created their second near-classic album in 10 years. |
| 34 |  | Turnover
Peripheral Vision
Catchy emo tunes with dreamy guitars. Behind Austin Getz simple but signature vocal style this was a record that signalled a drastic departure from the pop punk sound of their debut album but one that ultimately enabled the band to carve out their own distinct sound in an often cluttered scene. |
| 33 |  | The War on Drugs
A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs streamline their sound resulting in a more focused indie/psychadelic rock album. Adam Granduciel’s raspy vocals and penchant for exceptional guitar solos look set to drive the band on well into the next decade. |
| 32 |  | The Menzingers
After the Party
The Menzingers reflect on lost youth on 2017’s ‘After The Party’. Catchy and emotive the bands storytelling and songwriting remains at its most vibrant whilst creating their most accessible record to date. |
| 31 |  | Deaf Havana
All These Countless Nights
This is just a really really well made alt-rock record. Fresh off a hiatus Deaf Havana passionately reinvigorate their sound whilst staying true to their roots. A stellar effort all round from the band and one that (hopefully) ensures their longevity throughout the coming decade. |
| 30 |  | Gang of Youths
The Positions
A beautifully crafted debut album that showcases Gang of youths delightful blend of arena rock and heartfelt lyrics. Dave Leaupepe spins life affirming tales of survival punctuated by some of the most uplifting music in the genre. |
| 29 |  | Queens of the Stone Age
...Like Clockwork
It goes without saying that Josh Homme is one of the most prolific musicians of the last 30 years. Despite this ‘Like Clockwork’ came about 6 years after the release of their most recent album. It was worth the wait. Like Clockwork is what a modern rock album should sound like. Inventive, original and incorporating elements of various genres. Josh Homme takes centre stage through a typically mesmerising guitar performance and quite possibly the vocal performance of his career. |
| 28 |  | Plini
Handmade Cities
Would Plini even exist as a recording artist 20 years ago? A young musician who self proclaims to ‘record from his own bedroom’ just so happens to be one of the most technically proficient guitarists on the planet. But if technicality was all Plini had to showcase this album would be nowhere near a top 50 of the decade list. Plini shows style, variation and adds plenty of heart to his sound to compliment his insane skill. A must listen for any aspiring prog metal guitarists. |
| 27 |  | Elder (USA-MA)
Reflections of a Floating World
A more progressive release for the Massachusetts four-piece that proves to be a simply stunning collection of Stoner/Psychaedlic rock jams. If near 10 minute masterpieces of guitar riffage are your thing you’ll dig this. |
| 26 |  | The National
Sleep Well Beast
The National get experimental on their 7th LP resulting in an eclectic addition of songs to their catalogue. Electronic elements in particularly are explored and the band navigates expertly through the slower and more somber side of their sound. |
| 25 |  | Pup
The Dream Is Over
When frontman Stefan Babcock was informed his days of singing may have been finished following vocal damage sustained during touring PUP’s self titled debut, few could have predicted the band releasing a follow up record within a mere 3 years. Any doubts about Babcock’s vocals are swiftly put to bed within the first minute of the record. Angry, unrelenting and catchy as hell. If you like punk rock and haven’t listened to this album. Change that. Now. |
| 24 |  | Bring Me The Horizon
Amo
Oli Sykes and co venture even further from the heaviness of their early work and embrace a more pop/electronic/metal sound with astounding success. Amo showcases the much improved vocal work of Sykes who has shown remarkable growth over the course of the decade. With well placed features and a focus on a distinctly unique sound Amo is an album that will appease fans of multiple genres. |
| 23 |  | Manchester Orchestra
A Black Mile to the Surface
Manchester Orchestra reign in the heaviness of their previous album and follow up with a meticulously crafted and somewhat stripped back opus that sees frontman Andy Hull’s lyrics take centre stage. |
| 22 |  | The Menzingers
On the Impossible Past
Deeply rooted in Americana this is a record that saw the band reach their story-telling zenith. Catchy as any good punk album should be but its the longevity and the nostalgia that the band is able to elicit during the record that makes this album a near classic. |
| 21 |  | Caligula's Horse
In Contact
The technicality displayed on this album is truly staggering. From the flashy showmanship of Sam Vallen’s guitars to the exceptional vocal melodies of Jim Grey. An album that is perfectly tied together by the monumental achievement that is the closing track ‘Graves’ |
| 20 |  | Counterparts
You're Not You Anymore
A quick fire, explosive hardcore record that hits home with crushing lyrics and pummelling guitar riffs. Brendan Murphy’s vocal style remains solid if unspectacular, however the passion that can be felt behind every lyric sees him remain a level above his peers. |
| 19 |  | mewithoutYou
[Untitled]
An album that sacrifices heaviness for intensity and produces staggering results. The band continually change between frantic and restrained whilst Aaron Weiss continues to produce some of the more mystifying lyrics and stunning vocal arrangements in music. The end result is some of the finest post hardcore output of the decade. |
| 18 |  | Trophy Eyes
Chemical Miracle
John Floreani learned to sing and Trophy eyes morphed from a hardcore band with a drunken frat boy yelling on the mic (which was still admittedly fun) to an emo/punk band that were a step ahead of their peers. Callum Cramp delivers some of the most exciting drumming in the genre and the songwriting is first class. Varied, Catchy and melodic Chemical Miracle is a must listen album for any punk rock fan. |
| 17 |  | Four Year Strong
Enemy of the World
An album that saw the band perfect their metalcore/pop punk sound and a record that saw extended playtime during my teenage years. Catchy choruses and thick skillful guitar riffs combined with a general easygoing and fun vibe saw the band really hit their peak in popularity after this release however it set the bar so high for Four Year Strong that they’ve struggled to really come close since. Unexpectedly an album that has aged quite well and something of a masterpiece in its own way. |
| 16 |  | Bon Iver
Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Justin Vernon and company flesh out the indie folk sound that they perfected on their debut. Breathtakingly gorgeous soundscapes accompany Vernon’s angelic vocals. A stunning album that clearly shows why Bon Iver are the standard bearers for modern folk music. |
| 15 |  | letlive.
Fake History
Its still the greatest mystery how a band can make a record this incredible and follow it up with… well nothing of note. Letlive kicked off the 10s atop the post hardcore world. Fake history is chaotic, rhythmic, experimental and catchy all in one. Jason Butler steals the show as lead vocalist with incomprehensible screams and soulful cleans. The guitar work and drumming is solid while never taking the shine away from Butlers vocals. Fake History stands as easily Letlives greatest work and comfortably holds its place as a post hardcore classic. |
| 14 |  | Kendrick Lamar
To Pimp a Butterfly
A socially conscious record in which Kendrick focuses on what makes us different and why it should be celebrated. Social commentary aside TPAB is an album that packs in tremendous jazz-inspired song writing. It’s also lyrically profound and catchy as hell. A legacy defining album |
| 13 |  | We Lost the Sea
Departure Songs
Ordinarily, a band reeling from the loss of their lead vocalist would have every right to call things off and (attempt to) move on with their lives. Instead We Lost the Sea released a masterful homage of a concept album dedicated to failed, yet instrumental voyages in the history of mankind. Expansive and beautifully produced. Departure Songs stacks up with any classic of the post rock genre. |
| 12 |  | The Smith Street Band
No One Gets Lost Anymore
Folky guitars, earnest and honest lyricisms. The Smith Street Bands debut album is one of a band hitting the ground running rather than trying to find their feet. An absolutely quintessential Australian indie rock record. |
| 11 |  | Arcane Roots
Melancholia Hymns
A scintillating post hardcore record with electronic leanings. Arcane Roots ditch much of the math rock that populated their debut album and instead opt for a more melodic approach to song writing with astounding results. Blissful electronic soundscapes and soaring vocals abound on their best and (unfortunately) final album. |
| 10 |  | The Smith Street Band
Throw Me in the River
The sound of a band at their absolute songwriting peak. The Smith Street Band return on their 3rd LP sporting a heavier sound while still retaining the heart-on-sleeve approach they’re known for. A record full of captivating moments and yet another masterpiece from the band. |
| 9 |  | Every Time I Die
Low Teens
Gracefully aging metalcore band makes the album of their career and the defining metalcore record of the decade. Keith Buckley has never sounded more complete as a frontman. Brutal screams, highly quotable lyrics and the best cleans of his career while the guitar riffs and melodies sound as fresh as ever. |
| 8 |  | The Wonder Years
The Greatest Generation
The album that made TWY the defining voice of a pop punk generation (pun not intended). A wonderfully executed concept album that also works as an excellent collection of standalone songs. Dan Campbells vocals and lyrics are a career highlight. The guitar work is punchy and layered and the band quite simply outdoes themselves on the stunning closing track. |
| 7 |  | Caspian
Dust and Disquiet
The post rock album of the decade. Passionate, somber and uplifting all in one fell swoop. An album that features phenomenal performances from every single member of the band. If you’ve ever enjoyed purely instrumental music this record will have you hooked from the opening track. The most epic soundtrack never attached to a movie. |
| 6 |  | The War on Drugs
Lost in the Dream
Dreamy layered guitars and Adam Granduciel’s Bob Dylan influenced vocals guide you through a sprawling haze of an album that successfully incorporates the best elements of shoe gaze, psychedelic rock and indie rock. On occasion the continuous reverb that haunts tracks such as Under the Pressure can become a distraction but its never too long before Granduciel and the band snap you back with a piercing guitar tone or an infectious melody. |
| 5 |  | The National
High Violet
The National at their most passionate and diverse. A memorable collection of songs that contains career highlight after career highlight. The Nationals best record (of the decade) and one that cements their place in post punk royalty. |
| 4 |  | Touche Amore
Stage Four
Jeremy Bolm cements himself as one of the decades finest lyricists as he comes to terms with his mother’s death on Touche Amore’s 4th LP. An Immensely relatable record that is both a heartbreaking eulogy and one of the best hardcore/emo records ever written. The music is vibrant and catchy in a way that perfectly juxtaposes the heavy subject matter. A Classic |
| 3 |  | Brand New
Science Fiction
After an 8 year wait Brand New returned with a brooding trawl throughout human psychology supplemented with various social commentaries. Jesse Lacey’s typically wonderful haunting lyrics are backed up impeccably with incredible songwriting from the band. An album that brings together a small piece of every Brand New album that came before, this is simply a stunning achievement and an album that deserves to be considered amongst the greatest alternative rock albums of all time. |
| 2 |  | Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
The point where old Kanye meets new Kanye. This is Kanye not caring what anyone thinks and making 9 minute radio friendly bangers because… why not?. The extended runtime on this album allows Kanyes creativeness to flourish and results in his most memorable work. Great features, Catchy beats and memorable lyrics. One of the greatest rap albums of all time and one of the most influential popular albums of the 10s. |
| 1 |  | Gang of Youths
Go Farther in Lightness
Instantly quotable, highly memorable, deeply moving. Its hard to exactly quantify what this record elicits that makes it so personal to so many. Musically speaking its incredibly diverse, featuring uplifting energetic rock numbers and somber power ballads. The interlude tracks are captivating and break the record up nicely. Lyrically the album is simply astonishing and Dave Le’aupepe deserves every accolade he and the band have received. A record that eloquently paints the human condition from the peaks of joy to the depths of despair and everything in between. |
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