Top 10 Rock Albums of the 2000s
This is a list containing, in my opinion, the top 10 rock albums released in the 2000s. Enjoy and leave comments. |
| 1 |  | Queens of the Stone Age
Songs for the Deaf
I think this album most embodies what rock is all about while also keeping the sound fresh and the production distinct enough to where all members can be heard equally to create a very dynamic while still straight-up rock album. Almost all the songs here are straight bangers (i.e. Millionaire, Song for the Dead, No One Knowsetc) and the softer songs here are just as engaging. All the tracks here are, imo, super memorable and I will always come back to this album throughout my life. |
| 2 |  | Deftones
White Pony
The 'tones' crowning achievement and arguably could be considered a work of genius. To go from nu-metal to very creative alternative rock was a feat unto itself. The tracklist here is an incredible diverse set of tracks that showcase the bands willingness to innovate while still play to their strengths and combine these actions to create something incredibly dynamic and well-paced. |
| 3 |  | Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
Easily one of the most epic records I have ever heard. The whole album is full of acts, some more slow moving and dark and others more triumphant and uplifting. Despite being an exhausting listen, it is quite satisfying and easily one of post-rock's best outings. |
| 4 |  | Radiohead
In Rainbows
Not much to say about this record other than it brought the nuances of Radiohead's more electric side and combined that with their incredible musicianship on more traditional rock instruments. The result is arguably the band's best and most insightful album. |
| 5 |  | Lightning Bolt
Wonderful Rainbow
Spoilers: Wonderful rainbows are not what comes to mind when listening to this record. Whoever said rock couldn't be as heavy and fast as metal or punk have never heard this band. Upon first listen, this album is a mindfuck. But then once you start to notice the intricacies within the drumming and bass-playing, you can tell there is quite an experimental and ground-breaking sound here that hasn't really been explored in prior decades. Best noise rock album of the decade IMO. |
| 6 |  | Dungen
Ta Det Lugnt
Arguably the most important psychedelic record of the decade. This album infused jazz, prog rock, and indie into that 60's raw psych sound and the result is incredible. 13 unique tracks with some being 8+ minute epics whereas other are a bit more catchy and straightforward. This album pulls no punches and is full of twists and left turns. |
| 7 |  | Motorpsycho
Let Them Eat Cake
Motorpsycho, and specifically this album, is one of the few occasions that I have heard a proper execution of that indie-rock feel as well as an incredible level of progression and complexity sonically be done so well. Thats not to say this record isn't full of catchy and memorable track as well. Look no further than Walkin With J, Never Let You Out, My Best Friend, etc. But within these tracks theres a level of musicianship within the melodies that is miles above more mainstream rock bands. The jazz influences on this record are also quite evident with amazing results (Whip that Ghost for example) as well as ambient influences as well (Stained Glass, 30/30). Incredible record. |
| 8 |  | Spoon
Kill the Moonlight
Another album that doesn't need many words about it. I think the early 2000s rock scene was about stripping a lot of the excess that bands seemed to have. The bombast seemed to not portray soul. I think Spoons outing in 2000s shows how simplicity can still lead to a thoughtful and groovy masterpiece. |
| 9 |  | LCD Soundsystem
Sound of Silver
Hopefully this qualifies as rock. I see it often classified as dance-punk or dance-rock. Hey, thats rock! What an incredible album. Impossibly catchy melodies and beats, lyrics that don't take itself too seriously, and unique production make this an album hard to compete with in clubs. I mean, this thing blends SOOO many genres and yet does it so well. Also, I'd be hard pressed to find a soul who's heard an LCD song and not be uplifted. |
| 10 |  | Sonic Youth
Sonic Nurse
Didn't think I'd be putting an album on this list by a band that's been going at it since the early 80s but here we are! Sonic Youth are not necessarily reinventing their sound with this record, but rather executing their already flawless sound from the past on arguably their finest record since Goo. You've got the catchy and melodic parts, the more experimental and abrasive tracks, and even some heartfelt moments on tracks such as Unmade Bed and I Love You Golden Blue. This is a must for any noise rock fan. |
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