2005
Late Registration, Kanye West
Rating: 9.0
Ye’s sophomore album builds upon the same themes of education and identity developed in his debut. Late Registration combines excellent sampling and production and a great features list highlighted by such greats as Nas and Jay-Z. The album also further seeks to develop Ye’s signature “Chipmunk Soul” style of sampling voice. Truly a staple album
in hip-hop for generations to come.
Genres: Hip-hop/Rap
Illinois, Sufjan Stevens
Rating: 8.9
Stevens originally sought out to develop an album for every state. He ultimately stopped at Illinois, likely because he could not recreate it. Illinois is the follow up album to Stevens’s “Michigan” released in 2003. Illunois combines real events in the history of Illinois with the relationship Steven shares with the state where he spent a duration of his life. These come together for one of the most important indie rock albums of the past decade.
Genres: Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Picaresque, The Decemberists
Rating: 8.8
This album feels like a collection of stories from across the world and time being told to you at a
street side puppet show.
Genres: Indie Rock, Folk Rock
I’m Wide Awake, Its Morning, Bright Eyes
Rating: 8.7
This album takes inspiration from decades of folk and rock such as the likes of even Bob Dylan. The album feels like (much as the title suggests) waking up at dawn and simply sitting down and reflecting.
Genres: Folk, Indie Folk, Folk Rock
Get Behind Me Satan, The White Stripes
Rating: 8.2
This album takes the White Stripes signature sound (see Seven Nation Army) and better defines it. While this album does not contain the most memorable tracks from the stripes discography it is still highly enjoyable.
Genres: Alternative Rock, Garage Rock