It was the best of times and the worst of times growing up in the early 2000s. Britney Spears was shaving her head, Myspace was everyone's one and only pastime and "SpongeBob" was our favorite cartoon. All kinds of FAB music was hitting the interwebs, and middle school Janie was pumped. For the pure nostalgic feels, I have compiled a list of my top 10 favorite albums of the time.
1. Bon Iver / For Emma, Forever Ago / 2007
La Perla Records & Books / Facebook
This glorious album was Bon Iver's debut album, and it was self-released at first. If you say you've never cried while listening to "Skinny Love," you're lying. Filled with sad but also romantic songs, this album was the first of many to break my soul in half.
Favorite track: "Skinny Love"
2. Coldplay / Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends / 2008
Full of songs about love, death and war, this was the fourth studio album for Coldplay. The cover features a painting by Eugène Delacroix titled "Liberty Leading the People." The album title stands for "Live The Life," and you have not lived if you haven't listened to this album or, at the very least, fake-played violin to "Viva La Vida."
Favorite track: "Viva La Vida"
3. Green Day / American Idiot / 2004
Musician Playground / Facebook
This was one of the first concept albums I ever listened to. The characters are dealing with strong feelings of rage and hate as their world crumbles around them. The themes of the album are war and political leadership, such as the Iraqi War and President George Bush. It was hard not to be enthralled by this album as it reflected what as going on in real life. This album was later made into a musical following the story.
Favorite Track: "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams"
4. Amy Winehouse / Back To Black / 2006
R.I.P. to this jazzy goddess. Winehouse struggled with addiction most of her life, and it was heartbreaking to follow her story. Her music was so real and connected you to her. Listening to her music was like being her friend. You could hear her pain in every word she sang. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Favorite Track: "Back To Black"
5. Death Cab For Cutie / Plans / 2005
Death Cab For Cutie / Facebook
The fifth studio album for DCFC, "Plans" was released right when I needed it to be. It was my first "real" breakup, and I remember blaring this album so loud I actually blew a speaker. If you're looking for something to listen to while you cry and eat ice cream, look no further.
Favorite Track: "I Will Follow You Into The Dark"
6. Justin Timberlake / FutureSex/LoveSounds / 2006
You could not go to any kind of club, party or even grocery store without hearing this album. This album was only Timberlake's second album since being solo, so the stakes were high. Collaborating with Timbaland, Timberlake gave us this album with love and sex on the mind per the title. That music video was absolute fire.
Favorite Track: "Sexyback"
7. The Killers / Hot Fuss / 2004
I am low-key obsessed with The Killers. They were one of the first bands I saw in concert, and they killed it. "Hot Fuss" was their debut album, and it was hard to beat by any other albums. The lead singer, Brandon Flowers, has a very crooner style to his voice that sent my middle school self into la-la land. In fact, I'm listening to "Mr. Brightside" as I write this!
Favorite Track: "Mr. Brightside"
8. Kanye West / Graduation / 2007
According 2 Hip - Hop / Facebook
These last three albums are a somewhat guilty pleasure, but nonetheless, great albums. Nothing can make you feel like a total bada$ like good ol' Kanye. This album incorporated electronic beats and rap lyrics to create flat out jams. These songs made me wants to put some shades on and walk with my head held high.
Favorite Track: "Stronger"
9. Eminem / The Eminem Show / 2002
I am a die-hard Eminem fan. I'm very attached to people that can arise from bad situations through hard work and determination. Like Winehouse, Eminem's lyrics are very real and personal to his life and hardship. This gave me a reason to cheer him on and hope that not too much violence occurred because of it. #SlimShady
Favorite Track: "Without Me"
10. Outkast / Speakerboxxx/The Love Below / 2003
Out of Time Records / Facebook
No person on Earth can pretend they don't like Outkast. Big Boi and André 3000 worked together to create this hip hop funky masterpiece. The album itself includes 39 tracks, all featuring rhymes and danceable beats. I'm not sure where Outkast is now, but I will never forget "Hey Ya!"
Favorite Track: "Hey Ya!"
I hope that this list of albums brought you down memory lane or at least gave you some new laughs at the goofiness of the 2000's music scene. I'm happy to have grown up in this time period. Now, get to jamming!
