Channel surfing on the radio, I manage to land on a station that's playing Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle." All of a sudden, I get all these emotions stirring through my system. We all have certain bands, albums, and songs that bring us back to a simpler (maybe even better) time in our lives. This may not resonate with everyone in my generation, nor be particularly good in a musical sense, but I believe it's an epic list of albums. These are the 10 albums for 30-somethings to travel back in time.
1. Blink 182 - Enema of the State
Back when MTV actually played music videos, "What's My Age Again" and "All the Small Things" were two of the funniest music videos. The inner prankster in all of us came out when Blink was on the radio. They became a sensation in the 2000s, and fans are ecstatic they recently came out with a new album.
Favorite Song: Alien's Exist
2. Interpol - Our Love to Admire
The chill voice of Paul Banks with the trancing rhythm and tones, this album helped catapult "Interpol" into our lives. Most of the other albums on this list are poppy or heavy, but this gem offers us a chance to drive through the night and contemplate life. Also, don't forget! There's no I in threesome!
Favorite Song: The Heinrich Maneuver
3. Lady Gaga - The Fame Game
Lady Gaga is one of those artists that makes you dance and simultaneously wonder what the hell is going on. I recall falling in love with her music after seeing the music video to the song Paparazzi because it was catchy as hell, and calling it bizarre would be an understatement. Fans learned that her music can go from simple and upbeat to downright brilliant. What a voice!
Favorite Song: Paparazzi
4. Coldplay - X&Y
Some consider this to be synonymous with U2's "The Joshua Tree." It was the apex of their career that gave them the freedom to experiment. After hits like Yellow, Clocks, and the Scientist, X&Y brought us a complete album that flowed perfectly, and we still can't stop singing along. "Tears stream down your face..."
Favorite Song: White Shadows
5. The Killers - Hot Fuss
From boyfriends that look like girlfriends to telling us to smile like we mean it, this album has great diversity and a fantastic alternative sound. With a voice like Brandon Flowers', it'd be hard to confuse their sound with any other band. The anthem of our lives has to be from the song All These Things That I've Done: "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier. I'VE GOT SOUL, BUT I'M NOT A SOLDIER!"
Favorite Song: Smile Like You Mean It
6. Tool - Lateralus
This is for those of us that appreciate a heavier, industrial sound. If you thought Aenima was superb, Lateralus is a complete masterpiece. Polyrhythms, Danny Carey drumming, epic bass riffs, and... Maynard's voice. The first time I heard the song "Lateralus," I felt like I was on a journey. Musically speaking, this is one of the greatest rock albums of the decade!
Favorite song: 46&2
7. The All-American Rejects - Move Along
Pop meets rock with this alternative rock album. Our high school days were meant to be fun, and this album embodied that sentiment. Dirty Little Secret got us started, and Move Along brought us the motivation to continue through the album and life's endeavors. It may not be as musically complex as Tool, but it was perfect for a typical day when we need a pick-me-up.
Favorite Song: Move Along
8. Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American
The angst of teenage living and high school demands, Jimmy's breakout album reminded us to be kids again. Each song has its own character and story to tell. The first time I heard "Hear You Me," it was on a road trip to Colorado. We were in a van simply having a blast and when this song came on we all quieted in unison. I'll never forget the awe that we all felt at the same time.
Favorite Song: A Praise Chorus
9. Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
Rap and rock together? It may not be completely original, but LP had a sound unlike any other band at the time. With Chester's scream and Mike's steady rapping, this album opened us up to a different genre of rock. It is a solid mix of heaviness and catchy tones to get your attention and keep it.
Favorite Song: Pushing Me Away
10. NSYNC - No Strings Attached
What 90s or 2000s list doesn't contain an NSYNC album? The penultimate boy band had us dancing and trying to sing along without our voices cracking in the process. Don't lie! You still know all the dance moves to Bye Bye Bye (You're probably imagining it, if not acting it out, as we speak).
Favorite Song: It's Gonna Be Me
It might sound crazy but it ain't no lie baby. Bye bye bye.
~NSYNC
