The End of A Decade… Already? Below is a list of my top 10 albums from the past decade that deeply affected me and influenced my life in one way or another… (In no particular order… it was hard enough to narrow it to 10)
“I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” by Bright Eyes – http://www.last.fm/music/Bright+Eyes/I’m+Wide+Awake,+It’s+Morning
Bright Eyes is made up primarily of singer-songwriter/guitarist Conor Oberst, and often features a rotating lineup of collaborators drawn primarily from his hometown of Omaha, NE. Bright Eyes is definitively a major part of the indie music scene – and this album is no exception. My favorite songs on this album are “First Day of My Life,” which is about a love story that I find truly heartwarming; and “Road to Joy.” “Road to Joy” is a sonically pounding piece, which climaxes terrifically with every instrument available making as much noise as possible.
“Final Straw” by Snow Patrol – http://www.last.fm/music/Snow+Patrol/Final+Straw
I came to know Snow Patrol through this album. It’s packed with hits: “Run,” “How To Be Dead,” “Chocolate,” and “Spitting Games.” I love the emotion in the songs and the stories told through the lyrics.
“Maybe I’ll Catch Fire” by Alkaline Trio – http://www.last.fm/music/Alkaline+Trio/Maybe+I%27ll+Catch+Fire
Alkaline Trio aren’t known for their poppy upbeat lyrics, but nonetheless they strike a chord with me. The album’s title track is still my favorite by the band today. It’s depressing and sad, and I love it. Their from my hometown – Chicago, and are Emo. The tracks aren’t overly produced, and have that rough sound to them that I think makes them even more relatable. They’ve gone on to get a bit cheesy, but this album is from when they were still good.
“Deja Entendu” by Brand New – http://www.last.fm/music/Brand+New/Deja+Entendu
Brand New’s album “Deja Entendu” was there for me in a not-so-happy time in my life. Again, I would classify them as Emo. The emotion and the lyrics in the songs “I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light” and “Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades” are always good for a listen. The track titles for their songs have always amused me and never really made much sense, but that didn’t matter.
“A Rush of Blood to the Head” by Coldplay – http://www.last.fm/music/Coldplay/A+Rush+of+Blood+to+the+Head
“The Scientist” and “Green Eyes” can’t be beat. Chris Martin won’t play “Green Eyes” live anymore due to Gwyneth unfortunately – but it’s such a great love song. Coldplay is… well what else can be said. They are one of my all-time favorite bands and haven’t disappointed me yet. Their epic anthems always hit their mark. And “The Scientist” video is incredible… I’ll stop raving now.
“9″ by Damien Rice – http://www.last.fm/music/Damien+Rice/9
I love him – after seeing him live, I loved him even more. He’s amazing. “Accidental Babies” and “Me, My, Yoke + I” are the best on this album… The passion that exudes from his songs and lyrics never ceases to astound me.
“Kasabian” by Kasabian – http://www.last.fm/music/Kasabian/Kasabian
“Cub Foot” continues to rock to this day – the intro. of the song always gets me pumping.
“Let Go” by Nada Surf – http://www.last.fm/music/Nada+Surf/Let+Go
I first heard of Nada Surf with their song “Popular” back when I was in middle school I believe. And after that I wasn’t exactly seeking out the latest music from the band. However, a friend convinced me to give ‘em another shot and to check out this album, which was totally different. He couldn’t have been more right. This album is a complete departure and a great relaxing listen.
“The Invisible Band” by Travis – http://www.last.fm/music/Travis/The+Invisible+Band
This album was the first I discovered by Travis, and still my favorite of all their albums. “Sing” and “The Cage” still resonate with me today. Whenever I listen to this album – it’s like a walk down memory lane a bit. Reminds me of a good summer during college…
“A New Day At Midnight” by David Gray – http://www.last.fm/music/David+Gray/A+New+Day+at+Midnight
On this album “Caroline” and “Be Mine” stood out to me from the first time I heard them. David Gray always has unique lyrics, and has a funny way of telling his stories sometimes. He keeps me hooked with each album he’s made since, and I look forward to his next creation!
*Close runners-up would be “Absolution” by Muse – http://www.last.fm/music/Muse/Absolution, and “In Rainbows” by Radiohead – http://www.last.fm/music/Radiohead/In+Rainbows.
**Next to each album is a link to Last.fm where you can check out and listen to each album, see the track listing, and other details. Hope you all enjoy, and let me know what your favorite album of the decade is!
Till next time…
Tara Watkins.
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