I hope everyone had a happy and safe Christmas and New Years’ celebration! As an avid music fan, here’s my list my list of the top 11 albums of 2005. Because 10 just wasn’t enough.
1. The Everglow – Mae
It’s a rare but beautiful thing when an extremely talented band releases a sophomore album that is better than their debut — but Mae did just that. Piano-laced rock, with driving guitars and catchy melodies, this is an album that I almost wore out because I played it so much.
Standout tracks: We’re So Far Away; Suspension; The Ocean; The Everglow; Ready And Waiting To Fall; The Sun And The Moon
2. X&Y – Coldplay
Although X&Y presents a bit of a departure from the sound of Coldplay’s previous albums, the album is no less stellar than A Rush Of Blood To The Head or Parachutes. I probably played this album 100 times this summer.
Standout tracks: Square One; Fix You; Talk; Speed of Sound; A Message; Swallowed In The Sea
3. Nothing Is Sound – Switchfoot
Switchfoot’s best album to date. It would be accurate to say that this band does actually get better with each album. Great lyrics, great music, great band — a solid album.
Standout tracks: Stars; The Shadow Proves The Sunshine; Easier Than Love; The Blues; The Fatal Wound
4. …And The Rest Will Follow – Project 86
After their blockbuster Drawing Black Lines album, Project 86 seemed to have lost their focus with subsequent releases. Lets just say: they’re back. Hard music at it’s best.
Standout tracks: Sincerely, Ichabod; Something We Can’t Be; Subject To Change; From December; The Hand, The Furnace, The Straight Face
5. A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out – Panic! At The Disco
One of the best debut albums of 2005, Panic!’s exceptional lyrical and musical talent belie the youth of the band (all members are under the age of 20). Their music can be described as are Fall Out Boy meets The Postal Service, with plenty of piano and synth mixed in. The sarcastic, clever lyrics are FOB-esque and extremely catchy — Panic! is poised to become the next big thing.
Standout Tracks: The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide Is Press Coverage; Nails For Breakfast, Tacks for Snacks; Camisado; Time To Dance; Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off; I Write Sins, Not Tragedies; Build God, Then We’ll Talk
6. From Under The Cork Tree – Fall Out Boy
While not as good as their debut Take This To Your Grave, FOB nevertheless offers a solid sophomore album with lyrics that explore the band’s experiences and growing cynicism that has accompanied their rise to celebrity status.
Standout Tracks: Of All The Gin Joints In The World; Dance, Dance; Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down; Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner; 7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen); Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year; XO
7. Never Take Friendship Personal – Anberlin
An awesome follow-up to Blueprints for the Black Market, Anberlin delivers on their sophomore effort with catchy guitar riffs and plenty of hits that you find yourself singing along with after only a few listens.
Standout Tracks: Paperthin Hymn; Stationary Stationery; The Symphony of Blase; A Day Late; Audrey, Start The Revolution
8. Move Along – The All-American Rejects
Another sophomore effort that surpasses the debut, The All-American Rejects return with more mature lyrics and musical quality, with better production and, well, a less whiny sound than their previous album.
Standout tracks: Dirty Little Secret; Move Along; It Ends Tonight; Night Drive; Dance Inside; Straightjacket Feeling
9. Plans – Death Cab For Cutie
One of the most musically solid albums of the year, Death Cab delivers an all-around great record in Plans, showcasing the band’s considerable talent and growth on their fifth full-length album. Great to play while relaxing on a laid-back Sunday afternoon.
Standout tracks: Marching Bands of Manhattan; Soul Meets Body; I Will Follow You Into The Dark; Your Heart Is An Empty Room; Crooked Teeth; Brothers On A Hotel Bed
10. The Boy vs. The Cynic – John Reuben
Without a doubt John Reuben’s best album, the rapper pulls no punches with his cutting, hard-hitting lyrics about politics, pop culture, and American society. It’s hip-hop for the thinking man.
Standout tracks: Out Of Control; Nuisance; Follow Your Leader; Sales Pitch; Sunshine; Cooperate; The Boy vs. The Cynic
11. The Question – Emery
I had to add this album to the list because I believe it deserves a spot on any list of the best albums of 2005. Showcasing growth and maturity, Emery delivers their signature sound with provocative lyrics, this is another album that is easy to listen to over and over.
Standout tracks: So Cold I Could See My Breath; Returning The Smile You Had From The Start; Studying Politics; Left With Alibis and Lying Eyes; The Terrible Secret
Alex's Top Albums 