Albums of the Decade: Part Three (10 - 1)

After much wait, I give you the final part of our 'Albums of the Decade' feature. Today ATP! Co-Editor Sean Reid shows his favourite 10 albums from the past 10 years.

Read Part Two (20 - 11) here.
Read Part Three (30 - 21) here

10. Green Day - American Idiot

After the mixed reaction of 2000's 'Warning', Green Day returned with 'American Idiot' in 2004. A grand and socially-aware record that took Green Day from playing arenas to stadiums worldwide, the icing on the cake being 2 sold out nights at the Milton Keynes National Bowl in June 2005.

Musically the record combined the bands punk rock angst with elements of stadium rock and opera; guitar solos, piano ballads and 2 nine minute songs, which when all tied together to create a concept album, that including various characters; 'Jesus of Suburbia', 'Rebel Girl', 'St. Jimmy' and 'Whatsername'.


9. Alkaline Trio - From Here To Infirmary

'From Here To Infirmary' could be considered by some as Alkaline Trio's "breakthrough" album, as it resulted in the band gaining more attention and fans. All the usual Trio characteristics are here; dark lyrics mixed with punk rock guitars. Although this record saw a slightly lighter, more pop-punk like sound being showcased. From start to finish Matt Skiba and co lyrical wit and tight punk rock, made an interesting and enjoyable listen with 'Stupid Kid' and 'Private Eye' being the albums hits, and 'Mr Chainsaw', 'Take Lots of Alcohol' and 'Crawl' being just some of the many highlights.

8. The Libertines - Up The Bracket

The Libertines' 2002 debut saw Pete Dotherty and Carl Barât's saw a modern, fresh approach to British indie rock with its rough, scrappy sound being combined with subtle punk rock attitude and raw energy. With 'Time For Heroes' showing both Dotherty's and Barât's ability to write a strong melody, that was memorable and catchty. Although lyrically it brings the bands London-based stories up to date, there is still a hint of classic British bands of the past; The Clash, The Kinks and The Jam especially come to mind.

7. Coldplay - Parachutes

Coldplay's 2000 record 'Parachutes' set the benchmark for many light commercial-friendly guitar-based British bands for the rest of the decade, with its musically depth and lyrically uplifting sound. On top of this, the bands youthful tone shines through to create an airy, dreamy soundscape, that complimented Chris Martin's superb songwriting. Add to that a few radio hits in 'Yellow' and 'Trouble', and you're left with a band that were well on there way to selling out arenas for the next decade.


6. Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends

Out of Long Island, New York came Taking Back Sunday's full-length debut, a record that combined the areas post-hardcore sound with a slight pop-rock tone, that kept its independence. On top of this, strong vocal melodies by Adam Lazarra and John Nolan were brilliantly combined to create a highly enjoyable 10-track album, with lyrical bite and catchy hooks from start to finish.

5. The Killers - Hot Fuss

Indie rock guitars blended with subtle electronics was the the combination sued by Las Vegas' The Killers for their first record 'Hot Fuss'. At a time where every band seemed to begin with 'the' were playing garage indie rock, The Killers sprinkled it with a touch of 80's pop and plenty of catchy lyrical hooks throughout (see 'Mr Brightside'). Elsewhere 'All These Things That I've Done' showed the bands ambitious side and 'Smile Like You Mean It' is reminiscent of New Order brought up to date for the new millennium.

4. The Strokes - Is This it

New York's The Strokes stripped-bare, charismatic 2001 effort saw the band receive much hype and praise. Thankfully 'Is This It' lives up to expectation, with Julian Casablancas' somewhat mumbled voices complimenting the bands hip indie rock sound, one that inspired and influenced countless others afterwards. From start to finish the band subtly swagger over 3-minute rock wonders such as 'Hard To Explain' and 'The Modern Age'. On top of this, the albums stripped, basic production gave the bands sound and songs the space it deserved.

3. Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American

From the thumping drums of the title track, Jimmy Eat World's 'emo' rock sound is delivered in an easily accessible manner, that leaves you hooked until the very end ('My Sundown'). Jim Atkins and co perfected their songwriting on this record, as they showed they were able to write radio hits ('The Middle'), as well as heart-melting ballads ('Hear You Me'). On the whole it is a record that is lyrically bittersweet but musically positive, as they took the best parts of 'Clarity' and polished them off, but kept their independent rock roots subtly hidden underneath.

2. Brand New - Deja Entendu

With their 2nd record, Brand New showed their most emotional and lyrically mature side to date. From start to finish Jesse Lacey takes you on a journey of various emotions. From frustration ('Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades') to passion ('The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows')and tragedy ('Play Crack The Sky'). All of this delivered throughout by the bands textured and cleverly structure sound and Lacey's poetic words, that pulls you in and has hooked immediately, as 'Deja Entendu' lived up to its lyrical and musical ambition.

1. Arcade Fire - Funeral

Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' took elements of pop, post-punk and indie and blended into a melodic, beautiful record that at times it seems to feel over the top, whilst at other times it feels perfect. The Canadian six-piece manage to craft a record, that was captivating and consistent.

At times it is delicate ('Haïti' and 'In The Backseat'), where at others it is fierce ('Power Out' and 'Rebellion (Lies)'). The bands somewhat anti-rock and multi-instrumental approach resulted in a record, which was both bizarre yet sincere. Overall it showed a band that were original, fresh and made music lovers everywhere turn away from whatever current trends, and appreciate a record that deserved all the attention and praise it deserved.