My 10 Favorite Albums of the Decade

So, I totally stole this idea from my good friend Jordan Powers. Just wanted to throw that out there. Anyways, the music of the 2000's has meant alot to me. Some of these albums shaped me and made me who I am right now. Some of these albums I don't listen to as much anymore, but that doesn't take away what they have meant to me. Hope you enjoy.

10. The Forecast - Late Night Conversations (2005)- This is the album that introduced the Forecast to me and the world. For someone who grew up in a small, farming town that just never felt like I fit in, this album was perfect. It illustrates the frustrations of growing up feeling like a big fish in a small pond and gives optimism and hope towards the future. I've loved this band ever since the first time I heard this disc.

9. Motion City Soundtrack - I Am the Movie (2003)- Motion City's debut album, to me, is an obvious choice. "Boombox Generation," "Capital H," and "The Future Freaks Me Out" should be anthems for the decade. With they're catchy hooks and power pop riffs, they describe our generation.

8. Dashboard Confessional - A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar (2003)- This is probably the best singalong album of the decade. Riding down the street, windows rolled down, singing about your trifling exes and how you cover your feeling with alcohol... at the top of your lungs. Hell, it's how I spent alot of my time the past decade.

7. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism (2007)- I had heard alot of hype about this group for a couple years. It seemed that when I started asking people which album of theirs to get, everyone said "Emotionalism." Now I see why. It's different. The folk, old time sound is infused with rock and roll riffs and tones. It's just an amazing musical experience.

6. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (2008)- Just like Say Anything on the albums of 2009 list, if this album had come out earlier, it would be higher on the list. It's become one of my favorite albums ever in just a short 2 years. I love how the Hold Steady mixes and matches new school punk/indie influence with their old school/classic rock heroes. A fresh sound for the decade to come!

5. New Found Glory - Sticks and Stones (2002)- It's no secret that I'm a pop punk fan, and NFG does it better than just about anyone. This album is like a sugar high. Start to finish, it keeps you up and moving. That's never a bad thing!

4. Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)- This is easily one of the best rock albums of our generation. The concept is intriguing. The execution is artistic and at some points breathtaking. Every song tells a story, offers originality, and rocks your face off. I don't think there's anything more you can ask from an album.

3. Fall Out Boy - Take This to Your Grave (2003)- Go ahead, laugh and make jokes about my sexual orientation. Go ahead. I've been hearing it for 6 years. I've never stopped liking this band as a result. Sure, they're a 14 year old girl with daddy's credit card's dream. They're the most marketable band out at the moment, but you can't deny them their talent... especially on their full-length debut. This album got me into music. It's the truth. So, I don't care how much you make fun of me.

2. Bayside - The Walking Wounded (2007)- I remember when this album was about to drop. My biggest worry was that Bayside would waste an album reflecting in sadness on a fallen friend. Don't get me wrong, it would have been understandable. I can't imagine the feeling of suddenly losing a band member while on the road. Yet, Bayside didn't let their mourning affect their sound. They rose up and made their breakout disc. Looking forward, Bayside put together a collection of songs that looked back on the past in disgust, then turned back to face forward and walk on. This is one album and one band that I'll listen to for life.

1. Far-Less - A Toast to Bad Taste (2007)- I felt obliged to make this my top album of the decade for two reasons. First, I've played it more since October 2007 than I've played most albums all decade. Second, this was a rock masterpiece that didn't get half the exposure it deserved. This band should've been skyrocketed to the mainstream with this disc. It had something for everyone. I guess everyone was too busy listening to Nickelback to notice. It's a shame. Oh well, atleast this album will stand forever as a reminder of a band that did things their way, even if it never amounted to tons of money and fame. Kudos, Far-Less.

Honorable Mentions:
Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005)
The Matches - E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals (2004)
The Bouncing Souls - How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2001)

Thanks for reading!