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The Top 100 Albums of the 2000s

Indie revival, grime, dubstep, blockbuster pop and hip-hop in the digital age, ranked.

100 albums

  1. 1
    Kid A by Radiohead
    Alternative & indie

    Kid A

    Radiohead · 2000 · Parlophone

    Radiohead abandons guitar rock for electronic experiment.

    Released 2 Oct 2000 · 11 tracks

  2. 2
    The Blueprint by Jay-Z
    Hip-hop

    The Blueprint

    Jay-Z · 2001 · Roc-A-Fella

    Soul-sampling production from Kanye West and Just Blaze.

    Released 11 Sep 2001 · 15 tracks

  3. 3
    Is This It by The Strokes
    Alternative & indie

    Is This It

    The Strokes · 2001 · RCA

    Taut New York garage rock that revived guitar music.

    Released 29 Jan 2024 · 13 tracks

  4. 4
    Funeral by Arcade Fire
    Alternative & indie

    Funeral

    Arcade Fire · 2004 · Merge

    Cathartic indie rock written amid family bereavements.

    Released 14 Sep 2004 · 10 tracks

  5. 5
    Stankonia by OutKast
    Hip-hop

    Stankonia

    OutKast · 2000 · LaFace

    Wildly inventive hip-hop including “Ms. Jackson”.

    Released 31 Oct 2000 · 24 tracks

  6. 6
    Voodoo by D’Angelo
    Soul & R&B

    Voodoo

    D’Angelo · 2000 · Virgin

    Loose, deep neo-soul grooves.

    Released 25 Jan 2000 · 13 tracks

  7. 7
    Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Illinois

    Sufjan Stevens · 2005 · Asthmatic Kitty

    Orchestral folk about the history of one state.

    Released 4 Jul 2005 · 26 tracks

  8. 8
    In Rainbows by Radiohead
    Alternative & indie

    In Rainbows

    Radiohead · 2007 · XL

    First released online with a pay-what-you-want price.

    Released 10 Oct 2007 · 10 tracks

  9. 9
    Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
    Soul & R&B

    Back to Black

    Amy Winehouse · 2006 · Island

    Sixties soul reborn with raw, modern heartbreak.

    Released 27 Oct 2006 · 11 tracks

  10. 10
    Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco
    Rock

    Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

    Wilco · 2002 · Nonesuch

    Experimental Americana famously rejected by its first label.

    Released 5 May 2023 · 11 tracks

  11. 11
    Untrue by Burial
    Electronic

    Untrue

    Burial · 2007 · Hyperdub

    Ghostly, rain-soaked dubstep and garage.

    Released 5 Nov 2007 · 13 tracks

  12. 12
    Boy in da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
    Hip-hop

    Boy in da Corner

    Dizzee Rascal · 2003 · XL

    A raw, pioneering grime debut from East London.

    Released 20 Jan 2004 · 9 tracks

  13. 13
    Original Pirate Material by The Streets
    Hip-hop

    Original Pirate Material

    The Streets · 2002 · Locked On

    Everyday tales over UK garage beats.

    Released 25 Mar 2002

  14. 14
    The College Dropout by Kanye West
    Hip-hop

    The College Dropout

    Kanye West · 2004 · Roc-A-Fella

    Soulful, witty debut including “Jesus Walks”.

    Released 10 Feb 2004 · 21 tracks

  15. 15
    Madvillainy by Madvillain
    Hip-hop

    Madvillainy

    Madvillain · 2004 · Stones Throw

    MF DOOM and Madlib’s short, strange underground classic.

    Released 19 Mar 2004 · 17 tracks

  16. 16
    Elephant by The White Stripes
    Rock

    Elephant

    The White Stripes · 2003 · XL

    Includes “Seven Nation Army”.

    Released 1 Apr 2003 · 14 tracks

  17. 17
    Discovery by Daft Punk
    Electronic

    Discovery

    Daft Punk · 2001 · Virgin

    Filter house and disco nostalgia, including “One More Time”.

    Released 12 Mar 2001 · 14 tracks

  18. 18
    Since I Left You by The Avalanches
    Electronic

    Since I Left You

    The Avalanches · 2000 · Modular

    A joyous album built from thousands of samples.

    Released 27 Nov 2000 · 33 tracks

  19. 19
    Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
    Electronic

    Sound of Silver

    LCD Soundsystem · 2007 · DFA

    Dance-punk including “All My Friends”.

    Released 12 Mar 2007 · 9 tracks

  20. 20
    Donuts by J Dilla
    Hip-hop

    Donuts

    J Dilla · 2006 · Stones Throw

    Beat-making mastery released days before Dilla’s death.

    Released 7 Feb 2006 · 31 tracks

  21. 21
    The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem
    Hip-hop

    The Marshall Mathers LP

    Eminem · 2000 · Aftermath

    Provocative, technically dazzling rap, including “Stan”.

    Released 23 May 2000 · 18 tracks

  22. 22
    Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast
    Hip-hop

    Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

    OutKast · 2003 · Arista

    Two solo albums in one, including “Hey Ya!”.

    Released 23 Sep 2003 · 39 tracks

  23. 23
    Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
    Alternative & indie

    Merriweather Post Pavilion

    Animal Collective · 2009 · Domino

    Euphoric psychedelic pop.

    Released 6 Jan 2009 · 12 tracks

  24. 24
    For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    For Emma, Forever Ago

    Bon Iver · 2008 · Jagjaguwar

    Recorded alone in a Wisconsin cabin.

    Released 8 Jul 2007

  25. 25
    Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys
    Alternative & indie

    Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

    Arctic Monkeys · 2006 · Domino

    Fast, observational indie rock from Sheffield.

    Released 9 Sep 2013 · 12 tracks

  26. 26
    White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
    Rock

    White Blood Cells

    The White Stripes · 2001 · Sympathy for the Record Industry

    Garage blues including “Fell in Love with a Girl”.

    Released 3 Jul 2001 · 16 tracks

  27. 27
    Turn On the Bright Lights by Interpol
    Alternative & indie

    Turn On the Bright Lights

    Interpol · 2002 · Matador

    Brooding post-punk from New York.

    Released 19 Aug 2002 · 11 tracks

  28. 28
    Fever to Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    Alternative & indie

    Fever to Tell

    Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2003 · Interscope

    Art-punk including “Maps”.

    Released 28 Apr 2003

  29. 29
    Silent Alarm by Bloc Party
    Alternative & indie

    Silent Alarm

    Bloc Party · 2005 · Wichita

    Angular, urgent indie rock.

    Released 2 Feb 2005 · 13 tracks

  30. 30
    Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
    Alternative & indie

    Franz Ferdinand

    Franz Ferdinand · 2004 · Domino

    Danceable art-rock including “Take Me Out”.

    Released 9 Feb 2004 · 11 tracks

  31. 31
    Up the Bracket by The Libertines
    Alternative & indie

    Up the Bracket

    The Libertines · 2002 · Rough Trade

    Ramshackle, romantic London rock.

    Released 1 Jan 2002 · 12 tracks

  32. 32
    Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea by PJ Harvey
    Alternative & indie

    Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea

    PJ Harvey · 2000 · Island

    Glossy, New York-inspired rock.

    Released 1 Jan 2000 · 13 tracks

  33. 33
    Vespertine by Björk
    Electronic

    Vespertine

    Björk · 2001 · One Little Indian

    Intimate microbeats, harps and choirs.

    Released 27 Aug 2001 · 12 tracks

  34. 34
    Alternative & indie

    Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

    Godspeed You! Black Emperor · 2000 · Constellation

    A vast post-rock double album.

  35. 35
    Boxer by The National
    Alternative & indie

    Boxer

    The National · 2007 · Beggars Banquet

    Brooding, literate indie rock.

    Released 28 Jan 2011 · 15 tracks

  36. 36
    Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Fleet Foxes

    Fleet Foxes · 2008 · Sub Pop

    Choral harmonies and pastoral folk.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 11 tracks

  37. 37
    Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
    Alternative & indie

    Veckatimest

    Grizzly Bear · 2009 · Warp

    Intricate chamber pop including “Two Weeks”.

    Released 2 Nov 2009 · 19 tracks

  38. 38
    Ys by Joanna Newsom
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Ys

    Joanna Newsom · 2006 · Drag City

    Five long harp songs arranged by Van Dyke Parks.

    Released 14 Nov 2006 · 5 tracks

  39. 39
    The Moon & Antarctica by Modest Mouse
    Alternative & indie

    The Moon & Antarctica

    Modest Mouse · 2000 · Epic

    Existential, sprawling indie rock.

    Released 13 Jun 2000

  40. 40
    The Glow Pt. 2 by The Microphones
    Alternative & indie

    The Glow Pt. 2

    The Microphones · 2001 · K

    Lo-fi recordings of great ambition.

    Released 11 Sep 2001 · 20 tracks

  41. 41
    Person Pitch by Panda Bear
    Alternative & indie

    Person Pitch

    Panda Bear · 2007 · Paw Tracks

    Sample-based, Beach Boys-inspired psychedelia.

    Released 20 Mar 2007 · 7 tracks

  42. 42
    Return to Cookie Mountain by TV on the Radio
    Alternative & indie

    Return to Cookie Mountain

    TV on the Radio · 2006 · Interscope

    Dense, soulful art-rock.

    Released 6 Jul 2006 · 11 tracks

  43. 43
    Kala by M.I.A.
    Hip-hop

    Kala

    M.I.A. · 2007 · XL

    Global beats including “Paper Planes”.

    Released 1 Jan 2015 · 16 tracks

  44. 44
    Late Registration by Kanye West
    Hip-hop

    Late Registration

    Kanye West · 2005 · Roc-A-Fella

    Orchestral hip-hop with Jon Brion, including “Gold Digger”.

    Released 30 Aug 2005 · 21 tracks

  45. 45
    808s & Heartbreak by Kanye West
    Hip-hop

    808s & Heartbreak

    Kanye West · 2008 · Roc-A-Fella

    Auto-Tuned grief that reshaped hip-hop and R&B.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 15 tracks

  46. 46
    Get Rich or Die Tryin’ by 50 Cent
    Hip-hop

    Get Rich or Die Tryin’

    50 Cent · 2003 · Shady / Aftermath

    Blockbuster gangsta rap including “In da Club”.

    Released 6 Feb 2003 · 18 tracks

  47. 47
    Supreme Clientele by Ghostface Killah
    Hip-hop

    Supreme Clientele

    Ghostface Killah · 2000 · Epic

    Surreal, soulful Wu-Tang storytelling.

    Released 8 Feb 2000 · 17 tracks

  48. 48
    Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne
    Hip-hop

    Tha Carter III

    Lil Wayne · 2008 · Cash Money

    Includes “A Milli” and “Lollipop”.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 16 tracks

  49. 49
    Hell Hath No Fury by Clipse
    Hip-hop

    Hell Hath No Fury

    Clipse · 2006 · Jive

    Cold, minimalist production by the Neptunes.

    Released 14 Apr 2017 · 13 tracks

  50. 50
    The Black Album by Jay-Z
    Hip-hop

    The Black Album

    Jay-Z · 2003 · Roc-A-Fella

    Includes “99 Problems”.

    Released 14 Nov 2003 · 14 tracks

  51. 51
    Dangerously in Love by Beyoncé
    Soul & R&B

    Dangerously in Love

    Beyoncé · 2003 · Columbia

    Beyoncé’s solo debut, including “Crazy in Love”.

    Released 23 Jun 2003 · 15 tracks

  52. 52
    Confessions by Usher
    Soul & R&B

    Confessions

    Usher · 2004 · LaFace

    Includes “Yeah!” and “Burn”.

    Released 23 Mar 2004 · 21 tracks

  53. 53
    The Diary of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keys
    Soul & R&B

    The Diary of Alicia Keys

    Alicia Keys · 2003 · J

    Classic soul songwriting including “If I Ain’t Got You”.

    Released 2 Dec 2003 · 15 tracks

  54. 54
    Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu
    Soul & R&B

    Mama’s Gun

    Erykah Badu · 2000 · Motown

    Organic neo-soul including “Bag Lady”.

    Released 15 Nov 2019 · 10 tracks

  55. 55
    Like Water for Chocolate by Common
    Hip-hop

    Like Water for Chocolate

    Common · 2000 · MCA

    Soulful conscious rap with J Dilla production.

    Released 28 Mar 2000 · 16 tracks

  56. 56
    Blackout by Britney Spears
    Pop

    Blackout

    Britney Spears · 2007 · Jive

    Dark, influential electro-pop.

    Released 12 Oct 2007 · 5 tracks

  57. 57
    FutureSex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake
    Pop

    FutureSex/LoveSounds

    Justin Timberlake · 2006 · Jive

    Timbaland-produced pop-R&B including “SexyBack”.

    Released 8 Sep 2006 · 15 tracks

  58. 58
    Good Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna
    Pop

    Good Girl Gone Bad

    Rihanna · 2007 · Def Jam

    Includes “Umbrella”.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 28 tracks

  59. 59
    The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga
    Pop

    The Fame Monster

    Lady Gaga · 2009 · Interscope

    Includes “Bad Romance”.

    Released 1 Jan 2009 · 10 tracks

  60. 60
    Fever by Kylie Minogue
    Pop

    Fever

    Kylie Minogue · 2001 · Parlophone

    Sleek dance-pop including “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”.

    Released 1 Oct 2001 · 19 tracks

  61. 61
    Robyn by Robyn
    Pop

    Robyn

    Robyn · 2005 · Konichiwa

    Independent electro-pop including “With Every Heartbeat”.

    Released 16 May 2005

  62. 62
    Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna
    Pop

    Confessions on a Dance Floor

    Madonna · 2005 · Warner Bros.

    A continuous disco mix including “Hung Up”.

    Released 9 Nov 2005 · 12 tracks

  63. 63
    Demon Days by Gorillaz
    Alternative & indie

    Demon Days

    Gorillaz · 2005 · Parlophone

    Cartoon band art-pop including “Feel Good Inc.”.

    Released 11 May 2005 · 15 tracks

  64. 64
    A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay
    Rock

    A Rush of Blood to the Head

    Coldplay · 2002 · Parlophone

    Includes “Clocks” and “The Scientist”.

    Released 26 Aug 2002 · 11 tracks

  65. 65
    The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow
    Alternative & indie

    The Seldom Seen Kid

    Elbow · 2008 · Fiction

    Warm, anthemic art-rock including “One Day Like This”.

    Released 17 Mar 2008 · 14 tracks

  66. 66
    American Idiot by Green Day
    Rock

    American Idiot

    Green Day · 2004 · Reprise

    A punk rock opera.

    Released 1 Feb 2010 · 2 tracks

  67. 67
    Songs for the Deaf by Queens of the Stone Age
    Rock

    Songs for the Deaf

    Queens of the Stone Age · 2002 · Interscope

    Desert rock with Dave Grohl on drums.

    Released 14 Oct 2002 · 2 tracks

  68. 68
    Toxicity by System of a Down
    Metal

    Toxicity

    System of a Down · 2001 · American

    Frenetic, politically charged metal.

    Released 11 Mar 2002 · 2 tracks

  69. 69
    Leviathan by Mastodon
    Metal

    Leviathan

    Mastodon · 2004 · Relapse

    A concept album inspired by Moby-Dick.

    Released 31 Aug 2004 · 10 tracks

  70. 70
    Jane Doe by Converge
    Metal

    Jane Doe

    Converge · 2001 · Equal Vision

    Ferocious metallic hardcore.

    Released 4 Sep 2001 · 12 tracks

  71. 71
    Mutter by Rammstein
    Metal

    Mutter

    Rammstein · 2001 · Motor

    Industrial metal sung in German.

    Released 2 Apr 2001 · 11 tracks

  72. 72
    Dimanche à Bamako by Amadou & Mariam
    African

    Dimanche à Bamako

    Amadou & Mariam · 2004 · Because

    Malian pop produced by Manu Chao.

    Released 8 Nov 2004 · 15 tracks

  73. 73
    Aman Iman by Tinariwen
    African

    Aman Iman

    Tinariwen · 2007 · Independiente

    Tuareg desert blues guitar.

    Released 13 Mar 2007 · 12 tracks

  74. 74
    In the Heart of the Moon by Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté
    African

    In the Heart of the Moon

    Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté · 2005 · World Circuit

    Guitar and kora in gentle, improvised conversation.

    Released 27 Jun 2005 · 12 tracks

  75. 75
    Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
    Latin & Brazilian

    Tanto Tempo

    Bebel Gilberto · 2000 · Six Degrees

    Bossa nova meets electronica.

    Released 25 Apr 2000 · 12 tracks

  76. 76
    Residente o Visitante by Calle 13
    Latin & Brazilian

    Residente o Visitante

    Calle 13 · 2007 · Sony BMG

    Witty, genre-hopping urban Latin music.

    Released 24 Apr 2007 · 14 tracks

  77. 77
    Barrio Fino by Daddy Yankee
    Latin & Brazilian

    Barrio Fino

    Daddy Yankee · 2004 · El Cartel

    The album that took reggaeton global, including “Gasolina”.

    Released 13 Jul 2004 · 23 tracks

  78. 78
    Próxima Estación: Esperanza by Manu Chao
    Latin & Brazilian

    Próxima Estación: Esperanza

    Manu Chao · 2001 · Virgin

    Sunny, multilingual street music.

    Released 1 Jun 2001 · 18 tracks

  79. 79
    Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
    Electronic

    Melody A.M.

    Röyksopp · 2001 · Wall of Sound

    Chilled Norwegian electronica.

    Released 31 Dec 2006 · 10 tracks

  80. 80
    Silent Shout by The Knife
    Electronic

    Silent Shout

    The Knife · 2006 · Rabid

    Eerie, pitch-shifted electronic pop.

    Released 17 Feb 2006 · 11 tracks

  81. 81
    Give Up by The Postal Service
    Electronic

    Give Up

    The Postal Service · 2003 · Sub Pop

    Indie-electronic pop made by post.

    Released 18 Feb 2003 · 25 tracks

  82. 82
    Saturdays = Youth by M83
    Electronic

    Saturdays = Youth

    M83 · 2008 · Mute

    Dreamy, ’80s-inspired shoegaze pop.

    Released 11 Apr 2008 · 11 tracks

  83. 83
    Rounds by Four Tet
    Electronic

    Rounds

    Four Tet · 2003 · Domino

    Warm, organic folktronica.

    Released 3 May 2003 · 10 tracks

  84. 84
    Geogaddi by Boards of Canada
    Electronic

    Geogaddi

    Boards of Canada · 2002 · Warp

    Haunted, psychedelic electronica.

    Released 13 Feb 2002 · 23 tracks

  85. 85
    Rooty by Basement Jaxx
    Electronic

    Rooty

    Basement Jaxx · 2001 · XL

    Joyous house including “Romeo”.

    Released 25 Jun 2001 · 13 tracks

  86. 86
    19 by Adele
    Pop

    19

    Adele · 2008 · XL

    The debut including “Chasing Pavements”.

    Released 14 Dec 2018 · 8 tracks

  87. 87
    Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
    Alternative & indie

    Neon Bible

    Arcade Fire · 2007 · Merge

    Apocalyptic anthems recorded in a church.

    Released 2 Mar 2007 · 11 tracks

  88. 88
    Alternative & indie

    You Forgot It in People

    Broken Social Scene · 2002 · Arts & Crafts

    A sprawling Toronto collective at its best.

  89. 89
    The Reminder by Feist
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    The Reminder

    Feist · 2007 · Arts & Crafts

    Includes “1234”.

    Released 23 Apr 2007 · 15 tracks

  90. 90
    Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case
    Country

    Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

    Neko Case · 2006 · Anti-

    Mysterious, powerful alt-country.

    Released 7 Mar 2006 · 13 tracks

  91. 91
    American IV: The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash
    Country

    American IV: The Man Comes Around

    Johnny Cash · 2002 · American

    Includes his haunting cover of “Hurt”.

    Released 5 Nov 2002 · 15 tracks

  92. 92
    Van Lear Rose by Loretta Lynn
    Country

    Van Lear Rose

    Loretta Lynn · 2004 · Interscope

    A comeback produced by Jack White.

    Released 27 Apr 2004

  93. 93
    Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Time (The Revelator)

    Gillian Welch · 2001 · Acony

    Spare, spellbinding Americana with David Rawlings.

    Released 31 Jul 2001 · 10 tracks

  94. 94
    The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
    Rock

    The Rising

    Bruce Springsteen · 2002 · Columbia

    Songs of grief and hope after 9/11.

    Released 30 Jul 2002 · 15 tracks

  95. 95
    Third by Portishead
    Electronic

    Third

    Portishead · 2008 · Island

    A harsh, brilliant return after a decade away.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 11 tracks

  96. 96
    Alright, Still by Lily Allen
    Pop

    Alright, Still

    Lily Allen · 2006 · Regal

    Sharp-tongued pop including “Smile”.

    Released 17 Jul 2006 · 11 tracks

  97. 97
    The Warning by Hot Chip
    Electronic

    The Warning

    Hot Chip · 2006 · EMI

    Quirky electro-pop including “Over and Over”.

    Released 1 Jan 2006 · 28 tracks

  98. 98
    Oracular Spectacular by MGMT
    Alternative & indie

    Oracular Spectacular

    MGMT · 2007 · Columbia

    Includes “Kids” and “Time to Pretend”.

    Released 2 Oct 2007 · 10 tracks

  99. 99
    Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
    Alternative & indie

    Vampire Weekend

    Vampire Weekend · 2008 · XL

    Preppy indie pop with African guitar influences.

    Released 1 Jan 2008 · 1 tracks

  100. 100
    Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
    Alternative & indie

    Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

    The Flaming Lips · 2002 · Warner Bros.

    Psychedelic pop about love and mortality.

    Released 16 Jul 2002 · 11 tracks

An editorial selection by Culture Atlas. Years are original release dates. Album tiles are designed placeholders; cover artwork belongs to the respective rights holders and is not reproduced here. 98 Apple Music links go straight to the album; the rest open a search. Availability varies by country. Favourite counts and comments are visible to other visitors. Sign in to keep your favourites in My Atlas.