Madonna's strongest album of the decade also happened to be her first of the 2000's. Working with noted producer Mirwais, Music features two of Ms. Ciccone's enduring hits in the title track and "Don't Tell Me".
The U.K.'s Manic Street Preachers closed off the decade with a tour de force album that saw the band using lyrics found in a notebook belonging to their long-missing guitarist Richey Edwards. Considered by some to be a sequel to the band's 1994 album The Holy Bible, and just as intense.
Busted Stuff featured material that the band had road-tested before taking it into the studio to record. The end result was a tight album that became a fan favourite upon its 2002 release and a shining example of why The Dave Matthews Band was one of most popular bands of the decade.
Forget his 'tweets' and celebrity dating. None of that would matter if John Mayer couldn't write a good song. On Continuum, he wrote 12 of them, infusing pop, blues, and soul.
One of the surprise success stories of the latter part of the decade was the debut album from New York new wave synth-pop duo MGMT. Attitude and infectious songs infuse 2007's Oracular Spectacular, making it one of the most memorable debuts of the 2000's.
M.I.A.'s second album not only followed through on the promise of her 2005 debut, but exceeded it. Kala is full of memorable musical moments, including her contribution to the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, "Paper Planes", which sampled "Straight To Hell", by fellow Brits The Clash.
After more than a decade together, Modest Mouse hit the mainstream with 2004's Good News For People Who Love Bad News. An album of accessible art rock that recalled the best of Talking Heads without sacrificing Modest Mouse's own unique vision.
The breakthrough album from Muse, who had spent the decade building up a stellar reputation and rabid fan base. Paranoia-infused lyrics and stadium-style anthems make for an awesome listening experience. Queen would be proud.
Purveyors of alt-country rock with more than a hint of jam band in them, for 2005's album Z, My Morning Jacket added synthesizers and producer John Leckie to the mix, resulting in spaciousness and psychedelic songs like "Off The Record" and "Dondante".
Though only two original members of The New York Dolls remain, this new lineup recorded an album that stands up strong next to their classic early 70's material. It's also a reminder to all that David Johansen was - and is - one of the greatest singers in rock and roll history.
An apocalyptic view of the future from the mind of Trent Reznor. In a decade where the artist delivered music on his own terms, Year Zero was his most ambitious and remarkable achievement.
The battling Gallagher brothers managed to get along long enough to record this, their sixth album, 2005's Don't Believe The Truth. Singalong songs like "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle" help make this not only one of Oasis' best efforts, but one of the essential albums of the decade.
Of Montreal are actually from Athens, Georgia, fronted by the dynamic Kevin Barnes, who created the glam persona of Georgie Fruit for the band's eighth studio album, Hissin Fauna, Are You The Destroyer. Some of the boldest art rock of the decade.
The Oscar-winning soundtrack to Once gave songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, aka The Swell Season, a chance to shine both on screen and in the studio. While the duo's romance wouldn't last, their brilliant music surely will.
Ms. Jackson, Outkast were indeed for real on their first album of the decade.
Though they never went away, Pearl Jam's 2006 self-titled release was considered by many a return to form, thanks to the passion infused in killer tracks like "World Wide Suicide" and "Life Wasted".
With contributions from members of Rilo Kiley, Death Cab For Cutie and others, The Postal Service's debut album was the electropop/indie rock superstar recording of the decade.
While Primal Scream put out four intoxicating albums throughout the decade, all of which are worth your time, it’s the fusion of electronica, rock, and soul throughout 2008’s Beautiful Future that makes it our pick as the band’s essential album of the 2000’s.
With stellar riffage and the sounds of guest drummer Dave Grohl, Songs For The Deaf made Queens Of The Stone Age hard rock heroes.
The first of three essential abums from Radiohead this decade, Kid A found the band stepping into experimental territory. With its disonant horns and keening vocals, Kid A was a left turn that only a band like Radiohead could deliver and that fans would accept.
Hail To The Thief bridges the gap between Radiohead's experimental leanings from the early part of the decade and the direction they would follow for the next half. An essential listen to discover how the band got to where they are today.
Radiohead's fourth album of the decade found the band focusing on songs rather than sounds. In a career of brilliant recordings, In Rainbows stands as yet another Radiohead highlight.
If you're going to make a double album in the new millenium, it best be great. The Red Hot Chili Peppers managed to pull off the task with their massive ninth studio album, Stadium Arcadium, which would turn out to the band's last with guitarist John Frusciante.
Appearances on The Colbert Report? A feature in Rolling Stone magazine? The critical love that eluded Rush for much of their career was finally on display with 2007's Snakes and Arrows, the Canadian power trio's 18th studio album and one that stands proudly beside their best work.
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