Best Albums of 2001

2001 was almost impossible to narrow down to just 10 albums, so I didn't. Here's my twelve personal favorites of 2K1...

12. Party Music - The Coup
Reflections: The Coup's 2001 album Party Music was shrouded in a sea of controversy due to it's original cover art, which is a shame, because the duo from Oakland put out one hell of an album. This is another funk-filled rap success, and it's a shame that it's so severely underrated. As counter-culture and counter-system as The Coup are, this album is great to listen to. Test your system's bass with 'Get Up'.
Best tracks: Get Up, 5 Million Ways To Kill A CEO, Pork and Beef, Everythang

11. Weezer (Green) - Weezer
Reflections: This album, while a decent pop album, was an immense let-down. The world had waited 5 years for a new Weezer album, and instead of a follow-up to the great Pinkerton we got fluff, sugar-pop completely devoid of substance. This album sounds pretty, pretty enough to make this list, but not good enough to top it.
Best tracks: Island in the Sun, Simple Pages, Crab, Photograph

10. Unplugged - Jay-Z
Reflections:I was not a Jay-Z fan until I heard this album. Completely live, with the Roots backing him up, this album was a hip-hop masterpiece. You can't hear this album and not love the hell out of it, and come to respect the genious that Jay-Z is. Everybody should have this album or at least watch an airing of Unplugged if MTV ever reruns it.
Best tracks:Ain't No Love (In The Heart Of The City), Big Pimpin', H To The Izzo

9. I Was Dead For 7 Weeks In The City Of Angels - Dover
Reflections: Another amazing album by the Spanish quartet, Dover proves with 7 Weeks that they still know how to rock. Grunge very well may be dead, just don't tell Dover - they're still putting out quality albums. Rediculously hard to find, if you want to hear any Dover, your best bet is probably just to ask me for some. Check out their website too.
Best tracks: Better Day, My Secret People, Big Mistake, Recluser, King George

8. Bleed American - Jimmy Eat World
Reflections: Jimmy Eat World is an oddity: pop-emo. They may have sold their souls for this album, but it's solid from start to finish. You can't help but love the first handful of tracks, and it continues throughout the whole album.
Best tracks: Sweetness, A Praise Chorus, If You Don't Don't, The Middle

7. Even In Darkness - Dungeon Family
Reflections: This album is an Outkast side-project, combining that duo with the members of the Goodie Mob and Society of Soul - this is basically an Atlanta all-stars album. Soulful and funky, Even In Darkness is one hell of a ride. It's a musical cornucopia, and is really a treat for your ears. Give this disc a shot, especially if you're an Outkast fan. Which you should be.
Best tracks: Crooked Booty, Trans DF Express, Follow The Light, On & On & On, 6 Minutes

6. Rockin' The Suburbs - Ben Folds
Reflections: Ben Folds's first solo album, Rockin' The Suburbs is regarded by many as his finest work yet. While I think BFF's first album is better, there is no denying that this is a great album. Unlike BFF however, this is a really sad album. Sad, but still pretty damned good.
Best tracks: Still Fighting It, The Luckiest, Annie Waits, Not The Same

5. Coast Is Never Clear - Beulah
Reflections: Beulah's third album, Coast Is Never Clear, is near musical perfection. Amazing pop lyrics and melodies, Beulah really has the knack when it comes to putting together a solid album from start to finish. Amazing live, great on record, Beulah should be loved by all.
Best tracks: A Good Man Is Easy To Kill, Gene Autry, Silver Lining, Popular Mechanics for Lovers

4. Oh, Inverted World - The Shins
Reflections: In the movie Garden State, Natalie Portman's character describes a song that will "change your life" - that song is the creepy yet beautiful "New Slang" off this album. These songs, an absolute masterpiece by the Shins, have to be heard to be believed. The album starts strong and finishes strong too. An absolute joy to listen to.
Best tracks: New Slang, Caring is Creepy

3. Tenacious D - Tenacious D
Reflections: This is the funniest album ever put out. It is amazing in that it blends rediculously funny comedy with rocking tunes, and the two are interlaced almost perfectly. Tenacious D have to be heard to be believed, but once you listen to it, you'll be rocking and rolling -- with laughter! (Yeah, I'm sorry about that. But it's such an obvious pun. I had to do it. Once again, sorry).
Best tracks: Wonderboy, Fuck Her Gently, Karate, Friendship, One Note Song

2. Word of Mouf - Ludacris

Reflections: Chris Bridges, graduate of the 'school of hard knocks, sneak peaks, and low blows', returns with his second album Word of Mouf where he proves that he is the heir to the rap throne. Ludacris has a voice that's unique but amazing, and his lyrical stylings are second to none. He's magical at bending words to his whim, and amazing to listen to.
Best tracks: Rollout, Coming 2 America, Growing Pains, Area Codes, Move Bitch

1. Sing Loud, Sing Proud! - Dropkick Murphys
Reflections: Okay, imagine a late, cold night in Ireland. Nothing's alive in the town, with the exception of the town pub, where a drunken singalong has errupted. Now take that drunken Irish party, and put it in Boston, in 2001, and put it on CD. You've got Sing Loud, Sing Proud!, by Boston's favored sons, the Murphys. SLSP is amazing to listen to, especially when you've had a few beverages yourself.
Best tracks: the entire album, but 'Rocky Road to Dublin' is the best

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