The Top Pop Albums of the Decade 2000s

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 1st 2009 08:00AM

As the decade nears its end, one thing that will be missed is the music. Remember those albums we left on repeat because they really were worth listening to? From the catchy dance tracks to the political rock records that defined the 2000s, we saw artists like Justin Timberlake and Amy Winehouse grow up and deliver pinnacle records we never saw coming. When it came to the Top 40 set, this was a great time to love music. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Pop albums of the '00s:

10. Amy Winehouse -- 'Back to Black'
No matter how many times she goes into rehab or messes up, nobody can dismiss the fact that Amy Winehouse's breakthrough album showed how much promise and soul the troubled British songstress has. From the hyper-autobiographical 'Rehab' to 'You Know I'm No Good,' Winehouse's burnt vocals mixed with Mark Ronson's brilliant beats, Winehouse shines in a way that makes seeing her recent decline that much more painful.

9. Green Day -- 'American Idiot'

Yes, it's a great rock record of the decade, but its smash success (Grammys included) and the immediacy of the songs on this concept album also make it a universal pop smash too. No disc of the decade was more direct at speaking for a lost generation. From the thrilling title track to the nine-minute 'Jesus of Suburbia' suite to the radio-ready fury of 'Holiday' to the heart-shattering 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' make it an album that the punks could celebrate with their parents. And those are just the first four tracks we're mentioning.

8. Outkast -- 'Stankonia'
The Atlanta duo of Dre and Big Boi struck gold with 'Stankonia,' as the album went triple platinum in a few quick months. With catchy hits like 'Ms. Jackson' and 'So Fresh, So Clean,' who can deny this album a top spot? Oh, and not to mention 'B.O.B.,' which Pitchfork recently declared as the single best track of the 2000s.

7. Beyonce -- 'B-Day'
Mark this as the best dance album of the decade. Beyonce manages to 'Get Me Bodied' with that 'Freakum Dress' all while collaborating with Jay-Z. This album proves she knows how to throw a party and has mastered her presence as a solo artist. If this is how Beyonce celebrates a B-Day, who really needs cake, candles or drinks.

6. Gwen Stefani -- 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'
Ever since Gwen brought us 'Hollaback Girl,' we've been impressed with her solo power. The album's '70s pop throwbacks and hip-hop beats make it stand up against No Doubt's 'Rock Steady' return.

5. Scissor Sisters -- 'Scissor Sisters'
For many of you, it's the best party album of the decade that you've likely never heard. A contagious synthesis of glam, disco and alternative rock powered by vocals that stretch from Elton John kitsch to Justin Timberlake swagger. All of that, plus a club-thumpin cover of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb.'

4. Kelly Clarkson -- 'Breakaway'
'Since U Been Gone' cemented 'Breakaway' as Clarkson's best album yet, proving she's more than just another 'American Idol.' The rock'n'roll pop tracks dig deeper, proving the innocence from her debut 'Thankful' is long gone.

3. Gorillaz -- 'Demon Days'
A side project doesn't usually hit gold, but this Gorillaz's album actually hit platinum and turned into a surprise worldwide hit. Blending hip-hop and pop beats, this album is genius and we still can't get enough of the band's first single, 'Feel Good Inc.'

2. Kanye West -- 'The College Dropout'
Before his ego consumed him, Kanye West's debut was a musical masterpiece. When it comes down to it, this album may wash away all of Kanye's blunders, as it stands above the rest with 'Jesus Walks' and 'All Falls Down.'

1. Justin Timberlake -- 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'
'Justified' showed us that the former boy-bander could make it on his own. But it was 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' that put him on the map as one of the great talents of his generation with hits like 'SexyBack' and 'What Goes Around.'

Tags: amy winehouse, AmyWinehouse, green day, GreenDay, Justin Timberlake, JustinTimberlake, Scissor Sisters, ScissorSisters

Comments

(15)

Tuesday 01 December

By Trish

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I love B'Day it's a great album. I suggest getting the rerelease with Flaws and All and Worldwide Woman on it also.

By beth

Glad to see Stankonia and Scissor Sisters and not just bubblegum pop.

By Jester

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If they think these are the best albums of 2000's, wow, that's really sad. I mean really really sad.

By Bonbon

They sure don't make em like they used to. Poor kids nowadays have no good music, we were blessed.

By biltbod8

Who voted on this list? Beyonce best dance cd of the decade?

By Robert

That JT album is pure POP genius!

Myspace

Another Black Season

By My AOL

Kelly Clarkson's is the only album on this list I don't own, but then again, I don't anything by anyone who has won AI

By cheche

why the hell is none of britney's albums on here!? When I think pop i think britney justin madonna michael not amy freakin winehouse shes a one hit wonder

By mcrforeverr

who the hell makes these lists? god these suck! eww ughhhh green day is ok but the rest is poo.

Saturday 05 December

By Jonathan

wTf? This are good albums there ..But mmmm where's blackout of britney spears? where's "Whatever people say i am, that's why im not"mof Artic Monkeys... mmmm they should do a new list..

By joaquin

Man, this list sucks.

By Andrew

What a bad decade for pop music, it seems. Well, the 90s wasn't that great either. How about the two albums by "My Favorite" - Love at Absolute Zero, or The Happiest Days of our Lives? Pure pop genius. Nothing by Madonna? Sheryl Crow? Bjork (though, OK, probably not pop)? Eminem (pop in my opinion)? I like some of the albums listed, but if they're the best of the best, we have a problem!

By hhawkeye66

And where is Motley Crue "Saints Of Los Angeles" or Buckcherry "15"?

Friday 18 December

By Javiernicol4s

You're such a bunch of stupids.
WHERE IS CIRCUS and BLACKOUT OF QUEEN OF POP MISS BRITNEY SPEARS?

W...T...F!?

Wednesday 06 July

By Yakisoba

LOL seriously, is this list for real? JT's album is here (and #1 too???) while Christina Aguilera's "Stripped" album isn't listed on this? The only album that I really think deserves this list is Green Day's!!!

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