Best Albums of the 2000s (30-21)

30. Muse - Black Holes and Revelations (2006). Muse's fourth album was an alternative masterpiece, delivering an accomplished blend of rock, pop and electronic sounds, illustrating a dramatic musical journey high on erratic lyrics, grand sound-scapes however remaining thoroughly enjoyable the whole way through. Essential track: "Supermassive Black Hole"


29. Maxwell - Now (2001). Dodgy lyrics aside, Maxwell's third album was a perfect and sultry mix of '70s influenced soul, R&B and funk--one of the better albums of the decade to blend all three genres together so wonderfully. Essential track: "Changed"


28. Sugababes - Angels with Dirty Faces (2002). Following their under-appreciated debut, the Sugababes soon escalated to the forefront of British pop with their second album, which delivered the 'Babes a string of solid hits, including my favorite... Essential track: "Stronger"


27. Rascal Flatts - Me and My Gang (2006). Easily my favorite country album of the decade. Rascal Flatts have remained one of the most consistent acts of the decade, however their most accomplished came in the form of their fourth album. A more than solid country album without forgetting the pop influences to broaden the appeal. A perfect combination of ballads, mid-tempo's and upbeat tracks. Essential track: "Stand"


26. Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob (2007). Off the back of their cheeky and fun debut Employment the Kaiser Chiefs tried to come across more serious for their follow up, however still drawing the quirky influences from their first and whilst their first was critically acclaimed I still prefer this. Essential track: "Ruby"


25. P!nk - M!ssundaztood (2001). Following her R&B sounding debut, P!nk decided to swapped her urban influenced beginnings for a more pop/rock edge for her second album and it worked a treat, really coming into own and showcasing her personality through fun tracks such as "Get the Party Started" and the more sensitive "Family Portrait" and "Just Like a Pill." Essential track: "Get the Party Started"



24. Coldplay - X&Y (2005). After the classic A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay churned out another knockout with their third album. A charming and passionate set of songs, covering a wider range of sounds recalling alternative and pop influences. Essential track: "Fix You"



23. Kylie Minogue - Fever (2001). After returning to pop with her Light Years Kylie then delivered one of the best dance albums of the decade, unlike its predecessor drawing more from modern influences also landing her one of the biggest hits of the decade with "Can't Get You Out of My Head." Essential track: "Come into My World"


22. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006). The Arctic Monkeys had an awesome start to their career, their debut album became one of the UKs big sellers and was amongst 2006's most acclaimed. I wasn't too fussed about Arctic Monkeys initially, however I did soon embrace their interesting sense of alternative rock. Essential track: "The View from the Afternoon"


21. Usher - Confessions (2004). '04 was a good year of Usher, he definitely was the King of R&B for awhile. His fourth album became his biggest selling album to date and one of the most solid R&B offerings of the decade. I was more interested in the re-release that featured the chart-topping duet with Alicia Keys on "My Boo." Essential track: "Burn"

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Album Review: R. Kelly - Untitled (3/5)

After the what I thought was mildly disappointing Double Up, self-proclaimed King of R&B: R. Kelly returns with his ninth album--a return to the sultry slow jam induced framework with tasteful sexual overtones that made his first solo album 1992's 12 Play, his self-titled sophomore and third album such R&B masterpieces, of course not nearly as commendable. The release of the album seems like it's been kept under wraps as I probably would not have known he had an album out if I hadn't been looking at the US iTunes album charts.

Well into his forties, R. Kelly sure hasn't lost that provocative spark as he sings: "Text me back something freaky, let me know just how you wanna do me," in one of the albums best slow jams "Text Me," maybe not as captivating as the sensual cooes in his best-known R&B hit "Bump N Grind." Whilst Double Up was an obnoxious mix of crunk, hip-hop and modern urban-influence sounds, but only salvaging a few highlights ("I'm a Flirt," "Same Girl" (with Usher) and "Leave Your Name") Untitled, seems to pull it back showcasing what R. Kelly knows best--producing good R&B without the adherent front, however still a weak delivery.

Caribbean urban duo Rock City are first to be featured on opening track "Crazy Night," a various collection of different shades of beats within 3 minutes. The verses are built around a skittering bass line backed with rhythmic clicks and handclaps, whereas the chorus is rightfully more fulfilled with synth, drum machines and other sounds. Following is "Exit" a dramatic piano key and bass driven mid-tempo, with Kelly's eluding harmonies intact--"Echo" is another mid-tempo except without piano chords, riding on just R&B fronted bass line, still sounds pretty good.

Whilst the first three tracks are pretty solid, the fourth "Bangin' the Headboard," possibly my least favorite track on here, quickly introduces the albums weak middle-section, which is strange as the "normal" thing these days is to have a strong first half, strong middle and weak last. "Go Low" is a sexually amped slow jam, it's not bad, but lacks the drive that made his previous slow jams great work, following is "Whole Lotta Kisses," which has nice '90s soul vibe but very flat for its 4 minute running time and "Like I Do" is an obvious filler.

Lead single "Number One" featuring Keri Hilson seems to bring the album back to prominence, eluding a mid-paced groove, Hilson sounds very good on here also. Some modern disco-influenced come into play on "I Love the DJ," it sounds like Chris Brown's "Forever" (what song doesn't these days?). The last few songs towards the end aren't that good either. "Superman High" has a kinetic hand-clap styled composition, which probably would have sounded alright five years ago. I like the trumpets in "Be My #2" which also seems to a disco-influenced venture, however seems out of place on here.

I like the first of the albums only two ballad "Religious," probably the only track on here that can hold a candle to "I Believe I Can Fly." "Elsewhere," is good too, I love the vocal variation that seems to disappear on most of the tracks before. Closing the album is the star studded "Pregnant" featuring Robin Thicke, The Dream and Tyrese, what a ridiculous topic for a song, initially I thought it was joke.

I'm disappointed with this, especially R. Kelly is my favorite R&B singer of all time and it's shame to see him follow up medicore work with another although taking into account this is indeed better than Double Up. At first I was stoked by the title, however then I found out the title of the album isn't Untitled it actually just has no name. Rapper Nas also did the same thing for his ninth album (coincidence) last year. I don't see the appeal of denying an album a name personally.

Best: Number One, Religious, Elsewhere, Exit, Echo, Crazy Night

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Black Eyed Peas "Imma Be"

The fourth single from the Black Eyed Peas' fifth album, The E.N.D. is going to be "Imma Be," I listened to this quite a bit earlier this year and I'll probably be listening to it more now that it's a single. I like the three-part split, with the plain hip-hop style beats at the beginning, synths and heavier bass line towards the middle and full-fledged '70s disco-influenced sound towards the end.

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Best Albums of the 2000s (40-31)

40. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King (2009). Dave Matthews Band have been among the most consistent band's of the decade, however their most recent work toppled all of their others, delivering a modern day alternative masterpiece. Essential track: "Lying in the Hands of God"


39. Robyn - Robyn (2005). After a failed attempt at gaining English fans in the '90s, Swedish singer Robyn returned in '05 with her fourth album, a stunning mix of pop and electronica that captured English hearts two years after its release earning her four top 40 hits. Essential track: "With Every Heartbeat"


38. Kanye West - Late Registration (2005). Following his critically acclaimed debut, Kanye once again became critic fodder following it up with something even better, really gaining crossover pop appeal with the albums biggest hit "Gold Digger" and enhancing his lyrical genius. Essential track: "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"


37. Sade - Lovers Rock (2000). This album reminds me of my infant days so much, my mother would play it almost every night when we were living in our old house. Soothing vocal, subtle beats and an enduring collection of mid-tempo grooves. Essential: "Somebody Already Broke My Heart"


36. Paramore - Riot! (2007). It's astonishing how much impact an album can have on life. Riot! was one of my most played of '07 I closely associate it with school-life back then. After the botched release of their debut, Riot! saw the re-emerging of Paramore with an edgier sound with top 40 appeal. Essential track: "Misery Business"


35. U2 - All that You Can't Leave Behind (2000). The '90s treated U2 well, becoming one of the biggest selling bands of that decade. They continued their winning streak at pinnacle of the '00s with their tenth album, earning the band seven Grammy Awards. Essential track: "Beautiful Day"


34. Duffy - Rockferry (2008). Welsh singer Duffy landed one of the best debut pop albums of all time last year. Her winning blend of retro '60s and modern pop was unmissable. The album scored the singer a Grammy for Best Pop Albums. Essential track: "Warwick Avenue"



33. Muse - The Resistance (2009). Following their masterpiece Black Holes & Revelations, Muse delivered an album just as good. Solid, robust and tastefully creative, capitalizing on their signiture electronic/alternative rock sound that has kept the band consistent throughout this decade. Essential track: Uprising


32. Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor (2005). Following the commercial misstep on her ninth album, Madonna returned to the mix of upbeat dance-pop and disco that made her earlier work so memorable for he tenth. Essential track: "Hung Up"


31. Shania Twain - Up! (2002). After becoming country music's biggest act in '97 with her blockbuster album Come on Over, Shania waited 7 years before delivering the follow-up which I actually prefer, loving its frothy mix of country and pop. Essential: "Kaching!"

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On My iPod This Week

Here's what I've been listening to this and last week on my iPod:

Cheryl Cole "3 Words." I don't own her album yet, however I'm buying the singles which have been pretty good so far. The title track pulses with synth, strings and keyboards, I like it a lot. I'll probably have the whole album after its singles run is over as I'm still not that interested right now.

The Saturdays "Ego." I've been listening to this for awhile now, serving as the second single from the Saturdays second album--It's probably their most interesting single since "Issues."

Mariah Carey "All I Want for Christmas is You." I made my annual "Xmas Playlist" yesterday night and this resides at the top the list, possibly the best pop-influenced Christmas song ever made. I'm really getting into the Jermain Dupri So So Def remix of the song featuring Bow Wow too, people don't seem to like that version, but I think it's pretty cool.

Timbaland & Nelly Furtado "Morning After." Lead single from Timbaland's forthcoming third solo-album. It sounds like everything on the last album with the rapid beats and synth but what are you going to do? It still sounds good.

Shakira "Did it Again." Surprisingly even after an X Factor performance this managed to still underperform, despite its commercial lackings I still really like this.

Lady GaGa & Beyonce "Telephone." Love the blend of poppy electronic and hood on this showcasing both Gaga and Beyonce's personalities perfectly.

Muse "Undisclosed Desires." Another track I've been listening to for awhile. Radio 1 have been all over this for the last couple weeks.

Alicia Keys "Doesn't Mean Anything." This had got me really excited for Alicia Keys' forthcoming fourth album. I loved it even more after her X Factor medley last week.

Chris Brown & Lil' Wayne "I Can Transform Ya" Yes, I'm actually listening to this and I rather like it--It's a pity he's singing it though.

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Best Albums of the 2000s (50-41)

50. Alicia Keys - The Diary of (2004). After ascending to the forefront of soul with her debut album, she semented her stay with her second illustrating an appealing old school swagger and contemporary R&B. Essential track: "You Don't Know My Name"


49. Dido - Life for Rent (2003). Dido hasn't done it for me this decade, I've never been a fan of her (and her easily mis-sexually interpreted name didn't help) however I do appreciate this album as I know it was critically acclaimed and a big-seller--and there are a handful of good tracks on here. Essential track: "White Flag"


48. Linkin Park - Meteora (2003). Following their masterpiece debut (which comes up much later) Linkin' Part followed up with an even more hard rock-influenced, edger set of songs also landing the popular worldwide hit "Numb." Essential track: "Somewhere I Belong"


47. Nora Jones - Feels Like Home (2004). After clearing out the Grammys with her blockbuster debut, Nora Jones furthered away from the blend of jazz and acoustic-pop that launched her career and indulged in more folksy endeavors which ultimately still worked. Essential track: "Carnival Town"



45. The Killers - Sam's Town (2006). The Killers didn't quite top their debut with this, however was still thoroughly enjoyable showcasing '80s rock, Bruce Springstein and U2 influences. Essential track: "Read My Mind"


44. Embrace - Out of Nothing (2004). British band Embrace had had string of decent albums however their magnum opus came in the form of their fourth album that became their biggest selling and most critically acclaimed. Essential track: "Ashes"


43. All-American Rejects - Move Again (2005). The All-American Rejects tuned Fall Out Boy for their second album except with broad appeal for mainstream pop fans with its adequate rock punk/pop flair and strong melodies and harmonies. Essential track: "Dirty Little Secret"


42. Outkast - Speakerboxx/The Love Below (2003). There weren't many but Outkast was the decades biggest hip-hop duo, Stankonia was a critic favorite however I preferred this, the duo's fifth album which was essentially two albums from each member put together, a full blend of hip hop, funk, soul, pop and jazz. Essential track: "Hey Ya!"


41. The White Stripes - Elephant (2003). It took me awhile to embrace alternative rock duo White Stripes, but soon I came around to appreciating their love for corybantic rock and soft bouyant blues craft. Essential track: "Seven Nation Army"

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Best Albums of the 2000s (60-51)

60. James Morrison - Undiscovered (2006). With soul re-calling influences from Stevie Wonder, James Morrison's debut was knockout delivering a solid blend of pop and soul landing him his first hit with "You Give Me Something." Essential track: "You Give Me Something"


59. Aaliyah - Aaliyah (2001). It's a shame Aaliyah's best album arrived the same year of her passing. With top-notch Timbaland production leading sharp urban-beats and rock-hard vocal work. Essential track: "We Need a Resolution"


58. The Feeling - Twelve Stops And Home (2006). British band The Feeling had a great debut, inspired by '70s and '60s influenced feel-good pop that earned the band their first top ten hit with their debut single "Sewn." Essential track: "I Want You Now"


57. Brian McKnight - Superhero (2001). Whilst his popularity reigned in the '90s Brian McKnight's been on a dramatic decline throughout this decade however he did begin it with a bang. His underrated fifth album is among the best R&B albums made this decade even if it failed to land any hits. Essential: "Biggest Part of Me"


56. Sugababes - Three (2003). After conquering British pop with their breakthrough Angels with Dirty Face the 'Babes followed it up a year later with a more edgier blend of urban, pop and light rock. Essential track: "Too Lost in You"


55. India.Arie - Voyage to India (2002). India.Arie's first album may have been a critic favorite however her second is its superior even winning her a Grammy for Best R&B Album. Essential: "Get it Together"



54. Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman (2008). Everything Ne-Yo has done this decade has been amazing, however his most accomplished work came last year with his third album, proving the singer to be amongst the most influential act in pop and R&B today, showcasing a winning blend of dance, urban-pop and R&B. Essential track: "Miss Independent"


53. P!nk - I'm Not Dead (2006). After a commercial misstep with her third album, P!nk returned to prominence three years later with fourth capitalizing on her now-signature pop/rock sound, landing her first hit in four years with "Stupid Girls." Essential track: "Who Knew"


52. Daniel Bedingfield - Gotta Get Thru This (2002). These days Daniel Bedingfield is nowhere to be seen however back near the start of the decade he was everywhere, landing his first set of #1s with his debut single "Gotta Get Thru This" and "If You're Not the One," his debut album had a lot of good tracks too, showcasing a diverse blend of garage, pop, rock, soul and R&B. Essential track: "If You're Not the One"


51. The Fratellis - Costello Music (2006). Scottish rock band the Fratellis delivered a fantastic debut, earning them a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Band also garnered crticial and commercial success. Essential track: "Chealsea Dagger"

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When Christmas Takes Over

The US iTunes store has already has its dose of christmas, here's how the xmas side of the top 20 albums stand so far:

1. Andrea Bocelli - My Christmas
3. Michael Buble - Let it Snow - EP
5. Taylor Swift - Holiday Collection
6. Noel - Josh Groban
9. Gift Wrapped - 20 Songs that Keep On Giving
10. Now that's What I Call Christmas!
12. A Charlie Brown Christmas Remastered
17. Christmas Cheers
18. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

Over in the UK things aren't so dramatic, although taking the first two slots on the album tally is the Christmas Hits and Now that's What I Call Xmas, compilation. Snow Patrol are at #15 with their compilation, Up to Now, it has a snow flake on the front so I guess it counts too.

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Best Albums of the 2000s (70-61)

70. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (2009). After landing one of the decades best rock albums (which appears later), this year they followed it up nicely with an album just as good, further proving Green Day as one of the best rock bands of the decade. Essential track: "Know Your Enemy"


69. Kanye West - College Dropout (2004). Kanye West had a great start to his career, his debut didn't score any big hits but was a big-seller, was hailed upon critics as a masterpiece and received a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Essential track: "All Falls Down"


68. Madonna - Music (2000). Following her '90s electronica masterpiece Ray of Light, Madonna followed it up at the start of the decade with Music a solid pop album with some electronic flair however was less impressive than its predecessor, but still good. Essential track: "Don't Tell Me"


67. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007). In Your Honor was a commercial and critical success however I didn't like it very much, it's follow up was much better, which wasn't critical or commercial success however did win the Grammy for Best Rock Album. Essential track: "The Pretender"


66. Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane (2002). Illustrating their love of funk, pop and rock was Maroon 5 on their enticing debut, shaping the sound of mainstream pop/rock in '02. Essential track: "She Will Be Loved"


65. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006). After the success of his debut after disbanding with N'Sync, Justin became the front-man in mainstream R&B and pop in '06 with his sophomore album showcasing a modern blend of electronic influenced pop and R&B earning him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Essential track: "SexyBack"

64. Evanescence - Fallen (2003). The wake of '03 saw a new era of Gothic rock emerging into the mainstream with its front-runners being Evanescence being its front-runners with their highly successful debut album. Essential track: "My Immortal"


63. U2 - No Line On the Horizon (2009). Following a five year hiatus since their last album U2 furthered their status as one of the world's best rock bands with their twelfth album even despite not landing as many hits. Essential track: "No Line On the Horizon"


62. Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin (2004). After the strict punk-rock sound on her first album, Avril Lavigne stripped down for her second delivering a more darker and mature set of aphotic pop/rock. Essential track: "My Happy Ending"


61. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand (2004). Scottish alternative rock band Franz Ferdinand had a great debut, becoming a big UK seller as well as garnering critical acclaim for their different approach to alternative rock landing them their first hit with "Take Me Out." Essential track: "Darts of Pleasure"

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Best Albums of the 2000s (80-71)

80. Eminem - The Eminem Show (2002). Aside from his most recent offering, everything Eminem has done regarding music has been fantastic. For his fourth album the rapper added 'producer' to his list of talents spawning the two hits "Without Me" and "Cleanin' Out My Closet." Essential track: "Sing for the Moment"



79. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up (2007). The Veronicas are arguably the biggest act to breakout from Australia since Kylie. Their harsh blend of vengeful '80s-influenced electronic pop and sexual undertones was nothing short of excellence. Essential track: "Revenge is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)"


78. Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way (2005). When it comes to country bands I've always preferred Rascal Flatts as opposed to the Dixie Chicks however their last album was phenomenal and their most politically verbal ("Not Ready to Make Nice"). It also won Album of the Year at the Grammys. Essential track: "Everybody Knows"


77. Monica - After the Storm (2003). Monica's fourth album came after a lengthy 5 year gap from her pop masterpiece The Boy is Mine, with the help of Missy Elliot delivered a satisfying set of R&B and hip-hop. Essential track: "I Wrote This Song"


76. Craig David - Born to Do It (2000). In 2000 Craig David shaped the sound of the year with his debut album, briging 2-step and garage music to the mainstream landing him 2 1#s and two other top tens and selling 8 million copies worldwide. He's been on a dramatic decline ever since. Essential track: "Walking Away"


75. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten (2004). After brother Daniel had dominated pop three years piror, Natasha made her own stamp with her successful debut album landing her 3 top tens, the biggest one being "These Words." Essential track: "I Bruise Easily"


74. Orson - Bright Idea (2006). Orson may be steadily furthering themselves into that one-hit-wonder frame but their debut album was respectfully the pinnacle of the band's success. Essential track: "No Tommorow"



73. Kylie Minogue - Light Years (2000).The '90s didn't treat Kylie well--it was the decade that saw her further away from dance-pop and grunge, however the turn of the decade saw the return to pop in which Light Years was born landing her first hit in 6 years with "Spinning Around." Essential track: "On a Night Like This"



72. R. Kelly - Chocolate Factory (2003). Even two years of controvery couldn't stop R. Kelly from delivering a solid R&B album. It wasn't as good of any of his '90s work however was the best he'd showcased this decade. Essential track: "Ignition"


71. Gwen Stefani - Love.Angel.Music.Baby (2004). After splitting with No Doubt, Gwen Stefani delivered her critically acclaimed debut showcasing a commanding blend of hip-hop, R&B and '80s driven pop. Essential track: "Cool"

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Leona Lewis "I See You"

Check out "I See You" recorded by Leona Lewis for the soundtrack for the upcoming 3D science-fiction film Avatar. She sounds really good on here. I love the insouciant chorus.

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Best Albums of the 2000s (90-81)

90. Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). After two back-to-back commercial missteps, Mariah Carey returned to prominence in '05 with her tenth album, a modern blend of old-school R&B and pop and was rightfully her best album since her '90s masterpiece's Butterfly and Daydream as well as scoring the biggest hit of her career with... Essential track: "We Belong Together"


89. Britney Spears - In the Zone (2003). Britney's fourth album further pushed her sound away from the clean-cut bubblegum pop that launched her career and dabbled in an exciting mix of dance-pop, R&B, club and Jamaican-inspired sounds, thus delivering the best album of her career--also scoring three back to back worldwide hits. Essential track: Toxic

88. Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree (2005). Fall Out Boy delivered two very decent albums prior however their magnum opus came in the form of their third album that introduced the band to a more mainstream audience scoring their first major hit "Sugar We're Goin Down." Essential track: "Dance Dance"


87. Amy Whinehouse - Frank (2003). Before there was Back to Black (which comes up much later) there was Frank, the album that introduced Amy's soulful voice to the world as well as her effortless blend of soul, jazz and R&B. Essential track: "Stronger Than Me"


86. Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III (2008). Lil' Wayne's sixth album was perfect. It was first-week million-seller, rang well with critics, scored the rapper his first #1 and furthered his step into dethroning Jay-Z as the best rapper alive. Also you can't go wrong with solid beats and lyrics too. Essential track: "A Milli"


85. The Fray - How to Save a Life (2005). Alternative band The Fray had a fantastic debut, which landed them two major hits as well as being chock-full of brilliant pop/rock songs. Essential track: "How to Safe a Life"



84. Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). After two decent albums, Rihanna ascended to the forefront of pop with her third album, a more commanding blend of dance, pop and R&B scoring her one of the biggest hits of 2007 "Umbrella." Essential track: "Hate that I Love You"


83. Christina Aguilera - Stripped (2002). Like P!nk, after Christina's first album she needed a new edgier sound to further her career and with the help of songwriter Linda Perry, Stripped was born an unforgiving buffet of adult-pop, rock and R&B that didn't fail to portray the diversity of her voice. Essential track: "Beautiful"


82. Blake Lewis - Audio Day Dream (2007). Easily the best album from an American Idol runner-up. An enticing blend of pop, rock, soul, hip-hop and electronica. Essential track: "How Many Words"




81. Estelle - Shine (2008). With the help of John Legend, Estelle successfully delivered a great sophomore album, a mix of old-school and new soul even nabbing her one of the biggest hits of '08 with... Essential track: "American Boy"

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Best Albums of the 2000s (100-91)

100. Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Until Long (2007). A tenacious mix of pop, light funk and rock sure made Maroon 5's second album an admirable collection. Whilst more confident than their debut however not as solid. Essential track: "Makes Me Wonder"


99. Beyonce - Dangerously in Love (2003). Mostly famous for its breakthrough lead single "Crazy in Love," however still holds a handful of great tracks. It's the most strictly R&B Beyonce has been. Essential track: "Crazy in Love"


98. Janet Jackson - All for You (2001). Generally considered her last good album, Janet's seventh album delivered a subtle yet commanding mix of R&B, pop and dance with a provocative sexual twist. Essential track: "Come On Get Up"


97. Tweet - Southern Hummingbird (2002). Tweet was hot back in '02 landing her first hit "(Oops) Oh My," however the album wasn't so hot with critics, however still managed to burn me with seductive blend of acoustic and urban-orientated pop. Essential track: "Smoking Cigarettes"


96. Shakira - Laundry Service (2001). Shakira was the big breakout act of 2001, scoring her first major hit "Whenever, Wherever" and following it up just as successfully with acoustic ballad... Essential track: "Underneath Your Clothes"


95. Take That - The Circus (2008). After a highly successful reunion three years prior, Take That followed up their comeback album with a more restraint mix of light alternative rock and pop. Essential track: "Greatest Day"



94. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (2008). Whilst not a big-seller, critics sure didn't miss American Indie-rock band Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album's charm, nack for flawless hybrid sounds and dodgy but effective rhythms. Essential track: "A-Punk"


93. Michael Buble - Call Me Irresponsible (2007). This decades best mainstream jazz musician further pushed his distinctive sound for his third album earning him a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album the following year. Essential track: "That's Life"


92. Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion (2007). One of the hottest acts in pop in '07, Mika brought enthusiasm and creativity to the table for his Scissor Sisters-inspired debut album, scoring his first #1 hit with "Grace Kelly." Essential track: Happy Ending


91. Hard-Fi - Once Upon a Time in the West (2007). Spelthorne-based band Hard-Fi delivered an even more solid follow up to their debut, pursuing stronger melodies, grander sounds and bigger sound-scapes. Essential track: "Suburban Knights"

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