Top 10 Greatest Alternative Rock Albums

Okay, okay – so I know it’s been forever since my last post and I apologize but I’ve been working on this list and it’s been getting a little difficult to piece together – BUT IT”S FINALLY DONE! I know the title isn’t catchy but I’m proud to present the top 10 Greatest Alternative Rock Albums ever (in the opinion of Dave Ellsworth). *Please note - that these are all albums that were released in the last 15 years - so it's more of a "Modern Rock" list. Now I know that some of these may not be considered “Alternative Rock” but they all still fit into that category a little bit. I love all of these albums and I actually had a mountain of trouble picking them and placing them in this order. Basically this list is 10 of the greatest albums that I have ever heard, and I would (as I usually do) recommend to anyone who enjoys music.

1. Radiohead – In Rainbows (Disc 1 & 2): Released in the fall of 2007 via “you chose the price” download – In Rainbows shook the music world before it had even been listened to. Little did people know that the release of the disc was only the foreshock. Radiohead’s 7th studio album pieces together 18 tracks, some old and some new, to create what I believe to be (and MANY others agree) as the greatest Alternative Rock Album Ever. First the release – Radiohead offered the album for download exclusively on their web site where you got to choose the price. Never in the history of commercial music had anything like this been done before. Now the music -The first 10 tracks were originally released online and in stores (later in 2008) and them by themselves are absolutely mind-blowing – but when you add the 8 bonus tracks on disc 2, then you’ve created 1 hour and 10 minutes of pure musical genius. Like every Radiohead album, In Rainbows flows gloriously from track to track while never wavering. This album features every strength of Radiohead from a multiple number of angles. Tracks like “All I Need” and “House of Cards” (Grammy nominated for greatest group performance) create a slow, almost entrancing atmosphere while “Bodysnatchers” and “Bangers and Mash” sporadically twist you about in a whirlwind of sound. Variation continues with songs like “Reckoner”, “Up on the Ladder” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” that all showcase the brilliance that is Radiohead. My favorite track hands down is “Down is the New Up” – with the strong piano carrying the tune all the way, this track is nothing but catchy and memorable (Jigsaw comes in a close second). In Rainbows, Grammy nominated for best album of the year and Grammy award winner for best alternative album is truly a Mona Lisa for the world of music. It may take a few listens – but I promise that in time this album will never cease to amaze.

SPACE

2. Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head: Released in 2002, A Rush of Blood to the Head had to meet a high expectations to follow Coldplay’s debut Grammy award winning album Parachutes – and did it ever. Fans fell in love with Coldplay from tracks on Parachutes like “Yellow” and “Everything’s Not Lost” but I don’t think they were expecting this. A Rush of Blood to the Head showcases Coldplay’s incredible talent and creativity and will be seen nothing less than a musical masterpiece. This album takes you through a roller coaster of ups and downs in both musically and lyrically. Tracks like “God Put a Smile on Your Face” and “Daylight” create a vibrant, almost dark atmosphere that makes your head spin while tacks like “The Scientist” (my favorite) and the perfect closing number, “Amsterdam” build from simple piano to a swell of symphonic genius. Probably the most recognizable Coldplay track ever, “Clocks” is in itself a journey where an unforgettable beat driven by the ever present piano riff create an experience that is hard to forget. This is one of my favorite albums ever, but it is not the end of Coldplay’s genius (go listen to Viva la Vida). Coldplay will forever been seen as one of the greatest artists of our time, and A Rush of Blood to the Head will serve as proof to that fact.

3. The Fray – How to Save A Life: Back in 2005 the Fray released How to Save a Life and it took me 3 years to actually realize how brilliant this piece of music was. As I’m sure everyone did, I heard their songs on the radio being played (many, many times) and my only thoughts were “hey – they’re pretty good”. Well when it comes to this album that is quite the understatement. The Fray have compiled 12 tracks that take you through a journey of pain and triumph, with all lyrics being sung by one hell of a voice. Isaac Slade, lead singer and pianist leads this four piece with mind-blowing piano techniques and his very divergent voice. Powerful tracks like “Cable Car”, “Look After You” and my personal favorite, “How to Save a Life” create such a strong emotion that carries you through this definitive album. Never before have I heard so many passionate, powerful songs, in both music and lyrics, on one disc. The Fray’s How to Save a Life has become one of the most recognizable and memorable albums of the decade, and once you’ve taken a listen you’ll see clearly why.

4. Jack Johnson – In Between Dreams: Out of all the albums on list this is probably the only one that I can recite ALL of the lyrics to ever single song on (and there’s 14 tracks). Jack Johnson, now known as music’s greatest soft rocker has brought some of the most enjoyable, light hearted, and just purely relaxing music to society. Always accompanied by his acoustic guitar, Jack Johnson mixes the music of his homeland (Hawaii) with modern alternative rock to create a different type of alternative acoustic pop that makes quite the impression. Jack’s 3rd album In Between Dreams is, in my opinion, his masterpiece. In Between Dreams pieces together 14 very simple songs that grab your ears immediately. More impressive than his music have to be his lyrics - using complex rhyme sequences and abstract yet captivating words he will pull you in and have you singing along within minutes. Songs like “Better Together”, “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” and my favorite, “Breakdown” make this album shine even brighter than it already does. This album is phenomenal, seriously – you will like it, your kids will like and your parents will like it – no matter what age you are.

5. Death Cab For Cutie – Plans: I don’t know how many people would agree with this statement but I believe that Death Cab For Cutie could be titled the most successful Indie band ever. From their release of the very successful Transatlanticism in 2003, Death Cab was on their way to stardom – yet little did fans know that something much more monumental was in the works. Plans, released in 2005, showcases the veteran bands incredible talent in 11 consistently astonishing songs (seriously, not one of them is bad) while still creating a natural flow to the album. Death Cab for Cutie creates a very serene sound that is rarely heard in music today, by keeping the volume down and mood mellow. Every song on this album is great, but one, “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” shines especially bright. Featuring just an acoustic guitar and vocals, this simple track carries so much depth and will have you listening constantly. My brother who normally listens to punk and hardcore rock absolutely loves this album, which really saying something (believe me). Plans is an indie music masterpiece bringing together lyrical genius, astounding music and soothing vocals that will carry itself through the airwaves and directly into your emotions.

6. Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape: The Foo Fighter’s have definitely come a long way since there sophomore album The Colour and the Shape yet I truly believe that this one is there best work and still one of the greatest rock albums ever. There most recent album - Echoes, Silence, Patience,& Grace came very close (would be #11 on this list) but this still Trumps. Colour and the Shape showcases Dave Grohl’s (drummer for Nirvana) explosive vocals and his fantastic songwriting ability. One great thing about this album is that every song is so different from the previous. Songs like “Monkey Wrench” and “Enough Space” certainly bring the rock while other like “Doll” and “See You” show a softer side that is later seen more clearly in In Your Honor. A great example of both styles can be heard in my personal favorite song “February Stars” – which begins very serenely and builds to a hard rocking explosion. Milestone songs like “My Hero” and “Everlong” really bring this album together as a whole and only make it that much better than it already is.

SPACE

7. Radiohead – The Bends: Please notice that Radiohead is the only band on here that has two albums listed, which should be an immediate testament to their awesomeness. I love every single album that Radiohead has ever put out – but I would have to say that The Bends is my favorite (but In Rainbows is the best). When I was first introduced to Radiohead I was not the biggest fan. Over time I realized truly how amazing they actually were and how The Bends proves that in full. This alternative border-line punk album brings together 11 fantastic songs that (like all Radiohead albums) flow o-so-smoothly together. Tracks like “Planet Telex” and “The Bends” masterfully being the album while the dark and entrancing “Street Spirit” bring it to a close. Not to go unnoticed, right in the middle are the juicy “Just” and “My Iron Lung” that pack quite the rock n’ roll punch. Lastly, this album includes two of the greatest Alternative rock songs ever written, “High and Dry” and “Fake Plastic Trees” that acoustically take you through a journey that is not easily forgotten.

8. The Frames – Fitzcarraldo: The Frames began as a small band in Dublin, Ireland – with lead singer Glen Hansard at the head. Throughout the next 13 years and 5 albums the Frames grew to become one of the best known bands from the small island of Ireland. Just this last year (2008) Glen Hansard, along with Markéta Irglová won the Oscar for Best Song,“Falling Slowly” from the movie Once. Out of those 5 albums, I believe (and my brothers disagree with me) that their very first album, Fitzcarraldo is the best. Fitzcarraldo brings a calming yet vibrant mood that takes you to diverse places that will bring out a plethora of mixed emotions. Tracks like “Revelate” and “Evergreen” bring such power while tracks like “Red Chord” and my favorite, “Fitzcarraldo” send a soothing tingle down your spine. With Glens, soft, yet powerful voice next to the ever present chill of the violin, this album will consistently grab your ears with every listen.

9. Cold War Kids – Robbers and Cowards: There was no way that I was going to make a best albums list and not include this one. If you read below (Cold War Kids – Loyalty to Loyalty) I have already boasted a bit about the Cold War Kids first album. Robbers and Cowards is one of the most interestingly different albums that I have been attracted to. The Cold War Kids use jazz style of piano with an over amped bass to create this different type of Alternative Rock, that borderlines on the Blues genre. Robbers and Cowards is a fantastic introduction to the bands career. I’m telling you - this album is good, it sat in my car for 6 months at least, and I continually listened to it. The first two songs on the disc, “We Used to Vacation” and “Hang Me Up to Dry” will have you immediately interested. It may take a couple listens to get used to you but trust me when I say, this not an album that you want to pass by.

10. Green Day – American Idiot: 4 years since their last album release, Green Day, one of the most successful punk rock bands from the 1990’s, continued to remain silent. Come 2004 Green Day emerged from their long silence and released American Idiot. Now I was not a Green Day fan at all before this album, but once this hit stores I, along with millions of others, was blown away. American Idiot is a stunning and bit surprising piece of work from the punk rock trio, and was awarded “Best Rock Album” at the 2005 Grammy’s. Now I know this album caused a lot of controversy in the punk scene but I don’t care what anyone says - this album is a milestone. From the fast paced punk beat songs like “American Idiot” and my personal favorite “St. Jimmy”; to the slower rock ballads like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Wake me up when September Ends”, this album is absolutely amazing. With over half of the songs on the album becoming hits, American Idiot is and always will be a piece of rock n’ roll history to remember.