As the clock strikes midnight at the end of 2019 we will officially be in a brand new decade, and as we look hopeful to the future of new music, it’s always a good idea to look at the past. Especially the last decade, where we’ve seen Pop music evolve drastically with the rise of higher internet speeds and streaming, allowing us to have any song we want with a press of a finger. I’ve made a list of MY Top 10 albums of the last decade. These are albums that I still listen to regularly, albums that shocked me, left me in awe and changed me as a listener. They also challenged and inspired me to be a better musician and writer and have also shaped me as the avid music critic I am today. So let’s get started on the ALD nostalgia trip of the last decade!
10. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (2011)
The question back in 2009, once Noel Gallagher quit Oasis, was will he release his own music? Fans of the Britpop icon waited patiently for a sign and in 2011 he released his debut solo album. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds was a triumph and a realisation that Noel can be successful without the baggage of Oasis. With exceptional writing and production, he managed to pull off an excellent album to rival his past-bands giant hit (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. From Britpop to psychedelic rock, the restraints were off and all bets were on the table culminating in an excellent ride.
9. Catfish & The Bottlemen – The Ride (2016)
Panned by critics but beloved by fans, Catfish & The Bottlemen‘s sophomore album, The Ride, sent the welsh boys from playing in pubs to headlining festivals all over the globe. With it’s energised production and catchy choruses, it’s easy not to fall in love with this album. For me, it made the decade list for its personal effect, giving me reassurance that rhythm guitar based tunes can still live and breath within in the hearts of today’s youth.
8. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
When the entire world hates you, what would you do? For Kanye West, he does what he does best, exiles himself to the studio and writes one of the greatest hip hop albums of the decade. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the culmination of Kanye‘s ability to block out all the noise and create a masterpiece. With mega hits like Power, Runaway, Monster and All of The Lights, the album was a hand written apology to the music industry that would wipe the slate clean of all past sins. Many modern artists now cite it as their inspiration and now become the master blueprint for work this decade.
7. Sharks – No Gods (2012)
A debut album that got missed by many and is undoubtedly underrated. No Gods, is essentially 11 infectious punk anthems with timeless melodies, explosive energy and an edge that’s tempered by intricate guitar riffs and harmonies. Sharks were able to capture the British punk sound of the late 70’s and early 80’s and modernise it for a today’s audience.
6. The Story So Far – Under Soil and Dirt (2011)
Heading into the decade, pop punk was beginning to become a bit stale with legends of old maturing and moving on from their classic sounds. Enter the young and hungry, The Story So Far, who turned the genre upside down and changed it for the better. By incorporating a heavier style of pop punk and using elements of post hardcore, they released their debut album, Under Soil and Dirt, with much praise. While vocalist, Parker Cannon, invoked a change in the classic whine style of singing with a more aggressive and edgier sound that represented the emotional lyrics much better. Their later work has definitely grown in maturity and significance, but this debut changed the rules and ignited a spark in a dying genre.
5. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (2010)
With two huge releases already under their belt, the sky was the limit for animated band, Gorillaz. So where do you go next? Conceptually and metaphorically, escape to an island made from the worlds rubbish. One of the best concept albums of the last decade, which explores the mistreatment of our own world as it affects our favourite animated musicians. With a list of legendary musical cameos and mixture of genres, ranging from hip hop, RnB, electro and pop there’s nothing not to love on Plastic Beach.
4. Gang of Youths – Go Further In Lightness (2017)
It’s a long one, but listen to Go Farther In Lightness in its entirety and you’ll be engulfed on a journey of triumphs and tragedies and come out on the other side a better person. Each song builds on one another in a perfect way with somber moments of reflection and moments that make you wanna throw a defiant fist in the air. The musicianship is incredible with every note having a purpose and having a energetic essence to provoke any listener to get up and move. It’s a timeless album and one that should boost Gang Of Youths into the next tier of great Australian rock bands.
3. Sharks – Selfhood (2013)
Yes, I know what your thinking, 2 albums by the same band make it into the top 10?! Look, Sharks, are probably one of my favourite bands of the last decade and both of their albums have had major effects on me. When you compare the two together, they can sound pretty similar, but to me there is so much growth and composure in Selfhood, I can’t help but list it. Where No Gods was an ode to the late 70’s with it’s Clash like influences, Selfhood is an ode to the early 80’s and it’s Smiths similarities. It’s also a much more personal album, written with the most beautiful lyrics that could jump right out of a poetry book, accompanied with the most intricate melodies. Who knew British punk could be so heartbreaking.
2. The Vaccines – What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? (2011)
One of the best debut albums in a long time, and a true indie rock sound that is timeless. Full of ambitious energy and adrenaline, The Vaccines produce a wall of sound of surfer rock meets shoegazing romance, based around three simple chords. A perfect example of lightning in a bottle.
1. The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018)
Here it is, number one, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships. The third album from English band The 1975, breaks the mould of previous works and changes the game with its multiple genres, excellent production, and clever writing with a view on today’s internet based society. It’s a very smart album, that can be light, serious, heartbreaking, fun and completely modern yet sound instantly classic at the same time. How it manages to phase though electro beats into brushed-snare jazz balladry without deterring the listener still amazes me. Healy‘s lyrical content is extremely witty yet intelligent and doesn’t once come across egotistic. A must hear and a modern classic, I would insist everyone to listen to this masterpiece from start to finish!
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