The Best Five Albums of the Last Ten Years

Everyone has a certain musical artist that they've come to love. Usually we love that artist because of consistency. They're the special musicians who produce amazing work over and over again. While, most bands struggle after their first album, there are a select few who keep it going for years.

With that, I'll share what I personally think are the best five albums of the last ten years.

#5.

Appeal to Reason
Artist: Rise Against
Notable Songs: "From Heads Unworthy" and "Whereabouts Unknown"



Just an overall great listen. Every song is catchy, and transitions seamlessly from track to track. A solid mix of rock and alternative sounds. The band has an amazingly fresh sound. Not one to conform to the hundreds of bands out there, Rise Against show a lot of old school punk sounds in their work, while maintaining a unique modern edge.


#4.

Mezmerize
Artist: System of a Down
Notable Songs: "Radio / Video" and "Question!"

This album is just... well it's simply insane. Sporadic and random. Amazing guitar riffs and drum work. Of course all of this is highlighted by their lead singer, Serj Tankian. Very abstract and influential commentary that deal with issues of both society, and modern politics.


#3.

Iowa
Artist: Slipknot
Notable Songs: "Skin Ticket" and "My Plague"

Probably one of the angriest albums ever created. Unlike most "aggro" albums, Slipknot once again, does not just throw in lyrics that sound catchy. They write lyrics that actually mean something. I know, how strange is that? Filled with great drumming by Joey Jordison and the growling verses spat at you by Corey Taylor, the band manages to punch you right in the face with their sound. At the same time you want to just come back for more. Iowa, is simply put as a sick, disgusting and beautiful sound.






#2.

Overcome
Artist: All That Remains
Notable Songs: "Days Without" and "Do Not Obey"

Everything is amazing. The drumming - flawless. Some of the sickest guitarwork that's been heard work in awhile. And Phil Labonte's mix of vocals is astounding. Every song of the album is catchy, while five or six, could easily be successful singles.


#1.

The Battle of Los Angeles
Artist: Rage Against the Machine
Notable Songs: "Born of a Broken Man" and "Sleep Now In The Fire"

Only very recently has this band become one of my favourites. Although having only listened to the album four or five times, songs like "Born of a Broken Man" have been played in my head by the dozen. A solid mix of hip-hop, rock and funk, every song is a classic that will undoubtedly receive their fair share of playtime on my iPod. Much like the aforementioned "Mezmerize," this album takes upon itself the duty of not only questioning, but influencing our society and political systems. With refined aggression, extraordinary musicianship and a strong lyrical message, "The Battle of Los Angeles" is the best album to be released in the last twenty years.