Album Releases by User Score

Funeral 1.

Funeral

by Arcade Fire
September 14, 2004
The Montreal band founded by husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne make their full-length debut with this highly anticipated disc.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.9
American Idiot 2.

American Idiot

by Green Day
September 21, 2004
Structured as a rock opera complete with 9-minute-plus songs and a somewhat complicated storyline, 'American Idiot' is the Berkeley punk band's first album in over four years.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.9
SMiLE 3.

SMiLE

by Brian Wilson
September 28, 2004
Well, better 37 years late than never. Originally intended to be the Beach Boys' 1967 follow-up to their legendary 'Pet Sounds,' 'Smile' was finally recorded as originally intended in April 2004 by Wilson and his current band, including co-songwriter Van Dyke Parks.
Metascore:
97
User Score:
7.9
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb 4.

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

by U2
November 23, 2004
The band's first new album since 2000, a more stripped-down, "classic U2" disc than previous efforts, was recorded chiefly with producer Steve Lillywhite, with Chris Thomas and Nellee Hooper also helming some tracks.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.2
College Dropout 5.

College Dropout

by Kanye West
February 10, 2004
The in-demand Chicago-based producer makes his debut with the help of guests Ludacris, Jay-Z, Mos Def, Dirt McGirt, and more.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.4
Encore 6.

Encore

by Eminem
November 12, 2004
The fourth full studio album for the multi-platinum superstar features appearances from Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg and D-12.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.5
Madvillainy 7.

Madvillainy

by Madvillain
March 23, 2004
'Madvillainy' is a collaboration between rapper MF Doom and producer Madlib.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
8.9
Hot Fuss 8.

Hot Fuss

by The Killers
June 15, 2004
'Hot Fuss' marks the debut for the Las Vegas-based garage rockers led by 22-year old vocalist/songwriter Brandon Flowers.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.6
Franz Ferdinand 9.

Franz Ferdinand

by Franz Ferdinand
March 9, 2004
The most hyped band to come out of the UK in early 2004 is Glasgow, Scotland's Franz Ferdinand, an art-rock quartet who make their full-length debut with this self-titled release, the winner of the UK's coveted Mercury Music Prize in 2004.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.6
Absolution 10.

Absolution

by Muse
March 23, 2004
A commercial and critical success in the UK upon its release in the fall of 2003, 'Absolution' marks the third album for the English rockers (who frequently draw comparisons to Radiohead--but then again, who doesn't?). It also marks their first time working with producer Rich Costey.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.8
A Grand Don't Come For Free 11.

A Grand Don't Come For Free

by The Streets
May 18, 2004
Mike Skinner returns with the inenviable job of following up his genre-smashing debut 'Original Pirate Material,' which was an enormous critical and commercial hit in the UK and paved the way for the success of later acts such as Dizzee Rascal.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.9
Love, Angel, Music, Baby 12.

Love, Angel, Music, Baby

by Gwen Stefani
November 23, 2004
The solo debut for the No Doubt vocalist features an eclectic group of guests, including Martin Gore, Andre 3000, The Neptunes, New Order, Wendy & Lisa and Dr. Dre.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
Good News For People Who Love Bad News 13.

Good News For People Who Love Bad News

by Modest Mouse
April 6, 2004
Produced by Dennis Herring (Camper Van Beethoven), the latest release from the Seattle-based indie rockers sees a return of guitarist Dann Gallucci (last with the band on Sad Sappy Sucker) and a new drummer (Benjamin Weikel) as well as a guest spot from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Antics 14.

Antics

by Interpol
September 28, 2004
The New York-based foursome of Paul Banks, Carlos D., Sam Fogarino and Daniel Kessler took indie rockers worldwide by storm (and made Matador a lot of money) with 2002's 'Turn On The Bright Lights,' which introduced their neck-stabbing guitar-rock mix of Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, and all of your other favorite 80s bands. That captivating sound returns on this sophomore release, which features many of the new tracks ("Narc," "Length Of Love," etc.) which first debuted live during their relentless touring over the past two years.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Boy In Da Corner 15.

Boy In Da Corner

by Dizzee Rascal
January 20, 2004
This is the debut disc for the 18-year-old London-based rapper (born Dylan Mills), who has been heralded by (among others) Uncut magazine as "good as any MC currently active on Earth."
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.8
Under My Skin 16.

Under My Skin

by Avril Lavigne
May 25, 2004
Ditching the production team (The Matrix) who made her first album a hit, Lavigne turned to fellow Canadians Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida to write and produce this sophomore disc.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.2
Medulla 17.

Medulla

by Björk
August 31, 2004
What the Icelandic singer's fifth album lacks in instrumentation (although there is a bit, provided by members of Matmos, Mum, and other collaborators), it makes up for with voices--lots and lots of voices. Think everything from beatboxing (including contributions from The Roots' Rahzel), choirs and Inuit throat-singing to, well, Mike Patton.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Autobiography 18.

Autobiography

by Ashlee Simpson
July 20, 2004
A bit more "rock" than her older sister Jessica, the 19-year-old former ("7th Heaven") and current (her own MTV reality show) TV star makes her recording debut with these 11 tracks produced by John Shanks.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
6.2
Vol 3: (The Subliminal Verses) 19.

Vol 3: (The Subliminal Verses)

by Slipknot
May 25, 2004
Rick Rubin produced this third LP for the popular mask-wearing Des Moines-based metal outfit, who are set to headline Ozzfest this summer.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.4
Still Not Getting Any 20.

Still Not Getting Any

by Simple Plan
October 26, 2004
Bob Rock (Metallica) produced this sophomore album for the Montreal-based pop-punk band.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
5.4
The Chronicles Of Life And Death 21.

The Chronicles Of Life And Death

by Good Charlotte
October 5, 2004
The twentysomething pop-punkers attempt to move past their past TRL success with a more mature follow-up to 2002's 'Young And The Hopeless.'
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.0
Hopes And Fears 22.

Hopes And Fears

by Keane
May 25, 2004
Yes, you'll see the word "Coldplay" in nearly every review for this debut disc, but the UK trio stand out from the crowd with their unconventional lineup of vocals, drums, and piano.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.6
Contraband 23.

Contraband

by Velvet Revolver
June 8, 2004
'Contraband' marks the debut LP for what basically amounts to Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) fronting Guns N Roses (including Duff McKagan and Slash).
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.0
Around The Sun 24.

Around The Sun

by R.E.M.
October 5, 2004
'Sun' is the 13th studio disc for R.E.M., who are joined here by frequent collaborators Ken Stringfellow and Scott McCaughey. Q-Tip also guest raps on "The Outsiders."
Metascore:
56
User Score:
7.2
Van Lear Rose 25.

Van Lear Rose

by Loretta Lynn
April 27, 2004
It's been over 40 years since she released her first album (and four since her last, 2000's 'Still Country'), but the coal miner's daughter returns to the spotlight with this 13-track effort (all Lynn-penned originals), produced by The White Stripes' Jack White.
Metascore:
97
User Score:
8.4
a ghost is born 26.

a ghost is born

by Wilco
June 22, 2004
When you record one of the most acclaimed albums of the decade, what do you do for an encore? If you are Jeff Tweedy & co., you return with both old (Jim O'Rourke again producing) and new (yet another lineup change) for your fifth studio LP.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
From A Basement On The Hill 27.

From A Basement On The Hill

by Elliott Smith
October 19, 2004
The late singer-songwriter was nearly done with this highly anticipated album at the time of his death in 2003.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.8
A Crow Left Of The Murder 28.

A Crow Left Of The Murder

by Incubus
February 3, 2004
The alt-metal band's first album since their 2001 hit 'Morning View' features a slightly different lineup, with Ben Kenney replacing bassist Dirk Lance. Brendan O'Brien produced.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.2
eMOTIVe 29.

eMOTIVe

by A Perfect Circle
November 2, 2004
Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan tackles a variety of covers on this latest from his side project, A Perfect Circle, including versions of songs by Depeche Mode ("People Are People"), Devo ("Freedom Of Choice") and Marvin Gaye ("What's Going On"). Also included are two originals.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
6.7
Scissor Sisters 30.

Scissor Sisters

by Scissor Sisters
July 27, 2004
Although a New York band, Scissor Sisters (as evidenced by this debut disc) are definitely not part of the typical New York scene, eschewing garage and no wave to embrace campier, glammier 70s and 80s rock and dance music sounds. Included here is the band's cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb."
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
Street's Disciple 31.

Street's Disciple

by Nas
November 30, 2004
Nas co-produced this double album along with Salaam Remi, Q-Tip and L.E.S. Also stopping by to lend a hand (or a voice) are Busta Rhymes, Kelis, Ludacris and Maxwell.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.0
Damita Jo 32.

Damita Jo

by Janet Jackson
March 30, 2004
The nipple-baring superstar's first album in three years features production from Dallas Austin, Babyface, Kanye West, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
6.3
Schizophrenic 33.

Schizophrenic

by JC Chasez
February 24, 2004
The former member of *NSync makes his solo debut with 'Schizophrenic,' working with a range of producers including Basement Jaxx.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
8.0
Chuck 34.

Chuck

by Sum 41
October 12, 2004
The Canadian punk-pop outfit returns with a fourth LP, produced by Greig Nori. The disc is named after a UN worker (Chuck Pelletier) who helped the band escape violence in the Congo while they were there shooting a film.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
8.8
To The 5 Boroughs 35.

To The 5 Boroughs

by Beastie Boys
June 15, 2004
The B-Boys, who have moved back to New York from their temporary home of Los Angeles, return with their first album in six years and their second to utilize the beats of Mixmaster Mike. These 15 tracks are all self-produced by the band (a first) and recall the style of their earliest work.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.6
Blueberry Boat 36.

Blueberry Boat

by The Fiery Furnaces
July 13, 2004
The brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger return with a second quirky, challenging and eclectic LP.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.4
With The Lights Out 37.

With The Lights Out

by Nirvana
November 23, 2004
This three-disc box set contains more than 50 previously unreleased recordings by the legendary Seattle band, including demos, live tracks, and alternate versions. Also included is an extensive bonus DVD filled with live performances.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.6
Astronaut 38.

Astronaut

by Duran Duran
October 12, 2004
'Astronaut' marks first album by Duran Duran's original lineup since 1983's 'Seven And The Ragged Tiger.' Dallas Austin and Don Gilmore are among the producers.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
8.3
You Are The Quarry 39.

You Are The Quarry

by Morrissey
May 18, 2004
Morrissey's first studio release since 1997 (and seventh overall) was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jerry Finn (Blink-182, Green Day) and longtime collaborators Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.7
Everybody Loves A Happy Ending 40.

Everybody Loves A Happy Ending

by Tears for Fears
September 14, 2004
A reunited Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal return with their first Tears For Fears album together in 15 years.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.7
The Futureheads 41.

The Futureheads

by The Futureheads
October 26, 2004
This debut LP from the English band certainly recalls English bands from the early 80s, most notably XTC.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
The Libertines 42.

The Libertines

by The Libertines
August 31, 2004
While some eponymous albums suggest a lack of creativity, the heralded UK rock outfit's sophomore disc is titled 'The Libertines' because it is indeed about The Libertines--or, more specifically, about the ongoing conflict between the band's two songwriters, Carlos Barat and Pete Doherty (the latter of whom was subsequently kicked out of the band after three failed rehab attempts). The Clash's Mick Jones returns as producer.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
Underneath 43.

Underneath

by Hanson
April 20, 2004
The three Hanson brothers (now ranging in age from 19 to 24) return with their third album, a full seven years after first hitting the pop charts.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.2
America's Sweetheart 44.

America's Sweetheart

by Courtney Love
February 10, 2004
The (we hope) ironically-titled 'America's Sweetheart' marks the solo debut for the former Hole leader, who co-wrote this album with Linda Perry and Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.0
Destiny Fulfilled 45.

Destiny Fulfilled

by Destiny's Child
November 16, 2004
Despite her burgeoning solo career, Beyonce Knowles has rejoined bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the first Destiny's Child album in 3 years.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
7.3
So-Called Chaos 46.

So-Called Chaos

by Alanis Morissette
May 18, 2004
The Canadian singer-songwriter returns with ten new songs, co-produced by Morissette with John Shanks and Tim Thorney.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
7.9
Winning Days 47.

Winning Days

by The Vines
March 23, 2004
Working once again with producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Guided By Voices, Elliot Smith), the Aussies return with a second LP.
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.4
MM..Food 48.

MM..Food

by MF Doom
November 16, 2004
MF Doom drops his first solo record (under the MF Doom name) since 1999's 'Operation Doomsday.'
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
Up All Night 49.

Up All Night

by Razorlight
October 26, 2004
One of 2004's Next Big Things in the UK music press, Razorlight make their full-length debut with this 13-track disc. Compared to the likes of Oasis and The Libertines, the band is led by self-proclaimed songwriting genius Johnny Borrell.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
7.4
Where You Want To Be 50.

Where You Want To Be

by Taking Back Sunday
July 27, 2004
The sophomore effort from the Long Island emo band was produced by Lou Giordano (Ataris), and features new vocalist Fred Mascherino (joining band founder Adam Lazzara).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.1
The Cure 51.

The Cure

by The Cure
June 29, 2004
The follow-up to 2000's 'Bloodflowers' sees Robert Smith & co. working with metal producer Ross Robinson (Limp Bizkit, Korn) for the first time (and apparently, he ate up so much of the recording budget that they couldn't afford an album cover artist).
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.6
Shadows Collide With People 52.

Shadows Collide With People

by John Frusciante
February 24, 2004
The Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist returns with a follow-up to his 2001 solo release, 'To Record Only Water For Ten Days.'
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.7
Last Exit 53.

Last Exit

by Junior Boys
September 21, 2004
This is the first full-length release from the hard-to-pin down Canadian synth-pop trio led by Jeremy Greenspan.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
7.8
Sung Tongs 54.

Sung Tongs

by Animal Collective
June 1, 2004
The Brooklyn-based collective (on this release, reduced to the duo of Avey Tare and Panda Bear) combine vocal harmonies, a pair of acoustic guitars, and diverse influences into a unique sound on this latest release.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
In Love And Death 55.

In Love And Death

by The Used
September 28, 2004
This is the third album for the Utah emo-rockers.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.6
Afrodisiac 56.

Afrodisiac

by Brandy
June 29, 2004
A ten-year music-industry veteran at age 25, Brandy returns with 15 new tracks, ditching long-time collaborator Rodney Jerkins in favor of producers Timbaland, Organized Noize and Kanye West.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
5.7
The Hunger For More 57.

The Hunger For More

by Lloyd Banks
June 29, 2004
This is the solo debut for Banks, a member of G Unit.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.8
The Grey Album 58.

The Grey Album

by Danger Mouse
February 3, 2004
DJ Danger Mouse's bootleg hit, which mixes together vocals from Jay-Z's 'The Black Album' and music from The Beatles' 'The White Album,' has brought legal action from Beatles record label EMI, preventing record stores from selling the album.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.1
Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned 59.

Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

by The Prodigy
September 14, 2004
Once one of the top dance/electronica acts in the world, The Prodigy topped the UK charts in 1997 with 'The Fat of the Land' and then... nothing. Until now. After their 2002 comeback single "Baby's Got A Temper" flopped, Prodigy leader Liam Howlett scrapped the album in progress, jettisoned vocalists Keith Flint and Maxim Reality, and took a second stab at recording, enlisting Liam Gallagher, Twista and Juliette Lewis to sing, rap, and howl over what eventually became 'Always Outnumbered.'
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.2
Has Been 60.

Has Been

by William Shatner
October 5, 2004
Yes, it 'has been' a long time since the last William Shatner album (and with good reason), but the veteran recording artist returns for this collaboration with Ben Folds. Other guests include Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann and Adrian Belew, but sadly, no Leonard Nimoy.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.7
Tyrannosaurus Hives 61.

Tyrannosaurus Hives

by The Hives
July 20, 2004
The Swedish garage-rockers return with their third full-length disc.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Fly Or Die 62.

Fly Or Die

by N.E.R.D
March 23, 2004
N.E.R.D., the rock-oriented trio of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who also make up the in-demand hip-hop production team The Neptunes) and Shay, return with a highly-anticipated second album. Unlike their previous effort, 'Fly' finds Chad & Pharrell handling the instrumentation themselves.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.5
Harmonium 63.

Harmonium

by Vanessa Carlton
November 9, 2004
The singer's second effort finds her teamed with Third Eye Blind leader (and current beau) Stephan Jenkins.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
7.9
You're A Woman, I'm A Machine 64.

You're A Woman, I'm A Machine

by Death from Above 1979
October 26, 2004
'You're A Woman' is the first album for the Canadian duo of vocalist/drummer Sebastien Grainger and bassist Jesse F. Keeler. It's a drum 'n' bass album in the literal sense of the term, as those are the only two instruments (aside from a very infrequent synthesizer) on the record.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
Baptism 65.

Baptism

by Lenny Kravitz
May 18, 2004
Kravitz handled virtually all of the instruments for this seventh album, which features a guest appearance from Jay-Z on the track "Storm."
Metascore:
43
User Score:
4.9
Final Straw 66.

Final Straw

by Snow Patrol
March 30, 2004
The Scottish band led by Gary Lightbody (also leader of the Reindeer Section) returns with a third LP.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.6
Start Something 67.

Start Something

by Lostprophets
February 3, 2004
This is the second album for the nu-metal band out of Wales.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.6
Futures 68.

Futures

by Jimmy Eat World
October 19, 2004
The Arizona emo band returns with a follow-up to their successful 2001 self-titled effort. Gil Norton produced.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.5
Crimes 69.

Crimes

by The Blood Brothers
October 12, 2004
The fourth album for the abrasive, Seattle-based punk-rockers was produced by John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead).
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.6
D12 World 70.

D12 World

by D12
April 27, 2004
The Eminem-led collective (whose 2001 debut was a huge commercial success) returns with a second full-length, with production from the likes of Dr. Dre, Mr. Porter, Eminem and Kanye West.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
6.8
Seven Swans 71.

Seven Swans

by Sufjan Stevens
March 16, 2004
The indie singer-songwriter's fourth solo album, produced by Danielson Famile's Daniel Smith, follows on the heels of his critically-lauded 2003 effort 'Greetings From Michigan.'
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.8
Weightlifting 72.

Weightlifting

by Trash Can Sinatras
August 31, 2004
The fourth album for the veteran Scottish band is their first album release in eight years and first U.S. release since 1993's 'I've Seen Everything.'
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts 73.

Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

by M83
July 27, 2004
The second release from French electronica duo M83 takes shoegaze classics such as 'Loveless' as an inspiration, with synths taking the place of guitars.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Concrete Rose 74.

Concrete Rose

by Ashanti
December 14, 2004
This third album for the Murder Inc. singer includes an appearance from Ja Rule.
Metascore:
47
User Score:
3.6
Summer In Abaddon 75.

Summer In Abaddon

by Pinback
October 12, 2004
This is the third album for the indie rock outfit led by Armistead Burwell Smith IV (formerly of 3 Mile Pilot) and Rob Crow.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.5
Rubber Factory 76.

Rubber Factory

by The Black Keys
September 7, 2004
The blues-rock duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return with their third album, so-named because it was recorded in a deserted rubber (tire) factory.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
Straight Outta Ca$hville 77.

Straight Outta Ca$hville

by Young Buck
August 24, 2004
'Cashville' is the solo debut for the G-Unit member (who in real life is Nashville, Tenn. native David Brown). Production on the disc is handled by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Lil' Jon, with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks also making appearances.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.7
The Dirty South 78.

The Dirty South

by Drive-By Truckers
August 24, 2004
No, the Drive-By Truckers haven't gone all gangsta rap on us; the title is just one example of the southern rockers' playful side. Founders Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley remain, although their surrounding cast has changed a bit since the acclaimed 'Decoration Day.'
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.6
Ambulance Ltd 79.

Ambulance Ltd

by Ambulance Ltd
March 23, 2004
This self-titled effort marks the full-length debut for the Brooklyn-based shoegazers.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus 80.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus

by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
October 26, 2004
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 13th album actually spans two separate discs, each produced by Nick Launay. And speaking of the Bad Seeds, longtime member Blixa Bargeld has been replaced by James Johnston (Gallon Drunk).
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.6
The Tipping Point 81.

The Tipping Point

by The Roots
July 13, 2004
Whereas its predecessor (2002's acclaimed 'Phrenology') clocked in at 79 minutes, 'The Tipping Point' is a concise 45-minute listen, featuring guests Devin The Dude, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jean Grae and Television's Dave Chappelle.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.9
Seventy Two & Sunny 82.

Seventy Two & Sunny

by Uncle Kracker
June 29, 2004
Kenny Chesney guests on '72 & Sunny,' the third solo disc for the Kid Rock protege.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
3.0
Sonic Nurse 83.

Sonic Nurse

by Sonic Youth
June 8, 2004
The veteran New York band, again operating as a five-piece (with Jim O'Rourke still in the group), return with a successor to one of their best albums in recent memory, 2002's 'Murray Street.'
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
The Greater Wrong Of The Right 84.

The Greater Wrong Of The Right

by Skinny Puppy
May 25, 2004
A reunited Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key return with their first Skinny Puppy album in eight years, with Ken Marshall (Tool) producing. (Apparently, their brand of hardcore political industrial noise is only needed during Republican administrations.)
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.8
Bows & Arrows 85.

Bows & Arrows

by The Walkmen
February 3, 2004
Although lumped in with the New York garage-rock scene, The Walkmen (which includes members of defunct bands Jonathan Fire Eater and The Recoys) stand out by incorporating a wider range of influences and instrumentation. (Plus, they own their own New York recording studio, which puts them about as far from an actual garage as you can get). This is the band's second LP, which follows their acclaimed 2002 debut 'Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone.'
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
Patience 86.

Patience

by George Michael
May 18, 2004
Patience is indeed a requirement for fans of the former Wham! member, as this is just his fourth solo album of original material and first in eight years.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.0
Finally Woken 87.

Finally Woken

by Jem
March 23, 2004
Wales' Jem Griffiths makes her debut with this 11-track LP, which combines her vocals with downtempo electronica from Jem and collaborator Yoad Nevo, reminding critics of recent albums from Dido and Zero 7.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.3
So Jealous 88.

So Jealous

by Tegan and Sara
September 14, 2004
The Canadian folk-rock twins return with their third album.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.6
Peachtree Road 89.

Peachtree Road

by Elton John
November 9, 2004
The veteran singer's first completely self-produced album is his first studio recording since 2001's 'Songs From The West Coast.'
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.0
Blue Cathedral 90.

Blue Cathedral

by Comets On Fire
July 27, 2004
The psychedelic indie-rockers from Santa Cruz, Calif. make their Sub Pop debut with this third disc. Guitarist Ben Chasny has been added to the lineup, supplementing the original quartet led by vocalist/guitarist Ethan Miller.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.1
Confessions 91.

Confessions

by Usher
March 23, 2004
Among the producers and guest vocalists appearing on Usher's fourth album are Ludacris, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.9
Our Endless Numbered Days 92.

Our Endless Numbered Days

by Iron & Wine
March 23, 2004
Miami, Fla. singer-songwriter Sam Beam (who moonlights as a cinematography professor) returns with his second album, recorded with Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Red Red Meat) at the helm.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes 93.

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

by TV on the Radio
March 9, 2004
Brooklyn art-rockers TV On The Radio make their full-length debut with this release. The trio consists of vocalist/animator Tunde Adebimpe, multi-instrumentalist/producer David Andrew Sitek (who produced the Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut) and guitarist Kyp Malone.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Body Language 94.

Body Language

by Kylie Minogue
February 10, 2004
The dance-pop diva, still going strong at 35, returns with a new album.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.2
Mind Body & Soul 95.

Mind Body & Soul

by Joss Stone
September 28, 2004
?uestlove, Angie Stone and Nile Rogers guest on the 18-year-old soul singer's sophomore effort.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.4
Borrowed Heaven 96.

Borrowed Heaven

by The Corrs
June 8, 2004
The Irish quartet returns with their first studio disc in four years, which sees them working with producer Olle Romo for the first time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo guest on the title track.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.1
Bubblegum 97.

Bubblegum

by Mark Lanegan Band
August 10, 2004
The former Screaming Trees member and Queens Of The Stone Age collaborator returns with his sixth solo album, credited to the Mark Lanegan Band. Guests include Ween, PJ Harvey, Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri and Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
The Empire Strikes First 98.

The Empire Strikes First

by Bad Religion
June 8, 2004
The veteran Southern California hardcore punk band returns with--as you may have guessed from the title--a political-themed disc, complete with carefully-footnoted lyrics.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.4
Honkin' On Bobo 99.

Honkin' On Bobo

by Aerosmith
March 30, 2004
The latest LP from Steven Tyler & co. includes just one original ("The Grind") with the remainder of the tracks occupied by covers of blues standards.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.0
Educated Guess 100.

Educated Guess

by Ani DiFranco
January 20, 2004
The singer-songwriter's latest is a solo release in every sense of the word, as DiFranco wrote, produced, played, and sang everything on the album (not to mention releasing it on her own record label).
Metascore:
67
User Score:
6.9

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

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