Album Releases by User Score

blink-182 1.

blink-182

by blink-182
November 18, 2003
Definitely not your typical blink-182 album, this eponymous release finds the once-juvenile band finally showing a mature side, and winning critics over in the process. The Cure's Robert Smith guests on one track.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.7
Me & Giuliani Down By the School Yard (A True Story) [EP] 2.

Me & Giuliani Down By the School Yard (A True Story) [EP]

by !!! [Chik Chik Chik]
June 3, 2003
Search engines hate them, but !!! (pronounced "Chik Chik Chik," of course) are popular with live audiences for their funkier, dancier (yes, that's a word--trust us) approach to indie music. The Sacramento band shares three members with Out Hud, and this is their 2-song debut for Touch And Go (with a full album to follow in 2004).
Metascore:
83
User Score:
6.3
Meteora 3.

Meteora

by Linkin Park
March 25, 2003
This long-awaited follow-up to 2000's 'Hybrid Theory' contains 12 new tracks co-produced by Don Gilmore.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.8
Deftones 4.

Deftones

by Deftones
May 20, 2003
This self-titled release is the fourth studio album for the California alt-metal outfit.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.5
Hail To The Thief 5.

Hail To The Thief

by Radiohead
June 10, 2003
Not quite the return to the "rock" side of Radiohead as originally believed (although pretty close), the band's sixth album (produced again by Nigel Godrich) retains some of the experimental electronica elements of its predecessors Kid A and Amnesiac. Note that each of the tracks on the album has an alternate title, as does the album itself (aka 'The Gloaming').
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Elephant 6.

Elephant

by The White Stripes
April 1, 2003
For their major label debut (and fourth LP overall), the Detroit-based duo of Jack and Meg White offer up 14 new tracks, all recorded in London and (fortunately) showing absolutely no trace of major label production values. Meg White takes a rare turn behind the microphone on a couple of tracks, as does guest Holly Golightly on the closing "It's True That We Love One Another."
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.6
In The Zone 7.

In The Zone

by Britney Spears
November 18, 2003
The Pepsi spokesperson's fourth LP includes guest vocals from Madonna (on lead single "Me Against The Music") and production work from Moby, R. Kelly, the Matrix, and Guy Sigsworth (but no Max Martin).
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.1
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below 8.

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

by Outkast
September 23, 2003
This Grammy-winning follow-up to their smash 2000 hit 'Stankonia' is an OutKast album in name only, as it is structured in the form of two solo discs: one each for Big Boi (Speakerboxxx) and Andre 3000 (The Love Below).
Metascore:
91
User Score:
8.7
St. Anger 9.

St. Anger

by Metallica
June 10, 2003
As the title implies, the metal band is just as, well, angry as ever on their first new studio album since 'Load' and 'Reload' appeared in 1996 and 1997. Just don't try downloading it for free--then you'll see some real anger.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
5.5
American Life 10.

American Life

by Madonna
April 22, 2003
Madonna's second collaboration with French electronic producer Mirwais includes the lead single title track as well as her recent James Bond theme, "Die Another Day."
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.5
The Secret Of Elena's Tomb [EP] 11.

The Secret Of Elena's Tomb [EP]

by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
April 1, 2003
Trail of Dead fans waiting for the band's follow-up to 2002's 'Source Tags & Codes' will have to make do, for now, with this 5-track EP (which also contains three videos).
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.3
Get Rich Or Die Tryin' 12.

Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

by 50 Cent
February 6, 2003
If you're even reading this, you most likely already know the life story of Queens' Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), whose first attempt at rap stardom in the mid 1990s ended in a brutal attack that almost cost him his life. In recent years, however, 50 Cent was lucky enough to hook up with Eminem (who signed him) and producer Dr. Dre, which resulted in a track on the 8 Mile soundtrack and now this, his much-anticipated first full-length release.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.5
Seal IV 13.

Seal IV

by Seal
September 9, 2003
Never one for original album titles, Seal returns with just his fourth LP in his 12+ year recording career. Trevor Horn produces.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
8.7
Thirteenth Step 14.

Thirteenth Step

by A Perfect Circle
September 16, 2003
Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan's side project returns with a second LP on which he's backed by Jeordie "Twiggy Ramirez" White (Marilyn Manson), Billy Howerdel (Tool's guitar tech) and Josh Freese (Guns N' Roses).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
Dangerously In Love 15.

Dangerously In Love

by Beyoncé
June 24, 2003
This is the solo debut for former Destiny's Child member Beyonce Knowles.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.6
Mount Eerie 16.

Mount Eerie

by The Microphones
January 21, 2003
The Microphones is an alias for Washington state-based Phil Elvrum, who returns here with a five-part concept album named after a mountain in his home state. The album is also being released in two limited edition alternate versions, one an a capella version called "Singing from 'Mt. Eerie,'" and one a drums-only version (!) called, naturally, "Drumming from 'Mt. Eerie.'"
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.5
The Black Album 17.

The Black Album

by Jay-Z
November 14, 2003
The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Chutes Too Narrow 18.

Chutes Too Narrow

by The Shins
October 21, 2003
Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.3
The Coral 19.

The Coral

by The Coral
March 4, 2003
This debut effort from Liverpool's The Coral is an inventive mix of numerous musical styles.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
Room On Fire 20.

Room On Fire

by The Strokes
October 28, 2003
This eagerly-awaited second LP for the heralded/hyped New York five-piece was produced by Gordon Raphael (who also produced their debut 'Is This It?') after aborted sessions working with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Get Born 21.

Get Born

by Jet
October 7, 2003
'Get Born' marks the debut of the Australian garage-rock quartet Jet.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.2
Transatlanticism 22.

Transatlanticism

by Death Cab for Cutie
October 7, 2003
This is the fourth album for the Washington-based indie group led by Ben Gibbard (also of the Postal Service) and Chris Walla.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
The Diary Of Alicia Keys 23.

The Diary Of Alicia Keys

by Alicia Keys
December 2, 2003
The neo-soul singer returns two years after the success of 'Songs In A Minor' with this sophomore disc.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.6
Reality 24.

Reality

by David Bowie
September 16, 2003
'Reality' finds a now 56-year-old David Bowie working once again with longtime producer Tony Visconti. Included among the 11 tracks is a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso."
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.3
Liz Phair 25.

Liz Phair

by Liz Phair
June 24, 2003
The far-from-prolific singer-songwriter's fourth album finds a 36-year-old Liz Phair trying to be... Avril Lavigne? Yes, her sound has changed quite a bit since her acclaimed 1993 debut 'Exile in Guyville,' taking on a glossy pop sheen on this release, thanks to production by the Matrix (as well as Michael Penn and Pete Yorn, we might add--but the Matrix????).
Metascore:
40
User Score:
6.2
Deja Entendu 26.

Deja Entendu

by Brand New
June 17, 2003
This sophomore disc finds the young emo band expanding on its sound with the help of producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Quicksand).
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.8
Results May Vary 27.

Results May Vary

by Limp Bizkit
September 23, 2003
The critics were not kind to this follow-up to 'Chocolate Starfish...,' which sees the band with a new guitarist (who won the slot in a competition held at various Guitar Centers!) replacing the departed Wes Borland.
Metascore:
33
User Score:
4.2
Think Tank 28.

Think Tank

by Blur
May 6, 2003
The veteran Britpop outfit's first new album in four years is the result of tumultuous recording sessions in Morocco with producer Fatboy Slim, which saw a growing dispute between co-founders Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon culminate in Coxon's departure from the band. Fatboy Slim only wound up producing two tracks, with William Orbit handling some of the others.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Try This 29.

Try This

by P!nk
November 11, 2003
Following the unexpected critical and commercial success of M!ssundaztood, Pink returns with a third, even more rock-oriented album. Linda Perry returns to helm just a few tracks, with the bulk of the producing/writing chores falling to Rancid's Tim Armstrong.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.7
Her Majesty The Decemberists 30.

Her Majesty The Decemberists

by The Decemberists
September 9, 2003
This is the second album for the Portland, Ore.-based indie five-piece led by Colin Meloy.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.9
The Golden Age Of Grotesque 31.

The Golden Age Of Grotesque

by Marilyn Manson
May 13, 2003
Manson's fifth album finds the shock-rocker turning to the glory days of vaudeville and burlesque for inspiration.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.0
Rooney 32.

Rooney

by Rooney
May 20, 2003
This is the debut LP for the Weezer-esque Los Angeles band led by Robert Carmine (otherwise known as the younger brother of actor/Phantom Planet bandmember Jason Schwartzman).
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.3
De-Loused In The Comatorium 33.

De-Loused In The Comatorium

by The Mars Volta
June 24, 2003
'De-Loused' is the heavily anticipated debut LP from the group formed by former At The Drive-In members Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.9
Faceless 34.

Faceless

by Godsmack
April 8, 2003
The Boston-based punk-metal outfit returns with a third studio LP, produced by David Botrill (Tool).
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.4
The Ugly Organ 35.

The Ugly Organ

by Cursive
March 4, 2003
A bit of a concept album (set as a play about sex and relationships), 'The Ugly Organ' is the Nebraska band's fourth LP, following 2000's acclaimed 'Domestica.'
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.6
Let It Be... Naked 36.

Let It Be... Naked

by The Beatles
November 18, 2003
Originally intended as a loose, spontaneous recording called 'Get Back,' 'Let It Be' was eventually released (after the band's breakup) after being shelved and then reproduced/enhanced by Phil Spector, leaving many fans (and an angry Paul McCartney) wondering, "what if?" This new release answers that question to a certain extent, with an altered track listing (which adds "Don't Let Me Down") containing some de-Spectorized versions as well as some originals that have been remixed and remastered.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.3
Youth & Young Manhood 37.

Youth & Young Manhood

by Kings of Leon
August 19, 2003
This is the debut full-length for the Nashville-based rock band consisting of three brothers (the sons of a preacher) and their cousin.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Bare 38.

Bare

by Annie Lennox
June 10, 2003
The former Eurythmics' singer's third solo album is her first collection of original songs since 1992's 'Diva.'
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.8
Reconstruction Site 39.

Reconstruction Site

by The Weakerthans
August 26, 2003
This is the third album for the Winnipeg, Canada-based group led by former Propagandhi member John K. Samson.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
O 40.

O

by Damien Rice
June 10, 2003
This full-length debut for the Irish singer/songwriter has moved beyond his home country (where it was a massive hit) to attract critical praise and strong sales worldwide. Mostly self-produced and recorded, the disc also comes in specially-designed packaging including text, artwork and photographs.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Welcome Interstate Managers 41.

Welcome Interstate Managers

by Fountains of Wayne
June 10, 2003
The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
7.8
You Forgot It In People 42.

You Forgot It In People

by Broken Social Scene
June 3, 2003
The Toronto, Canada indie-rock collective generated a great deal of praise for this 2002 sophomore effort, which was released in the U.S. in June, 2003 for the first time.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.9
The Power To Believe 43.

The Power To Believe

by King Crimson
March 4, 2003
The veteran prog-rock outfit led by guitarist Robert Fripp returns with their first full album of new material in thee years.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.7
Give Up 44.

Give Up

by The Postal Service
February 18, 2003
One of the highlights of Dntel's 2001 debut album was "This Is the Dream of Evan & Chan," where Dntel electronica mastermind Jimmy Tamborello was joined by Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard on vocals. Satisfied by those results, the two continued to collaborate (by mail), eventually resulting in enough material for this full album that ventures more into synth-pop/new wave territory than their previous single.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
9.0
Once In A Lifetime 45.

Once In A Lifetime

by Talking Heads
November 18, 2003
This 3-disc attractively-packaged retrospective on the groundbreaking New York band includes completely remastered tracks from each of their studio LPs as well as the same previously-unreleased-on-CD demos and new tracks included on the earlier 2-disc Sand In the Vaseline complilation. Also included are never-before-released alternate versions of five songs. The set also contains a DVD with an updated version of the Talking Heads music video compilation Storytelling Giant, with three additional videos not found on the original VHS release.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
Ghosts Of The Great Highway 46.

Ghosts Of The Great Highway

by Sun Kil Moon
November 4, 2003
'Ghosts' marks the debut of the latest band from Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters). Filling out the lineup are RHP drummer Anthony Koutsos, American Music Club drummer Tim Mooney, and bassist Geoff Sanfield (Black Lab).
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
It Still Moves 47.

It Still Moves

by My Morning Jacket
September 9, 2003
The Southern rockers make their major-label debut with this 12-track effort.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Rounds 48.

Rounds

by Four Tet
May 6, 2003
The sample-based indietronica LP 'Rounds' is the third solo effort for Fridge's Kieran Hebden.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.4
What Sound 49.

What Sound

by Lamb
May 6, 2003
The trip-hop duo continues to expand their sound on their third album, which features guest appearances from Michael Franti (Spearhead), Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and the Scratch Perverts.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.2
Let Go 50.

Let Go

by Nada Surf
February 4, 2003
One-hit wonders, you say? Well, the New York trio did score an MTV hit with "Popular," from their 1996 debut album, but it is a more mature and less commercial Nada Surf that returns now with a third LP, their first for indie label Barsuk.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Deliverance 51.

Deliverance

by Bubba Sparxxx
September 16, 2003
Linebacker large, white, and very country, Bubba Sparxxx nevertheless became an overnight success with his 2001 hip-hop debut 'Dark Days, Bright Nights,' which was co-produced by Timbaland. This follow-up LP was also helmed by Timbaland and Organized Noize.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
Amazing Grace 52.

Amazing Grace

by Spiritualized
September 9, 2003
A quick follow-up by Spiritualized standards, 'Amazing Grace' finds Jason Pierce with a new record label (his own Spaceman Records imprint) and a more immediate, less orchestral sound than on 2001's 'Let It Come Down.'
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.6
Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers 53.

Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

by The National
September 2, 2003
This is the second album for the Brooklyn- (formerly Ohio-) based indie rockers fronted by singer Matt Berninger.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Quebec 54.

Quebec

by Ween
August 5, 2003
The eighth studio album for Gene and Dean Ween is their strangest (and definitely most eclectic) in quite some time. (And many Ween fans will probably see that as a good thing.)
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.6
La Bella Mafia 55.

La Bella Mafia

by Lil' Kim
March 4, 2003
The third solo album from the former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member utilizes production and vocal contributions from Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Method Man.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.4
Nocturama 56.

Nocturama

by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
February 11, 2003
Nick Cave & co. return for a follow up to 2001's 'No More Shall We Part.'
Metascore:
73
User Score:
6.8
Tasty 57.

Tasty

by Kelis
December 9, 2003
Kelis' third LP (second in the States) features production from the Neptunes, Dallas Austin and Andre 3000.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place 58.

The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

by Explosions in the Sky
November 4, 2003
This five-song album is the second release from the Austin, Texas instrumental quartet known for their fierce live shows.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
The Lemon Of Pink 59.

The Lemon Of Pink

by The Books
October 14, 2003
The experimental collage artists combine samples, vocals (courtesy of Anne Doerner) and acoustic instrumentation on this second release.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Heavier Things 60.

Heavier Things

by John Mayer
September 9, 2003
The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter (who is frequently compared to Dave Matthews) attempts to duplicate the unexpected success of 2001's 'Room for Squares' with this third album.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
8.7
Yours, Mine & Ours 61.

Yours, Mine & Ours

by Pernice Brothers
May 20, 2003
Joe Pernice and company return with ten new indie-pop gems.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.4
On And On 62.

On And On

by Jack Johnson
May 6, 2003
Professional surfer-turned-rocker Jack Johnson returns with his second LP of mellow alt-rock.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.5
Say You Will 63.

Say You Will

by Fleetwood Mac
April 15, 2003
If you prefer your Fleetwood Mac songs written by Lindsey Buckingham, your 16-year wait is over. Joining Buckingham on this brand-new, 18-track album are Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.7
thickfreakness 64.

thickfreakness

by The Black Keys
April 8, 2003
The Akron, Ohio guitar-drums blues duo (needless White Stripes comparison omitted) of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney recorded this sophomore effort in a single 14-hour session.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.5
Pig Lib 65.

Pig Lib

by Stephen Malkmus
March 18, 2003
The second solo release for the former Pavement leader (although it is credited to "Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks"), 'Pig Lib' features 11 new tracks.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.7
Sing The Sorrow 66.

Sing The Sorrow

by AFI
March 11, 2003
This is the major-label debut for the Bay Area punk rockers (whose initials stand for "A Fire Inside"), who got their start in Ukiah, Calif. in 1991. Garbage's Butch Vig produces.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.9
The Music 67.

The Music

by The Music
February 25, 2003
They may not be easy to look up in search engines, but this very-much-rock quartet from Leeds, England could be found in all the UK music magazines, thanks to a much sought-after EP and this debut album.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
6.5
Payable On Death 68.

Payable On Death

by P.O.D.
November 4, 2003
The born-again Christian rap-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 hit 'Satellite.' Jason Truby replaces departed guitarist Marcos.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
7.7
Grand Champ 69.

Grand Champ

by DMX
September 16, 2003
The hardcore rapper returns with his fifth studio album, hoping to duplicate the #1 success of each of his four previous LPs.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.7
Permission To Land 70.

Permission To Land

by The Darkness
September 16, 2003
'Permission To Land' is the debut LP for the rock four-piece from Norfolk, England (and we're talking the big, loud, stadium-rock end of the rock continuum, not the indie-rock end).
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.4
Elephunk 71.

Elephunk

by The Black Eyed Peas
June 24, 2003
The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.4
Happy Songs For Happy People 72.

Happy Songs For Happy People

by Mogwai
June 17, 2003
Don't let the title fool you; the Glaswegian instrumental post-rockers are just as dour as ever on this fourth studio LP.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Good Mourning 73.

Good Mourning

by Alkaline Trio
May 13, 2003
The Chicago-based emo band returns with their fourth full-length.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.6
Neon Golden 74.

Neon Golden

by The Notwist
February 25, 2003
This breaktrhough sixth album for the German band combines a variety of disparate elements, most notably moody indie rock and glitchy electronica (think Hood's Cold House), to great effect.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.7
Chocolate Factory 75.

Chocolate Factory

by R. Kelly
February 18, 2003
Beseiged by legal problems (he was arrested in Chicago on child pornography-related charges) and rampant bootlegging of an earlier effort ('Loveland') that forced him to abandon that project, Kelly finally returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'TP-2.Com.'
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.2
You Are Free 76.

You Are Free

by Cat Power
February 18, 2003
Chan Marshall's first album of new material since 1998 was recorded in Los Angeles with Adam Kasper (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam), who in turn brought in friends such as Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Blood In My Eye 77.

Blood In My Eye

by Ja Rule
November 4, 2003
'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
6.4
Streetcore 78.

Streetcore

by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
October 21, 2003
The former Clash leader was nearing completion of this fourth and final solo album when he died of a heart attack in 2002. It includes covers of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" (recorded without his backing band the Mescaleros) and Bobby Charles' "Before I Grow Too Old," as well as eight Strummer originals veering from reggae to rock.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
Coral Fang 79.

Coral Fang

by The Distillers
October 14, 2003
The punk outfit led by Brody Armstrong (oops--make that Brody Dalle, now) makes its major-label debut with 'Coral Fang,' the band's third release overall.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.2
Dear Catastrophe Waitress 80.

Dear Catastrophe Waitress

by Belle and Sebastian
October 7, 2003
The veteran Scottish band's first album for Sanctuary (after a long run on Matador Records) is also their first without singer/cellist Isobel Campbell. The 12 tracks here were produced by Trevor Horn.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.0
Stumble Into Grace 81.

Stumble Into Grace

by Emmylou Harris
September 23, 2003
Still going strong at 57, the Grammy-winning artist offers 12 new tracks, with some A-list backing from the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Jill Cunniff, Jane Siberry, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.7
Take Them On, On Your Own 82.

Take Them On, On Your Own

by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
September 2, 2003
The London-by-way-of-Los-Angeles-by-way-of-San Francisco rockers known as JAMC--er, make that BRMC--return with their second LP, which actually finds the group distancing themselves (at least a little) from the Jesus and Mary Chain-influenced sound of their debut.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
Sumday 83.

Sumday

by Grandaddy
June 10, 2003
The best indie rock band to come out of Modesto, California in quite some time (well, ever, we'd think) returns with a long-awaited fourth LP, arriving a full three years after The Sophtware Slump thanks to worldwide tours and a lengthy recording process.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
14 Shades Of Grey 84.

14 Shades Of Grey

by Staind
May 20, 2003
The alt-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 megahit, 'Break The Cycle.'
Metascore:
41
User Score:
6.9
Out Of The Vein 85.

Out Of The Vein

by Third Eye Blind
May 13, 2003
The third album for the radio-friendly San Francisco-based alt-rockers is almost a concept album about breaking up with Charlize Theron, which--lest you think the band was getting wacky all of a sudden--band leader Stephan Jenkins actually did do recently.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.7
Send 86.

Send

by Wire
April 28, 2003
The legendary English band, now re-formed, reunited and reinvigorated, return with their first LP in over a dozen years, with a sound that recalls the punk energy of their 1970s albums while sounding completely modern. Note that 7 of the 11 tracks here are also found in some form on 2002's twin "Read & Burn" EPs.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.0
Thankful 87.

Thankful

by Kelly Clarkson
April 15, 2003
Yes, well, she does have a lot to be thankful for, doesn't she. This hit debut album is a direct result of the singer's victory on the first installment of Fox TV's "American Idol" talent competition in 2002. Judging from the album's credits, just about every musician and producer in the industry seemingly worked on the disc, although Clarkson did manage to co-write four out of the dozen songs.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
5.4
Magnolia Electric Co. 88.

Magnolia Electric Co.

by Songs: Ohia
March 4, 2003
Jason Molina rocks out a bit more on this latest offering, which finds the singer-songwriter backed by the same musicians on the 'Mi Sei Apparaso Come Un Fantasma' live album. Steve Albini produces, and to quote the official press release, "This is the first Songs: Ohia record with more than one song that could be played at a strip joint or monster truck show."
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Democrazy 89.

Democrazy

by Damon Albarn
December 8, 2003
This limited-edition release from the Blur frontman consists of 14 original solo demos (recorded in hotel rooms during a recent tour) spread over four sides, each one clearly a work in progress.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
7.1
This Is Not A Test! 90.

This Is Not A Test!

by Missy Elliott
November 25, 2003
Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Take A Look In The Mirror 91.

Take A Look In The Mirror

by Korn
November 21, 2003
The California nu-metal band offers a back-to-basics approach on this sixth LP.
Metascore:
49
User Score:
8.3
Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? 92.

Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

by The Unicorns
October 21, 2003
This is the second album for the lo-fi indie-pop trio based in Montreal, Canada.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.9
Comfort Woman 93.

Comfort Woman

by Me'Shell Ndegéocello
October 14, 2003
The soul singer's fifth LP is less political than previous efforts, as may be expected from a disc that lists three tracks titled "Love Song."
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.2
Life For Rent 94.

Life For Rent

by Dido
September 30, 2003
The British singer sticks to the successful formula established on her 1999 debut "No Angel" for this sophomore effort.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.0
Want One 95.

Want One

by Rufus Wainwright
September 23, 2003
The Canadian singer-songwriter worked with producer Marius deVries (Björk, Massive Attack) for this third LP, which is actually the first half of what was originally planned as a double album ('Want Two' will instead arrive next year).
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.6
In Reverie 96.

In Reverie

by Saves the Day
September 16, 2003
Less punk, more pop is the motto for the fourth album by the New Jersey emo band led by singer-songwriter Chris Conley.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.6
The Decline Of British Sea Power 97.

The Decline Of British Sea Power

by British Sea Power
September 9, 2003
Oft-compared to Joy Division, this unique British four-piece sports single-word names (Hamilton, Noble, Yan, and Wood), dons military apparel for their live shows, and tackles dark, weighty themes in their lyrics (Czech history, anyone)? 'The Decline' marks their full-length debut, drawing critical praise on both sides of the Atlantic.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
The Meadowlands 98.

The Meadowlands

by The Wrens
September 9, 2003
The indie rockers took four years to record this third album.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
The Wolf 99.

The Wolf

by Andrew W.K.
September 9, 2003
America's favorite party animal attempts to move past the frat party/beer commercial sound of his hit debut album with this slightly more mature follow-up. Slightly.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.9
The Wind 100.

The Wind

by Warren Zevon
August 26, 2003
Diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2002, veteran singer-songwriter Warren Zevon decided to record one final album. This 11-track effort includes contributions from numerous Zevon friends, including Ry Cooder, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Tom Petty, and Dwight Yoakam.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.5

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

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