Album Releases by User Score

Illinois 1.

Illinois

by Sufjan Stevens
July 5, 2005
The folk singer-songwriter's ambitious attempt to chronicle all 50 states in song continues with this second installment, dedicated to the Prairie State.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.9
X&Y 2.

X&Y

by Coldplay
June 7, 2005
Plagued by numerous delays, the Chris Martin-led band's third album finally surfaced 3 years after the hugely successful 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head.' The band co-produced with Danton Supple (Elbow) and Ken Nelson (Kings Of Convenience, Badly Drawn Boy).
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.0
Confessions On A Dance Floor 3.

Confessions On A Dance Floor

by Madonna
November 15, 2005
Stuart Price co-produced the 47-year-old Anglophile's latest dance-oriented effort.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Late Registration 4.

Late Registration

by Kanye West
August 30, 2005
The Grammy-winner returns with a highly-anticpated follow-up to 'The College Dropout,' marking the second installment in a planned four-part series of albums. Jon Brion co-produced, and Brandy, Common, Nas, The Game, Jamie Foxx and Maroon 5's Adam Levine guest.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.4
Mezmerize 5.

Mezmerize

by System Of A Down
May 17, 2005
Rick Rubin co-produced this first of two planned 2005 releases for SOAD (with 'Hypnotize' coming in the fall).
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
Frances The Mute 6.

Frances The Mute

by The Mars Volta
March 1, 2005
The psychedelic prog-rock outfit led by Cedric Bixler Zavala and Omar Rodriguez return with a second ambitious album, which follows the death of band member Jeremy Ward.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.5
All The Right Reasons 7.

All The Right Reasons

by Nickelback
October 4, 2005
The Canadian alt-metal outfit returns with a self-produced fourth album.
Metascore:
41
User Score:
4.3
Don't Believe The Truth 8.

Don't Believe The Truth

by Oasis
May 31, 2005
Liam and Noel's sixth album is preceded by the single "Lyla." 'Truth,' produced by Dave Sardy, represents the band's second attempt at recording this album; original sessions recorded with Death In Vegas in 2003 were scrapped.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.8
Make Believe 9.

Make Believe

by Weezer
May 10, 2005
Rick Rubin produced album number five for the Rivers Cuomo-led band.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
6.0
The Emancipation Of Mimi 10.

The Emancipation Of Mimi

by Mariah Carey
April 12, 2005
The singer wrote many of the songs appearing on 'Mimi,' and even produced one cut, with the remainder of the production duties falling to Jermaine Dupri, the Neptunes and Kanye West. Also appearing are Nelly, Twista and Snoop Dogg.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
6.8
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah 11.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
June 28, 2005
Combine a singer who sounds more than a little like David Byrne, some solid indie-rock tunes, blurbs on all the right blogs, and a glowing review from Pitchfork and it all adds up to quite a buzz for this Brooklyn band's debut disc. Now all they need is a record deal.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
Aerial 12.

Aerial

by Kate Bush
November 8, 2005
This double-disc set is the influential singer-songwriter's first album in a dozen years.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.9
Chaos And Creation In The Backyard 13.

Chaos And Creation In The Backyard

by Paul McCartney
September 13, 2005
Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich helms the bassist's 20th post-Beatles album, which finds McCartney in true solo mode, playing every instrument on these 13 songs.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
I Am A Bird Now 14.

I Am A Bird Now

by Antony and the Johnsons
February 1, 2005
The androgynous singer Antony is backed by the likes of Lou Reed, Devendra Banhart, Boy George and Rufus Wainwright on his sophomore release.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.3
The Massacre 15.

The Massacre

by 50 Cent
March 3, 2005
The rapper's second album was "executive" produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 himself and includes the singles "Piggybank" and "Disco Inferno."
Metascore:
66
User Score:
5.5
Get Behind Me Satan 16.

Get Behind Me Satan

by The White Stripes
June 7, 2005
The duo's fifth long-player, destined to be known as GBMS in record reviews everywhere, was recorded in their Detroit studio. While not a total departure from previous efforts, it does find them expanding their sound away from their usual guitar+drums formula.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
With Teeth 17.

With Teeth

by Nine Inch Nails
May 3, 2005
Trent Reznor finally returns with a follow-up to 1999's 'The Fragile.' Dave Grohl guests.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.7
Demon Days 18.

Demon Days

by Gorillaz
May 24, 2005
When the comic supergroup's 2001 debut sold an astounding 6 million copies worldwide, a sequel became necessary. Hence 'Demon Days.' Returning leader Damon Albarn (Blur) and new producer Danger Mouse are joined by guests Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays), Ike Turner, MF Doom, De La Soul and Dennis Hopper.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.9
Arular 19.

Arular

by M.I.A.
March 22, 2005
This short but wildly eclectic debut album from Maya Arulpragasam, a Sri Lankan-born, London-based artist and daughter of a Tamil Tiger revolutionary, is preceded by enormous buzz in both the U.K. and the U.S.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.4
Z 20.

Z

by My Morning Jacket
October 4, 2005
For their fourth album, produced by John Leckie, the Kentucky band sports a new keyboardist and guitarist.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.4
Playing The Angel 21.

Playing The Angel

by Depeche Mode
October 18, 2005
Borrowing a page from late-80s to early-90s DM in terms of sound (and possibly even quality), the Ben Hillier-produced 'Angel' is the first Depeche Mode album to feature some David Gahan-penned songs in addition to the usual assortment of Martin Gore tracks.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
I Am Me 22.

I Am Me

by Ashlee Simpson
October 18, 2005
The second album by "singer" Ashlee Simpson was produced by John Shanks.
Metascore:
43
User Score:
5.2
Silent Alarm 23.

Silent Alarm

by Bloc Party
March 22, 2005
This multiculti London four-piece (making their full-length debut with 'Silent Alarm') has been heralded in seemingly every music magazine in the world as 2005's answer to Franz Ferdinand.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
The Woods 24.

The Woods

by Sleater-Kinney
May 24, 2005
The ubiquitous Dave Fridmann produced this latest outing for the veteran indie rockers, their first album for Sub Pop.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.4
Hypnotize 25.

Hypnotize

by System Of A Down
November 22, 2005
Co-produced by Rick Rubin, this 12-song disc was recorded during the same sessions as 'Mesmerize,' and is intended to be heard with that earlier 2005 disc as one complete set.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Extraordinary Machine 26.

Extraordinary Machine

by Fiona Apple
October 4, 2005
The singer-songwriter's third album finally sees the light of day after originally being shelved by her record label in 2003 and then leaked onto the Internet. This official 'Machine' is a newly-recorded version (with producer Mike Elizondo taking over for the original's Jon Brion), so if you've heard the leaked tracks, you haven't heard this. Let the comparisons begin!
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Fijacion Oral Vol. 1 27.

Fijacion Oral Vol. 1

by Shakira
June 7, 2005
The first of two planned 2005 releases for the Colombian pop star is this Spanish-language disc, with its English counterpart due in the fall.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
6.7
I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning 28.

I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

by Bright Eyes
January 25, 2005
'I'm Wide Awake' is the more country/acoustic of Conor Oberst's twin January 2005 releases under the Bright Eyes name. Emmylou Harris provides vocals on three tracks.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.2
You Could Have It So Much Better 29.

You Could Have It So Much Better

by Franz Ferdinand
October 4, 2005
The Scottish band's eagerly-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut is preceded by yet another insanely catchy single, "Do You Want To."
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
In Between Dreams 30.

In Between Dreams

by Jack Johnson
March 1, 2005
The mellow singer-songwriter re-teams with producer Mario Caldato Jr. for this follow-up to 'On And On.'
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.3
Apologies To The Queen Mary 31.

Apologies To The Queen Mary

by Wolf Parade
September 27, 2005
The Montreal band's Sub Pop debut was co-produced by Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Monkey Business 32.

Monkey Business

by The Black Eyed Peas
June 7, 2005
Guests on the R&B outfit's latest include Jack Johnson, Justin Timberlake and James Brown.
Metascore:
48
User Score:
6.2
Human After All 33.

Human After All

by Daft Punk
March 15, 2005
The French electronica duo's third LP is closer in sound to their first than to 2001's 'Discovery.'
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.5
Takk... 34.

Takk...

by Sigur Rós
September 13, 2005
Sigur Ros' fourth album is the first to feature songs sung mainly in their native Icelandic, rather than their fabricated Hopelandish.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Plans 35.

Plans

by Death Cab for Cutie
August 30, 2005
The Ben Gibbard-led group makes its major-label debut with this 11-song disc, produced by band member Chris Walla.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.8
Bleed Like Me 36.

Bleed Like Me

by Garbage
April 12, 2005
'Bleed' marks Shirley Manson and Butch Vig's first Garbage album since 2001. Dave Grohl guests on one track.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
8.3
In Your Honor 37.

In Your Honor

by Foo Fighters
June 14, 2005
This double-disc set from Dave Grohl & co. includes one full CD of acoustic tracks. Guests include John Paul Jones, Norah Jones, Josh Homme and Petra Haden.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.1
Devil's Playground 38.

Devil's Playground

by Billy Idol
March 22, 2005
The 80s star returns with his first album in a dozen years.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
8.3
Oral Fixation Vol. 2 39.

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

by Shakira
November 29, 2005
The singer's second 2005 release is sung entirely in English, and includes two tracks originally sung in Spanish on Fijacion Oral Vol. 1.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
6.2
Blinking Lights And Other Revelations 40.

Blinking Lights And Other Revelations

by Eels
April 26, 2005
Mark Everett's diverse and epic sixth Eels album spans two CDs. It probably would never be classified as a happy album, but it does include appearances from Tom Waits, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, and The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Guero 41.

Guero

by Beck
March 29, 2005
This much-anticipated release for the eclectic performer--a return to the "fun" Beck of 'Odelay' and 'Midnite Vultures'--was produced by the Dust Brothers and Tony Hoffer.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Broken Social Scene 42.

Broken Social Scene

by Broken Social Scene
October 4, 2005
K-OS, Jason Tate (The Weakerthans) and Murray Lightburn (The Dears) guest on the Canadian collective's follow-up to 'You Forgot It In People.'
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.4
Aha Shake Heartbreak 43.

Aha Shake Heartbreak

by Kings of Leon
February 22, 2005
Ethan Johns produced this sophomore album for southern rockers and brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill. (OK, so Matthew is only a cousin, but he was still allowed to join the band.)
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.3
Hypermagic Mountain 44.

Hypermagic Mountain

by Lightning Bolt
October 18, 2005
The abrasive bass/drums duo of Brian Gibson and Brian Chippendal return with a follow-up to 2003's 'Wonderful Rainbow.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
6.7
Ten Thousand Fists 45.

Ten Thousand Fists

by Disturbed
September 20, 2005
This is the third album for the alt-metal band fronted by David Draiman.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.5
Twin Cinema 46.

Twin Cinema

by The New Pornographers
August 23, 2005
This is the third album of sunny indie-pop tunes for the acclaimed union of Neko Case, Dan Bejar (also of Destroyer) and A.C. Newman.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.1
The Beekeeper 47.

The Beekeeper

by Tori Amos
February 22, 2005
The singer-songwriter returns with her first album of original material in three years, a conceptual work centering on the title character, with its 19 songs divided into six thematic "gardens." Damien Rice guests on one track.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.3
The Bravery 48.

The Bravery

by The Bravery
March 29, 2005
Another hot, retro-sounding band based in New York? Is there some sort of factory churning these bands out? (Or in the case of The Bravery, a Factory?) The band's self-titled debut, preceded by the requisite buzz, utilizes a new wave-flavored sound which is also reminiscent of, oh, let's just say New Order and The Cure.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.2
Gimme Fiction 49.

Gimme Fiction

by Spoon
May 10, 2005
Mike McCarthy returns as producer for the Britt Daniel-led band's varied follow-up to their acclaimed 2002 outing 'Kill The Moonlight.' Spoon fans will not be disappointed.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Dark Light 50.

Dark Light

by H.I.M.
September 27, 2005
This is the first U.S. release for the popular Finnish goth-rock band (the initials stand for His Infernal Majesty) fronted by Ville Hermani Vallo.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
7.9
Be 51.

Be

by Common
May 24, 2005
The rapper's follow-up to 2002's love-it-or-hate-it 'Electric Circus' was produced largely by Kanye West. For some reason, John Mayer guests.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Rehearsing My Choir 52.

Rehearsing My Choir

by The Fiery Furnaces
October 25, 2005
Siblings Matt and Eleanor Friedberger are joined by their 83-year-old grandmother (!) on their latest eclectic release.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.9
Lullabies To Paralyze 53.

Lullabies To Paralyze

by Queens of the Stone Age
March 22, 2005
Only Josh Homme remains from the QOTSA's previous LP, and he's now joined by guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen (A Perfect Circle) and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig). The band's fourth album also includes appearances by Brody Dalle, Shirley Manson and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
The Magic Numbers 54.

The Magic Numbers

by The Magic Numbers
October 4, 2005
This debut disc showcases the 50s and 60s pop stylings and three-part harmonies of the pair of brother-sister duos (Romeo & Michelle Stodart and Sean & Angela Gannon) that make up The Magic Numbers.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
7.5
See You On The Other Side 55.

See You On The Other Side

by Korn
December 6, 2005
The Matrix co-produced the band's first album since 2003.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.6
The Mysterious Production Of Eggs 56.

The Mysterious Production Of Eggs

by Andrew Bird
February 8, 2005
You don't see many musicians described as a "whistler" but Chicago's Andrew Bird (who is also a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and originally, a violinist) fits the bill. This is his fifth release (and second for Ani DiFranco's record label), which finds him backed by several members of his group Bowl Of Fire.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Out Of Exile 57.

Out Of Exile

by Audioslave
May 24, 2005
Rick Rubin produced this second album for the Chris Cornell-meets-Rage Against The Machine supergroup.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.7
Picaresque 58.

Picaresque

by The Decemberists
March 22, 2005
Chris Walla produced this third album for the literary Portland, Ore.-based five-piece led by Colin Meloy.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness 59.

Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness

by Coheed and Cambria
September 20, 2005
This is the third emo-sci-fi album from the prog-rock foursome fronted by Claudio Sanchez.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.4
TheFutureEmbrace 60.

TheFutureEmbrace

by Billy Corgan
June 21, 2005
The Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan leader's solo debut includes a cover of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody." Jimmy Chamberlin and Robert Smith guest.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.7
Black Sheep Boy 61.

Black Sheep Boy

by Okkervil River
April 5, 2005
This is the fourth album for the Austin band led by singer-songwriter Will Sheff.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Never Gone 62.

Never Gone

by Backstreet Boys
June 14, 2005
This is the first album in five years for the boy- er... man-band.
Metascore:
40
User Score:
6.0
Devils & Dust 63.

Devils & Dust

by Bruce Springsteen
April 26, 2005
Brendan O'Brien produced (and plays bass on) the singer's 19th album, which finds Springsteen backed by a variety of guests. Several of the 12 tracks here have previously surfaced in live performances, including two dating back to 1995.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6
A Bigger Bang 64.

A Bigger Bang

by The Rolling Stones
September 6, 2005
Don Was co-produced the band's first new studio album in eight years. Keith Richards sings on two tracks.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.4
Set Yourself On Fire 65.

Set Yourself On Fire

by Stars
March 8, 2005
Boasting a somewhat higher profile after a tour supporting Broken Social Scene, fellow Canadians Stars return with a third LP, produced by Tony Hoffer.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
Digital Ash In A Digital Urn 66.

Digital Ash In A Digital Urn

by Bright Eyes
January 25, 2005
The more experimental of Conor Oberst's two releases in January 2005 is the electronic-flavored 'Digital Ash,' which includes some help from the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Nick Zinner and the Postal Service's Jimmy Tamborello.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.8
World's Apart 67.

World's Apart

by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
January 25, 2005
This is the fourth album for the critically-acclaimed Texas-based band.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
8.0
Cold Roses 68.

Cold Roses

by Ryan Adams
May 3, 2005
Credited to Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, double album 'Cold Roses' is the first of three planned 2005 releases for the prolific singer-songwriter. Tom Schick produced.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.7
Stand Up 69.

Stand Up

by Dave Matthews Band
May 10, 2005
'Stand Up' is the band's first studio album in three years and finds them working for the first time with producer Mark Baston (50 Cent, Beyonce).
Metascore:
63
User Score:
6.6
A Little More Personal (Raw) 70.

A Little More Personal (Raw)

by Lindsay Lohan
December 6, 2005
The actress' second album rocks a bit more than her first, and includes covers of songs by Cheap Trick and Stevie Nicks.
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.2
Feels 71.

Feels

by Animal Collective
October 18, 2005
Electric where the mellower 'Sung Tongs' was acoustic, 'Feels' is nevertheless another idiosyncratic outing for the freak-folk four-piece.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Alligator 72.

Alligator

by The National
April 12, 2005
This is the third LP for the Brooklyn five-piece fronted by deep-voiced Matt Berninger.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Employment 73.

Employment

by Kaiser Chiefs
March 15, 2005
Stephen Street (Blur) produced this debut disc for the Leeds, England five-piece.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.9
Mr. A-Z 74.

Mr. A-Z

by Jason Mraz
July 26, 2005
Steve Lillywhite produced this second album for the singer-songwriter.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
7.6
Rebirth 75.

Rebirth

by Jennifer Lopez
March 1, 2005
Big Boi, Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins are among the producers for J.Lo's first album in three years. Other guests include Fat Joe, Fabolous and Marc Anthony.
Metascore:
52
User Score:
8.3
Some Cities 76.

Some Cities

by Doves
March 1, 2005
Ben Hiller (Elbow, Blur) produced the Manchester band's follow-up to 'The Last Broadcast.'
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.2
Anniemal 77.

Anniemal

by Annie
June 7, 2005
This debut full-length by the Norwegian singer is preceded by quite a bit of critical buzz on both sides of the Atlantic.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.2
Something To Be 78.

Something To Be

by Rob Thomas
April 19, 2005
The Matchbox 20 frontman's first solo outing includes appearances by John Mayer and Robert Randolph.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.7
LCD Soundsystem 79.

LCD Soundsystem

by LCD Soundsystem
February 15, 2005
Hipsters, rejoice! James Murphy, one-half of the in-demand indie-rock production duo The DFA (The Rapture, et al), finally makes his full-length debut as an artist as LCD Soundsystem.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.1
Witching Hour 80.

Witching Hour

by Ladytron
October 4, 2005
Jim Abbiss (Kasabian) produced this third album for the UK band, which finds them expanding slightly away their electroclash sound.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
Chapter V 81.

Chapter V

by Staind
August 9, 2005
The band's fifth album was produced by David Bottrill (Tool).
Metascore:
48
User Score:
6.1
Here Come The Tears 82.

Here Come The Tears

by The Tears
June 6, 2005
The Tears' debut album reunites Suede's Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler for the first time in over a decade.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.2
Thunder, Lightning, Strike 83.

Thunder, Lightning, Strike

by The Go! Team
October 4, 2005
The fun, energetic collage of danceable, mainly instrumental music (genre names don't really apply here) on this debut disc from England's The Go! Team recalls, if only somewhat, the debut from The Avalanches.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
The Documentary 84.

The Documentary

by The Game
January 18, 2005
The west coast rapper's debut boasts an all-star production and guest roster including the likes of Eminem, Timbaland, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.7
Kasabian 85.

Kasabian

by Kasabian
March 8, 2005
Named after Charles Manson's getaway driver, the British quartet Kasabian drew comparisons to The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Primal Scream with this debut LP.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.2
Tourist 86.

Tourist

by Athlete
May 10, 2005
This is the second album for the South London four-piece.
Metascore:
46
User Score:
7.0
The Runners Four 87.

The Runners Four

by Deerhoof
October 11, 2005
The experimental San Francisco outfit led by Rob Fisk and Greg Saunier return with what is by far their lengthiest (and calmest) release yet.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.6
Lost And Found 88.

Lost And Found

by Will Smith
March 29, 2005
The actor and MC reunites with DJ Jazzy Jeff for several tracks on his ninth album, which also includes appearances from Mary J. Blige, Timbaland and Snoop Dogg.
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.7
Hotel 89.

Hotel

by Moby
March 22, 2005
The latest from the New York-based techno guru eschews samples for live instrumentation and vocals (by the bald one himself), and is backed by a second disc of ambient works.
Metascore:
47
User Score:
5.6
Dangerous And Moving 90.

Dangerous And Moving

by T.A.T.U
October 11, 2005
Three years after their sensational debut (and we don't use that adjective in the way that means "outstanding"), it turns out that they aren't schoolgirls, and they aren't lesbians. But what the Russian duo does have on this second album is Sting. Now that's edgy!
Metascore:
53
User Score:
8.0
Crimson 91.

Crimson

by Alkaline Trio
May 24, 2005
Jerry Finn (blink-182) produced this follow-up to 'Good Mourning.'
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.1
12 Songs 92.

12 Songs

by Neil Diamond
November 8, 2005
Producer Rick Rubin attempts to do for Neil Diamond what he did for Johnny Cash, resulting in a rare stripped-down, intimate set for the veteran performer. (Don't expect any Nine Inch Nails covers, though; these are all Diamond originals.)
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
The Campfire Headphase 93.

The Campfire Headphase

by Boards of Canada
October 18, 2005
Well, they certainly aren't the most prolific of artists, but the acclaimed Scottish electronica duo of Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin finally return with a third album.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.6
Odditorium Or Warlords Of Mars 94.

Odditorium Or Warlords Of Mars

by The Dandy Warhols
September 13, 2005
The Portland, Ore. band's follow-up to 'Welcome To The Monkey House' was co-produced by frontman Courtney Taylor(-Taylor) and Gregg Williams.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
6.4
Jagged Little Pill Acoustic 95.

Jagged Little Pill Acoustic

by Alanis Morissette
July 26, 2005
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of her debut, 'Jagged Little Pill,' the Canadian singer-songwriter has re-recorded all of that album's songs using acoustic instruments. (It's certainly easier than writing new songs!)
Metascore:
40
User Score:
6.3
The Sunlandic Twins 96.

The Sunlandic Twins

by Of Montreal
April 12, 2005
Kevin Barnes' eighth Of Montreal disc finds the Georgian heading into more electronic territory, enlisting his laptop to assist in the recording process. Music on a laptop--who knew?
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
The Best Little Secrets Are Kept 97.

The Best Little Secrets Are Kept

by Louis XIV
March 22, 2005
This is the debut full-length for the bawdy San Diego, Calif. rock outfit led by Jason Hill and Brian Karscig.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
6.4
Songs For Silverman 98.

Songs For Silverman

by Ben Folds
April 26, 2005
Folds' second solo outing actually finds him working once again in trio format, now joined by drummer Lindsay Jamieson (Departure Lounge) and bassist Jared Reynolds (who, like Folds, contributed to the recent William Shatner album).
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.4
One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back 99.

One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back

by The Darkness
November 29, 2005
The British band's second album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker (Queen).
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.5
The Mouse And The Mask 100.

The Mouse And The Mask

by DangerDoom
October 11, 2005
This collaboration between MF Doom and Danger Mouse includes voices and skits from Cartoon Network's Adult Swim shows. Non-animated folks like Ghostface Killah, Cee-Lo & Talib Kweli also lend a hand.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.6

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

Highs and Lows
Highest of the Month
  1. 87

    Fabiana Palladino - Fabiana Palladino

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  2. 84

    Hovvdy - Hovvdy

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  3. 84

    Who Will You Believe - The Pernice Brothers

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  4. 83

    Light Verse - Iron & Wine

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  5. 82

    Revelator - Phosphorescent

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
Lowest of the Month
  1. 68

    Ramona - Grace Cummings

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  2. 69

    Hyperdrama - Justice

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  3. 70

    Forgiveness Is Yours - Fat White Family

    • Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
  4. 75

    Ohio Players - The Black Keys

    • Release Date: Apr 5, 2024
  5. 76

    One Deep River - Mark Knopfler

    • Release Date: Apr 12, 2024