Album Releases by User Score

The Eminem Show 1.

The Eminem Show

by Eminem
May 28, 2002
Working once again with producer Dr. Dre, Marshall Mathers returns with his third album.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
9.0
Stripped 2.

Stripped

by Christina Aguilera
October 29, 2002
The 22-year-old pop star's second English-language album includes 20 new tracks, most penned by Aguilera herself, although suddenly ubiquitous Linda Perry assists on four songs. Guests include Alicia Keys, Redman, and Dave Navarro.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
8.8
By The Way 3.

By The Way

by Red Hot Chili Peppers
July 9, 2002
Although their ride has been rocky at times, the Los Angeles band is nearing its 20th anniversary. (And if you grew up listening to the band, doesn't that make you feel old.) This, their eighth album, finds the Chili Peppers working with producer Rick Rubin.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.8
Scarlet's Walk 4.

Scarlet's Walk

by Tori Amos
October 29, 2002
The suddenly prolific Amos returns with 18 new tracks, begging the question: Y Kant Tori Capitalize Her Song Titles? The album, her first for Epic, is structured as a cross-country journey through the U.S.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.9
Source Tags & Codes 5.

Source Tags & Codes

by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
February 26, 2002
Following the critical success of their 1999 effort, 'Madonna,' the lengthily-named Austin, Texas indie band signed with Interscope and recorded this, their major-label debut.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.6
A Rush Of Blood To The Head 6.

A Rush Of Blood To The Head

by Coldplay
August 27, 2002
The UK quartet follows the critical and commercial success of their 2000 debut album 'Parachutes' with this long-awaited follow-up release, which the band has suggested may be their last.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Audioslave 7.

Audioslave

by Audioslave
November 19, 2002
After frontman Zack de la Rocha left Rage Against the Machine in 2000, the remaining members of that Los Angeles band enlisted former Soundgarden leader Chris Cornell, and together they formed Audioslave. This is their debut release.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.6
Songs For The Deaf 8.

Songs For The Deaf

by Queens of the Stone Age
August 27, 2002
Stoner metal is back in the form of the third LP from Queens of the Stone Age, who are supplemented for this release (and supporting tour) by drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) and former Screaming Trees vocalist Mark Lanegan.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.9
Charmbracelet 9.

Charmbracelet

by Mariah Carey
December 3, 2002
After proving that all that Glitters is not gold, can the best-selling female artist of the 1990s manage a hit in the 21st century?
Metascore:
43
User Score:
5.0
Justified 10.

Justified

by Justin Timberlake
November 5, 2002
Aw... little Justin's all grows up. First Mickey Mouse Club, then 'NSync, and now this, his solo debut. Can he be a success on his own? Well, having Timbaland and The Neptunes along as his producers certainly won't hurt.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.6
Folklore 11.

Folklore

by 16 Horsepower
August 6, 2002
The moody alt-country band led by David Eugene Edwards returns with its darkest set of songs yet.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.8
Original Pirate Material 12.

Original Pirate Material

by The Streets
October 22, 2002
This is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especially Skinner) is the current flavor of the month with the UK music press.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.7
Let Go 13.

Let Go

by Avril Lavigne
June 4, 2002
The 17-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter-skater nails the adult alternative Michelle Branch/Jewel/Alanis Morissette sound on this debut album, featuring her breakout hit single "Complicated."
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.2
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 14.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

by Wilco
April 23, 2002
The long wait for this fourth album from Jeff Tweedy & co. is partially the result of the tumultuous recording process that left the band without its guitarist (Jay Bennett) and its record label (Warner/Reprise). Fellow Chicagoan Jim O'Rourke mixed the 11 tracks.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.9
Sea Change 15.

Sea Change

by Beck
September 24, 2002
Which Beck is it? The party-loving Beck of 'Odelay' and 'Midnite Vultures,' or the more serious, singer-songwriter Beck of 'Mutations.' On this latest release, it is the latter, as Beck reunites with Mutations' producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) for a set of darker, atmospheric, more acoustically-oriented tracks.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
() 16.

()

by Sigur Rós
October 29, 2002
The very, very distinctive Icelandic band generated an enormous amount of positive press (and deservingly so) for their previous effort, 'Ágætis Byrjun,' which led to a major-label deal and this album, which, like each of its eight tracks, does not have a real title.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.8
Up! 17.

Up!

by Shania Twain
November 19, 2002
Not wanting to offend any potential listeners, the country superstar finally follows up the hit 'Come On Over' with two versions of her new album (both included in this two-CD set): a red disc of pop versions of her 19 new songs, and a green disc of those same 19 songs performed in a country music style. (A third, blue, disc of those songs performed in a world music style is targeted at international consumers.)
Metascore:
72
User Score:
6.9
Turn On The Bright Lights 18.

Turn On The Bright Lights

by Interpol
August 20, 2002
You won't read very many reviews of this New York band without seeing the words Joy Division pop up, and although there are some similarities, Interpol has something new to offer as well. This debut LP includes the tracks "PDA" and "NYC" from the group's well-received first single for Matador.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.9
Fever 19.

Fever

by Kylie Minogue
February 26, 2002
This high-energy dance album from the Australian veteran includes the UK hit single "Can't Get You out of My Head." It is her first American release since 1988, although she has retained her popularity in Europe and her native Australia since the 1980's, updating her sound along the way.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
9.0
God's Son 20.

God's Son

by Nas
December 17, 2002
Jay-Z's mortal enemy returns with his third (!) release of 2002, which includes collaborations with Alicia Keys and 2Pac (yes, that 2Pac, who, as you may recall, died several years ago).
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
Alice 21.

Alice

by Tom Waits
May 7, 2002
One of two Waits releases in May 2002 ('Blood Money' is the other), 'Alice' was originally written as an opera and actually performed live during an 18-month engagement in Hamburg in the early 1990s. However, this is the first recording of these 15 tracks, culled from recent studio sessions.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.6
Come Away With Me 22.

Come Away With Me

by Norah Jones
February 26, 2002
Pop/jazz vocalist and pianist Norah Jones, the daughter of Ravi Shankar, picked up 5 Grammy awards for this debut album, produced by Arif Mardin.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.0
Geogaddi 23.

Geogaddi

by Boards of Canada
February 19, 2002
The Scottish duo finally return with a full-length follow-up to their acclaimed 1998 debut, 'Music Has A Right To Children.'
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Come With Us 24.

Come With Us

by The Chemical Brothers
January 29, 2002
The fourth full-length for production duo Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons features the singles "Star Guitar" and "It Began In Afrika." Guest vocalists include long-time Chemical Brothers staple Beth Orton and Richard Ashcroft.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.3
American IV: The Man Comes Around 25.

American IV: The Man Comes Around

by Johnny Cash
November 5, 2002
Johnny Cash, still going strong at age 70, returns for a fourth album with producer Rick Rubin. Like the previous three pairings, this disc mixes Cash originals with unlikely covers, which this time out include Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus," Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," and Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Fiona Apple, Nick Cave, and Don Henley are among the guests.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.6
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots 26.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots

by The Flaming Lips
July 16, 2002
The Oklahoma band finally returns with a follow-up to perhaps their strongest effort to date, 1999's 'The Soft Bulletin.' Here, the Lips venture even more into electronic territory, working once again with producer Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev). Yoshimi of Japanese band The Boredoms guests on vocals on one track and lends her name to part of the album's title (the "Yoshimi" part, not the "Pink Robots" part).
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Heathen 27.

Heathen

by David Bowie
June 11, 2002
Bowie's first studio album in three years (and first for his new label ISO Records, distributed by Columbia) finds the older white duke working with producer Tony Visconti for the first time since 1980's 'Scary Monsters.' Pete Townsend and Dave Grohl guest on guitar on a track apiece.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.2
Kill The Moonlight 28.

Kill The Moonlight

by Spoon
August 20, 2002
The Austin, Tex. indie rockers return with their fourth album, following 2001's critically acclaimed 'Girls Can Tell.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
We Love Life 29.

We Love Life

by Pulp
August 20, 2002
The band's first album since 1997's 'This Is Hardcore' is produced by Scott Walker and features 12 new tracks.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
OST 30.

OST

by 24 Hour Party People
August 6, 2002
The soundtrack to the fictionalized account of the rise and fall of Manchester's Factory Records includes, somewhat obviously, a generous helping of New Order, Joy Division, and Happy Mondays songs (including the title track by the latter), as well as cuts from A Guy Called Gerald, Durutti Column, and the Buzzcocks. This is also the only album where you'll find the newest New Order single, "Here to Stay," a collaboration with the Chemical Brothers that failed to appear on either group's latest LP.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.5
Nellyville 31.

Nellyville

by Nelly
June 25, 2002
The St. Louis rapper follows up the massive success of his 2000 debut LP 'Country Grammar' with 19 new tracks cut from the same cloth, including the Neptunes-produced single "Hot In Here." Justin Timberlake guests on one track.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.7
Untouchables 32.

Untouchables

by Korn
June 11, 2002
The California alt-metal outfit finally returns with a successor to the smash hit 1999 album 'Issues.'
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Gutterflower 33.

Gutterflower

by Goo Goo Dolls
April 9, 2002
Believe it or not, these guys have been around for over 15 years now, and this is their eighth release (and first since 1998's 'Dizzy Up The Girl').
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.0
Kinky 34.

Kinky

by Kinky
March 26, 2002
Kinky is a five-piece band from Monterrey, Mexico that combines rock, electronica, and traditional Latin music. This debut album was produced by Chris Allison (Coldplay, Beta Band).
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.9
Testify 35.

Testify

by Phil Collins
November 12, 2002
Phil Collins returns with his first album of new material in six years, but will anyone care other than the guys on South Park?
Metascore:
34
User Score:
6.2
Yanqui U.X.O. 36.

Yanqui U.X.O.

by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
November 4, 2002
Slightly (and confusingly) changing their name to Godspeed You! Black Emperor for this outing, the Canadian instrumental band recorded these 5 tracks (clocking in at 75 minutes) with Steve Albini as a follow-up to their extremely well-received 2000 effort 'Lift Yr Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven.'
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.6
Blood Sport 37.

Blood Sport

by Sneaker Pimps
February 19, 2002
The band that gave us alt-radio hit "6 Underground" returns with a third album, although their second (1999's 'Splinter') failed to secure U.S. distribution. Guitarist Chris Corner now handles lead vocals, replacing the departed Kelli Dayton.
Metascore:
50
User Score:
8.4
Phrenology 38.

Phrenology

by The Roots
November 26, 2002
The groundbreaking Philadelphia rap outfit returns with 13 new tracks and guest contributions from Jill Scott, Nelly Furtado, Talib Kweli and Musiq.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.6
The Teaches of Peaches 39.

The Teaches of Peaches

by Peaches
October 8, 2002
While, like other artists lumped under the "electroclash" label, the Canadian-born Peaches (Merrill Nisker) utilizes a vaguely early-80s style synth-based sound, no one else, then or now, has managed to be quite as raw, lewd and sexually graphic as she.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.6
Up 40.

Up

by Peter Gabriel
September 24, 2002
Yup... Up's two-letter name signifies that this is indeed a brand-new Peter Gabriel studio recording, his first since 1992's 'Us.' The music goes in a now-typical multi-cultural direction, with input from gospel singers The Blind Boys of Alabama and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.6
Home 41.

Home

by Dixie Chicks
August 27, 2002
The ever-popular contemporary country act returns with their sixth album.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
6.0
Maladroit 42.

Maladroit

by Weezer
May 14, 2002
When it rains it pours: After going five years without a Weezer album, fans of the quirky alt-rockers get two new discs in two years, with this (their fourth release overall) quickly following 2001's Green Album.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.1
Does This Look Infected? 43.

Does This Look Infected?

by Sum 41
November 26, 2002
The Toronto, Canada punk outfit returns with a follow-up to their successful 2001 debut, 'All Killer No Filler.'
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.7
Brainwashed 44.

Brainwashed

by George Harrison
November 19, 2002
The late Beatle's final studio album was produced by Jeff Lynne with Harrison's son, Dhani.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Slicker Than Your Average 45.

Slicker Than Your Average

by Craig David
November 19, 2002
The 21-year old DJ turned-international R&B superstar from England returns with his second LP.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
7.1
OST 46.

OST

by 8 Mile (Eminem)
October 29, 2002
What good's an Eminem movie without an Eminem soundtrack? It's not all Slim Shady here, though, as the soundtrack album incorporates other artists (Xzibit, Macy Gray, Jay-Z, Nas) in a mix of old and new tracks.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.9
Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground 47.

Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

by Bright Eyes
August 13, 2002
Prolific 22-year-old Nebraska singer-songwriter Connor Oberst returns to his Bright Eyes guise for this 13-track effort, following a stint fronting the band Desaparecidos.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Under Rug Swept 48.

Under Rug Swept

by Alanis Morissette
February 26, 2002
Morissette's third studio album is the first one the 27-year-old Canadian songwriter has produced herself.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.0
Just Whitney 49.

Just Whitney

by Whitney Houston
December 10, 2002
Stung by a drug arrest and nasty rumors over the last few years, the diva finally emerges with her first album of new material in four years.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
6.9
The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse 50.

The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse

by Jay-Z
November 12, 2002
A sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2001 album 'The Blueprint,' Jay-Z's new two-disc set is all over the map in the course of 110 minutes and 25 tracks. The roster of producers and guests includes (but is by no means limited to): The Neptunes, Lenny Kravitz, Big Boi, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Heavy D, Rakim, Beyonce Knowles, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Scarface.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
6.9
One By One 51.

One By One

by Foo Fighters
October 22, 2002
Former Nirvana drummer (and sometime Queens of the Stone Age drummer) Dave Grohl returns to the front of the stage for his role as vocalist, guitarist, and bandleader of the Foo Fighters on this, their fourth studio recording.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
The Lost Tapes 52.

The Lost Tapes

by Nas
September 24, 2002
This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.0
Trey Anastasio 53.

Trey Anastasio

by Trey Anastasio
April 30, 2002
The official solo debut for the Phish head features 12 new Anastasio-penned tracks, with the guitarist backed by an eight-piece band.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.3
In Search Of... [Second Version] 54.

In Search Of... [Second Version]

by N.E.R.D
March 12, 2002
This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. The original version, featuring mainly electronic instrumentation, was intended for release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). This new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.5
Busted Stuff 55.

Busted Stuff

by Dave Matthews Band
July 16, 2002
Even the most casual DMB fan knows the story by now: Dave & Co. record a dark, challenging album with producer Steve Lillywhite, those "Lillywhite Sessions" are leaked onto the Internet where the tracks quickly become fan favorites, and the band chooses not to release them, instead heading back into the studio with producer Glen Ballard to record 'Everyday.' The new studio LP 'Busted Stuff' does not contain those original tracks from the 2000 sessions, but nine of those songs (plus two new tracks) are here, newly recorded.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.3
Heathen Chemistry 56.

Heathen Chemistry

by Oasis
July 2, 2002
This is the fifth studio album for the one-time superstars, who now retain only the brothers Gallagher from their original lineup. Former Ride guitarist Andy Bell and Heavy Stereo bassist Gem Archer make their first studio appearances as members of the band, and in an Oasis first, all four members share in the songwriting.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.1
The Private Press 57.

The Private Press

by DJ Shadow
June 4, 2002
The Bay Area's Josh Davis (aka DJ Shadow) finally returns with a proper full-length follow-up to 1996's groudbreaking 'Endtroducing,' which achieved near-legendary status for its imaginative use of samples (a style that would later be adopted by acts such as The Avalanches).
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
After Everything Now This 58.

After Everything Now This

by The Church
February 5, 2002
Over two years in the making, 'After Everything' is the twelfth album from the Australian band, still best known for their 1988 hit "Under The Milky Way."
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.7
Electric Circus 59.

Electric Circus

by Common
December 10, 2002
On his fifth album, the underground rapper ventures more into the rock, soul, and jazz territory of his influences, with production help from the Soulaquarians. An eclectic array of guests includes Prince, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.5
Cry 60.

Cry

by Faith Hill
October 15, 2002
This is the first new album in three years for the country superstar.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.6
Diorama 61.

Diorama

by Silverchair
August 27, 2002
The former Australian teen grunge stars (whose 1995 debut was released when they were just 15) are still together, and this album marks their fourth release, highlighted by a more mature, refined sound.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
Reanimation 62.

Reanimation

by Linkin Park
July 30, 2002
Not quite the next Linkin Park album, 'Reanimation' is instead a remix of their entire debut album, 'Hybrid Theory' (actually, a remix of the Japanese version, which contained extra tracks). The 19 songs here have been reinvented by an array of alternative and hip hop musicians and producers, including members of Korn, Jurassic 5, Orgy, and Staind, and given cryptic new titles such as "Rnw@y" and "My{Dsmbr." (You'd think with all the money they're making they could at least buy a vowel.)
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.3
Yeah Yeah Yeahs [EP] 63.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs [EP]

by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
July 9, 2002
One of 2002's much-hyped neo-garage rock bands, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs have opened for acts such as the White Stripes and the Strokes, and have drawn comparisons to both. This five-track debut EP was originally released in 2001 on the indie Shifty label, and saw a rerelease in the summer of 2002 on Touch & Go.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.0
lovehatetragedy 64.

lovehatetragedy

by Papa Roach
June 18, 2002
The No-Cal rap-metal outfit returns with a second album for Dreamworks (their third overall). Lead singer Coby Dick has reverted back to his given name, Jacoby Shaddix, but otherwise, the band and sound remain the same.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.2
Veni Vidi Vicious 65.

Veni Vidi Vicious

by The Hives
April 30, 2002
One of the first Next Big Things of 2002, Sweden's The Hives follow last year's media darlings The Strokes and The White Stripes in bringing the rock back to alternative rock. The only catch is that the band has been around for over a decade, with this particular album actually dating back to 2000, when it gained a limited U.S. release on a tiny Epitaph imprint. However, the Swedes were able to benefit from the rush to capitalize on the neo-garage/punk-rock movement by scoring a major label deal in early 2002 and a rerelease of this, their second full-length. (They've got The Strokes beat on length, though, managing to release an even shorter album, at just 27 minutes.)
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
In Our Gun 66.

In Our Gun

by Gomez
April 23, 2002
The third studio album for the heralded British band features 13 new self-produced tracks.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.2
Romantica 67.

Romantica

by Luna
April 23, 2002
Luna's sixth studio album is their first on new label Jetset, and also their first (aside from Luna Live!) to feature Brita Phillips on bass (replacing Justin Harwood, and leaving Dean Wareham as the sole founding member remaining). The all-star production team of Gene Holder and Dave Fridmann were behind the boards for these 12 new tracks.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.9
I Get Wet 68.

I Get Wet

by Andrew W.K.
March 26, 2002
This big-budget debut album from 22-year-old Detroit-raised rocker Andrew WK took the UK (well, at least its music press) by storm in late 2001.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.5
Evil Heat 69.

Evil Heat

by Primal Scream
November 26, 2002
Bobby Gillespie and co. follow 2000's widely acclaimed 'XTRMNTR' with a similar blend of Stooges-style rock and electronica, thanks to the production work of semi-official Primal Scream member Kevin Shields (formerly of My Bloody Valentine) and Andy Weatherall. Tracks include first single "Miss Lucifer," "City," a remake of a Gillespie-sung track on David Holmes' most recent album, and "Some Velvet Morning," sung as a duet with supermodel Kate Moss.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.7
Travelogue 70.

Travelogue

by Joni Mitchell
November 19, 2002
Backed by the London Symphony Orchestra, Joni Mitchell revisits songs from throughout her 35-year career on this two-disc set.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.4
3D 71.

3D

by TLC
November 12, 2002
The two surviving members of the popular R&B trio completed this long-delayed fourth album after the early 2002 death of cofounder Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.1
Under Construction 72.

Under Construction

by Missy Elliott
November 12, 2002
Missy Elliott reunites once again with super-producer Timbaland on this, her fourth studio album. The lead single is "Work It," a huge success even before the album's release. Guests on the disc include Jay-Z, Ludacris, Beyonce Knowles, TLC and Method Man.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.2
Shaman 73.

Shaman

by Santana
October 22, 2002
Attempting to duplicate the unexpected mega-success of 1999's 'Supernatural,' the rock veteran returns with the formula intact, loading this disc with numerous guests from various musical genres to appeal to as many potential fans as possible. The list of contributors reads like the introductions to some televised awards show: Michelle Branch, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, Seal, Macy Gray, Musiq, Placido Domingo, Ozomatli, Dido and P.O.D. (What, no Ozzy Osbourne?)
Metascore:
59
User Score:
6.4
The Last DJ 74.

The Last DJ

by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
October 8, 2002
The latest from Tom Petty is a concept album (or diatribe, if you will) about/against the domination of popular music by large, greedy corporations. It was released on October 8, 2002 by a large, greedy corporation.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.9
Trust 75.

Trust

by Low
September 24, 2002
The Duluth, MN indie band, known for their slow, sparse sound and vocal harmonies of husband and wife guitarist Alan Sparhawk and drummer Mimi Parker, scored their biggest critical success yet with 2001's 'Things We Lost In The Fire.' This follow-up features 13 new songs (many of which have been debuted live on recent tours) mixed by Tschad Blake.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.4
Lost In Space 76.

Lost In Space

by Aimee Mann
August 27, 2002
This self-released effort for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter (and former Til Tuesday frontwoman) is her first release since the twin 2000 critical successes of 'Bachelor No. 2' and the soundtrack to "Magnolia."
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.6
The Amalgamut 77.

The Amalgamut

by Filter
July 30, 2002
Filter's third LP finds the band moving in a less industrial/electronic direction.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.5
Murray Street 78.

Murray Street

by Sonic Youth
June 25, 2002
Now into their third decade of recording, Sonic Youth offer up a return to form that has more in common with their output of the 80s than with anything they have released in recent years. Multi-instrumentalist Jim O'Rourke, who worked with the band on their previous effort 'NYC Ghosts & Flowers,' is now a full-fledged member of the group.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.5
Storytelling OST 79.

Storytelling OST

by Belle and Sebastian
June 4, 2002
The Glasgow band's fifth album serves as the soundtrack to the Todd Solondz film of the same name--in theory, that is, as only a few minutes of this new material is actually used in the movie (in fact, much of the album was recorded after the movie was released). However, as with a typical soundtrack album, expect snatches of dialogue and numerous instrumental tracks interspersed with fully-developed songs.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
6.9
Frantic 80.

Frantic

by Bryan Ferry
May 21, 2002
Fresh off the Roxy Music reunion tour, Bryan Ferry resumes his solo career with this 13-track effort, a mix of Ferry originals and covers (including two Dylan tracks). Ferry has actually been working on this album for parts of the last eight (!) years, and it includes contributions from former Roxy Music partner/nemesis Brian Eno, the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, and Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
18 81.

18

by Moby
May 14, 2002
Can he do it again? Coming a full three years after his surprise megahit 'Play,' this new album from Richard Melville Hall attempts to repeat that disc's success with (surprise) 18 new tracks, including collaborations with Angie Stone, Sinead O'Connor, Azure Ray and MC Lyte.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.9
Control 82.

Control

by Pedro the Lion
April 16, 2002
Christian-indie rocker David Bazan follows 2000's 'Winners Never Quit' with this full-length album. This time out, Casey Foubert (Seldom) lends a hand with the instrumentation.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.6
White Lilies Island 83.

White Lilies Island

by Natalie Imbruglia
March 5, 2002
Natalie Imbruglia's second album is a follow-up to her 1998 international hit debut, 'Left Of The Middle.' Ian Stanley and Pascal Gabriel are among the producers working on this disc.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
7.1
Love Is Here 84.

Love Is Here

by Starsailor
January 8, 2002
This is the much-heralded debut album from the English foursome, produced by Steve Osbourne.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.2
It Ain't Safe No More 85.

It Ain't Safe No More

by Busta Rhymes
November 26, 2002
Busta is back with 19 new tracks, including collaborations with Mariah Carey, Carl Thomas and The Neptunes.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
6.8
Steal This Album 86.

Steal This Album

by System Of A Down
November 26, 2002
Not the true follow-up to 'Toxicity' that fans were hoping for, 'Steal This Album' instead consists of outtakes from that 2001 album, originally leaked on the Internet in rough versions and now polished up for release on CD.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Quality 87.

Quality

by Talib Kweli
November 19, 2002
Working with a variety of producers, the acclaimed New York rapper returns with his second album. Mos Def, Bilal and members of the Roots are among the guests.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.1
The Last Temptation 88.

The Last Temptation

by Ja Rule
November 19, 2002
The hugely successful rapper returns with another Irv Gotti-produced effort, with guest appearances from Ashanti, Nas and Bobby Brown.
Metascore:
57
User Score:
7.7
You Can Play These Songs With Chords 89.

You Can Play These Songs With Chords

by Death Cab for Cutie
October 22, 2002
This collection of B-sides, alternate versions and rarities contains 18 tracks, including an early cover of the Smiths' "This Charming Man."
Metascore:
65
User Score:
7.5
Man Vs Machine 90.

Man Vs Machine

by Xzibit
October 1, 2002
This is the fourth album from the successful West Coast rapper.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
7.9
The Ragpicker's Dream 91.

The Ragpicker's Dream

by Mark Knopfler
October 1, 2002
This is the third (non-soundtrack) solo album for the Dire Straits leader, and finds him in a somewhat acoustic, American roots style.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.1
Believe 92.

Believe

by Disturbed
September 17, 2002
The Chicago alt-metal band follows their 2 million-selling debut, 'The Sickness,' with this sophomore effort, working once again with producer Johnny Z.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.7
X 93.

X

by Def Leppard
July 30, 2002
X marks the veteran English arena-rock band's tenth album.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.8
Free All Angels 94.

Free All Angels

by Ash
June 25, 2002
This is the third album for the Irish indie-punk quartet, and takes a less harsh, more pop approach than their poorly-received 1998 sophomore effort 'Nu-Clear Sounds.'
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.0
God Loves Ugly 95.

God Loves Ugly

by Atmosphere
June 11, 2002
The Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and producer Ant offer up 18 new tracks.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.7
No! 96.

No!

by They Might Be Giants
June 11, 2002
This enhanced-CD experience is TMBG's first official album geared toward the younger set, with 17 children's songs with titles such as "Where Do They Make Balloons?" and "I Am Not a Grocery Bag." (Not that the titles themselves make this any different than a grownup TMBG album, mind you.)
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.0
High Society 97.

High Society

by Enon
June 4, 2002
This is the second album for the eclectic indie-rock band fronted and founded by John Schmersal (Brainiac). For this outing, the band has expanded to a four-piece, with new members Matt Schultz and former Blonde Redhead bassist Toko Yasuda (who replaces Steve Calhoon and handles some vocals).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.2
Vapor Trails 98.

Vapor Trails

by Rush
May 14, 2002
Canada's favorite prog rockers return with their first album of new material in six years, eh.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Blood Money 99.

Blood Money

by Tom Waits
May 7, 2002
Written for a Robert Wilson stage production of Georg Büchner's unfinished 1836 play 'Woyzeck,' 'Blood Money' is one of two Waits releases in May 2002 (the other being 'Alice,' which was similarly created for the stage).
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
Uninvisible 100.

Uninvisible

by Medeski, Martin & Wood
April 9, 2002
The New York-based experimental jazz trio expands its sound on this album by adding turntablists DJ P Love and DJ Olive and a five-piece horn section.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
tbd

Titles with fewer than 7 critic reviews are excluded.

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