- 22, A Million – Bon Iver – Thoughtful songwriting and transcendent lyricism. Though it’s labeled “alternative”, you can find jazz, rock, and electronic influences.
- Continuum – John Mayer – This album single-handedly made me pick up a guitar. Mayer’s performance and musicianship is first class.
- Mean Everything to Nothing – Manchester Orchestra – Alt-rock that pushes musical boundaries. Artful songs packaged in soulful grit.
- Sigh No More – Mumford and Sons – This album brought folk music resurging to the masses. It’s a raw and heartfelt collection that I believe will be timeless.
- Plans – Death Cab for Cutie – Of all the lyricists in the world, Ben Gibbard may be the king. Plans is a uniquely dark album with glimpses of hope. It’s centered around the joke “How do you make God laugh? Tell him your plans.”
- Parachutes – Coldplay – Borrowing this album from my college roommate was one of the best decisions I ever made. The debut album from the British superstars released in 2002 was unlike most of their albums in that it was very underproduced and focused solely on the songs.
- We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank – Modest Mouse – This album expanded my idea of what could be commercially successful. If you haven’t listened to this album, the songs “Florida,” “Fire It Up,” and “Little Motels” will get stuck in your head and you will have no idea why.
- Songs of Innocence – U2 – This album didn’t inspire me with its music but by its release. 81 million iTunes users listened to this album within the first month and 26 million downloaded the full album. It was widely criticized because the album was placed in every iTunes users account instantly without prior consent or knowledge.
- Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper – This album broke the record label system. Chance released an album that was commercially and critically successful without signing a record deal.
- Occurrence At The Well – A Minor Bird – This album brought music closer to home for me. This album was an independent release by a band from my hometown that was intimate and full of life.
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