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    By Music Critic· Last Updated:

    The Almost Top Ten Albums 2003

    ...who didn't make the cut

     

    by: bill aicher

     

    As we've been preparing to wow the world with our picks for the top ten albums released in 2003, we realized there are quite a bit of impressive albums that just didn't make the cut for this year's list. Many of these are the albums that you'll scream at us for not including in the list, but we thought we'd give them a bit of props.

    Outkast

    Runner-Up #10

    Outkast

    Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

    Outkast's double-disc album was quite an amazing feat, but at times it seemd a bit too self-indulgent for its own right. Then again, this is Outkast, so self-indulgence is not all that surprising. Besides, Andre did make Polaroid film cool again for the first time since the mid-80s.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/urban/outkast_speakerboxxxlovebelow

     

    Chris Knight

    Runner-Up #9

    Chris Knight 

    The Jealous Kind

    People who dismiss country music off the bat obviously haven't heard the right country music, as Chris Knight has demonstrated on his album The Jealous Kind. His latest showcases a tremendous songwriting ability, making Knight one of the best songwriters currently recording.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/country/knightchris_jealouskind

     

    Kenna

    Runner-Up #8

    Kenna

    New Sacred Cow

    Kenna's album, New Sacred Cow seemed like it might never come out, as tracks for it were floating around for years. Thankfully it did, and showed Kenna as one of the most innovative artists of the year, blending hip-hop, electronica, rock and more into a sound all his own.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/rock/kenna_newsacredcow

     

    Akrobatik

    Runner-Up #7

    Akrobatik

    Balance

    The debut album from Akrobatik demonstrates just what is needed in a great hip-hop album, a balance between dope beats, intelligence, and bouncy fun. If you're a hip-hop fan, there's no way you missed out on this... did you?

    full review https://musiccritic.com/urban/akrobatik_balance

     

    Dandy Warhols

    Runner-Up #6

    The Dandy Warhols

    Welcome to the Monkey House

    The Dandy Warhols took a bit of a sidestep with their most recent album, due mostly to the fact that their love of Duran Duran went almost a bit too far - but that didn't stop "You Were The Last High" from being one of the year's coolest song, and Welcome to the Monkey House one of the cooler albums - Simon LeBon guest vocals and all.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/rock/dandywarhols_monkeyhouse

     

    Marty Stuart

    Runner-Up #5

    Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

    Country Music

    Marty Stuart, despite his mighty silvered mullet and the "Marty Party" persona, has rebirthed himself as one of country music's truest believers. This album doesn't just sport the most apt title of the year; it's a testament to the different sounds and textures of country music...if this is corny, then bring the butter and some extra napkins!

    full review https://musiccritic.com/country/martystuart_countrymusic

     

    Death Cab for Cutie

    Runner-Up #4

    Death Cab for Cutie

    Transatlanticism

    Featuring even more of Ben Gibbard's trademark lyrical introspection, as well as a masterful level of song composition, Death Cab for Cutie finally found themselves with Transatlanticism.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/rock/deathcabforcutie_transatlanticism

     

    The Stills

    Runner-Up #3

    The Stills 

    Logic Will Break Your Heart

    Following the current trend to explore 80s new wave and post-punk influences, The Stills decided to incorporate these into their sound rather than simply rehash. This, along with the fact that Tim Fletcher can write a damn fine song, make The Stills not only a great band now, but one to watch in years to come.

     

    Radiohead

    Runner-Up #2

    Radiohead

    Hail to the Thief

    Radiohead's latest album found them embracing a more mainstream sound, creating an album that their more standard fare from Amnesiac and Kid A had interspersed throughout. Still, it felt a bit disappointing in the end, when many people expected another step forward from the group.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/rock/radiohead_httt

     

    The Shins

    Runner-Up #1

    The Shins 

    Chutes Too Narrow

    The Shins brand of summery indie pop was further developed on their sophomore release, showing that their debut, Oh Inverted World, was no fluke. Fans of intelligent, fun music rejoice - and run and out and get yourself a copy of Chutes Too Narrow if you haven't.

    full review https://musiccritic.com/rock/shins_chutestoonarrow