20 Years, 20 Albums

According to the chichi drum machine, the best albums released in every one of the past 20-or-so years are:

Doolittle by Pixies

Following their amazing debut Surfer Rosa comes another collection of dark surrealism, torture, and Biblical references.
1989

Violator by Depeche Mode

This synthpop masterpiece spawned such singles/staples as "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence."

1990

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine

The genre of shoegazing can give a great big hug to it's grandpa, Loveless.

1991

Bone Machine by Tom Waits

After five years without a studio release, Waits returned with this chain gang of songs knows as Bone Machine.

1992

Rid of Me by PJ Harvey

She didn't care if indie punk was a man's world, with Steve Albini she paved the way for other female noise-makers.

1993

Grace by Jeff Buckley

A modern classic, the first and last album from Buckley is the pinnacle of both singing and songwriting. Timeless.

1994

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by Smashing Pumpkins

The Pumpkins' most ambitious effort, Mellon Collie spawned several genres and emotions over its 28 tracks.

1995

All Eyez on Me by 2Pac

Released 7 months prior to his death, this album closed the book on the legacy of gangsta rap in the '90s. 

1996

Homogenic by Bjork

One of the best electronic albums of all time is actually an ode to Iceland and its dynamic and naturally abstract beats.

1997

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

Widely revered as one of the best albums of all time, it opened the gates for many neo-soul artists to follow.

1998

I See a Darkness by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

Darkness fell on and influenced many in the modern folk world. Imagine Bon Iver without 'Prince' Billy.

1999

Kid A by Radiohead

Radiohead's move into electronic landscapes, it incorporated everything from experimental jazz to classical music.

2000

White Blood Cells by the White Stripes

The garage rock revival was in full swing when the memorable Lego-tastic video for "Fell in Love with a Girl" exploded. 

2001

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco

Jeff Tweedy and Co. offer up a psychedelically complex work of country-tinged songs. 

2002

Fever to Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Depictions of lead singer Karen O drunkenly yelping on stage fits perfectly with the antics on this NYC band's debut.

2003

Van Lear Rose by Loretta Lynn

Jack White turns up the volume for this country legend and the result is astonishing. 

2004

Arular by M.I.A.

This politically-driven, sample-heavy debut from Sri Lanka rapper M.I.A. made everyone take notice.

2005

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

Alcoholism, sex, and drugs = rock n' roll, right? Try a white Jewish girl who specializes in doo-wop. 

2006

New Wave by Against Me!

Against Me! proves that tightly constructed punk rock songs never go out of style.

2007

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes

This self-titled debut had critics creaming their panties. Who knew baroque folk was so powerful?

2008

Middle Cyclone by Neko Case

With a voice so powerful it could possibly evoke a cyclone by itself, Ms. Case makes claim to the throne of alt. country.
2009