1. 3 Doors Down - The Better Life
You won't see these newcomers, straight out of Mississippi, on too many top ten lists, but then again look at the rest of my picks. These guys lit up the charts with "Kryptonite" and "Loser." Have you heard "Down Poison" yet?
What about any of their other songs? If not, you are missing a real treat from a group of really down-to-Earth guys who sing from the heart.
2. U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind
How could they ever redeem themselves after Pop, one of the most disappointing albums to ever hit stores? Would they ever be able to re-create the magic from The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby albums? The answer is yes. They did and they have. This is one of the few discs that you can put in the CD player and truly be swept away.
3. 'N Sync - No Strings Attached
Some people think that this list just lost credibility. Tell me what other album sold over 2.4 million copies in the first week out. Michael Jackson? No!
The Beatles? No! Madonna? No! While they may never possess the talent that these other people have, they sure did put together a collection of great songs that most of America sings along with every time they come on the radio. (Come on, sing with me, "Bye Bye Bye!")
4. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
You've heard all of the hype. You have heard all of the critics. It's all true. This is one of the most offensive artists and offensive records to be released since 2 Live Crew. It is also one of the most brilliant records ever released.
5. Green Day - Warning
The only album most people can remember them for is Dookie. This album rivals that one and blows their other previous releases away. This is a must have. These are the boys that inspired now popular groups like Blink 182 and Sr-71.
6. Leanne Womak - I Hope You Dance
The country tradition lately has been turned into the country-pop crossover sensation, like Faith Hill. Not for Womak, who's title track still sends chills down my spine.
7. Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season
Some critics didn't give this second helping of Rob Thomas hooks enough time to sink in. Still not as good as their debut Yourself or Someone Like You, it's not too far behind. Look for more number one chart toppers to come from this collection.
8. Eve 6 - Horrorscope
This disk had more sing-a-long tunes than a Barney video. "Promise" and "On The Roof" are the only two songs released as singles so far. Pick up this album and hear the other great tracks.
9. Hanson - This Time Around
This real boy BAND showed the maturity and talent that other boy groups, such as the Backstreet Boys, have been bragging about. Look for these guys to actually have staying power over the next few years as other teen pop groups fall off the charts.
10. Everclear - Songs from. ... Vol. 1
Art and the boys came back in 2000, with not just one album, but two. While Songs from an American Movie Vol. 2 was still great, Songs from an American Movie Vol. 1 offered such catchy tracks as "Wonderful," and a brilliant remake of "Brown-Eyed Girl."
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Not every great album can make the ten best list, so here are a few close calls still worthy of your twenty bucks. Several other great releases this year include: Marilyn Manson, Holy Wood; Outkast, Stankonia; Madonna, Music; Lifehouse, No Name Face; Fuel, Something Like Human; Britney Spears, Oops!...I Did It Again; Billy Gilman, One Voice and Snoop Dogg, The Last Meal.
