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Top 50 Albums of 2003 Part IV (20-11)

we crack the Top 20, and i have a little to say about each one this time.

20. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Hearts of Oak
a great power-pop album that deserved to be all over rock radio, if only the wonderful two-tone tribute, "Where Have all the Rudeboys Gone?". this is my first exposure to Ted Leo, but it left me wondering why the hell that happened.

19. Jay-Z - The Black Album
not Jigga's finest moment, check Reasonable Doubt or The Blueprint, but a strong supposed finish to his recording career. the lack of guest artists makes this a grand statement that holds up very well. it's a pleasant surprise to hear new producers putting up some of the greatest tracks, while The Neptunes just seem to coast along on rep. "99 Problems" is essential for Rick Rubin's production, while "Lucifer" is for my favorite sample of the year.

18. Prefuse 73 - One Word Extinguisher
some of the best hip-hop beats found on any album in 2003, and an enjoyable listen from start to finish. i don't know what genre i would classify it as, other than saying it's most definately worth a spin for anyone into hip-hop, IDM, techno, or just plain interesting instrumental music.

17. Kings of Leon - Youth and Young Manhood
bringing the southern boogie to the garage rock revolution, these four boys bomb like the Allman's without the extended jamming. this album is enough to make you realize that Southern rock never should have completely died out.

16. Basement Jaxx - Kish Kash
i've never been a huge Jaxx fan, but they've always managed to smuggle a single into my radar with each release. this album breaks that pattern, as it's filled with great tracks that get me in the clubbing mood. great collaborations from Siouxie Siuox, Dizzee Rascal, and others keep it interesting. and JC Chasez proves that J-Tim isn't the only N*Syncer that can get his groove on.

15. The Decemberists - Her Majesty
this band blew out of nowhere for me with two albums catching my ear in 2003. the proper release from this year continues the tradition set by the debut EP and first album, beautiful chamber-pop with intelligent lyrics without sacrificing on melody.

14. Wrens - The Meadowlands
wow, wow, wow. i'm not sure what else to say about this album. this was another first intro to a band for me this year, and i was enthralled upon first listen. i can tell this is a challenging, always interesting release that will pop up in rotation for some time to come.

13. 50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying
quite simply put, this is the best hip-hop album of 2003 by a longshot. "In Da Club", "Wanksta", "20 Questions", and "P.I.M.P" blew up the radio in the 0-3, but there could have easily been 2-3 more successful singles off the album. 50's engaging flow and top-notch production from Dre, Em, and others keeps this off the hook from beginning to end. the lack of weak skits is also a big plus, keep it on the music yo.

12. Notwist - Neon Golden
technically a 2002 release, but this one didn't get a domestic issue here until spring and didn't hit my ears until this year. beautiful lap-pop that sticks with you on an initial listen, but begs you to come back for more and wallow in the goodness.

11. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever to Tell
overall quite a successful debut for this over-hyped band, proving that they are capable of bringing the noise over a full-length. "Maps" is one of the most beautiful songs of the year, and the Karen O's backing boys prove that there is far more to this band than just an engaging lead singer. i'm looking forward to seeing where they go next.