Essentials
Britsound's TOP 10 BEST ALBUMS OF 2005
2005 has produced some excellent British albums, and we are only interested in recommending only the very best of them - so that you save both time and money when you choose what to buy and listen to. So we are proud to present (in no particular order), our Top 10 Best Albums of 2005.
1. Bloc Party - 'Silent Alarm'
The London quartet has created an album that demonstrates the importance of musical solidarity spliced with lyrical emotion that doesn't come across as trivial or necessarily obvious. "Silent Alarm" is a danceable, percussion emphasized, romp that can certainly compete with their British influences, if not show potential to surpass them.
2. The Duke Spirit - 'Cuts Across The Land'
Singer Liela Moss channels her sexy blues predecessor PJ Harvey in this raw debut. "Cuts Across the Land" tests the senses with angry riffs, playful vocals, excited basslines and somber drums. It rattles from start to finish—encouraging the listener to hit repeat and do it all over again.
3. Mark Gardener (with Goldrush)- 'These Beautiful Ghosts'
Mark Gardener ex-front man of the influential britpop/shoegaze band Ride goes solo. Backed by british band Goldrush, Mark keeps the toned-down sound of the later Ride albums. A must have for fans, and for everyone else.
4. Embrace - 'Out of Nothing'
An album full of crafted songs that simply move you. From the anthemic 'Ashes' to the sweeping 'Glorious Day' and conclusive 'Out of Nothing', this album demonstrates that the McNamara brothers are capable of producing music verging on the side of greatness.
5. James Blunt - 'Back To Bedlam'
Much has been written about James Blunt - the sole artist that outsold Coldplay in the Uk in 2005. There's a reason why that has happened, as evidenced by 'Back To Bedlam.' From ballads like 'Beautiful' and 'High', to 'Wisemen' (arguably the best song on the album) Blunt has an album with great songs. And that voice. One to watch.
6. Athlete - 'Tourist'
One of the "prettier" Brit bands we've heard in a while, imagine a less cheesy, but more lyrical Coldplay if you may. From the storming 'Half Light' to the crafted introspection of 'Wires', Athlete is proving itself as a serious contender.
7. Ricky Ross - 'Pale Rider'
Want a hot tip? Then check out Ricky Ross' fourth album, 'Pale Rider.' With an acoustic, stripped-down feel, with genuine emotion wrought in every song, 'Pale Rider' is an album that delivers on the deepest of emotional levels. 'Pale Rider' pleases because it's full of well-written songs, but it ultimately impresses because of its authenticity. Recommended, just for the title track alone.
8. Chris Rea - 'Blue Guitars'
So, this is it then. Chris Rea's final album, or (we should say) albums. 11 CD's covering the story of the blues would be an incredible achievement for any musician over the course of their lifetime. But conceived and recorded in less than 2 years is a miracle. There are simply too many songs to mention, too many instances when Rea's warm gravelly vocals envelop you, and his trademark slide-guitar seeps into the crevasses of your soul. A remarkable achievement.
9. Oasis - 'Don't Believe The Truth'
An assured return to form for Liam and Noel, 'Don't Believe The Truth' has all the hallmarks of a truly great album. Consistency is the key here, as Oasis churn out great song after great song. From 'Lyla' to 'Let There Be Love', it seems Oasis have learnt some lessons from previous albums. For those who had written them off, there's a few more tricks left in this old dog.
10. Franz Ferdinand - 'You Could Have It So Much Better'
For a band whose initial goal was to make the ladies gyrate with glee, Franz Ferdinand have certainly become a lot deeper than a bunch of horny DJs. Their heavily anticipated follow-up to 2004's smash self-titled debut (the over exposed pop powerhouse with the brown and orange 70s decor) has arrived with enough bravado to ensure standing ovations, void of the bells and whistles attached to their new wave beginnings.
It doesn't get much better than this.
(c) 2005, Britsound & Britsound.com
