Before I continue with the top 120 singles, let's take a look at the first half of my top 10 albums of 2005! I picked these as my personal favorite albums of the year, which means there's no stats machine involved.
I'm not even going to try to give a great review for any of these albums, because you can get that elsewhere. I'm just going to talk about why I picked them.
10. M.I.A. - Arular
Why I chose Arular
From the very first time I heard M.I.A., I knew she was one of a kind. As such, her debut album is not just any rap or dance music. It's a stellar combination of hard-hitting lyrics, fast-moving rhymes, and incredibly addictive beats.
My top 3 tracks from Arular
3. Galang - This worked well as the first real single. It's very catchy and packs in strong social commentary.
2. Bucky Done Gun - Quite possibly one of the most addictive songs I've ever heard. The horns, chorus, all of it, genius.
1. 10 Dollar - I was instantly hooked as soon as I heard this. Whoever made this beat deserves a medal.
9. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
Why I chose Get Behind Me Satan
I didn't know what to think of this album when I first heard it, but as I listened to it more, it grew on me more. It's definitely a departure from their previous stuff, and a departure from typical rock music, but that doesn't make it bad. It's amazing.
My top 3 tracks from Get Behind Me Satan
3. Take, Take, Take - Jack's vocals in this song are awesome. I could listen to this one all day.
2. The Denial Twist - Not just a creative video but also a very catchy song to go along with it.
1. Blue Orchid - The most RAHHHH on the album, so, not surprising that it's my favorite.
8. The Decemberists - Picaresque
Why I chose Picaresque
I downloaded this album about a day before seeing them live, so I could have more than one song to sing along to at the concert. What I discovered, both on the album and on stage, was an incredible band with more talent and creativity than many other bands combined.
My top 3 tracks from Picaresque
3. We Both Go Down Together - It might seem silly, but the accordion used in this song is fantastic.
2. 16 Military Wives - Not just an accurate commentary on America's foreign policy, but also a catchy tune.
1. The Engine Driver - Probably the most emotional track on the album, and the music is stunning.
7. Audioslave - Out Of Exile
Why I chose Out Of Exile
Unlike Audioslave's first album, which fell apart in the second half, this one keeps going strong the entire time. Not only is Chris Cornell top notch, but Tom Morello is at his best by far. The solos on this album are the best I've heard among all new music.
My top 3 tracks from Out Of Exile
3. Yesterday To Tomorrow - The bass intro and hook in this song is simply unbeatable.
2. Your Time Has Come - Non-stop rock all the way through in this one, and includes one of the best solos.
1. Doesn't Remind Me - Chris Cornell called this his favorite Audioslave song, and I agree. It's just genius.
6. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
Why I chose You Could Have It So Much Better
I thought their first album was great, but wow, this blows it out of the water. Every single track on this album has a strong tune and doesn't sound dull at all. Franz brings it from beginning to end. As a result, it's the hardest from which to pick my favorite tracks.
My top 3 tracks from You Could Have It So Much Better
3. The Fallen - Couldn't start off the album any better way. Makes everything strong from the start.
2. Walk Away - Probably the most catchy song on the album and would make a great single.
1. Evil And A Heathen - Builds up to an amazing chorus which I think is the album's best moment.