2004 was a milestone in music, delivering some of the most innovative and influential albums of the 2000s. As we approach 2024, these albums will celebrate their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of music that shaped the sounds of hip-hop, indie rock, and pop-punk. Let’s take a look at some of the defining records from that year.
1. Kanye West – The College Dropout
Kanye West’s debut album, The College Dropout, released in February 2004, was a groundbreaking moment in hip-hop. With its introspective lyrics, soulful production, and commentary on education, race, and fame, the album shifted the genre’s focus away from the gangster rap that had dominated the 90s. Tracks like “Through the Wire” and “Jesus Walks” made West a household name and set the stage for his influential career.
2. Green Day – American Idiot
In September 2004, Green Day released their ambitious rock opera American Idiot, a politically charged punk rock album that addressed the disillusionment of American youth in the post-9/11 world. The title track, along with anthems like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, helped the band reach a new level of mainstream success and solidified the album as a cultural touchstone of the early 2000s.
3. Arcade Fire – Funeral
Arcade Fire’s debut album Funeral arrived in September 2004 and quickly became a critical darling. Known for its emotional depth and baroque indie rock sound, Funeral addressed themes of loss and nostalgia. The album introduced the world to hits like “Wake Up” and “Rebellion (Lies)”, and it helped establish Arcade Fire as one of the most important indie bands of the decade.
4. Usher – Confessions
Released in March 2004, Usher’s Confessions was a massive commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the year. With hits like “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, and the introspective title track “Confessions Part II”, the album dominated the charts. Usher’s blend of smooth R&B with danceable beats helped cement his legacy as one of the top artists of the 2000s.
5. Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand
The Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 2004, delivering a fresh, danceable take on post-punk revival. The breakout single “Take Me Out”became an instant classic, and the album’s infectious energy helped it become a staple of the mid-2000s indie rock scene.
6. Modest Mouse – Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Modest Mouse’s 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News catapulted the band into the mainstream, thanks in part to the massive success of the single “Float On”. The album combined the band’s signature quirky, existential lyrics with a more polished sound, earning them both critical acclaim and commercial success.
7. The Killers – Hot Fuss
Released in June 2004, The Killers’ debut album Hot Fuss became an instant sensation with its blend of new wave, post-punk, and synthpop influences. Featuring massive hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me”, the album catapulted the Las Vegas band to global fame and remains a defining release of the 2000s rock resurgence.
8. Interpol – Antics
Following their acclaimed debut Turn On the Bright Lights, Interpol’s 2004 sophomore album Antics delivered a more polished and accessible sound while maintaining their dark, post-punk aesthetic. Tracks like “Slow Hands” and “Evil” became indie rock staples, solidifying the band’s status as key players in the genre.
9. Elliott Smith – From a Basement on the Hill
From a Basement on the Hill, released posthumously in 2004, is Elliott Smith’s final studio album. It blends his signature melancholy with experimental production, showing the complexity and raw emotion that defined his songwriting. Tracks like “King’s Crossing” and “Twilight” make this album a bittersweet farewell from one of indie’s most beloved artists.
10. The Libertines – The Libertines
The Libertines’ self-titled sophomore album arrived in 2004 amidst the tumultuous relationship between band members Pete Doherty and Carl Barât. Despite the chaos, the album is packed with raw energy and catchy tunes like “Can’t Stand Me Now”, capturing the essence of the UK’s indie rock revival scene.
The albums of 2004 not only defined the music of their time but have continued to influence artists for the last two decades. As we celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2024, it’s clear that these records remain as relevant and powerful as they were when they first debuted. Whether through Kanye’s genre-bending production, Green Day’s punk politics, or the indie rock anthems of Arcade Fire and The Killers, these albums have left a lasting mark on music history.