Best Albums EVER! (IMHO)

Just to warn readers, this list may seem a little wierd for a 26 year old African American female, but I can't help myself! Throw in a lot of alternative rock from the late 1990s and early 2000s (think Matchbox 20, Oasis, The Verve, Smashing Pumpkins, and Red Hot Chili Peppers), add in some emo and pop punk, and then lightly sprinkle in some Pop and Dance, and you pretty much have my entire iTunes library. I'm not counting compilation albums and greatest hits in this list, because that would be cheating.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

The Neo Soul genre that was so big in the early 2000s was basically R&B for the new generation. But, like a lot of musical fads, this one didn't stay strong for long. Sure, Macy Grey, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige are still pretty big, but the majority of Neo Soul artists have pretty much fizzled out. Of all of the Neo Soul albums, though, this one has stood the test of time. This album sounds as good now as when it was released way back in '98. I also have to say that this is the only album that I actually like every song on. It's like when your parents say, "Back in the day you didn't need to skip tracks because every song was good." I guess that's what I'll be saying about this album when I'm 40.

Everything In Transit and The Glass Passenger by Jack's Mannequin

I had never heard of Jack's Mannequin until I was in college, and one of my roommates was playing "Dark Blue". From that moment on I was hooked. Apparently, I'm still in teenage/adolescence mental mode, so the songs on these albums still speak to me. People and Things is a little too adult for my liking.

Mad Season and More Than You Think You Are by Matchbox Twenty

The first song I ever heard from Matchbox Twenty was "Bent." Since then I have been a pretty devoted fan of their music. To me, these two albums sum up what Matchbox Twenty are all about. The new songs from Exile on Mainstream were pretty good too, but based off of the few songs I've heard on North, this latest album hasn't caught me fancy.

Don't Play With Matches by Tabitha's Secret

As much as I dislike Yourself or Someone Like You, I love Don't Play With Matches. The two additional versions of "3 A.M." and "Forever December" are definitely the high points. If you're looking for some good acoustic 90s soft rock, I definitely recommend this album.

Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera

I much prefer the sweet innocent Christina Aguilera over the sexed-up-dominatrix version that we have to contend with now, but that's probably just me. In my humble opinion her first album was the best. Stripped was ok, with songs like "Beautiful" and "A Voice Within," but I didn't like the whole bad-girl thing that was forced down everyone's throats. Besides, nothing can top "Genie in A Bottle" and "Come On Over Baby." Aah, those were the days!

By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I first heard of Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was in high school, but it wasn't until I was in college that I could really explore all that the Chili Peppers had to offer. Stadium Arcadium and Californication are both good, but the line up on By the Way takes all.

Poison Kiss by The Last Goodnight

Probably not the most well known band out there, The Last Goodnight had a good sound, and their first, and only, album is certainly up there with my top picks. Unfortunately, they haven't released anything since.

Boys Like Girls by Boys Like Girls

If you're in the mood for some good Punk/Pop/Emo music, this is your go to band. Whenever I listen to this album, I get all nostalgic for how teen years should be (hanging out with super cute bf in a filed of wild flowers, laughing with your friends beside a scenic lake with a wooden pier), not how they actually are, lol! Like anyone with any ambition for the rest of their life, I hated high school, but this album does a good job of sugar coating those adolescent years in a rebellious emo kind of way.

Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

Prism is looking pretty good with "Roar," but Katy's second album is her best. Not to mention it's the first one I heard from her!

Simply Deep by Kelly Rowland

Compared to her hoochy, hip hop sound and image, Simply Deep would probably not be considered Kelly's best album by most people, but like I said before, I prefer the good girl image.

Sunsets and Car Crashes by The Spill Canvas

If you need some good break up music, or just want to hear some music that personifies all the emo heartache society has to offer, then Sunsets and Car Crashes is for you. The same college roommate who introduced me to Jack's Mannequin, also got me started with The Spill Canvas.