Top 57 Music Albums of 2003
by 
Romanelli 
- Chart updated: 02/22/2026 17:45
- (Created: 04/11/2012 18:11).
- Chart size: 57 albums.
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Produced by Jimmy Tamborello and Chris Walla. A duo consisting of Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and electronic musician Jimmy Tamborello, Give Up is their only album to date, which is really a shame, because the two have a really great chemistry that makes for an exceptional album. Fine all the way through, Give Up is an example of how it can suck when something sounds so good...but there just isn't any more of it. Come on, guys. Make another album, already! We'll all be glad you did.
[First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,067
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Produced by Jack White. Old time, blues based rock and roll got a huge shot in the arm from Jack White. Taking a minimalist approach by way of the Flat Duo Jets, Jack and Meg make an album that would have been more at home in 1973 than 2003...but their music suits the new century well. "Seven Nation Army", "Ball And Biscuit", "You've Got Her In Your Pocket" are all songs that give hope to rock after all. Elephant is their best album, and if a reunion ever happens, I'll be first in line for tickets.
[First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,249
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
2003 – AMERICAN
Produced By RICK RUBIN & ETHAN JOHNS
1. Stumbling Through The Dark
2. Tailspin
3. All The Right Reasons
4. Save It For A Rainy Day
5. Eyes Of Sarahjane
6. One Man’s Problem
7. Don’t Let The World Get In Your Way
8. Come To The River
9. Angelyne
10. Madman
11. You Look So Young
12. Tampa To Tulsa
13. Will I See You In Heaven
14. Stumbling Through The Dark (Reprise)
The Jayhawks were a hugely influential band in the Minneapolis music scene in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They were a guiding light for bands like Uncle Tupelo and The Gear Daddies. Their career was just beginning to take shape with the wonderful album Tomorrow The Green Grass (which unfortunately sold little), when co-founder Mark Olson left to be with his new wife, Victoria Williams (and to be in a band with her). The Jayhawks struggled behind Gary Louris for years, and it seemed that the magic had left with Olson. And then…out of nowhere came Rainy Day Music. The Jayhawks had slowly strayed from their country rock roots after Olson departed, but here, Louris brings it all back with a vengeance. The result is one of the most beautiful albums of the 2000’s, and a call back to bands like The Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco, and the early work of the Eagles. This is an amazing comeback…and this is an amazing album.
A very acoustic album with amazing hooks and perfect harmonies. Louris co-wrote “Stumbling Through The Dark” with Matthew Sweet, and it never wavers from there. Former Eagle Bernie Leadon lends his banjo to “Tailspin”. Tracks like “All The Right Reasons”, “Eyes Of Sarahjane”, “Don’t Let The World Get In Your Way” and “Save It For A Rainy Day” would have all been hits in a perfect world. As it is, Rainy Day Music is a quiet and under-appreciated masterpiece by a band that always should have been bigger than they were. If you haven’t yet discovered the joys of The Jayhawks, start here. If you loved what Gram Parsons, Poco, Eagles, and every other country rock band before them did, then you will love The Jayhawks. They went on hiatus after this album, ending their new found momentum quickly, but there have been reunions…even one with Mark Olson. But this is the shining moment for this band. And it should not be missed. [First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
Produced By RICK RUBIN & ETHAN JOHNS
1. Stumbling Through The Dark
2. Tailspin
3. All The Right Reasons
4. Save It For A Rainy Day
5. Eyes Of Sarahjane
6. One Man’s Problem
7. Don’t Let The World Get In Your Way
8. Come To The River
9. Angelyne
10. Madman
11. You Look So Young
12. Tampa To Tulsa
13. Will I See You In Heaven
14. Stumbling Through The Dark (Reprise)
The Jayhawks were a hugely influential band in the Minneapolis music scene in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They were a guiding light for bands like Uncle Tupelo and The Gear Daddies. Their career was just beginning to take shape with the wonderful album Tomorrow The Green Grass (which unfortunately sold little), when co-founder Mark Olson left to be with his new wife, Victoria Williams (and to be in a band with her). The Jayhawks struggled behind Gary Louris for years, and it seemed that the magic had left with Olson. And then…out of nowhere came Rainy Day Music. The Jayhawks had slowly strayed from their country rock roots after Olson departed, but here, Louris brings it all back with a vengeance. The result is one of the most beautiful albums of the 2000’s, and a call back to bands like The Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco, and the early work of the Eagles. This is an amazing comeback…and this is an amazing album.
A very acoustic album with amazing hooks and perfect harmonies. Louris co-wrote “Stumbling Through The Dark” with Matthew Sweet, and it never wavers from there. Former Eagle Bernie Leadon lends his banjo to “Tailspin”. Tracks like “All The Right Reasons”, “Eyes Of Sarahjane”, “Don’t Let The World Get In Your Way” and “Save It For A Rainy Day” would have all been hits in a perfect world. As it is, Rainy Day Music is a quiet and under-appreciated masterpiece by a band that always should have been bigger than they were. If you haven’t yet discovered the joys of The Jayhawks, start here. If you loved what Gram Parsons, Poco, Eagles, and every other country rock band before them did, then you will love The Jayhawks. They went on hiatus after this album, ending their new found momentum quickly, but there have been reunions…even one with Mark Olson. But this is the shining moment for this band. And it should not be missed. [First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
2003 – NEW WEST
Produced By DAVID BARBE
1. The Deeper In
2. Sink Hole
3. Hell No, I Ain’t Happy
4. Marry Me
5. My Sweet Annette
6. Outfit
7. Heathens
8. Sounds Better In The Song
9. (Something's Got To) Give Pretty Soon
10. Your Daddy Hates Me
11. Careless
12. When The Pin Hits The Shell
13. Do It Yourself
14. Decoration Day
15. Loaded Gun In The Closet
In 2003, Drive-By Truckers were a band that was quickly growing their brand of Southern rock into a thriving mature collection of great songs and great stories. Coming off of the fantastic double album Southern Rock Opera, the Truckers switched gears a bit with Decoration Day. Not only was Mike Cooley growing quickly as a songwriting force in the band almost equal to Patterson Hood, but they had also added Jason Isbell, a young third guitarist who would prove over the short time he would be in the band (and over his now exceptional solo career) that he was a top notch writer as well. Decoration Day is loaded with great songs, along with a new found maturity not found on their previous albums. Hood is still the main writer here, but Cooley adds four tracks along with only two from Isbell. But those two tracks are the highlight of the album, showing the first glimpse of what a special writer Isbell would soon become.
Isbell’s “Decoration Day” and “Outfit” are both great songs. Hood’s “The Deeper In” is about the only people in the US to have served jail time for brother/sister incest. Many of the songs continue the Truckers tradition of making music about life in the American South, but Decoration Day is darker than their previous albums…but it still manages to be enough fun to hold interest. The album was recorded mostly live in the studio, with half of the tracks being first take performances. Decoration Day is the beginning if the Isbell era for the band, and while the next album, The Dirty South, would be much stronger, this one is still an important part of the band’s discography. It’s a great listen, and well worth the time. Not the Trucker’s best work, but also not an album that should be dismissed as a lesser work. [First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
Produced By DAVID BARBE
1. The Deeper In
2. Sink Hole
3. Hell No, I Ain’t Happy
4. Marry Me
5. My Sweet Annette
6. Outfit
7. Heathens
8. Sounds Better In The Song
9. (Something's Got To) Give Pretty Soon
10. Your Daddy Hates Me
11. Careless
12. When The Pin Hits The Shell
13. Do It Yourself
14. Decoration Day
15. Loaded Gun In The Closet
In 2003, Drive-By Truckers were a band that was quickly growing their brand of Southern rock into a thriving mature collection of great songs and great stories. Coming off of the fantastic double album Southern Rock Opera, the Truckers switched gears a bit with Decoration Day. Not only was Mike Cooley growing quickly as a songwriting force in the band almost equal to Patterson Hood, but they had also added Jason Isbell, a young third guitarist who would prove over the short time he would be in the band (and over his now exceptional solo career) that he was a top notch writer as well. Decoration Day is loaded with great songs, along with a new found maturity not found on their previous albums. Hood is still the main writer here, but Cooley adds four tracks along with only two from Isbell. But those two tracks are the highlight of the album, showing the first glimpse of what a special writer Isbell would soon become.
Isbell’s “Decoration Day” and “Outfit” are both great songs. Hood’s “The Deeper In” is about the only people in the US to have served jail time for brother/sister incest. Many of the songs continue the Truckers tradition of making music about life in the American South, but Decoration Day is darker than their previous albums…but it still manages to be enough fun to hold interest. The album was recorded mostly live in the studio, with half of the tracks being first take performances. Decoration Day is the beginning if the Isbell era for the band, and while the next album, The Dirty South, would be much stronger, this one is still an important part of the band’s discography. It’s a great listen, and well worth the time. Not the Trucker’s best work, but also not an album that should be dismissed as a lesser work. [First added to this chart: 04/11/2012]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
519
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
2003-ELEKTRA
Produced By DAVE SARDY
1. Last Chance
2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl
3. Rollover D.J.
4. Look What You've Done
5. Get What You Need
6. Move On
7. Radio Song
8. Get Me Outta Here
9. Cold Hard Bitch
10. Come Around Again
11. Take It Or Leave It
12. Lazy Gun
13. Timothy
Nic Cester may have the best "Yeah!" scream since Roger Daltrey. This debut album from Australia's Jet was a jolt, thanks to the powerful hit "Are You Gonna Be My Girl". Led by the Cester brothers (Nic and Chris), the album rocks hard and heavy, but also shows a fine ability to handle ballad material. The album as a whole is a great listen, with only a couple of weaker tracks. It's exciting, exuberant, and fresh sounding, even years later. This is the kind of album that people who loved the days of FM rock radio long for. A rocking good time that you can crank in the car. Truly a breath of fresh air for a genre that had grown pretty stagnant over the years.
There was criticism that "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" resembled a little too closely Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" and the Supreme's "You Can't Hurry Love", but the talk dies down. And regardless...it's a terrific song. As for Jet...absolutely nothing they did after this album is worth the time of day. A lot of people dislike this one as well, but it's not a bad album. [First added to this chart: 04/13/2012]
Produced By DAVE SARDY
1. Last Chance
2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl
3. Rollover D.J.
4. Look What You've Done
5. Get What You Need
6. Move On
7. Radio Song
8. Get Me Outta Here
9. Cold Hard Bitch
10. Come Around Again
11. Take It Or Leave It
12. Lazy Gun
13. Timothy
Nic Cester may have the best "Yeah!" scream since Roger Daltrey. This debut album from Australia's Jet was a jolt, thanks to the powerful hit "Are You Gonna Be My Girl". Led by the Cester brothers (Nic and Chris), the album rocks hard and heavy, but also shows a fine ability to handle ballad material. The album as a whole is a great listen, with only a couple of weaker tracks. It's exciting, exuberant, and fresh sounding, even years later. This is the kind of album that people who loved the days of FM rock radio long for. A rocking good time that you can crank in the car. Truly a breath of fresh air for a genre that had grown pretty stagnant over the years.
There was criticism that "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" resembled a little too closely Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" and the Supreme's "You Can't Hurry Love", but the talk dies down. And regardless...it's a terrific song. As for Jet...absolutely nothing they did after this album is worth the time of day. A lot of people dislike this one as well, but it's not a bad album. [First added to this chart: 04/13/2012]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
560
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Produced by Rich Costey, John Cornfield, Muse and Paul Reeve. Maybe the biggest sounding three piece band ever. Absolution is one of three must have albums by this band, along with Black Holes and Origin Of Symmetry. Matthew Bellamy is a musical giant, and Absolution is blessed with strong tracks like "Stockholm Syndrome" and "Time Is Running Out", and the rest is above solid as well. Muse is one of those bands you simply can't ignore, and this album should be a part of your Muse experience.
[First added to this chart: 04/14/2012]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
7,971
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
[First added to this chart: 04/13/2012]
[First added to this chart: 05/21/2013]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,749
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
[First added to this chart: 04/12/2012]
2003 – SUGAR HILL
Produced By RAY KENNEDY
1. Let’s Just Fall
2. Nobody’s Girl
3. Desolation Angels
4. Everybody
5. I Saw It Coming
6. Vancouver
7. Willamina
8. Mersey Beat
9. Set Me Free
10. Snowfall
11. You Don’t Want Me Around
12. May Peace Find You Tonight
Reckless Kelly knocked around central Idaho and Oregon in the late 90’s before settling into the Austin scene, They were a perfect fit…as country rock as they come. After a pair of albums that did very little, Under The Table And Above The Sun didn’t exactly set the charts on fire…but it did, for the first time in their career, make at least a dent there. The band would have mild successes in the 2010’s, but for now, this was the stepping stone that they needed…their next album contained their best song, “Wicked Twisted Road”. But this record, while not great, gives you an idea of what this band is capable of.
The best song here, by far, is “Vancouver”. It shows that Reckless Kelly is capable of being more than just a bland alt-country outfit, and sets the table for their next record nicely. Under The Table & Above The Sun is pleasant enough, but there’s nothing here that will make you turn your head and say that this was a band on the verge of something big…something that they are still waiting for. But this is by no means a bad album. It’s worth having for “Vancouver” alone, and add to that songs like “Nobody’s Girl”, “Snowfall” and “I Saw It Coming”, and you have yourself a nice little gem of an record. Again…this is not greatness. But it’s a good listen, and worthwhile if you stumble on it. [First added to this chart: 11/08/2012]
Produced By RAY KENNEDY
1. Let’s Just Fall
2. Nobody’s Girl
3. Desolation Angels
4. Everybody
5. I Saw It Coming
6. Vancouver
7. Willamina
8. Mersey Beat
9. Set Me Free
10. Snowfall
11. You Don’t Want Me Around
12. May Peace Find You Tonight
Reckless Kelly knocked around central Idaho and Oregon in the late 90’s before settling into the Austin scene, They were a perfect fit…as country rock as they come. After a pair of albums that did very little, Under The Table And Above The Sun didn’t exactly set the charts on fire…but it did, for the first time in their career, make at least a dent there. The band would have mild successes in the 2010’s, but for now, this was the stepping stone that they needed…their next album contained their best song, “Wicked Twisted Road”. But this record, while not great, gives you an idea of what this band is capable of.
The best song here, by far, is “Vancouver”. It shows that Reckless Kelly is capable of being more than just a bland alt-country outfit, and sets the table for their next record nicely. Under The Table & Above The Sun is pleasant enough, but there’s nothing here that will make you turn your head and say that this was a band on the verge of something big…something that they are still waiting for. But this is by no means a bad album. It’s worth having for “Vancouver” alone, and add to that songs like “Nobody’s Girl”, “Snowfall” and “I Saw It Coming”, and you have yourself a nice little gem of an record. Again…this is not greatness. But it’s a good listen, and worthwhile if you stumble on it. [First added to this chart: 11/08/2012]
Total albums: 57. Page 1 of 6
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Top 57 Music Albums of 2003 composition
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Various Artists | 4 | 7% | |
| Lucinda Williams | 1 | 2% | |
| Warren Zevon | 1 | 2% | |
| Rufus Wainwright | 1 | 2% | |
| The Mars Volta | 1 | 2% | |
| Dixie Chicks | 1 | 2% | |
| Johnny Cash / Linda Ronstadt / Roy Clark | 1 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
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Top 57 Music Albums of 2003 ratings
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| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/14/2013 20:07 | JusticeDone | 424 | 96/100 | |
| 11/02/2012 00:53 | strawberryfields | 273 | 95/100 |
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