10 Incredible Albums Turning 20 Years Old This Year

For someone in their mid 30s, 2004 holds a particular nostalgic power so we may be biased when we say it was one of the best years for albums… maybe ever?

With some huge debut albums alongside records cementing legendary status from names like Arcade Fire, Björk, Dizzee Rascal, Madvillain, The Streets and more, check out 10 influential and enduring records from 20 years ago.

Arcade Fire - Funeral

Considered by many as one of the greatest albums of all time, we were blessed with Canadian Indie rock legends debut album 20 years ago.

Björk - Medúlla

Living icon Björk’s fifth album saw her switch things up from the more electronic focused Vespertine to an avant garde record made up almost entirely of human vocals, manipulated in every way imaginable.

Cut Copy - Bright Like Neon Love

Lords of the 2000s “Modular” era of indie-dance synth-pop, Aussie faves Cut Copy released their debut album in 2004 to widespread acclaim.

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine

Following a series of misfortunes after the release of their debut album in 1999, five years later mathcore avant metal legends released their acclaimed sophomore album, the first to feature Greg Puciato on vocals, as they entered their more experimental era.

Dizzee Rascal - Showtime

Just one year on from his era and genre defining debut album Boy in da Corner, Dizzee cemented his status as a crossover grime icon on his second album, at just 20 years old… 20 years ago!

Dungen - Ta Det Lugnt

One of Kevin Parker’s biggest influences on early Tame records, Swedish psych rock lords Dungen released their third (and let’s be honest, best) full-length records in ‘04.

Joanna Newsom - The Milk-Eyed Mender

One of the most unique and divisive voices of our times (alongside the aforementioned Björk, of course), Joanna Newsom’s debut album is now considered one of the best albums of the 2000s.

Madvillain - Madvillainy

Almost mythical at this point, sadly the only full length album released by legends of the hip-hop underground, Madlib and MF Doom as Madvillain.

Modest Mouse - Good News for People Who Love Bad News

Prolific alt-indie-rock band Modest Mouse’s fourth album is the one that put them on maps all around the world, featuring a trio of iconic singles.

The Streets - A Grand Don't Come for Free

Mike Skinner’s opus of a second album saw him write a concept record, following what happens when the protagonist loses a grand (thousand quid) and the subsequent knock on effects.