10 Australian Albums From The Noughties To Make You Nostalgic (BuzzFeed)

Taken from www.buzzfeed.com/nicholaswasilievwriter

Wow, was it really that long ago that many of these Aussie classics were released? The Noughties were a groovy time for Australian music, with so many amazing artists emerging that would go on to become household names, both in Australia and on a global scale. This list aims to highlight ten of them (and a few more), to really get a sense of how good our artists really are. And hey, aside from a trip down memory lane, you may even find yourself discovering a few albums you may have never even heard of before.

Now this list is from an audience perspective, this is no official list whatsoever. They are picked by just me, as a fan. If there are any albums that I’ve missed (which I’m sure I have, being only ten slots and everything), be sure to mention it in the comments section, or you could make your own list. What’s the point of a free world if we can’t have differing opinions? So here they are, in no particular order (cause they’re all great).

Odyssey Number Five (Powderfinger) 2000

How could you not have an Australian album musical list without these guys? If I didn’t include them at some point on this list I would be personally disappointed in myself. Why? Because these guys were one of the most solid acts throughout the Nineties and Noughties, and Odyssey Number Five was the culmination of this band hitting their peak. So many classics came from this: “My Happiness”, “My Kind of Scene”, “Like A Dog”; I could go on. It was voted by Triple J as the greatest Australian album of the decade, and with good reason: it’s an absolute knockout.

Innocent Eyes (Delta Goodrem) 2003

Ahhhh, Delta. I was a RAGE kid during the Noughties; spending my Saturday mornings getting up to watch the Top50 and look to see who was at number one on the singles charts (usually Eminem). The first single I heard from this album, “Lost Without You” always sticks in my head when I think about those nostalgic mornings. Looking at the rest of the album in retrospect, you really see how much of an amazing talent Delta is. Her song writing and her voice are stellar in this record. This was the highest selling Australian album of the decade, charting all over the world, and is a multiple ARIA winner. Kinda speaks for itself.

Get Born (Jet) 2003

Though Jet might be disbanded in the 2010s, their all-rock out music footprint lives on, walking in the footsteps of bands like ACDC and You Am I. Get Born is still played today, (if any of you guys haven’t “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”, “Rollover DJ” and “Cold Hard Bitch”, then do yourself a favour and google that right now). This band took over the States, the UK and beyond with this record, and you can see why listening to it. Take an hour out of your day sometime and listen to this, cause this is sure to get you rocking out. Well played, Jet.

Sunrise Over Sea (John Butler Trio) 2004

Though their follow-up Grand National could easily be interchangeable with this record, Sunrise Over Sea was the record that introduced us to the amazing vocal and instrumental talents of Mr. John Butler and Company. Arguably the flagship of the Aussie funk and blues rock movement for the decade, this record gave us so many damn catchy tunes, including addictive “Zebra”, “What You Want” and “Treat Yo Mama”. This is a solid record through and through, and even if you aren’t into this genre, give this record and its follow-up a listen: you won’t be disappointed.

Fever (Kylie Minogue) 2001

Like Powderfinger, you can’t have this list without Kylie. Fever was (and to me still is) her magnum opus. She was already red-hot before it came out, but with her reinvention on this record cemented her place among the great Australian musical legends. “Fever”, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”, “Love at First Sight”… hell, there ain’t a dud song on this record! While she’s still going strong today, don’t be afraid to get nostalgic and go back to see where it all began for Kylie, she is the princess of pop and proof is in the pudding.

The Cat Empire (The Cat Empire) 2003

I might be going out on a limb here, but I’m still to find someone who completely dismisses The Cat Empire. They are just so freaking likeable, with their personality, their stage presence, and their music. My god! Their music! The funky sounds of “Hello” (which was still being played in the UK when I was there in 2012), the happy-go-lucky “Days Like These” (which has probably the best lyrical rhyme ever, thank you Harry), “The Chariot”, “The Wine Song”, the list goes on; this whole album lives, breathes and crackles with an emphatic beachside “going-out-with-your-mates” vibe that just makes you tap your feet along and recite the lyrics that are going at a million miles an hour. And to think this debut came out long ago, you know that this band is special when they have stood the test of time.

Like Drawing Blood (Gotye) 2006

The indie music industry certainly came of age during the Noughties, and with many Aussie indie artists going on to find mainstream success both in Australia and overseas during the latter half of the decade and into the 2010s. One of the early gems that it unearthed was the unconventional musical talents of Wally De Backer (now of course well known for his 2011 monster hit “Somebody That I Used to Know”, as well as his third album, Making Mirrors). Like Drawing Blood was his sophomore effort, and with it, he developed what became a strong cultural following in Australia, particularly with the lead single (and in my opinion, his best track) “Hearts a Mess”, as well as “Learnalilgivinanlovin” (such a cool title). De Backer though is never one to give a half-hearted attempt of a record, with every track on this being a tinkered, well-crafted piece of art. Unconventional and beautiful.

Black Fingernails, Red Wine (Eskimo Joe) 2006

For many of the music listeners in their early twenties, the sounds of the title track from this band’s debut take us back to the days of high school. Eskimo Joe more than secured their own place in the Australian alternative rock soundscape with this record. Outside of the solid title track, songs like “New York” and “Sarah” also stand out. Interestingly, the rise of Eskimo Joe led to many more great bands from out west finding mainstream success (such as Empire of the Sun, Karnivool and Birds of Tokyo). Check out this solid effort, and hear the Australian alternative rock sound at its best.

Since I Left You (The Avalanches) 2000

Often, with the success of many of the artists mentioned on this list, it seems easy to forget this near perfect album when since it was released over a decade and a half ago. It’s still amazing to think, that at the time of this list being written, that this is the only album that electronic music group The Avalanches has released. Yet, even with only one album so far under their belt, this record is sure to bring back the memories. The title track, as well as the singles “Electricity” and “Frontier Psychiatrist” are great enough, but the fact that the entire album itself is so solid, and one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the decade, more than warrants it success. One can only hope that we see this band again, because they truly have something magical. Go looking for this blast from the past, you won’t be disappointed.

The Sound of White (Missy Higgins) 2005

From the moment we heard the first single from this album “Scar”, we already could see the talent that Missy Higgins had. Indeed, that talent was indeed confirmed with this debut effort, which became the highest selling Australian album for 2005, and led to the launching of Higgins into an amazing career in music and film. In addition, songs like “Ten Days”, “The Special Two” and the title track capture that summer vibe, and ended up always being on replay during the summer of 05/06. Will definitely make you reminisce.

Honourable Mentions (an extra five albums for those looking to dig a little deeper)

Watching Angels Mend (Alex Lloyd) 2002

A seriously underappreciated album. Aside from the monster hit “Amazing”, this album was a critical hit, no surprises considering the consistent talent of Lloyd. But this was the one that launched him, so for that it gets the honourable mention.

Barricades & Brickwalls (Kasey Chambers) 2002

If there was ever a great Aussie country album, this was it. Kasey Chambers is still a widely respected name in the musical industry, and this album certainly shows why. If you’re still to hear “Not Pretty Enough” and “True Colours” (if you haven’t get on it) its all here.

Tea & Sympathy (Bernard Fanning) 2005

Bernard Fanning was a breath of fresh air, arriving with this triumphant debut and a crisp, acoustic sound. Who doesn’t remember the sounds of “Wish You Well”? We certainly do wish you well, Mr Fanning.

Wolfmother (Wolfmother) 2009

While often joked about as being Led Zeppelin knock-offs, this debut certainly was no slouch. It was a hit here and in the States, particularly with songs like “Joker and the Thief” and “Woman”. Its old school rocking, and its damn entertaining.

Pnau (Pnau) 2007

Pnau has developed strongly loyal cult following, and their third effort, a multi-layered EDM gem certainly shows the dynamic directions that the duo has taken. “Wild Strawberries”, “Embrace” and “Baby” ring any bells? Can’t go wrong with the talents of Littlemore and Mayes.