Although one may not think a certain album is perfect, you can surely respect a record for its musicianship and effort. Here are some of the albums that I think are admirable because of its sophistication and grace.

The Postal Service – Give Up

This is such a great, techno-easy listening album. Ben Gibbard delivers particularly interesting vocal performances, whether he’s in a Death Cab For Cutie song, or making an effort away from his main band. Jenny Lewis and Jen Wood should have cage match to see whose voice fits better with Gibbard’s.  

Say Hi – The Wishes and the Glitch

Fans of Say Hi To Your Mom weren’t dazzled by the shortened name change. I’ve never heard any of Eric Elbogen’s music when he was still Say Hi To Your Mom, but The Wishes and the Glitch is nearly perfect in its own way. I think Elbogen has such an awkward, attractive voice. I’m completely infatuated with the song, “Bluetime.” Distortion is somewhat abundant, but that’s what makes this record.

The Most Serene Republic – Phages

This isn’t an LP, but it is certainly one of the strongest releases this past decade. Never can one be so amazed at the growth that is shown through this EP, when you look at The Most Serene Republic’s debut, Underwater Cinematographer and then, even at random, select a song from Phages. You cannot dare to touch this EP or even manage to remix a song while keeping its originality and complex layers of distortion and cacophony of delicate vocals from Adrian Jewett and Emma Ditchburn.

Blink 182 – Blink 182

Speaking of growth, this is it. Although Blink 182 can be categorized as completely different from most of the artists being different, this is unexpected maturity at its amazing depths. I mean, there’s even an instrumental tune on this album –something you wouldn’t normally expect from a pop-punk band. When this came out, fans were either open to the band’s change in direction, or disappointed because of the development, and critics were faced with a record with unexpected sounds. It is obvious this album is the standout in Blink 182’s showcase. Finally, the immature little boys grew up to present this darker, mature record, only to have their career together [as a group] cut short due to their breakup.

Modest Mouse – The Moon & Antarctica

“3rd Planet.” That is the first thing I can say about The Moon & Antarctica. What a great way to start your album. That song is completely epic. Isaac Brock is such a talented lyricist that his songs can never fail to charm you. The band goes past surrealism and gives you something completely moving.

The Smiths – Louder Than Bombs

I would love to be able to write songs like Morrissey. He never fails to tell the true tale of a heart, and he’s always bitter-sweetly honest. “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” is the song that you listen to when you’re at a party with nothing left to do, no one to talk to and just wish you could be someplace better. The Smiths manage to be meaningful, yet straight to the point at all times.

I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends

This is one of the best discoveries I’ve made. I don’t know why the fan base of this band isn’t as big as Broken Social Scene, seeing that I’m From Barcelona have 29 members, and better quality songs (I have to say, however, “Anthems For a Seventeen Year-Old Girl is precious and one of my favorite songs ever). Let Me Introduce My Friends has the cheeriest, happiest record you could ever listen to. This album truly captures the essence of a care-free childhood, where all you had to do was wake up, have fun, smile, laugh, and go back to sleep, and again like that’s how the rest of your life will remain. You are a plain freak if you don’t enjoy a single one of these joyful tunes. Sure, the lyrics aren’t poetry, but this is all coming from a laid-back band that is charmingly silly.
 
The Strokes – Is This It

This is the band that was going to save rock n’ roll. But the Strokes aren’t doing much of their heroism in the state they’re in. Still on hiatus, the Strokes keep fans of their’s waiting while they can still go back and listen to their debut album, Is This It. I believe the Strokes released a classic –an album with guitar riffs, Lou Reed-esque vocals from Julian Casablancas, and all the good stuff. But really, forgetting the comparisons, The Strokes have come up with their own sound that make them the saviors of rock that modernity needs.

Andrew Bird – Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs

It’s amazing how easily Andrew Bird managed to pull off something like this. The Mysterious Production of Eggs, even if less a charm than Armchair Apocrypha, is mesmerizing and magnificent. This is what I call a witty concept album. Primarily revolving around apocalyptic ideas and life and death, Andrew Birds shows everyone that he is capable of complex dynamics. How can you not fall in love with this genius?

Radiohead – Kid A

Speaking of concept albums, here is one that is apparently a revolution in music. I can understand how people might not fall immensely in love with Radiohead when they first listen to their material, because Radiohead isn’t exactly easy listening. Kid A is sublime and brilliant. Most music today is derived from this one fantastic, electronically ambient album that is an instant classic.