Best Albums of 2004
Ranked by our critic's grades, best first.
MadvillainyTwenty two songs in forty six minutes, half-finished on purpose and perfect anyway: the strangest great rap album, and the best thing either man made.Read the review
The College DropoutSped-up soul, a wired jaw and more jokes than any rap debut needs. The myth starts here and mostly earns it.
Samurai Champloo Music Record: DepartureA television score that outgrew its show, anchored by one of the great opening themes.
Street's DiscipleA double album about marriage, history and fatherhood that would be a very good single album.
American IdiotA rock opera about a bored suburban kid, built on enormous songs and slogans where it needed detail.
Tha CarterThe album where he stops being a Cash Money employee and starts being a rapper.
Samurai Champloo Music Record: ImpressionThe second soundtrack volume is cooler, jazzier and noticeably less essential than the first.
R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The MasterpieceTwo Pharrell beats carry an entire album, and honestly they nearly do it alone.
MusicologyA back to basics comeback that gets the sound right and forgets to bring the songs.
EncoreThe gag voices take over and the writing stops. Two good songs and a long stretch of nothing.