What is the best rock album of the 2000s?

The garage rock revival, post-punk renaissance, and indie boom all happened in one decade — alongside the mainstream's last great arena rock moments. Which 2000s album deserves the crown?

1

Is This It

The Strokes' 2001 debut album that launched the garage rock revival and became one of the most influential albums of the decade.

2

Kid A

Radiohead's 2000 electronic and experimental departure, a bold reinvention that split fans and fascinated critics.

3

Songs for the Deaf

Queens of the Stone Age's 2002 concept album simulating a desert radio road trip, featuring Dave Grohl's explosive drumming.

4

Funeral

Arcade Fire's 2004 debut, a communal, anthemic indie rock album that became one of the most acclaimed debuts of the 2000s.

5

Whatever People Say I Am

Arctic Monkeys' 2006 debut, the fastest-selling debut album in UK history, chronicling Sheffield nightlife with sharp wit.

6

Elephant

The White Stripes' 2003 raw rock album featuring Seven Nation Army, one of the most recognizable riffs of the era.

7

A Rush of Blood to the Head

Coldplay's 2002 breakthrough balancing alternative rock grandeur with melancholy piano pop, cementing the band's global rise.

8

Turn on the Bright Lights

Interpol's 2002 debut channeling post-punk and Joy Division into a cinematic, noir-inflected New York rock sound.

9

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Wilco's 2002 album fusing alt-country with noise and electronics after a notorious label dispute, a critics' darling.

10

Hot Fuss

The Killers' 2004 debut blending post-punk synth-rock with new wave influences and anthemic hooks that filled arenas.

11

The Black Parade

My Chemical Romance's 2006 emo concept album following a dying cancer patient, a theatrical rock opera with massive commercial success.

12

Stadium Arcadium

Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2006 double album showcasing John Frusciante's guitar mastery across a sprawling 28-track collection.

13

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

The Flaming Lips' 2002 conceptual indie rock album blending psychedelia, electronic sounds, and warm optimistic songwriting.

14

Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand's 2004 debut mixing post-punk, new wave, and art rock into a dance-floor-ready indie rock sensation.

15

Transatlanticism

Death Cab for Cutie's 2003 sprawling indie rock album that became the essential soundtrack for a generation of introspective listeners.