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As we find ourselves in 2025, it’s remarkable to realize that two decades have passed since 2005—a year that introduced us to albums like Late Registration by Kanye West and Demon Days by Gorillaz. Reflecting on these releases, it’s evident how much the music has changed over the past 20 years. If you’re thinking, “Has it really been that long?” prepare yourself for a nostalgic dive into 2005. Yes, it’s been 20—TWENTY—years.

On a side note, despite not being included in our list, INXS (a band greatly appreciated by us) released an incredible track in 2005: “Pretty Vegas,” a song that encapsulates the vibrant energy of casino life. The late Michael Hutchence was no longer with us, as he had tragically passed away in 1997, but this track showed the band’s ability to continue creating memorable music. For those interested in exploring the themes touched on in the song, platforms like Katana Spin Casino offer a contemporary take on the excitement and thrill of casino experiences.

Let’s now look back at seven remarkable albums from 2005 that still influence artists and engage audiences today.


1. “Late Registration” by Kanye West

With his second studio album, Late Registration, Kanye West firmly established himself within the hip-hop community. The album presented “Gold Digger” and “Touch the Sky” while demonstrating his groundbreaking production skills and deep lyrical composition. It received widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

The album includes performance contributions from Adam Levine alongside Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z, and Nas, among other artists. Multiple publications, including Rolling Stone, Time, and USA Today, listed Kanye West’s album on their year-end lists for 2005.

At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, West received eight nominations for the album, which resulted in him winning Best Rap Album but not Album of the Year.


2. “Demon Days” by Gorillaz

Demon Days, the virtual band’s second album, features the hit songs “Feel Good Inc.” and “DARE.” Its fusion of alternative rock with hip-hop and electronic music successfully attracted listeners through its distinct musical style and narrative. The record achieved the top position on the UK Albums Chart and landed at number six on the US Billboard 200.

Later, it received six platinum certifications from the UK and two platinum certifications from the US, with global sales surpassing eight million units. Along with the above hits, the album produced other great singles like “Dirty Harry,” “Kids with Guns,” and “El Mañana.”


3. “X&Y” by Coldplay

X&Y, Coldplay’s third album, which includes tracks such as “Fix You” and “Speed of Sound,” achieved commercial success as their melodic rock sound appealed to a wide audience.

The album artwork displays the title using a combination of colors and blocks that form the Baudot code, representing an early telegraph communication system. Graphic design duo Tappin Gofton created the artwork for the album.

As for the sales, it sold more than 8 million copies, reached number one on global charts, and became the top-selling album in 2005.


4. “Silent Alarm” by Bloc Party

The debut album from Bloc Party, Silent Alarm, is pure energetic post-punk revival all day long – and we love it. Songs like “Banquet” and “Helicopter” demonstrated Bloc Party’s dynamic rhythms, powerful drums, and guitar skills. 

Although “Silent Alarm” lost the 2005 Mercury Prize to Antony and the Johnsons’ “I Am a Bird Now,” the world paid attention and praised the album for its energetic exploration of youthful boredom from the beginning of the new century.


5. “Mezmerize” by System of a Down

System of a Down raises the bar here to the heavyweight category! The release of Mezmerize, along with another album from the same year, Hypnotize, only separated by six months, marked a great year for the band and for SOD fans!

Mezmerize features tracks like “B.Y.O.B.” and “Question!” The band received widespread critical approval and achieved significant commercial success with their metal and alternative rock formula blend. During its debut week, the album exceeded 450,000 sales copies and outperformed its Toxicity release by 200,000 copies before securing the number one spot on Billboard 200.


6. “Illinois” by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan StevensIllinois shows his mastery of complex narrative structures combined with detailed musical compositions. Through its tracks, Sufjan Stevens’ album explores Illinois by highlighting its history and geography while referencing important locations and individuals from the state. Analyzing criminal, literary, and historical documents enabled Stevens to create artwork and lyrics that deliver a deeply immersive experience.

Through “Chicago” and “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” Stevens demonstrates his talent for creating engaging stories supported by intricate musical arrangements. Pitchfork recognized the album as the Best Album of 2005 while critics gave it widespread acclaim.

Illinois represents Stevens’ ambitious artistic vision combined with his detailed craftsmanship as it provides listeners with an in-depth musical exploration of the state’s core identity. Genius at work!


7. “From Under the Cork Tree” by Fall Out Boy

With From Under the Cork Tree, Fall Out Boy achieved mainstream success with the help of their pop-punk and emo fusion and songs like the hit single “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance.” The album achieved commercial success, leading to a Grammy nomination for Fall Out Boy in the Best New Artist category.

Alexandre G.
He’s just a guy who got tired of bothering his friends with talk about music, so he decided to create a blog to share what he loves most.
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