Alternative
Is This It
The Strokes
The Strokes' stripped-back cool and downtown mythology helped kick off a new wave of indie rock in the 2000s.
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This is one of the most commonly cited albums in public best-of lists and fan discussions around indie.
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Alternative
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire broke out with emotionally maximal indie rock that made community and catharsis feel huge.
Why it shows up
This is one of the most commonly cited albums in public best-of lists and fan discussions around indie.
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Downtempo
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Wilco's blend of roots songwriting and adventurous studio detail made them a cornerstone of American indie music.
Why it shows up
This is one of the most commonly cited albums in public best-of lists and fan discussions around indie.
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Indie
For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver
Bon Iver emerged from intimate folk recordings into one of indie's most influential and emotionally resonant projects.
Why it shows up
This is one of the most commonly cited albums in public best-of lists and fan discussions around indie.
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Alternative
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens built a devoted following through ornate arrangements, literary songwriting, and deeply personal world-building.
Why it shows up
This is one of the most commonly cited albums in public best-of lists and fan discussions around indie.
Open album page