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As part of my Decades project, I counted down my own favorite albums of the year then explored other notable releases with which I was less familiar.

The year 2003 featured an eclectic mix of new releases, including the power pop of Fountains of Wayne, a beloved Brad Paisley album, and the solo debut of Beyoncé.

Originally published: 2020 | Song of the Day posts featured: 20

My top ten albums of 2003:

#1. Want One – Rufus Wainwright

#2. 1972 – Josh Rouse

#3. Dear Catastrophe Waitress – Belle and Sebastian

#4. Mud on the Tires – Brad Paisley

#5. Heavier Things – John Mayer

#6. Welcome Interstate Managers – Fountains of Wayne

#7. Keep It Together – Keep It Together

#8. World Without Tears – Lucinda Williams

#9. 0304 – Jewel

#10. Something Deeper Than These Changes – Stew

Other notable albums of 2003…

Dangerously in Love – Beyoncé

Decoration Day – Drive-By Truckers

Fallen – Evanescence

The Black Album – Jay-Z

The Diary of Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys

Body Language – Kylie Minogue

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below – OutKast

Try This – Pink

Hail to the Thief – Radiohead

The Wind – Warren Zevon