3 Great 21st-Century Albums You Might Have Missed

You probably don’t need a reminder of the 21st century’s biggest albums so far.

Videos by American Songwriter

Just 25 years in, and we’ve already seen massive albums by Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse, Kendrick Lamar, The Strokes, Billie Eilish, and Adele.

And in this newish century, the number of releases each day can be overwhelming, making it easy to miss hidden gems among the millions of songs uploaded to Spotify each year.

This list puts a spotlight on three great 21st-century albums you might have missed.

In Rainbows by Radiohead (2007)

In the early to mid-2000s, artists were still figuring out how to navigate the streaming age. Radiohead released Hail to the Thief in 2003, ending the group’s longtime tenure with EMI. They self-released In Rainbows four years later, allowing fans to pay what they wanted to download the album. A new era for bands and fans alike, the new model previewed the kind of direct relationship large-scale artists could have with their audience. But In Rainbows also remains one of Radiohead’s best works. “Reckoner,” “House of Cards,” and “Nude” would be defining songs for lesser bands.

Veneer by José González (2003)

Swedish singer and songwriter José González recorded his debut in 2002 using meager equipment and pirated software. Using only his voice and a classical guitar, he writes sparse folk songs about nature and atheism, among other topics. González was headed for a PhD in biochemistry when his music began gaining traction. Since then, he’s released four studio albums and two others with his band Junip. He’s also known for his covers of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” and The Knife’s “Heartbeats.” While you’re perusing his work, be sure to check out Junip’s “Line of Fire.”

Don’t Believe the Truth by Oasis (2005)

The Gallagher brothers went through many changes following Britpop’s demise. And though their triumph at Knebworth in 1996 may have been their commercial peak, there are a few diamonds in their post-1990s catalog worth hearing. On Oasis’ sixth album, bandmates Andy Bell and Gem Archer settle in as co-writers and bandmates. However, it’s still Noel who reliably delivers the hits (“Lyla” and “The Importance of Being Idle”). Zak Starkey’s explosive drumming powers the band within a caustic and dense mix by Dave Sardy. And Liam’s vocal on “Lyla” shows he still had some gas in the tank. This may be Oasis’ most cohesive record between Knebworth and their breakup in 2009.

Photo by Mauricio Santana/Getty Images