New artists, some good and some bad, made their presence known in 2003, but it ultimately… New artists, some good and some bad, made their presence known in 2003, but it ultimately was a fairly decent year in music. Gangsta rapper 50 Cent burst onto the scene with the Eminem-and-Dr.Dre-produced Get Rich or Die Trying. Meanwhile, producer and music mogul Pharell was just about everywhere on the music radar screen.

Rock music had a huge showing with new releases from bands like Nickelback, The White Stripes and Coldplay. New artists like The Darkness, Evanescence and Jet burst into the business, bringing a new sound, as well as a rejuvenated old sound.

At the beginning of every year, everybody comes up with their choices of top albums of the previous year, and who they think is the cream of the crop. This is my take.

5. The Bens — The Bens EP

The only reason this isn’t higher on the list is because it was simply an EP of four songs. But those four songs are some of the best music put on one album, and it comes from a seemingly unlikely collaboration of Ben Kweller, Ben Lee and Ben Folds. All three styles converged to make four intriguing tracks that refuse to leave your head.

4. Thursday — War All The Time

Thursday signed to Island records and released what may be their most solid album in their still young career. With politically and emotionally driven lyrics powered by heavy guitars and emotional screams, this album kicks ass from beginning to end.

3. Blink 182 — Blink 182

This may be the best album Blink has ever released. Well, if not best, then most mature and emotional. Blink left behind their fart joke songs and songs about enemas, and took on more serious subjects, and — surprise — they have matured musically.

2. Kings of Leon — Youth and Young Manhood

Bringing ’70s garage rock back with a kick, Kings of Leon, made up of three brothers and a cousin, have turned more than a few heads in the music industry. With airy guitars and a heavy rhythm section, they sing songs that are ahead of the trends in the music business.

1. Brand New — Deja Entendu

Everyone jumped on the Brand New bandwagon in 2003. And why not? With their release of Deja Entendu, a powerful and emotional screamo album that surprised many and wowed all, Brand New was hot in 2003.

With bands maturing and new bands bursting onto the scene, 2003 was a successful year for music. With Janet Jackson returning in all her glory and OutKast turning even more heads, 2004 looks to be filled with more antics and hopefully more great music.

Look for more in 2004 from great artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Yellow Card and all of the artists mentioned above.