No publicity stunts with these great songs from 2003.

2003 was a crazy year. It was the year of Britney Spears’ and Madonna’s hopeless… 2003 was a crazy year. It was the year of Britney Spears’ and Madonna’s hopeless publicity stunt. It was the year of the death of a god, Johnny Cash. It was the year of the rise and fall of an empire known as Bennifer. It was also a hard year to pick out favorite albums and songs. I have one album that hasn’t left my CD player and about 10 tied for second place. I had to sort through mind-numbing hip-hop anthems using the words “hurr or thurr,” and climb through the hopeless attempts of Hillary Duff and FeFe Dobson, It wasn’t an easy climb, but here are the rocks that I grabbed on to in 2003.

5. Johnny Cash — “Hurt”

Although this is a Nine Inch Nails cover, it is the most intense, most emotional piece I’ve ever listened to. You can hear the pain in his voice. You may cry, because you know this song is the end of an era of music history. The video for this song is by far the best of the year.

4. Beyonce Knowles — “Crazy in Love”

This song is completely infectious and always makes me want to stand up and dance. Knowles really proved her talent as a solo artist in 2003, and this song combining and smooth hip-hop beats and horns is her best.

3. OutKast — “Hey Ya!”

You may love to hate it or hate to love it, but you can’t deny it; it’s a good song. It rocked every house party, from South Oakland to hot clubs in New York City. It has you all shakin’ like a Polaroid picture.

2. The Darkness — “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”

The Darkness is the epitome of what rock should be. Never to be taken seriously, the queen-like voice of Justin Hawkins and late ’70s rock feel make this band what music needs right now. I know I’m going to be standing in line for tickets when they play at Club Laga.

1. Brand New — “Sic Transit Gloria Glory Fades”

As soon as the bass starts, you’re seduced by this song. If the bass doesn’t grab you, Jesse Lacey’s vocals will. It’s a song about a confusing sexual experience and it has a fantastic beat. This is definitely my favorite single of the year.

Although these albums are just what I listened to the most this year, there are many more artists worth mentioning and artists who need to be plugged for 2004. Artists who I need to mention that got me through this year include Thursday, Coheed and Cambria, Bright Eyes, Evanescence, Bon Jovi (yep, I love them and always will), The White Stripes, Story of the Year, and so many more. As for 2004, I am looking forward to some great bands coming to Club Laga before its demise. I can’t wait for the releases from Straylight Run, Taking Back Sunday, Eisley, and, if I am very lucky, another fantastic album by Brand New.