To compile a top five list of albums released in the previous year, the list should be gauged… To compile a top five list of albums released in the previous year, the list should be gauged according to not only what albums the list maker has listened to but more importantly has in their collection. For example, my collection has seen an addition of new faces from 2001. My taste in music ranges from the local music scene to alternative artists, to underground artists on the rise. So here, without further ado, are my top five albums for 2002.

5. Forty Licks

Rolling Stones

Virgin Records

The hardest working rock ‘n’ roll band in the history of music found themselves back in record stores and back on tour in 2002. The old men of rock, led by Mick Jagger, strutting up and down the stage, make their way back into the scene with a two-disc album titled Forty Licks. A greatest hit of greatest hits albums, the Stones feature 36 of their classic songs including, “Brown Sugar,” “Start Me Up” and “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” just to name a few, and four brand new tracks featuring their latest single, “Don’t Stop.”

4. Come Away With Me

Norah Jones

Blue Note Records

A brand new face to the music industry, Norah Jones broke into 2002 with her debut album Come Away With Me. With a sultry, soothing voice, and an incredible knack at playing the ivory keys of a beautiful baby grand, Jones brings blues back into mainstream. Her hard work has paid off as she has received five Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, New Artist, and Song of the Year for “Don’t Know Why.”

3. Saturate

Breaking Benjamin

Hollywood Records

A late addition to my top five list, Breaking Benjamin, a new alternative rock group from nearby Wilkes-Barre, released their debut album in December of 2002. With their debut release Benjamin took on the music scene with a full head of steam and only continues to move straight ahead. With in your face lyrics and defining rock guitar riffs, Breaking Benjamin provides a new taste for the alternative music scene.

Their debut single, “Polyamorous,” is receiving major radio and video airplay. And the guys from central Pennsylvania will attempt to pick up even more steam as they head out on tour this month and continue to tour into spring.

2. Mercury

Mercury

Self-released

The local music scene has a new band to look up to – Mercury. Not necessarily a brand new band, they have been playing the local club scene for a few years now, and are looking for bigger and better things. Mercury released their first full-length album in 2002, a self-titled, self released rock album with no sugarcoated additives. Mercury’s only previous release was an EP, and their full-length album is a huge step up from the EP, with hard work and hard rock to credit their success.

Recently Mercury competed in a nation wide battle of the bands, sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe and Coors Light, vying for a chance to open for Papa Roach and Midtown in Colorado, with a chance at a major label deal as well. Unfortunately Mercury did not win the competition, but it definitely helped make a name for them. With the look and the sound, Mercury is here to rock.

1. Ben Folds Live

Ben Folds

Epic Records

Finally the top of my list for 2002, and it is a must have for any fan of the tried and true veteran of piano rock, Ben Folds. A live solo album recorded in the spring of 2002, Ben Folds Live captures the excitement and spontaneity of a typical Ben Folds concert, if you can call a Ben Folds concert typical. The beautiful thing about the album is that it sounds like it was recorded in one venue, but it was not. In fact the songs were recorded from nine different concerts, but were mixed so well that it runs smoothly from one song to next and you can’t even tell that Ben is somewhere different.

The album features classic Ben Folds Five material like, “Brick,” “Army,” and “The Best Imitation of Myself” as well as songs from Ben’s solo album like, “Zak and Sara” and “Luckiest.” Ben also does a cover of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” and when you watch the included DVD, Ben provides a few laughs when he sports a pair of oversized glasses in honor of Sir Elton. Also on the DVD is a special rendition of “Song for the Dumped” that isn’t on the album. The entire Ben Folds experience is captured perfectly on the DVD as Ben finishes by throwing his piano stool at the baby grand, typical Ben Folds style.