Albums of the decade
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Albums of the decade No 4: The Strokes – Is This It
Garry Mulholland: At a time when nu-metal and dad-rock ruled the airwaves, the Strokes rewired rock'n'roll with irresistible songs, inventive guitars and arty arrogance
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Albums of the decade No 5: Arcade Fire – Funeral
Paul Mardles: Although death overshadowed the Montreal band's debut album, it was still one of the most life-affirming records of the decade
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Albums of the decade No 6: Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
Tim Jonze: If this was the decade in which celebrities bared all, then Winehouse managed to save her dark side for the music, combining misdemeanour with melody, scandal with soul
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Albums of the decade No 7: The White Stripes – Elephant
Sarah Boden: The stripped-back approach to rock'n'roll inspired many bands during the noughties, but none were a match for Jack and Meg
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Albums of the decade No 8: Jay-Z - The Black Album
Luke Bainbridge: Few would disagree with Jay-Z's boast about being the 'best rapper alive' after hearing this gloriously epic album
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Albums of the decade No 9: Salif Keita – Moffou
Charlie Gillett: West Africa produced many outstanding releases during the noughties, but the Malian singer's stark and haunting album was the most remarkable
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Albums of the decade No 10: Burial – Untrue
Observer Music Monthly starts the countdown to the 10 best albums of the decade with this melancholic masterclass from dubstep's dark knight
Albums of the decade No 1: The Streets - Original Pirate Material
Ben Thompson:Original Pirate Material gave British rap an authentic new voice and provided the missing link between the Kinks and Dizzee Rascal. It also proved that nothing lasts better than music which is truly of its time