B-Side Guys

The Best Albums of 2003

Every album of 2003, ranked by B-Side Breakdown: the reviews from 38 outlets we trust, put on one 0–100 scale. An album needs at least 5 reviews to make the list.

Album cover for Boy in da Corner by Dizzee RascalNumber one of 2003Dizzee RascalBoy in da Corner91 A-9 critics · 100% approval · Broad agreement · A-Side
Average Breakdown71across 2003's albums. That's higher than 23% of the other years here.
Liked35%of 2003's albums scored 75 or higher. Across every year it's 49%.
Most divisiveContentiousMetallica, St. Anger split the critics more than any other album of the year.A-Sides1.1%of 2003's albums earned an A-Side. Across every year it's 6.3%.
  1. 1Album cover for Boy in da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
    Dizzee RascalBoy in da CornerJuly 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    91A-
  2. 2Album cover for Elephant by The White Stripes
    The White StripesElephantMarch 19, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    89B+
  3. 3Album cover for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast
    OutKastSpeakerboxxx/The Love BelowSeptember 23, 2003 · 12 reviews · 92% approval · Some debate
    88B+
  4. 4Album cover for Blink-182 by Blink-182
    Blink-182Blink-182November 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    87B+
  5. 5Album cover for Michigan by Sufjan Stevens
    Sufjan StevensMichiganJuly 1, 2003 · 7 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    86B
  6. 6Album cover for Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins
    The ShinsChutes Too NarrowOctober 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    86B
  7. 7Album cover for Fever to Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    Yeah Yeah YeahsFever to TellApril 28, 2003 · 10 reviews · 90% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  8. 8Album cover for HoboSapiens by John Cale
    John CaleHoboSapiensOctober 6, 2003 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Some debate
    84B
  9. 9Album cover for Stumble into Grace by Emmylou Harris
    Emmylou HarrisStumble into GraceAugust 25, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    84B
  10. 10Album cover for Deja Entendu by Brand New
    Brand NewDeja EntenduJune 17, 2003 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Broad agreement
    82B-

How 2003 grades

Share of albums at each letter grade. A is 90 and up, F is below 60.

2003

A1%
B22%
C37%
D26%
F15%

Every year

A6%
B24%
C37%
D22%
F11%
  1. 11Album cover for Room on Fire by The Strokes
    The StrokesRoom on FireOctober 16, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  2. 12Album cover for The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky
    Explosions in the SkyThe Earth Is Not a Cold Dead PlaceNovember 3, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  3. 13Album cover for The Ownerz by Gang Starr
    Gang StarrThe OwnerzJune 23, 2003 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  4. 14Album cover for Absolution by Muse
    MuseAbsolutionSeptember 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    81B-
  5. 15Album cover for Cheers by Obie Trice
    Obie TriceCheersSeptember 23, 2003 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    81B-
  6. 16Album cover for The Black Album by Jay-Z
    Jay-ZThe Black AlbumNovember 14, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Divided
    81B-
  7. 17Album cover for Feast of Wire by Calexico
    CalexicoFeast of WireFebruary 10, 2003 · 10 reviews · 70% approval · Some debate
    81B-
  8. 18Album cover for Sing the Sorrow by AFI
    AFISing the SorrowMarch 10, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  9. 19Album cover for Youth and Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
    Kings of LeonYouth and Young ManhoodJuly 23, 2003 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Divided
    80B-
  10. 20Album cover for Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle and Sebastian
    Belle and SebastianDear Catastrophe WaitressSeptember 29, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  11. 21Album cover for Soul Journey by Gillian Welch
    Gillian WelchSoul JourneyJune 3, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  12. 22Album cover for Happy Songs for Happy People by Mogwai
    MogwaiHappy Songs for Happy PeopleMay 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  13. 23Album cover for The Diary of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keys
    Alicia KeysThe Diary of Alicia KeysDecember 1, 2003 · 7 reviews · 86% approval · Broad agreement
    79C+
  14. 24Album cover for Hail to the Thief by Radiohead
    RadioheadHail to the ThiefMay 26, 2003 · 11 reviews · 64% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  15. 25Album cover for Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie
    Death Cab for CutieTransatlanticismSeptember 1, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    78C+

Where 2003 sits

Average Breakdown, for albums with five or more reviews.

Next to the years around it

200074
200171
200272
2003 (this year)71
200470
200570
200671

By genre

Indie & Alternative77
Folk, Country & Americana76
Hip-Hop & Rap73
Rock70
Metal & Punk65
Pop65
  1. 26Album cover for Thickfreakness by The Black Keys
    The Black KeysThickfreaknessApril 8, 2003 · 5 reviews · 80% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  2. 27Album cover for Chicken-n-Beer by Ludacris
    LudacrisChicken-n-BeerOctober 6, 2003 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  3. 28Album cover for This Is Not a Test! by Missy Elliott
    Missy ElliottThis Is Not a Test!November 1, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    76C
  4. 29Album cover for Get Rich or Die Tryin’ by 50 Cent
    50 CentGet Rich or Die Tryin’February 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Broad agreement
    76C
  5. 30Album cover for Strays by Jane's Addiction
    Jane's AddictionStraysJuly 21, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Divided
    75C
  6. 31Album cover for De-Loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
    The Mars VoltaDe-Loused in the ComatoriumJune 18, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Contentious
    75C
  7. 32Album cover for Body Language by Kylie Minogue
    Kylie MinogueBody LanguageNovember 10, 2003 · 7 reviews · 43% approval · Some debate
    75C
  8. 33Album cover for Love Is Hell by Ryan Adams
    Ryan AdamsLove Is HellNovember 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Contentious
    75C
  9. 34Album cover for Keep on Your Mean Side by The Kills
    The KillsKeep on Your Mean SideMarch 10, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    74C
  10. 35Album cover for Permission to Land by The Darkness
    The DarknessPermission to LandJuly 7, 2003 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  11. 36Album cover for Frank by Amy Winehouse
    Amy WinehouseFrankOctober 20, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Divided
    74C
  12. 37Album cover for The Power to Believe by King Crimson
    King CrimsonThe Power to BelieveJanuary 22, 2003 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  13. 38Album cover for Reality by David Bowie
    David BowieRealitySeptember 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  14. 39Album cover for Final Straw by Snow Patrol
    Snow PatrolFinal StrawAugust 4, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Divided
    73C
  15. 40Album cover for Amerikaz Nightmare by Mobb Deep
    Mobb DeepAmerikaz NightmareOctober 20, 2003 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Broad agreement
    73C
  16. 41Album cover for Tour de France Soundtracks by Kraftwerk
    KraftwerkTour de France SoundtracksAugust 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Broad agreement
    73C
  17. 42Album cover for Indestructible by Rancid
    RancidIndestructibleAugust 19, 2003 · 6 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    73C
  18. 43Album cover for The Lex Diamond Story by Raekwon
    RaekwonThe Lex Diamond StoryDecember 16, 2003 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Broad agreement
    73C
  19. 44Album cover for Here Comes the Indian by Animal Collective
    Animal CollectiveHere Comes the IndianJune 17, 2003 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Contentious
    72C-
  20. 45Album cover for In the Zone by Britney Spears
    Britney SpearsIn the ZoneNovember 13, 2003 · 7 reviews · 57% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  21. 46Album cover for Greendale by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
    Neil Young and Crazy HorseGreendaleAugust 18, 2003 · 7 reviews · 29% approval · Broad agreement
    72C-
  22. 47Album cover for Elephunk by Black Eyed Peas
    Black Eyed PeasElephunkJune 24, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    72C-
  23. 48Album cover for Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
    Kelly ClarksonBreakaway2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  24. 49Album cover for Everything Must Go by Steely Dan
    Steely DanEverything Must GoJune 9, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  25. 50Album cover for Life for Rent by Dido
    DidoLife for RentSeptember 23, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  1. 1Album cover for Body Language by Kylie Minogue
    Kylie MinogueBody LanguageNovember 10, 2003 · 7 reviews · 43% approval · Some debate
    75C
  2. 2Album cover for In the Zone by Britney Spears
    Britney SpearsIn the ZoneNovember 13, 2003 · 7 reviews · 57% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  3. 3Album cover for Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
    Kelly ClarksonBreakaway2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  4. 4Album cover for Life for Rent by Dido
    DidoLife for RentSeptember 23, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  5. 5Album cover for Try This by Pink
    PinkTry ThisNovember 10, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Divided
    70C-
  6. 6Album cover for American Life by Madonna
    MadonnaAmerican LifeApril 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 33% approval · Some debate
    68D+
  7. 7Album cover for Sacred Love by Sting
    StingSacred LoveAugust 2003 · 5 reviews · 20% approval · Some debate
    66D
  8. 8Album cover for Three by Sugababes
    SugababesThreeOctober 27, 2003 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Divided
    66D
  9. 9Album cover for Folklore by Nelly Furtado
    Nelly FurtadoFolkloreNovember 23, 2003 · 7 reviews · 43% approval · Divided
    64D
  10. 10Album cover for Thankful by Kelly Clarkson
    Kelly ClarksonThankfulApril 15, 2003 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Contentious
    60D-
  11. 11Album cover for Hotel Paper by Michelle Branch
    Michelle BranchHotel PaperJune 24, 2003 · 7 reviews · 14% approval · Some debate
    59F
  12. 12Album cover for You Gotta Go There to Come Back by Stereophonics
    StereophonicsYou Gotta Go There to Come BackMay 28, 2003 · 8 reviews · 13% approval · Some debate
    56F
  13. 13Album cover for In This Skin by Jessica Simpson
    Jessica SimpsonIn This SkinAugust 19, 2003 · 5 reviews · 0% approval · Some debate
    56F
  14. 14Album cover for 7 by Enrique Iglesias
    Enrique Iglesias7October 25, 2003 · 5 reviews · 20% approval · Contentious
    53F
  1. 1Album cover for Blink-182 by Blink-182
    Blink-182Blink-182November 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    87B+
  2. 2Album cover for HoboSapiens by John Cale
    John CaleHoboSapiensOctober 6, 2003 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Some debate
    84B
  3. 3Album cover for The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky
    Explosions in the SkyThe Earth Is Not a Cold Dead PlaceNovember 3, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  4. 4Album cover for The Ownerz by Gang Starr
    Gang StarrThe OwnerzJune 23, 2003 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  5. 5Album cover for Absolution by Muse
    MuseAbsolutionSeptember 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    81B-
  6. 6Album cover for Sing the Sorrow by AFI
    AFISing the SorrowMarch 10, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  7. 7Album cover for Youth and Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
    Kings of LeonYouth and Young ManhoodJuly 23, 2003 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Divided
    80B-
  8. 8Album cover for Thickfreakness by The Black Keys
    The Black KeysThickfreaknessApril 8, 2003 · 5 reviews · 80% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  9. 9Album cover for Strays by Jane's Addiction
    Jane's AddictionStraysJuly 21, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Divided
    75C
  10. 10Album cover for De-Loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
    The Mars VoltaDe-Loused in the ComatoriumJune 18, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Contentious
    75C
  11. 11Album cover for Love Is Hell by Ryan Adams
    Ryan AdamsLove Is HellNovember 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Contentious
    75C
  12. 12Album cover for Keep on Your Mean Side by The Kills
    The KillsKeep on Your Mean SideMarch 10, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    74C
  13. 13Album cover for Permission to Land by The Darkness
    The DarknessPermission to LandJuly 7, 2003 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  14. 14Album cover for The Power to Believe by King Crimson
    King CrimsonThe Power to BelieveJanuary 22, 2003 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  15. 15Album cover for Reality by David Bowie
    David BowieRealitySeptember 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  16. 16Album cover for Greendale by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
    Neil Young and Crazy HorseGreendaleAugust 18, 2003 · 7 reviews · 29% approval · Broad agreement
    72C-
  17. 17Album cover for Everything Must Go by Steely Dan
    Steely DanEverything Must GoJune 9, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  18. 18Album cover for Thirteenth Step by A Perfect Circle
    A Perfect CircleThirteenth StepSeptember 15, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Divided
    71C-
  19. 19Album cover for Get Born by Jet
    JetGet BornSeptember 14, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Contentious
    69D+
  20. 20Album cover for Honkin’ on Bobo by Aerosmith
    AerosmithHonkin’ on BoboMarch 25, 2003 · 7 reviews · 43% approval · Some debate
    69D+
  1. 1Album cover for Elephant by The White Stripes
    The White StripesElephantMarch 19, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    89B+
  2. 2Album cover for Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins
    The ShinsChutes Too NarrowOctober 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    86B
  3. 3Album cover for Fever to Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    Yeah Yeah YeahsFever to TellApril 28, 2003 · 10 reviews · 90% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  4. 4Album cover for Deja Entendu by Brand New
    Brand NewDeja EntenduJune 17, 2003 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Broad agreement
    82B-
  5. 5Album cover for Room on Fire by The Strokes
    The StrokesRoom on FireOctober 16, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  6. 6Album cover for Feast of Wire by Calexico
    CalexicoFeast of WireFebruary 10, 2003 · 10 reviews · 70% approval · Some debate
    81B-
  7. 7Album cover for Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle and Sebastian
    Belle and SebastianDear Catastrophe WaitressSeptember 29, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  8. 8Album cover for Happy Songs for Happy People by Mogwai
    MogwaiHappy Songs for Happy PeopleMay 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  9. 9Album cover for Hail to the Thief by Radiohead
    RadioheadHail to the ThiefMay 26, 2003 · 11 reviews · 64% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  10. 10Album cover for Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie
    Death Cab for CutieTransatlanticismSeptember 1, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    78C+
  11. 11Album cover for Final Straw by Snow Patrol
    Snow PatrolFinal StrawAugust 4, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Divided
    73C
  12. 12Album cover for Soviet Kitsch by Regina Spektor
    Regina SpektorSoviet KitschMay 2, 2003 · 5 reviews · 20% approval · Broad agreement
    70C-
  13. 13Album cover for Coral Fang by The Distillers
    The DistillersCoral FangOctober 7, 2003 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Divided
    68D+
  14. 14Album cover for 12 Memories by Travis
    Travis12 MemoriesOctober 8, 2003 · 5 reviews · 0% approval · Unanimous
    58F
  15. 15Album cover for Sleeping with Ghosts by Placebo
    PlaceboSleeping with GhostsJanuary 8, 2003 · 7 reviews · 14% approval · Some debate
    55F
  1. 1Album cover for Boy in da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
    Dizzee RascalBoy in da CornerJuly 21, 2003 · 9 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    91A-
  2. 2Album cover for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast
    OutKastSpeakerboxxx/The Love BelowSeptember 23, 2003 · 12 reviews · 92% approval · Some debate
    88B+
  3. 3Album cover for Cheers by Obie Trice
    Obie TriceCheersSeptember 23, 2003 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    81B-
  4. 4Album cover for The Black Album by Jay-Z
    Jay-ZThe Black AlbumNovember 14, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Divided
    81B-
  5. 5Album cover for Chicken-n-Beer by Ludacris
    LudacrisChicken-n-BeerOctober 6, 2003 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  6. 6Album cover for This Is Not a Test! by Missy Elliott
    Missy ElliottThis Is Not a Test!November 1, 2003 · 9 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    76C
  7. 7Album cover for Get Rich or Die Tryin’ by 50 Cent
    50 CentGet Rich or Die Tryin’February 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Broad agreement
    76C
  8. 8Album cover for Amerikaz Nightmare by Mobb Deep
    Mobb DeepAmerikaz NightmareOctober 20, 2003 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Broad agreement
    73C
  9. 9Album cover for The Lex Diamond Story by Raekwon
    RaekwonThe Lex Diamond StoryDecember 16, 2003 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Broad agreement
    73C
  10. 10Album cover for Elephunk by Black Eyed Peas
    Black Eyed PeasElephunkJune 24, 2003 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    72C-
  11. 11Album cover for La Bella Mafia by Lil' Kim
    Lil' KimLa Bella MafiaMarch 3, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Contentious
    70C-
  12. 12Album cover for Grand Champ by DMX
    DMXGrand ChampJanuary 1, 2003 · 6 reviews · 0% approval · Unanimous
    67D+
  13. 13Album cover for Beg for Mercy by G-Unit
    G-UnitBeg for MercyNovember 14, 2003 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Some debate
    66D
  14. 14Album cover for Jackpot by Chingy
    ChingyJackpotJuly 15, 2003 · 7 reviews · 14% approval · Broad agreement
    65D
  15. 15Album cover for Street Dreams by Fabolous
    FabolousStreet DreamsMarch 4, 2003 · 9 reviews · 22% approval · Some debate
    63D
  16. 16Album cover for Blood in My Eye by Ja Rule
    Ja RuleBlood in My EyeNovember 4, 2003 · 8 reviews · 25% approval · Divided
    54F
  1. 1Album cover for Michigan by Sufjan Stevens
    Sufjan StevensMichiganJuly 1, 2003 · 7 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    86B
  2. 2Album cover for Stumble into Grace by Emmylou Harris
    Emmylou HarrisStumble into GraceAugust 25, 2003 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    84B
  3. 3Album cover for Soul Journey by Gillian Welch
    Gillian WelchSoul JourneyJune 3, 2003 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  4. 4Album cover for When the Sun Goes Down by Kenny Chesney
    Kenny ChesneyWhen the Sun Goes Down2003 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Contentious
    67D+
  5. 5Album cover for Shock’n Y’all by Toby Keith
    Toby KeithShock’n Y’allNovember 4, 2003 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Contentious
    64D
  1. 1Album cover for Indestructible by Rancid
    RancidIndestructibleAugust 19, 2003 · 6 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    73C
  2. 2Album cover for Deftones by Deftones
    DeftonesDeftonesMay 19, 2003 · 8 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    70C-
  3. 3Album cover for Good Mourning by Alkaline Trio
    Alkaline TrioGood MourningMay 12, 2003 · 6 reviews · 50% approval · Some debate
    70C-
  4. 4Album cover for Meteora by Linkin Park
    Linkin ParkMeteoraMarch 24, 2003 · 8 reviews · 38% approval · Contentious
    66D
  5. 5Album cover for St. Anger by Metallica
    MetallicaSt. AngerJune 4, 2003 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Contentious
    64D
  6. 6Album cover for Splinter by The Offspring
    The OffspringSplinterNovember 27, 2003 · 9 reviews · 33% approval · Some debate
    62D-
  7. 7Album cover for Take a Look in the Mirror by Korn
    KornTake a Look in the MirrorNovember 21, 2003 · 7 reviews · 0% approval · Some debate
    49F

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