4 Concept Albums From the 2000s That Redefined Alternative Music

There’s nothing like a good concept album. We all know of the greats, like The Wall by Pink Floyd and Tommy by The Who. But what about the more recent concept albums to come out of the new millennium, namely the early 2000s? Let’s take a look at just a few of the best concept albums to come out of the 2000s, some of which you may have never heard before.

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1. ‘Since I Left You’ by The Avalanches

This gorgeous little record was released in 2001. The concept is pretty simple and quite heartbreaking in a way: A man pursues a woman around the globe and is left with nothing but memories of her and sounds (basically samples) that he finds on his journey in pursuit of her.

This album features The Avalanches’ claim to fame, “Frontier Psychiatrist”. But the whole of Since I Left You is a beautiful hodgepodge of sampled tunes, with funk and pop elements that work together beautifully. Consider this a lovesick breakup record for the weirdest among us.

2. ‘Southern Rock Opera’ by Drive-By Truckers

Another great concept album from 2001, Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers deserves way more love than it gets. This is a particularly political record about grappling with one’s love for their southern roots while also reckoning with its history of racial violence.

It’s a long double album, but it never gets old. In fact, it could have easily been longer and still be amazing. If you love alternative country and southern rock, this is the concept album to experience. And it’s a stunning entry on our list of concept albums from the 2000s.

3. ‘Kid A’ by Radiohead

It’s only natural that a Radiohead record would make it to this list. Kid A was released in 2000, and the concept behind this concept album is still the subject of fan debate. Some believe it is about the world’s first clone of a human being. Others believe it is a premonition of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that would occur almost a year after its release. 

However, I personally feel as though this album is very Pink Floyd-esque in its exploration of how rough it can be being a famous rock band.

4. ‘The Black Parade’ by My Chemical Romance

Let’s be real; this is definitely one of the most well-known concept albums to come out of the 2000s. The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance was released in 2006 and is considered by many to be the emo outfit’s best work, though that wildly depends on which kind of fan you ask. 

This record tells the tale of a man who is dying of cancer as he reflects on the life he lived. Only, the narrator isn’t entirely reliable, as he envisions his life story as a sort of emo-rock opera with glittering, gothic flair.

Photo by Matthew Simmons/WireImage for AOL Music

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