A New Year is always exciting for those who love the anticipation and final releases of new music and movies. 2004 will be no different. This year we have Norah Jones, the sultry blues/jazz singer dropping her sophomore release, “Feels Like Home” and in Hip-Hop we have Kanye West, a Chicago bred rapper/producer who some say will change Hip-Hop forever.
On the big screen, 2004 marked the end of yet another popular trilogy in The Lord of the Rings and also we will see the finale to the two park Tarantino adventure, Kill Bill. Also in 2004, leading men Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks will have movies hitting the box office.
With that, this is a collection of the best albums and best movies of 2003. Post Grammy awards and pre-Oscars; this will be your guide to the very best entertainment of 2003. Every album is a must buy and every movie is a must see. It is simply, the absolute best of 2003.
Top Ten Albums
1. Outkast – Speakerboxx/The Love Below
Simply the most innovative and original Hip-Hop album of all-time. Album of the Year award at the Grammys speaks for itself.
2. Anthony Hamilton – Comin From Where I’m From
Probably the best soul album in over a decade. Love, hate, pain and the music to explain it all. This is the definition of a complete album. Beyonce may have won this award at the Grammys but Hamilton had the better R&B album.
3. The White Stripes – Elephant
With every band now sounding more and more alike with the pop-rock craze, The White Stripes defiantly made an original rock album for the ages.
4. Jay-Z – The Black Album
One of Jay-Z’s best, the Marcy Projects born rapper ventures out lyrically and lets everyone know why he is one of the best rappers (if not the best) in the world. This album personifies the phrase, “Don’t leave Jay, the game needs you.”
5. John Mayer – Heavier Things
A man and his guitar. Mayer makes life simple again and the end product is great music and great song writing.
6. Roy Hardgrove – The RH Factor
Jazz is not dead and one sneak listen to this soulful jazz album and you will know why.
7. Maroon 5 – Songs About Jane
Lead singer Adam Levine has the voice of Justin Timberlake, Steven Tyler, Dave Matthews and a little Smokey Robinson. It’s a great new voice in the world of alternative music and Songs About Jane rides that voice with great band play and never ending energy.
8. Audioslave – Audioslave
For pure rock heads this album is a must. Mix singer/songwriter Chris Cornell, the Rage Against the Machine band and end it with rock super-producer Rick Rubin! Can you go wrong with that line up? The answer is no.
9. Bad Boys II Soundtrack – Various Artist
Remember when music was about moving and dancing? When every song didn’t make you sad but instead made you forget about the negative world around you? P. Diddy and his Bad Boy record label did just that for the Will Smith, Martin Lawrence Bad Boys II soundtrack. This album is about pure fun and grooving, nothing too complicated. Easily could have nine singles on the radio.
10. Beyonce – Dangerously in Love
This girl is the “baddest chick in the game” and everyone knows it. And she makes hits, number one hits. Her potential in the entertainment world is limitless and her voice is unworldly. With five Grammys under her belt she showed the world that she knows how to make a popular album.
Honorable Mentions for 2003
TI – Trap Muzik
R. Kelly - The Chocolate Factory
Joss Stone – The Soul Sessions
Floetry – Floetry Live
Damien Rice – O
Top Ten Movies
1. Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola’s second directing effort announces her as a premiere filmmaker as she delicately balances dislocation, loneliness and friendship between two Americans in Tokyo. A quiet original that boasts master comedian, Bill Murray’s subtle greatness. Undoubtedly, one of the best films of the past decade.
2. Kill Bill, Volume 1
Former video clerk, Quentin Taratino, is back with his much anticipated fourth feature and he doesn’t disappoint. A slice of 7-‘s B movie nostalgia, that oozes with stylized fight sequences and humorous dialogue that will keep you griming from ear to ear.
3. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Not since Return of the Jedi has the final installment of a trilogy been so satisfying. Director Peter Jackson concludes arguably the greatest epic saga in cinematic history with undeniable grandeur and grace.
4. Mystic River
A good old-fashioned character driven drama masterfully orchestrated by Clint Eastwood’s uncompromising direction. The performances are first rate, especially Sean Penn and Tim Robbins, who deserve Oscar gold.
5. Sea Biscuit
The best underdog sports film since Rocky. Writer/director Gary Ross takes us on the inspiring journey of three down and out men and a little horse who achieve the American dream during the Great Depression.
6. In America
A modern tale about Irish immigration that is told with an unparalleled intimacy. Jim Sheridan tells the story of a family dealing with poverty, the loss of a loved one, new surroundings, and most importantly, friendships that are forged between the most unlikely people.
7. 21 Grams
Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film is composed of three interconnected stories that come together with staggering results. Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, and Benico Del Toro give heartbreaking performances that bring amazing depth to an already top notch script.
8. Pieces of April
The first directing effort from the writer of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," is a moving, yet funny tale about a family reuniting over Thanksgiving weekend. Katie Holmes is great, and Patricia Clarkson proves once again why she is one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood.
9. Cold Mountain
An odyssey set during the American Civil War that is told with great scope and artistry. The film can lag in parts, but when Renee Zellweger shows up it gets a welcomed breath of fresh air. This is one of the better epic films of the past decade.
10. Matchstick Men
Every year I get to experience that one film that comes out of left field to surprise me. This film was just that. Nicolas Cage gives another great multi-layered performance and Alison Lohman is one of the most exciting new actresses to come along in a while. It's a perfect blend of cleverness, humor, and offbeat quirkiness that makes this film a must see.