Mike's Top 10 Albums of '97

The results are in for the Best Albums of 1997! From a range including heavy metal, pop rock, ska, techno, industrial, progressive rock, alternative, and easy listening, ten albums have been chosen to represent the best that the music industry had to offer us in 1997. Note: NO country or rap albums shall be discussed in this review.

10. Reel Big Fish "Turn the Radio Off!" - Reel Big Fish's Ūrst major record release, "Turn the Radio Off," is an incredible record. Reel Big Fish offer laughs as well as great music.

9. Prodigy "Fat of the Land" - Although somewhat repetitive, Prodigy's "Fat of the Land" is one of the better techno albums available.

8. Matchbox 20 "Yourself or Someone Like You" - Radio friendly by nature, Matchbox 20's debut album talks of failed relationships, loneliness, dealing with a tough life, and learning to cope with companions' oddities.

7. U2 "Pop" - U2 takes a slight change in style to incorporate dance into their music.

6. Pantera "101 Proof American Against the Grain Heavy Metal" -There's nothing like hearing songs like "Cemetary Gate" and "A New Level" being played in front of ten thousand fans.

5. Sister Machinegun "Metropolis" -Due to advertising problems with WaxTrax Records, however, Sister Machinegun haven't received much attention, but their music is well worth a listen.

4. Everclear "So Much for the Afterglow" -The songs "Everything to Everyone" and "I Will Buy You a New Life" are great examples of how Everclear's style has changed for the better, incorporating more musical development and less empty driven rythmes.

3. Radiohead "OK Computer" - Melodic and inspirational, Radiohead's album is a thoughtful and extremely listenable combination of tasteful lyrics and relaxing tunes.

2. Third Eye Blind - While the majority of their music sounds like most other pop music, Third Eye Blind incorporates slow rock ballads and near heavy riffs to set off many different ranges of musicality.

1. Tool "Žnima" -With a range of music that includes progressive rock, heavy metal, and techno, Tool shows their pure skill in the craft of song writing in their third album and surely the best one to emerge from 1997.