1: Pearl Jam – Backspacer
Pearl Jam’s 9th album, released September 20, is a throw back to that boyish spirit, with spunky tunes that have you bobbing in your Jack Purcells again. This is the shortest record the alternative rock band has made – lasting a mere 37 minutes.

2: Muse – The Resistance
English alternative rock band Muse releases their latest album with a largely electronic influence. The album has garnered praise mostly for its ambition and thirteen minute, three part “Exogenesis Symphony.” The album has been criticised for borrowing from Radiohead and Queen.

3: Beyonce – I Am…Sasha Fierce
This two-disc album featuring chart toppers like Single Ladies and Halo is in the top five again for good reason. The album officially recognises Beyonce’s alter-ego “Sasha Fierce,” and is ranked number 2 on Entertainment Weekly Magazine’s 10 Best Albums of 2008.

4: The Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D
Short for ‘Energy Never Dies,’ it was recently revealed by frontman Will.I.Am that the whole record was inspired by Australian electro music from the likes of The Presets and Cut Copy. The album thus features catchy dance tracks that stay true to their soulful beginnings.

5: Newton Faulkner – Rebuilt by Humans
Known for his eloquently strained singing and guitar accompaniment, Faulkner’s second album has been criticised for its heavy reliance on additional instruments on many of the new tracks. The British singer is best known for his single ‘Dream Catch Me’ which reached #5 on the Australian charts.

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