1. Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty
Four year after their previous album, the Beastie Boys returned with an even more eclectic sound. Although “Intergalactic” and “Body Movin’” might be the most memorable tracks, the reason this album ends up on the list is because of the band’s artistic progression, including even more instrumental and acoustic songs. -JM

2. Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
1998 introduced Lauryn Hill to the world. With her debut album, Hill showed her ability to seamlessly weave hip-hop, soul, and R&B in way that both critics and fans couldn’t walk away from. -JM

3. System of a Down – System of a Down
SOAD's classic debut. This shit was outta control. And how much did you know about the Armenian Genocide before they came along? -KT

4. DMX – It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Come on! He was barking like a dog! This was the first time anybody got bit by DMX, and damn it was harsh.

5. Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane over the Sea
Although it didn’t win over all of the critics or public, Neutral Milk Hotel’s second (and last) album deserves a spot because the band paved the way for many indie-rockers that would soon follow. Folding an emphasis on lo-fi, talented guitar playing, and folksy vocals into one album, In the Aeroplane should be revisited as a significant contribution to music leading up to the new millennium. -JM

6. Marilyn Manson – Mechanical Animals
Between its controversial imagery (Manson as a dual-gendered alien figure with prosthetic breasts), music videos (homosexual policemen, mock JFK murder, and a crucifix of TVs), and supposed connection to the Columbine shootings, this highly conceptual follow-up to Antichrist Superstar caused quite a stir. And rightfully so! Manson summoned his most revered idol, David Bowie, to take him from creepy to campy a la ’80s glam rock fused with elements of soul and funk. -AD

7. Refused – The Shape of Punk To Come
Hardcore expands into time and space. 'Nuff said. Refused are fucking dead! -KT

8. Belle & Sebastian - The Boy with the Arab Strap
Belle & Sebastian has never achieved a lot of commercial success, but The Boy was praised by critics for its wide-ranging instruments, smart pop sounds, and soft but engaging vocals. Belle & Sebastian are still going strong today, somewhat surprising considering that the band is both Scottish and indie—never a recipe for long-term success. -JM

9. Massive Attack – Mezzanine
Dark and mysterious, this album gave electronica its sexy edge. “Angel” and “Teardrop” might be the most widely recognized tracks, but songs like “Inertia Creeps” and “Mezzanine” ooze with a particularly dangerous sensuality, spiraling out to create a sort of ambient meets electronic atmosphere that feels desirably surreptitious. -AD

10. Dropkick Murphys – Do Or Die
This record was best thing since the Boston Tea Party! Dropkick Murphys definitely ruled the underground for a while. -KT