Top 10 Alternative Rock Albums of 2006

2006 has been a great year for alternative rock fans. Many bands with amazing debut albums released follow-ups this year, and some surprising newcomers have contributed some great music to our collections. Here are my picks for the top 10 alternative rock albums of 2006.

10. Papa Roach, The Paramour Sessions: Papa Roach's fourth release is enjoying huge success with its debut single, "To Be Loved". Combining hard rock chords with their unique style, Papa Roach continues to build on its success with their latest release.

9. Three Days Grace, One X: Three Days Grace's sophomore album has already produced two hit singles, "Pain" and "Animal I Have Become", both of which are receiving a lot of airtime on the radio. This album contains much of what fans expect from Three Days Grace, but also includes some softer tracks which demonstrate their artistic versatility.

8. Crossfade, Falling Away: At first listen, this album seemed mundane, and a backpedal from their enormously successful debut release. Their single "Incincible" was average at best. However, giving this album a chance to hit me was well worth it. Falling Away has an incredible flow to it, and the tracks hide a lot of meaning.

7. Disturbed, Ten Thousand Fists: While this album was released in 2005, it continues to produce hit after hit throughout 2006. Disturbed's cover of "Land of Confusion" is still a top hit on the radios, and their impressive array of singles continue to push album sales. Distrubed's hard rock style hasn't let up a bit with their third release, with powerful political tracks such as "Deify", and the title track "Ten Thousand Fists".

6. Evanescence, The Open Door: Fans waited years for Evanescence to produce a second album, and this album exceeds all expectations. Fueled by lead singer Amy Lee's struggle with an alcoholic boyfriend, "Call Me When You're Sober" is still dominating MTV, VH1 and many radio station countdowns. Lee's powerful vocals make every song a potential single; this album will be around for years to come.

5. Tool, 10,000 Days: Much like Crossfade's latest release, and some of Tool's older albumbs, 10,000 Days takes some time to fully appreciate. Singles "Vicarious" and "The Pot" are simply amazing, and easy to appreciate. The supporting tracks throughout the album don't seem to be written to be instant hits, but rather to be felt and experienced. Tool fans have been waiting 5 years for this release; don't miss it!

4. Avenged Sevenfold, City of Evil: After a shocking MTV awards win, Avenged Sevenfold's debut album has enjoyed mainstream success that shocked even themselves. City of Evil is an adventurous mix of hard and fast rock, 80's power-ballad vocals, and even includes some symphonic moments. Singles "Seize the Day" and "Beast and the Harlot" continue to fuel album sales.

3. Hinder, Extreme Behavior: Another release from late 2005, Hinder's first album is still generating massive sales. Mainstream-friendly tracks such as "Lips of an Angel" and "Get Stoned" are appealing to a very broad audience, hiding somewhat aggressive rock tracks throughout the album which make Extreme Behavior a great album to listen to front to back.

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stadium Arcadium: This two-disc release provides Chili Peppers fans more of the same that they have loved for over a decade. Each of the 28 tracks brings its own unique flavor to this instant classic, and singles "Dani California" and others are still favorites.

1. Breaking Benjamin, Phobia: "The Diary of Jane" has boosted sales into the millions for the masterpiece that is Phobia. Breaking Benjamin has once again hit it big, following up their hugely successful 2004 release with amazing songs such as "Evil Angel", "Breath" and "Had Enough".