I honestly don’t know how I could get through life without music. It really does a lot to feed my soul. Here are my favorite albums of 2002, which I know helped me get through the year. They’re in alphabetical order, because I’m a librarian and that’s how we do things.

Beck – Sea Change
One of the best breakup albums ever made, this CD’s bittersweet lyrics and lush sounds have almost a comforting quality. Beck puts all of his emotions into this one and the end result is beautiful.

Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
This sophomore release by Coldplay really shows their maturity. The haunting melodies, introspective lyrics and riveting guitar sound get better every time I listen to it.

Neil Finn – One All
Neil is one of the best songwriters on the planet. Formerly of Crowded House, this is his second solo album. It features my favorite song of the year, “Driving Me Mad.”

Dave Matthews Band – Busted Stuff
Most of the songs on this CD were from the sessions the band did with Steve Lillywhite, yet were never released commercially. Thankfully the band re-recorded them and released this excellent record. After having this in my CD player for most of the summer, it has turned into my favorite album by the band.

The Pretenders – Loose Screw
The Pretenters consistantly make good music and their latest is no exception. The reggae influence of producers Sly and Robbie mesh well with the band’s rock and roll sound.

Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band – The Rising
Inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, Bruce and the band capture the emotions of that time perfectly and in a way that only they can.

Weezer – Maladroit
This album just spews with energy. It’s nothing but a fun rock and roll record from a band that might be at its peak. Keep up the good work guys.

Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
The album that almost never was, turned out to be the best CD of the year. Wilco’s sound is ever evolving which is a good thing. Kudos to the folks at Nonesuch Records, who saw the potential of this record and released it.