Albums First Released in 2004

Downloads and music blogs changed discovery in 2004, helping hip hop and independent rock reach listeners outside traditional radio. Among the defining albums released in 2004 were The College Dropout by Kanye West, Madvillainy by Madvillain, Funeral by Arcade Fire and Hot Fuss by The Killers.

Kanye West made soul samples and self-doubt central to a mainstream rap debut, Madvillain created a dense underground classic, Arcade Fire built communal indie rock and the Killers turned new-wave references into big pop songs.

Browse new vinyl editions alongside second-hand copies.