1 Third Eye Blind, Third Eye Blind (1997) Tumultuous breakup record from a man's POV.

2 Radiohead, Kid A (2000) First abstract-rock album I loved.

3 Butterfly Boucher, Flutterby (2004) Performed entirely by the artist herself.

4 Paolo Nutini, These Streets (2007) An achingly romantic and soulful disc.

5 Paul Simon, Graceland (1986) A rare example of an artist taking himself to another level by sharing the spotlight.

6 Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) A real breakout step of self-expression.

7 Dr. Dre, The Chronic (1992) Simply put: the best wake-up call.

8 D'Angelo, Brown Sugar (1995) Sexy, sexy, sexy.

9 Lyle Lovett, The Road to Ensenada (1995) A great album and funny breakup album.

10 Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams (2005) Music to save your life by.