2025 has proven to be an exceptional year for music, with a diverse array of new releases and exciting performances to look forward to.
But Northeast Valley News wanted to reflect on the past, particularly on albums that have truly stood the test of time.
This year, albums released in 2005 are now considered “vintage.”
Many of these albums still resonate with listeners today and don’t feel dated at all. Their enduring appeal speaks to the artistry and creativity of that era, reminding people of the lasting impact these works have had on the music scene.
Realizing the innovative sounds of 2025, it is important to revisit these not-so-vintage gems that continue to inspire both new and seasoned music fans.
Sufjan Stevens invites you to: Come on feel the Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Released on July 4, 2005, “Illinois” is Steven’s fifth studio album and is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 2000s, hailed as an Indie folk masterpiece. Critics have praised its intricate instrumental arrangements and ambitious concept, which create a rich listening experience.
The album captivates listeners with its unique ability to blend whimsy and depth, showcased in standout tracks like “Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois” and “Chicago.”
In a testament to its enduring impact, “Illinois” was adapted into an off-Broadway dance-theater production in 2024, further cementing its legacy in the music and arts world.
Music of the Sun by Rihanna
Rihanna’s debut album, released on August 29, 2005, has made a more significant impact on music history than critics could even imagine at the time. Initially met with mixed reviews—one reviewer even calling it “a bad record whose details rarely merit further thought”—the album’s influence has only grown.
That quote definitely got it wrong, but who could have predicted that Rihanna would go on to become one of the biggest music icons of the last two decades? Well…we could.
Combining dancehall and Caribbean sounds with her impressive vocals, the album remains fun and refreshing 20 years after its release. Tracks like “Pon de Replay” and “That La, La, La” continue to resonate as undeniable bangers, showcasing the timeless appeal of her early work.
Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple
“Extraordinary Machine,” Fiona Apple’s third studio album, was released on October 4, 2005. This critically acclaimed album not only earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2006 but was also recognized by Rolling Stone as the 49th best album of the 2000s.
Interest in Apple’s work has remained strong among her fans. In a 2020 article, Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times described “Extraordinary Machine” as a “transitional moment — between an extended adolescence and the delayed arrival of adulthood, between the establishment of a caricature and her liberation from it, between the florid singer-songwriter material that made her a star and the more angular, percussive music to come.”
This album is often regarded as the foundation for Apple’s later, more avant-garde work, notably her 2020 release, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.”
American Idiot by Green Day
Released on September 21, 2005, “American Idiot” has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, firmly establishing itself as one of the most iconic albums of the 2000s. Green Day achieved remarkable success with the album, winning two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
In 2010, the band transformed the album into a musical that premiered on Broadway, running for 422 performances before closing. Since then, “American Idiot” has continued to be staged by theaters across the country, bringing its powerful message to new audiences.
These may be considered old (or more politely, vintage) but what is it they say about fine wine and age?
