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.