Iconic Albums Turning 20 in 2025

The year 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of some of the most defining albums in the pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock and rock scenes. From Paramore’s emotionally charged debut to Fall Out Boy’s mainstream breakthrough. These albums shaped the sound of a generation. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit these iconic records that still resonate with fans today.

Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree (2005)

Notable Tracks: “Dance, Dance,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More ‘Touch Me’”

When Fall Out Boy dropped From Under the Cork Tree in 2005, they catapulted from a beloved underground pop-punk act to one of the biggest names in mainstream rock. The album, which includes hits like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance”, was a game-changer for the Chicago-based band and marked their breakthrough moment. But beyond its infectious hooks and high-energy beats, the album also tackled darker themes like anxiety, depression, and existential angst.

Bassist Pete Wentz, who has always been the band’s lyrical backbone, explained that From Under the Cork Tree was inspired by “the anxiety and depression that comes with looking at your own life.” The raw vulnerability in tracks like “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More ‘Touch Me’” spoke to a generation of young people grappling with their identity and the pressures of adulthood. In 2025, this album still feels as relevant as it did two decades ago, with its unforgettable hooks and timeless message.

Paramore - All We Know is Falling (2005)

Notable Tracks: “Pressure,” “Emergency,” “Conspiracy”

Paramore’s debut album, All We Know is Falling, released in 2005, marked the start of the band’s meteoric rise in the alternative rock scene. Signed by Fuelled by Ramen, the album captured the raw, emotional turmoil the band experienced during a time of personal upheaval. With the departure of their original bassist and the ongoing struggles in lead singer Hayley Williams’ personal life—specifically her parents’ divorce—the album's lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery.

The album’s cover art, featuring a couch in the wilderness with a shadowy figure seated on it, is a visual metaphor for the isolation and change that Williams and the band were grappling with at the time. Tracks like “Pressure” and “Emergency” offered infectious choruses that helped establish Paramore as one of the most promising young bands in the scene. As All We Know is Falling celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains a pivotal album that introduced fans to the powerhouse vocals and emotional depth that would define Paramore’s sound for years to come.

The All-American Rejects - Move Along (2005)

Notable Tracks: “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along”

When Move Along was released in 2005, The All-American Rejects solidified their place in the pop-punk and alternative rock pantheon. Home to one of their biggest hits, “Dirty Little Secret,” the album quickly became a staple of the mid-2000s rock scene, with “Move Along” itself becoming an anthem for resilience and perseverance. The band’s second album was a commercial success, earning 3x platinum status and ranking highly on music charts across the globe.

“Dirty Little Secret” remains one of the most-streamed songs of the era, having accumulated almost 500 million listens on Spotify, a testament to the lasting appeal of the album. As frontman Tyson Ritter has said, Move Along was a reflection of both personal and universal struggles, providing an emotional escape for fans. With its infectious melodies, relatable lyrics, and anthem choruses, this album continues to be a defining record of the mid-2000s rock era.

Avenged Sevenfold - City of Evil (2005)

Key Tracks: “Bat Country,” “The Beast and the Harlot,” “Seize the Day,” “Burn It Down”

In 2005, Avenged Sevenfold took a giant leap forward with City of Evil, an album that would solidify their place in the mainstream metal scene. Known for their aggressive metal-core roots, the band’s third studio album marked a shift towards a more traditional heavy metal sound. Gone were the growls and guttural screams that had characterised their previous work; instead, lead singer M. Shadows showcased his cleaner, more melodic vocal style.

This album was more than just a change in style—it was Avenged Sevenfold’s commercial breakthrough. Featuring some of their most well-known tracks, such as the explosive “Bat Country” and the hard-hitting “The Beast and the Harlot,”City of Evil went platinum and helped propel the band into the metal mainstream. Tracks like “Seize the Day” and “Burn It Down” mixed melodic elements with shredding guitar solos, showcasing the band’s musical growth and versatility. As City of Evil celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains a milestone in the band’s career and in the broader metal genre.

Judas Priest - Angel of Retribution (2005)

Key Tracks: “Angel,” “Judas Rising,” “Hellrider,” “Revolution”

When Judas Priest released Angel of Retribution in 2005, it was a moment of rebirth for the legendary metal band. The album marked the highly anticipated return of Rob Halford as lead vocalist after a 12-year absence, and his rejoining brought renewed energy to the band. Angel of Retribution not only captured the old-school metal sound that made Judas Priest icons, but it also became their highest-charting album at the time.

The album opens with the thunderous “Judas Rising,” a track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s blend of heavy metal riffs and Halford’s signature soaring vocals. Other standout tracks like “Hellrider” and “Revolution” showcase the band's ability to blend classic metal with a fresh energy, bringing fans back to the glory days of the genre. Angel of Retribution marked a triumphant return for Judas Priest, proving that they still had the fire to lead the metal world. The album has since been celebrated as a key chapter in the band's storied career and remains a fan favourite.

Coheed and Cambria -

Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV: Vol. 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness (2005)

Key Tracks: “Welcome Home,” “The Suffering,” “Ten Speed (of God's Blood and Burial)”

For Coheed and Cambria, their third album, Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV: Vol. 1, released in 2005, marked a pivotal moment in their career. Not only was it their first Top 10 album, but it also solidified their reputation as one of the most unique and ambitious bands of the 2000s. This was the first entry in the band’s overarching sci-fi narrative, The Amory Wars, and the conceptual nature of the record made it a standout release in the progressive rock and emo scenes.

The album produced some of the band’s biggest hits, including the iconic “Welcome Home”, a track that blended prog-rock complexity with infectious hooks. With its soaring vocals, intricate musicianship, and thematic depth, Good Apollo captivated fans and critics alike. Sadly, this would also be the final album to feature drummer Josh Eppard before his first departure from the group. Good Apollo has since been certified gold in the U.S. and remains a beloved album for fans who appreciate its blend of storytelling and musical innovation.

A Look Back at a Defining Era

As 2025 marks the 20th anniversaries of these legendary albums, we’re reminded of the lasting impact they’ve had on their respective genres. Paramore’s All We Know is Falling introduced us to their raw emotional power and marked the beginning of a journey that would elevate them to pop-punk icons. Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree propelled them into the mainstream, and its infectious hooks and vulnerable lyrics continue to resonate with fans worldwide. The All-American Rejects’ Move Along became an anthem for resilience and youthful energy, while Avenged Sevenfold’sCity of Evil signalled a shift toward a more mainstream metal sound, earning the band platinum status and iconic tracks that are still staples of their live shows.

Meanwhile, Coheed and Cambria’s Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV: Vol. 1 captivated fans with its intricate concept and progressive rock mastery, securing their place as one of the most innovative bands of the 2000s. And let’s not forget Judas Priest, whose Angel of Retribution marked the return of Rob Halford and proved that the legends of metal could still rise to the occasion, producing some of their most celebrated tracks.

These six albums—each pivotal in its own right—defined the mid-2000s and continue to inspire new generations of music lovers. Whether it was Paramore’s emotional honesty, Fall Out Boy’s anthems of angst, or the complex storytelling of Coheed and Cambria, these records each left an indelible mark on rock and metal. As we celebrate their 20th anniversaries, we’re reminded of just how much these albums shaped the soundtracks to our lives and how their influence still echoes through the music of today.