Lee Ann Womack sang sweet and sad ballads from the heart, a mature debut from Blaine Larsen impressed many, Brad Paisley topped his landmark album "Mud On the Tires", Big & Rich, proved that they were not just a fad. Dierks Bentley, the art of making traditional country music for a modern rock audience.

Kanye West could not be beat in 2005, Common put the Midwest on the hip hop map, 50 Cent hit with 4 top 10 songs in March, Ciara did the impossible following up her monsterous debut. Houston Born Mike Jones was an indie success story and the Ying Yang Twins "Whisper" created a lot of noise!

Mariah Carey's effort was the comeback of the year, Gorillaz was the biggest Alternative crossover of the year, Kanye West hit the stratosphere and produced 2 winners: John Legend and Common. James Blunt filled the void for a timeless sound and Gwen Stefani rivaled Madonna for reinventing herself. Pussycat Dolls were one 2005's most colorful acts.

It was the year of Green Day, Fall Out Boy came out of left field for most but have definitely paid their dues, System of Down did double duty and NIN was well worth the wait. U2 enter the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Coldplay made it into everyone's top 10. Kudos to indie rockers Death Cab for Cutie !