Favorite CDs of the '00s -- #20 to #16

20. BENT FABRIC - "Jukebox"
(Hidden Beach, 2005)

Seldom has an album been more appropriately named. The melodies of Danish pianist Bent Fabricius-Bjerre get a 21st-Century makeover by an army of producers, mixers, instrumentalists and vocalists, resulting in an album that almost sounds more like a various-artists pop compilation than an album by a single jazz artist. Crowned by his classic, untouched, signature tune "Alley Cat", this album will jump-start any party.

19. BARENAKED LADIES - "Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits"
(Reprise, 2001)

Putting a greatest-hits album in my countdown might be cheating, but as far as BNL are concerned, it's justified. (Besides, it fits my self-imposed rule of at least two new tracks being included.) If the extent of your exposure to this band is their biggest hit, "One Week", do yourself a favor and buy this title, and immerse yourself in the amazing tunefulness and musical versatility that is Barenaked Ladies. Every single track on here is a gem.

18. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - "Justified"
(Jive, 2002)

Some people say "FutureSex/LoveSounds" is better, but it's a bit too "far out" for me ... I like my pop a bit more straightforward and accessible, and the almost-universal appeal of this album is indisputable. There's the instrumental intricacy of "Cry Me a River", the semi-tropical groove of "(Oh No) What You Got", "Like I Love You" is just plain catchy, and "Rock Your Body" is the best Michael Jackson song that MJ never did.

17. KEANE - "Perfect Symmetry"
(Interscope, 2008)

Their previous albums might be more compelling and meaningful, but when it comes to pure enjoyment, this one totally floats my boat. Maybe it's because I grew up in the '80s and can thus totally get into the very '80s groove they seem to effortlessly maintain throughout this album. Suffice to say, they had me from that Human League-ish distorted melody line at the very beginning of "Spiralling", and didn't let go for 50 minutes.

16. ERIK FABER - "Passages"
(Epic/Norway, 2006)

It's been over three years since Erik Faber has put out a new album, and perhaps that's a good thing ... he seems to be getting better and better with each release, so I fear that at some point he'll have reached his peak and I'll be disappointed with his next disc. This one is certainly no disappointment. The top-flight single "Not Over", the mesmerizing duet "Racing", the heartbreaking "Song for H" ... a hard-to-find album, but worth the search.