Oh man! I learnt the hard way that this is a mighty hard topic to write on, considering the fact that there is a plethora of albums to choose from. So please forgive me if my review borders on prejudice but feel free to tell me the names of your favorite albums that might not have made it to my list.
Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon(1973) / The Wall(1979)
Psychedelic guitars accompanied by lyrics about the pressures of everyday life, is what made Dark Side of the Moon such a remarkable album. I read somewhere that one in every fourteen homes in the US owns this album, and another proof of their extraordinary success is that they spent fifteen years on the billboard top 200 albums. This is definitely a collector’s item.
The wall, released six years late, spun out anthems like Another Brick in The Wall. And this was also the basis of their movie * Pink Floyd - The Wall * that starred Bob Geldof(the brains behind Band aid and Live Aid).
Nirvana Nevermind(1991)
* Punk is musical freedom. It's saying, doing and playing what you want. In Webster's terms, 'nirvana' means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world, and that's pretty close to my definition of Punk Rock.
– Kurt Cobain*
This album is a testimony to the brilliance of Kurt Cobain. It was the first major recognition of Nirvana’s abilities as a band. It single handedly introduced the world to grunge and Smells like Teen Spirit instantly became the most powerful anthem for survival for millions of people worldwide. This album is a must have for any grunge buff.
Tracks to look out for: Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come as you are, Drain You
Oasis (What’s the story) Morning Glory?(1995)
Oasis was certainly the most successful British rock band of the 90’s. The irresistible combination of the Gallagher brothers and their offstage antics is what made them so popular. This album released in 1995 gained chart success almost instantly. And it is no proof to the contrary that even a decade later, people don’t get tired to listening to these songs(you would know what I’m talking about if you listened to our local radio stations).
Tracks to look out for: Wonderwall, Champange Supernova
Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill(1995)
This album showcases Alanis Morissette angelic voice which is perhaps the only thing that surpasses her stunning stage presence. The album is very diverse, ranging from angst ridden anthems to reflective ballads. You are sure not to regret buying this album, because unlike the mainstream candy-coated bubblegum pop, all the songs don’t sound alike, and they are not about flowers and the fall.
Tracks to look out for: Ironic, You ought’ to Know
U2 All That You Can’t Leave Behind(2000)
This is a trademark U2 album, establishing just why they are the biggest rock band in the world. You don’t need to be a music fanatic to realize just how awesome this album is.
Tracks to look out for: Beautiful day, Elevation
Santana Supernatural(2000)
Santana’s much anticipated comeback album, slowly caught on to listeners and later went on to become one of the biggest success stories of all time. To accompany Santana’s brilliant guitar work, he featured Rob Thomas and Michelle branch to sing along, and rest assured this was just the formula that made Supernatural such a big hit and guaranteed him a whole new generation of fans.
Tracks to look out for: Smooth, The Game of Love
The Red Hot Chillie Peppers By the way(2002)
RHCP is a band that just won’t quit. They have been playing for almost two decades and every year they, seem to get better at their game. By the way is a very diverse album, in a sense that it includes everything from hard rock, to some playful tunes to rhythmic beats. The band seems to write their songs so effortlessly.
Eminem The Eminem Show(2002)
May I have your attention please! Will the self-proclaimed Rap Boy from Kansas City please stand up?
All Eminem albums are greeted with some amazed yet shocking reactions when they are released. But even critics were shaking a leg or two when The Eminem show was out. It was the ultimate treat for any Eminem fan.
Tracks to look out for: Without Me, Sing for the moment(an adaptation of the Aerosmith original Dream On), Business, Cleanin’ out my closet, Soldier and five additional skits.
Green Day American Idiot(2004)
You are sure to love American Idiot if you are a punk rock fan. This politically charged album instantly rose to the top of the charts, if not the minds of the Government officials in America. This album is very different from any of the previous Green Day albums. They have certainly matured since Basket Case and Geek Stink Breath – a point they made clear in this album, by talking about national policies. Just ask Billie Joe who says “it is about Iraq”.
Tracks to look out for: American Idiot, Blvd. of broken dreams, She’s a rebel, Wake me up when September ends, Extraordinary Girl, Holiday.
Tracks to look out for: By the way, Can’t stop, The Zypher song
Athlete Tourist(2005)
It is so hard to find a defining genre for Athlete. Let me put it this way, if you’ve come back home after a hard day of work, they are just what you need to unwind. Tourist is probably one of their most successful albums yet. What impressed me most about this British foursome is their songwriting skills. For instance, Wires, the title track of this album is about the lead singer Joel Pott’s baby daughter being rushed to intensive care. I must warn you though, if you listen keenly enough, you might feel your eyes getting misty!
Tracks to look out for: Wires, Half Light, El Salvador, Modern Mafia, Trapped Air
Other albums that are worth the bargain:
Linkin Park Hybrid Theory
Nirvana In Utero
Aerosmith Just Push Play
Puddle of Mudd Come Clean
Alicia Keys Songs in a Minor
Duran Duran Rio
Garbage Version 2.0
Incubus Morning View
Audioslave Demos
John Mayer Room for Squares
