A Favorite 150 Albums: The Sequel: Part 2 100-51
So here is part 2 of my favorite 150 albums. These range from 100-51. I'm still doing haikus every 15 cause why not. Genre on top, description middle, favorite songs bottom. I decided to add a link to a song from each album so anyone who actually decides to read this can hear what I'm talking about. |
| 50 |  | MF DOOM
Operation: Doomsday
*Hip Hop*
To start off list 2 here’s the fantastic solo debut from one of my favorite rappers, MF DOOM. Despite being recorded in a friend’s basement the production is perfectly fine. Some of DOOMs best tracks come off this and it’s one hell of a good time.
Favs: Rhymes Like Dimes / The Mic / Doomsday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQnjNOWd1sI |
| 49 |  | Megadeth
Rust in Peace
*Thrash Metal*
Mustain is an ass. Many people are aware of this. However, the man was able to write some sick thrash back in the day (no pun intended). “Rust in Peace” is considered by many, myself included, to be a thrash masterpiece. If you seriously have yet to listen to this by now, just do it, you (hopefully) won’t regret it!
Favs: Holy Wars...The Punishment Due / Five Magics / Hangar 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcjN5BNU9CY |
| 48 |  | Buddy Guy
A Man & The Blues
*Blues*
He may not be one of the “Kings” but Buddy was able to stand amongst other blues giants just fine. “A Man and the Blues” is blues rock at its finest. Buddy gives a great performance while lovely piano keys dance around him. Surprised he gets little attention around sputnik.
Favs: A Man and the Blues / I Can’t Quit the Blues / Worry Worry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1eexreF-_M |
| 47 |  | Red Hot Chili Peppers
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
*Funk Rock*
The album that marked a drastic change in RHCP’s sound. It was funky like previous material but was less abrasive and more commercial. It’s really fun funk rock and Flea’s bass is stunning to boot.
Favs: Funky Monks / Power of Equality / Give it Away
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=398xVamo2_U |
| 46 |  | Sigur Ros
Takk...
*Post Rock*
Many would consider Sigur Ros to be one of the “titans” of post rock. I’m not too big on the band myself but this album is beautiful. I have zero idea what Jonsi is singing (I don’t speak Icelandic) but the melodies are pretty so I don’t care much. Another pronunciation question: How do I say Sigur Ros? I’ve always pronounced it “sig-your ross.”
Favs: Milano / Glosoli / Gong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8PIGWF-Tj4 |
| 45 |  | Aphex Twin
Richard D. James Album
*Electronic/Ambient*
Aphex Twin has this awesome ability to make some of the smoothest electronic music I’ve listened to. Granted, I have not listened to much (recs anyone?). “Richard…” is full of awesome beats and interesting song arrangements that flows like water. I feel Aphex Twin deserves the praise he gets, he really is a great producer and this my favorite album by him (but not by much, check his debut if you haven’t already).
Favs: 4 / Logon Rock Witch / Yellow Calx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8YGRvnvENU |
| 44 |  | Black Sabbath
Vol. 4
*Heavy Metal/Doom Metal*
“‘Vol. 4?’ That’s like one of the worst Ozzy era Sabbath records man!” Not to me!. Fans may not think “Vol. 4” is as perfected as other Sabbath offerings but I find this one’s simplicity as a positive. The songs are all really enjoyable and it’s got my favorite Sabbath song on it too.
Favs: Snowblind / Supernaut / Wheels of Confusion - The Straightener
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUfYNQsr3h8 |
| 43 |  | Sweet Smoke
Just A Poke
*Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion*
“Just a Poke” is the debut jazz fusion album of the sadly lesser known progressive rock quintet Sweet Smoke. Despite being only two songs long the album clocks in at 33 minutes. All members are used fittingly and get a turn to show off their impressive chops.
Favs: ...both songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHrAqo8Sqtg |
| 42 |  | Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind
*Alt Rock/Pop Rock*
Quite possibly the only Third Eye Blind full length that matters. “Jumper” and “Semi Charmed Life” are not the only songs by this band though people! This album is chock full of hits that will leave you shamelessly singing along to it. Despite it seeming like a happy album on the surface, a closer look will reveal this album is anything but. It’s actually quite depressing.
Favs: Burning Man / Jumper / How’s it Going to Be?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9kWDLHtpFY |
| 41 |  | Sleep
Sleep's Holy Mountain
*Stoner Metal*
Just follow the smoke
The riff filled land awaits you
The holy mountain
Favs: Evil Gypsy - Solomon’s Theme / From Beyond / Dragonaut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDSztGsEHDA |
| 40 |  | Boards of Canada
Music Has the Right to Children
*Electronic/Ambient*
“MHTRTC” didn’t grow on me until recently. The more I listened, the more I came to appreciate its beauty. It’s a relaxing electronic ambient album that any fan of the genre should give a shot. The rest of their releases are also very strong.
Favs: Turquoise Hexagon Sun / Open the Light / Telephasic Workshop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYfwBWv4YXI |
| 39 |  | Naked City
Naked City
*Jazz/Grind/"Avant Garde"*
“Naked City” is unpredictable. It’ll start off a fun sax/jazz album and switch to grind in an instant. This odd combination of styles may sound ludicrous but it’s that very chaos that makes this album so great. Special thanks to Anthony Fantano for mentioning this in an Idylls review and me checking it out.
Favs: A Shot in the Dark / Snagglepuss / The Sicilian Clan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQuQ-K2eqU |
| 38 |  | J Dilla
Donuts
*Instrumental Hip Hop*
“Donuts” has quite a sad history. It garnered swift praise from fans and critics alike after its release and remains a modern hip hop classic to this day. Unfortunately, Dilla was never be able to see that praise as he died from lupus a mere 3 days after it was finished and released. Much of the album is composed of sampling and contains no actual rapping. Purely beats here. But let me tell you, the beats are sick. RIP.
Favs: Waves / Mash / U Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vykkfDITkQs |
| 37 |  | Frank Zappa
Hot Rats
*Jazz Rock/Jam Rock*
I’m not too much of a fan of Zappa’s work but I adore “Hot Rats.” It’s an almost entirely instrumental jazz rock album filled to the brim with extensive soloing and excellent performances. While “Hot Rats” may not be purely improv I feel fans of jazzy improv will really enjoy this.
Favs: Willie The Pimp / The Gumbo Variations / Son of Mr. Green Genes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rak82qafjQ |
| 36 |  | Beastie Boys
Ill Communication
*Hip Hop*
The first artist double on the list (I think). “Ill Communication” is chock full of fun and insanely enjoyable hip hop. It’s quite varied in style so there’s always something to take away from each track. My favorite Beastie Boys album.
Favs: Shure Shot / Sabotage / Sabrosa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neawPHsSep0 |
| 35 |  | Uneven Structure
Februus
*Post Metal/Djent*
I hate using “djent” as a genre name but I’ll just say it to make thing easier. “Februus” is the debut Lp from the ambient djent metal band Uneven Structure. In a time where metal is littered with countless lackluster djent bands, Februus is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t “djent” for the sake “djenting” if you will. It’s an astonishingly mature release filled with beautiful melodies and occasional heaviness.
Favs: Frost / Buds / Plentitude
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojkjS0BGS_k |
| 34 |  | Camel
Mirage
*Progressive Rock*
Prog rock at its best. Camel keep everything you love (or hate by some) about prog and simply do it with stunning results. Whether it be cheesy keys, flutes, or extended soloing, it’s all here. Special thanks to user KILL for randomly mentioning this and me looking it up.
Favs: Freefall / Earthrise / Nimrodel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhWDbdS-vjg |
| 33 |  | Jazz Liberatorz
Clin D'Oeil
*Jazz/Hip Hop*
A criminally lesser known hip hop album by french the crew Jazz Liberatorz. Every song has a unique collaborator and features short but interesting interviews with those featured. As you can imagine the album is heavily jazz influenced. If you’re into jazz rap then please listen, the group deserves more love.
Favs: I Am Hip Hop / Vacation / The Return
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHbUbDwbi_U |
| 32 |  | Grand Funk Railroad
Closer To Home
*Blues Rock/Rock and Roll*
“Closer to Home” is a great 70s rock album. Big fan of Max Carl’s voice. Listening to this just makes me want to sit back, have a beer and jam out to some good ol’ bluesy rock and roll.
Favs: I Am Your Captain / Sin’s a Good Man’s Brother / Mean Mistreater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fryGyqTJPU |
| 31 |  | The Flaming Lips
Clouds Taste Metallic
*Psychedelic Pop Rock*
This is The Flaming Lips’ hidden gem. It may not be as experimental as their later efforts (this being a mostly guitar driven album) but it’s still a fun and quirky psychedelic pop rock ride!
Favs: Kim’s Watermelon Gun / When You Smile / They Punctured my Yolk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n62w20H5foM |
| 30 |  | Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
*Indie Folk*
I only found this a few years ago but I get a wonderful sense of nostalgia listening to this. Justin Vernon’s voice is passionate and lovely to hear. Songs bleed with emotion and I get mad “feels” man.
Favs: Skinny Love / Flume / Blindsided
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuQrLsTUcN0 |
| 29 |  | Biosphere
Substrata
*Ambient*
“Substrata” is a gorgeous ambient record. It’s soothing but not completely formless like other ambient albums. I’m not TOO well versed in ambient music but I can say with confidence that this is a great place to start if you’re thinking about looking into the genre. Special thanks to users PappyMason and demigod! for this rec.
Favs: Kobresia / Poa Alpina / Silene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94jABJjpDrc |
| 28 |  | Athletics
Who You Are Is Not Enough
*Indie/Post Rock*
“Who you are…” is endearing and a joy to listen to. Nothing is over the top and songs seem to glide by with ease. A damn fine indie/post rock album that sets itself apart from others by simply just being really well made.
Favs: II / III / IV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxNPsHcSwIs |
| 27 |  | Stevie Wonder
Innervisions
*Soul/Blues/Funk*
Good ol’ Stevie Wonder. “Innervisions” is only one of the many fantastic albums Stevie put out in the 70s. Its heartfelt, soulful, funky and considered by many to be his greatest achievement. Side Note: Crap, I’m really getting close to the point where order really matters...this is tough.
Favs: Higher Ground / Living for the City / He’s Misstra Know it All
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X00XdLhFLSg |
| 26 |  | A Tribe Called Quest
The Low End Theory
*Jazzy Hip Hop*
Smooth jazzy hip hop
Q Tip, Phife Diggy, Ali
Like Butter Baby
Favs: Buggin’ Out / Scenario / Butter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Gd7pAbUjk |
| 25 |  | Rush
2112
*Progressive Rock*
Rush is a band that I find difficult to recommend to others as I have no idea which album to get them started on. I’m a big fan of most of their work and really don’t have many strong opinions of one album over the other. They’re just all so great. But if I HAD to choose one I’d go with “2112.” There’s really nothing for me to describe about this other than it’s a prog rock album. So if you’re into that than give this a spin, or all of their albums, I don’t care.
Favs: 2112 / Something for Nothing / Tears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-k8zBWLQFM |
| 24 |  | Radiohead
The Bends
*Indie/Alt Rock*
“The Bends” is the record that proved Radiohead was more than just their hit song “Creep.” I never really listened to Radiohead before joining this site. I’m still not much of a fan, but this album and “OK Computer” are really something special and I thank the community for exposing me to them. Anyway, “The Bends” is a much simpler album than the rest of their discography but is still able to distinguish itself amongst other indie/alternative rock albums.
Favs: My Iron Lung / (Nice Dream) / The Bends
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDLkaISa-B |
| 23 |  | Owen
I do perceive.
*Acoustic Indie*
From the ashes of American Football comes “Owen.” One of the many side projects of vocalist Mike Kinsella. Kinsella is typically known as one of the most recognized figures in the emo/indie scene and for good reason. He’s very talented and “I Do Perceive” is only further proof of this. Kinsella’s honest lyrics mixed with interesting acoustics and other instruments make for a great indie album.
Favs: Who Found Whose Hair in Whose Bed? / That Tattoo Isn't Funny Anymore / Bed Abuse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L2ZxKNhC6E |
| 22 |  | Love Sex Machine
Love Sex Machine
*Sludge Metal*
Love Sex Machine’s debut is nasty. Really nasty. Songs trudge on in downtuned glory and absurd heaviness. While most of the album does consist of chugging it doesn’t resemble the common deathcore breakdown. It’s just an embodiment of disgust and nihilism in music form. A fantastic modern sludge album.
Favs: Killed With a Monster Cock / Vagina Curse / Fucking Battle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTlmPBFikD0 |
| 21 |  | Metallica
Ride the Lightning
*Thrash Metal*
Oh for crying out loud, It’s “Ride the Lightning,” you know it’s sick.
Favs: Creeping Death / Ride the Lightning / Call of Ktulu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXWq3f01e2U |
| 20 |  | Slayer
South of Heaven
*Sludgey Thrash Metal*
“South of Heaven” came as a shock to fans after Slayer’s highly acclaimed and lightning fast “Reign in Blood.” It’s definitely slower and not as “thrash” as their previous work but it’s still pretty f’n metal. Slayer embrace a more sludge influenced sound but still bring you tight riffs and spectacular drumming.
Favs: South of Heaven / Ghosts of War / Mandatory Suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtLvlaGJJEU |
| 19 |  | The Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound
When Sweet Sleep Returned
*Psychedelic Rock*
Psychedelic Rock is an odd genre for me. It’s rare for me to find something I disliked but I’m never really blown away aside from a few albums. However, “When Sweet Sleep Returned” is in fact one of those few albums. It’s got great old school psych vibes and and is a really fun listen. Special thanks to YetAnotherBrick for this rec.
Favs: Drunken Leaves / The Slumbering Ones / By the Rippling Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6yg5A3lves |
| 18 |  | The Stooges
Fun House
*Proto Punk/Jazz*
Hot damn, what a fun album. It’s a jazzy proto punk record you will not wanna miss. Iggy Pop is an incredibly charismatic vocalist here who’s raw howls will get you pumped up quick. That doesn’t go without saying however that the rest of the band play with unparalleled energy as well.
Favs: Fun House / TV Eye / 1970
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bX275Crxxc |
| 17 |  | Isis
Oceanic
*Post Metal/Post Rock*
“Oceanic” is the sophomore album of influential post metal group Isis. It is considered a classic of the genre and is a great place to start for those unfamiliar with it. It has heaviness, beauty, and was very unique for its time. It’s quite a shame the band is often misunderstood as being affiliated with the terrorist organization. So much in fact that the group had received unwarranted and condemning messages on their facebook page.
Favs: Weight / Carry / The Beginning and the End
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEiZczbskKs |
| 16 |  | Karl Verkade
Our Dreams Are Made of Rain
*Ambient*
Bandcamp is a wonderful thing. It is there that I have found this wonderful ambient musician, Karl Verkade. “Our Dreams... “ creates beautiful ambient soundscapes with the use of guitars, choirs, and electronics that will leave you floating on a fluffy cloud of tranquility. Cheesy metaphor, I know, but for real, it’s one hell of a pretty album. It’s also pay-what-you-wish!
Favs: Iridescent / Photographs / Lips That Would Kiss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH7g10EHmZw |
| 15 |  | Brian Eno
Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks
*Ambient/Post Rock*
Another relaxing ambient album, this time with a heavy emphasis on making the listener feel like he/she is drifting through space. Brian Eno (I believe) is one of the forefathers of standard ambient music and is a pleasure to listen to. Special thanks to users eddie95, demigod!, and Let for this rec’ing me Eno.
Favs: Weightless / Deep Blue Day / Stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5PJzpp1UIk |
| 14 |  | Viktor Vaughn
Vaudeville Villain
*Hip Hop*
An MF DOOM album without any production done by the man himself. The beats are the work of Sound Ink records members while DOOM raps over them. His lyrics are great as usual and it’s interesting to hear how well DOOM works with beats that are not even his.
Favs: Vaudeville Villain / Open Mic Night Pt 1 & 2 / Rae Dawn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFdxjsBMmUQ |
| 13 |  | Harlots
Betrayer
*Progressive Hardcore/Mathy Metalcore*
“Betrayer” is definitely not for everyone. It was a bit all over the place on first listen but I grew to like it more and more until I just came to appreciate all the things going on. It’s heavy but technical enough to keep your attention. Great riffing going on here as well as drumming.
Favs: The Concept of Existence / Full Body Contortion / Suicide Melody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NC4iwn-eDc |
| 12 |  | Lights Out Asia
Eyes Like Brontide
*Post Rock/Ambient*
Post Rock and ambient are a very hard genres (in my opinion) to have mutual agreement on with others. What I mean by this is that post rock and ambient are a personal genres. The music you here is more of what YOU make of it than any other. When I listen to “Eyes Like Brontide” I “feel” it. Songs are done in typical ambient post rock fashion (long song lengths, generally slower tempo, etc) but I think the addition of vocals adds a great layer to the music that never feels out of place or unwanted.
Favs: Psiu! Puxa! / Six Points of Fire / Radars over the Ghosts of Chernobyl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuZZzfMvhNA |
| 11 |  | The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Are You Experienced
*Blues Rock/Psychedelic Rock*
A Jimi classic
A killer blues rock album
Just listen to it.
Favs: Red House / Purple Haze / Third Stone from the Sun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Sc64i1FTo |
| 10 |  | Failure
Fantastic Planet
*Space Rock/Grunge*
“Fantastic Planet” is spacey, catchy and actually quite an emotional ride. It delves into the mind of vocalist Ken Andrews and his difficulties with drugs and the loss of his girlfriend. It is not as much of a grunge record like the previous album “Magnified” but this is a good thing as the band doesn’t pigeonhole themselves too much here. They went on hiatus after this one but have recently gotten back together and put out an album this year (which was quite good).
Favs: Stuck on You / Another Space Song / Saturday Savior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ355Yrf_FY |
| 9 |  | Exotic Animal Petting Zoo
Tree of Tongues
*Post Hardcore/Metalcore/Math Rock
“Tree of Tongues” became a quick favorite of mine shortly after hearing it. I found it to be an improvement upon EAPZ’s debut in every way. I absolutely love the vocalist’s range and energy. Drumming is spot on and as for string instruments, also killer. Songs range from post rock to metalcore and even psychedelic.
Favs: Pharmacokinetic / Thorough. Modern / Gypsy Among the Pines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00kp3B0CSUg |
| 8 |  | Cynic
Traced in Air
*Progressive Metal/Jazz Fusion*
Fans of “Focus” were probably a little confused when this released as the band added less death metal influence in favor of (generally) more clean vocal melodies and instrumentation. Turns out though that Cynic were able to do just fine without incorporating too much metal into their signature sound. Basswork is godly and those stupid vocoder vocals are much more charming than I’d like to admit.
Favs: Adam’s Murmur / Space for This / Evolutionary Sleeper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQivkZJaoq0 |
| 7 |  | Between the Buried and Me
Alaska
*Progressive Metal/Metalcore*
Oh no, another btbam album. You bet! "Alaska" is btbam’s best album. Period. It has just the right amount of prog influence to not be as all over the place as Colors and just the right amount of technicality to be entertaining but not redundant. This is the route I wish btbam took their career. All of the band’s members are at the top of their game and Tommy is nice enough to not abuse the crap out of his cleans.
Favs: Roboturner / Selkies - The Endless Obsession / Backwards Marathon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQivkZJaoq0 |
| 6 |  | Pink Floyd
Animals
*Progressive Rock/Psychedelic*
Oh my god, FINALLY. I’ve been wanting to put a Floyd album on here forever. “Animals” is one of the many progressive rock classics that Pink Floyd had put out in the 70s. It is a stark criticism of capitalism in musical form. That may sound “edgy” but the music speaks for itself. The band expanded upon their two previous efforts (“Dark side of the Moon” and Wish You Were Here”) and created an album that was unique to the band and holds it own in Floyd’s staggeringly astounding discography.
Favs: Pigs (Three Different Ones) / Sheep / Dogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOqblSqx_VI |
| 5 |  | American Football
American Football
*Indie/Emo*
An indie/emo classic. “American Football” was the one and only album by the band it derives its name from. It’s almost a metaphoric monolith to the genre. It’s alone and singular in terms of quality and of literal subsequent albums by the same band. “American Football” spawned many side projects and set the bar for albums like it in the future.
Favs: Never Meant / Honestly? / Stay Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9VhC0hiTg |
| 4 |  | The Notorious B.I.G.
Ready to Die
*Gangsta Hip Hop/East Coast*
An east coast rap classic.“Ready to Die” shows off Biggie’s impressive flow and mercilessly honest lyrics. The life of drug dealer’s harder than you thought. Biggie’s style is hard and aggressive and he was standout amongst the rappers of his time. RIP.
Favs: Gimmie the Loot / Everyday Struggle / Suicidal Thoughts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rogvlB2SP4k |
| 3 |  | Nujabes
Spiritual State
*Jazzy hip hop/Instrumental*
A gorgeous and mostly instrumental jazz/hip hop album. Nujabes was a brilliant producer. The album sounds just like how it looks; lush and vibrant. The rappers Nujabes collaborated with were not the best but suited his style well. No other hip hop producer makes me feel as warm and fuzzy inside than this mad does/did. This was his last full length, released posthumously after his death in a car accident in 2010.
Favs: City Lights / Spiritual State / Island
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc2Ffgs-ksU |
| 2 |  | Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin IV
*Hard Rock/Rock and Roll*
Rules.
Favs: Misty Mountain Top / Rock and Roll / Stairway to Heaven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pPvNqOb6RA |
| 1 |  | My Bloody Valentine
Loveless
*Shoegaze*
Ooph, just missing the top 50 cut. Sorry bmv fans. Trust me though, it was a tough decision. “Loveless” is not the album you listen to if you want clear cut sounds. It is fuzzy, vocals are low in the mix yet high in register, and it’s a tough listen for those unfamiliar with shoegaze. But, for those who DO like shoegaze, this album is a masterpiece. It is as light as air and sonically angelic. Welp. That wraps up Part 2. Part 3 will be up in a few days I guess.
Favs: I Only Said / Come in Alone / Sometimes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVj-fc1M_D0 |
|
