Top Five Albums
By Steve DiCarlo > Hofstra University > Senior > Creative Writing
While programs like iTunes make it easy for music lovers to purchase only the more popular songs off of their favorite artists’ albums, occasionally an album comes along that is worth buying in full. Some albums, like the ones below, are just so brilliant that there isn’t a single song you’ll regret buying.
Green Day – American Idiot
The seventh studio album by punk rock band Green Day is a concept album which follows the life of Billie Joe Armstrong’s anti-hero “Jesus of Suburbia.” It won a Grammy for Best Rock Album, and led to the creation of the criticallyacclaimed Broadway musical “American Idiot.” From Grammy Award-winning Record of the Year “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” to the upbeat and passionate “American Idiot”, there are many songs in this album you are sure to love.
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Although Kanye is an extremely easy person to hate, it’s impossible to ignore the brilliance of his 2010 album. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200. “Fantasy” is filled with Elton John piano solos, Rick James samples, string sections, and extremely unique – and occasionally offensive – lyrics. The album may be (as its title implies) dark and a little twisted, but is undeniably beautiful.
Although Kanye is an extremely easy person to hate, it’s impossible to ignore the brilliance of his 2010 album. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200. “Fantasy” is filled with Elton John piano solos, Rick James samples, string sections, and extremely unique – and occasionally offensive – lyrics. The album may be (as its title implies) dark and a little twisted, but is undeniably beautiful.
The Black Keys – Brothers
Grammy Award-winner of Best Alternative Music Album, the sixth The Black Keys album is the best yet. The first single off of the album, “Tighten Up,” was their most successful in the US, and their first charting song. The album is at times haunting, dramatic, and soulful. Fans of rock minimalism should buy the entire album, which is jam-packed with 15 great songs.
Grammy Award-winner of Best Alternative Music Album, the sixth The Black Keys album is the best yet. The first single off of the album, “Tighten Up,” was their most successful in the US, and their first charting song. The album is at times haunting, dramatic, and soulful. Fans of rock minimalism should buy the entire album, which is jam-packed with 15 great songs.
Glee: The Music, Volume 4
Despite my personal bias as a devoted fan of the series, this album is unquestionably amazing. The album consists of fantastic covers of the best songs of the past few years. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to recognize the musical talent of its cast and the ability of its creators to pick the perfect songs to fit their voices.
Despite my personal bias as a devoted fan of the series, this album is unquestionably amazing. The album consists of fantastic covers of the best songs of the past few years. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to recognize the musical talent of its cast and the ability of its creators to pick the perfect songs to fit their voices.
Eminem – Relapse
One of 2009’s most anticipated releases, it’s not difficult to remember the excitement surrounding Eminem’s sixth studio album, which would put an end to his four year hiatus. The album didn’t disappoint. It centers on the ending of the rapper’s drug rehabilitation, and the return of his beloved ‘Slim Shady’ alter-ego. Each song tells a story explaining this fictional relapse, and offers fans painfully honesty insight into his troubled, yet fascinating life.
One of 2009’s most anticipated releases, it’s not difficult to remember the excitement surrounding Eminem’s sixth studio album, which would put an end to his four year hiatus. The album didn’t disappoint. It centers on the ending of the rapper’s drug rehabilitation, and the return of his beloved ‘Slim Shady’ alter-ego. Each song tells a story explaining this fictional relapse, and offers fans painfully honesty insight into his troubled, yet fascinating life.
