Albums To Listen To Before It’s Too Late

By Elliot Nott 1 day ago

Kind Of Blue - Miles Davis



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First on our list is this timeless masterpiece by Miles Davis. With features from John Coltrane, Bill Evans and many others, this album redefines the limits of musical improvisation and adds a whole new dynamic to jazz music. If you spin this on your record player you are guaranteed a musical euphoria like you have never experienced before.

21 - Adele



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Second on our list is the album 21 by Adele. The vocal powerhouse has given us an emotionally charged and raw album that delivers an intense sense of vulnerability. With songs exploring topics of heartbreak and self recovery it gives listeners a whole new relatable experience.

Appetite For Destruction - Guns 'n' Roses



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Next up on our list is this unapologetic classic rock and roll album from the ever iconic Guns N Roses. Demonstrating the rebellious side to their music, whilst also showing off their relentless skill in song writing. From the heavy hitting drums to the scintillating guitar solos, this album is an absolute classic in the rock an roll world and can't be overlooked.

Circles - Mac Miller



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An odd placing in the context of this list but a deserved one. Circles by the late Mac Miller exists as a witness to Mac Miller's artistic maturity whilst effortlessly combining R&B, soul and hip hop. The topics of the music are brutally heartbreaking yet relatable. This album serves as a bittersweet goodbye from Mac Miller and is an instant classic.

Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles



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Released in 1967, Sgt Pepper's for short, is a psychedelic triumph that was a turning point for popular music around this time. It shows off their skill in songwriting as it was a giant leap of faith from their previous style of music, showing how diverse they are as musicians and song writers. Absolutely worth the listen.

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac



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An all time classic that couldn't be left out from this list. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac is the epitome of passion, heartbreak and just pure, raw musical talent. One of the consistent highlights of this album is Stevie Nicks' haunting vocals that shine in the song Dreams.

Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin



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Next on our list is Led Zeppelin IV by, you guessed it, Led Zeppelin. This album in particular is on this list as it harbours what is arguably one of the greatest songs of all time, Stairway To Heaven. From screaming, yet melodic solos, to brutal and crunchy riffs, this album has everything.

Born To run - Bruce Springsteen



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Next up is yet another timeless masterpiece by the iconic rock legend, Bruce Springsteen. From anthem like choruses to Springsteens intricate storytelling through his lyrics, this album is an absolute must listen and cannot be slept on. Released in 1975 the album still has the same impact as when it was released.

Arrival  - Abba



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Released in 1976, the immortal Arrival by Abba is next on our list. From tracks like Money, Money, Money to Dancing Queen, this album has absolutely everything for a pop album. This album solidifies Abba in the list of all time greats as well as creating a whole new landscape for pop music.

Back In Black - AC/DC



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Another album that just couldn't be left off of this list. Back In Black by AC/DC is arguably one of the greatest albums of all time. Hosting tracks such as Hells Bells and You Shook Me All Night Long. This album is as electrifying as it is iconic. A must listen in the eyes music.

Californiacation - Red Hot Chili Peppers



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Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers is next on our list. Possibly their best album. Produced by the icon that is Rick Rubin, this album is stacked with anthems such as Scar Tissue, Otherside, Around the world, and of course, Californication. This album is spotless and has no flaws. A must listen.

Purple Rain - Prince



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Next up is the album Purple Rain by the late and great, Prince. Released in 1984 this album is the perfect blend of rock, funk and pop music. The title track, Purple Rain, is one of the most heart wrenching and emotional compositions you will likely ever hear. An absolutely flawless album and a must listen.

Electric Ladyland - Jimi Hendrix



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Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic triumph. Jimi Hendrix reinvented what it means to play guitar and rock music. This album blends together some of his finest work including Voodoo Child and All Along The Watchtower. A nod to Jimi's greatness and an all timer.

Disraeli Gears - Cream



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Released in 1967, Disraeli Gears by Cream harbors one of the most iconic psychedelic rock songs of all time, Sunshine Of Your Love. This album serves as witness to Cream's songwriting skills, talent and overall musicianship. A real blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia.

Currents - Tame Impala



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Staying on the psychedelic theme, and more of a modern take as well. Currents by Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) is a modern classic. Featuring tracks such as The Less I Know The Better as well as Let It Happen. This album is the epitome of modern psychedelic rock music.

A Night At The Opera - Queen



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Another album that features one of the most iconic songs of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody. This album launched queen into true stardom in the mid 70's. Featuring Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals and Brian May's thick toned guitar solos, this album is a true portfolio that represents that talent that is Queen.

Who's Next - The Who



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This 1971 album is next on our list. Hosting the great track that is Baba O'Riley, this album solidifies The Who's place in eternal music greatness. Featuring the iconic vocals from Roger Paltry and the never ending guitar tales of Pete Townshend, this album demonstrates the endless skill that this band possesses.

Unknown Pleasures - Joy Division



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The first album of its kind in the post punk world. Whilst sounding like a happy album, the lyrics touch on dark topics with haunting vocals from the late Ian Curtis. Although an acquired taste, this album is one of the most iconic albums that has come out of Britain and is an all time great.

I Am Sasha Fierce - Beyonce



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Another odd fit in this list, but a justified position, released in 2008 is Beyonce's I am Sasha Fierce. With a clue in the name, this album is the perfect demonstration of Beyonce's fierce vocals by delivering powerful yet emotional ballads. Cementing her place as one of the most iconic pop figures of all time.

Blue Hawaii - Elvis Presley



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Yet another album that's on this list thanks to a certain song. This album features Can't Help Falling In Love which is one of the most iconic love songs of all time. This album takes listeners on a journey down the beaches of Hawaii whilst watching the sunset. Give listeners a reminder of why Elvis was as influential as he was.

Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd



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This 1973 masterpiece is next up on our list. This album really shows off the song writing skills of the band, especially with the song Money, the odd timing of the song blends well into one a of the great rock songs. Dave Gilmour's guitar work is also unmatched on this album. A real piece of art.

Thriller - Michael Jackson



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Released in 1982, this album just couldn't be left off of this list. This album plays host to some of the greatest pop songs of all time, featuring, Billie Jean, Beat it and of course, Thriller. This album became the best selling album of all time with this album announcing Michael Jackson as the true, king of pop.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John



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This album is a real sensation, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was released in 1973 and hosts instant classics such as Bennie And The Jets, as well as Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting. The album encapsulates Eltons classic sound whilst delivering yet another great album.

The Definitive Collection - Stevie Wonder



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We definitely could leave this album out of this lift. The Definitive Collection houses immortal songs such as Superstition and Isn't She Lovely. This album skyrocketed Stevie to stardom and solidified his place amongst the greats. The album has soulful vocals on funky grooves, we couldn't leave this album off of the list.

The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths



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Probably one of the greatest albums to come out of Manchester, UK. This album is the perfect demonstration of Johnny Mars plucky guitar work along with Morrissey's baritone vocals. Similar to the Joy Division album, this album may sound like an optimistic landscape, but the lyrics suggest otherwise.

Dire Straits - Dire Straits



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The next album plays host to yet another all time classic, Sultans Of Swing. It features prime examples of Mark Knopfler's jangly guitar work along with some of the most clever guitar solos every composed. This album is needed if you are a guitar rock enthusiast.

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars - David Bowie



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Released in 1972, this album gives us the introduction to the ever iconic alter ego of the late David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust. The most notable song on this album is Starman, The album tells the story of the journey of a rockstar and boy did Bowie do an incredible job on this album.

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill - Ms. Lauryn Hill



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Only the second hip hop album on this list, Lauryn Hill presents to us, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. With songs such as Doo Woo (That Thing) as well as Ex-Factor, this album delivers us smooth powerful vocals as well as free flowing rap lyrics from Ms. Hill. This album posed as the foundation for soul hip hop.

Aretha Now - Aretha Franklin



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Released in 1968 this album delivered to us by Aretha Franklin, this album boasts her ever powerful vocals on I Say A Little Prayer For You, the album introduces a new dynamic to gospel music like never heard before. This album leaves a flowing steam in music history.

L.A. Woman - The Doors



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The Last album on our list is L.A. Woman by The Doors. One of the most iconic blues rock albums that has been composed. This album gives us rock classics such as Riders On The Storm. This album effortlessly combines blues rock with the divine poetry of Jim Morrison.

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