Top Ten Albums of The Last Half
Century
by Mark Arellano
In the world of popular and
influential music, there are many records that have come and gone and have left
valuable impressions upon our lives. The following albums are all markers of
influence that have much importance and relevance in life today as they did
when they were first released. All of these albums are inspirational and
riveting. Each one represents a different portrait of life. These are my top
ten albums that you should go out and buy and are worth listening to over and
over again.
10:
Maroon5 “Songs About Jane” (Year released: 2003; chart peak position: 7)
The best new band of the year has
deserved this title by releasing an album that is so rock-oriented yet is plays
homage to many musical genres such as blues, punk, and pop. With the debut hit
“Harder to Breathe” introducing them onto the scene last year, it wasn’t until
this year’s “This Love”, which is currently at #12 on the charts, that they really started to become big
stars. Produced by Matt Wallace, this album offers a wide range of sound in its
twelve cuts and has opened the way for a band that will surely become bigger as
they progress musically.
9: Adam
and the Ants “Kings of the Wild Frontier” (Year released: 1980; chart peak
position: 44)
The poster boy of the post punk era
of the 1980s made his first impressions in this artsy punk classic with his
former Ants before he went solo. “Kings” is full of vain social anthems such as
the hit “AntMusic,” and makes subtle sexual references throughout the entire
LP. A brave and lightweight fun to take in, it is full of bouncy punk songs
like “Press Darlings,” and its dark title track.
8: ABBA
“Waterloo” (Year released: 1974; chart peak position: 128)
An ABBA album was inevitable for
this list, if not all ten of their original albums! “Waterloo” was their
international release that brought the hard rocking title track about Napoleon
to #6 on the charts, and the first tastes of fame for the group. The mix of
Euro-pop and American influenced hard rock are very prominent on this album,
including the minor hit “Honey, Honey,” the Spanish-styled “Hasta Manana,” and
the pre-punk era sound of “Watch Out.” The Bonaparte styled outfits on the
cover is a face value example of the dazzling sounds and tough cuts that appear
on this classic.
7:
System of a Down “Toxicity” (Year released:2001; chart peak position: 1)
The powerful, invigorating, and
violently fun sophomore album by one of the best modern rock bands is without a
doubt one of the best albums of its time. The sudden time changes and death
metal-like intensity of each track keeps the interesting aspect of the disc
growing. The mellowness and anger in “Chop Suey!” defines the mood of album,
and with the added aggressiveness apparent in the drug-crazed attitude of
“Psycho”, or the political stance of “Prison Song,” this album is ideal for
rocking out in the car.
6: Herb
Alpert presents: “Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66” (Year released: 1966; chart
peak position: 5)
The eclectic mix of American jazz,
Brazilian-influenced beats, and Bossa Nova-inspired tunes made this album
appealing and successful when it was first released. Fueled by the hit single,
“Más Que Nada,” the album has a wide range of material showcased with a Latin
feel to it. A classic rendition of “Going out of My Head” shines with expertise
and sophistication, as the clever combination of “One Note Samba/Spanish Flea”
present an insight into Brazilian Samba
Music.
Brazilian Portuguese numbers like “Tim Dom Dom” and “Más Que Nada” add flavor
and diversity to the already varied album.
5: U2 “The
Joshua Tree” (Year released: 1987; chart peak position: 1)
A modern masterpiece that cannot be
ignored when listened to, this album is such an honest, sincere, and simple
piece of work that conveys so much about the human soul. The obvious hits like “With
or Without you” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” best represent
love and discovery at their cores. The sincere quality of this record makes it
so memorable and will continue to inspire generations to come.
4: Pearl
Jam “Yield” (Year released: 1998; chart peak position: 28)
One of the best albums to listen to
at night in the dark, or on a drive somewhere, this album by some of the grunge
veterans still around is a fine piece of work. The intensity in the song, “Do
the Evolution,” gives this album its edge. Every track on this collection is
worthy of listening to the disc over and over again. “Faithfull” represents
that popular style present at the time of this song’s release, and the subtle
melancholy approach of songs like “Push Me, Pull Me” and “Given to Fly,” are
what defines this mature and thoughtful record.
3:
Charlene “I’ve Never Been to Me” (Year released: 1982; chart peak position: 36)
Perhaps one of the most depressing
and at the same time melodic love-torn albums ever conceived, “I’ve Never Been
to Me” spawned the #1 hit of the same name. It addressed the issues of
life-changing decisions, forgotten love, and self-help geography in an odd mix
of morality and regret. The dark and brokenhearted mood of this album is ideal for
any truly bad breakup.
2: The
Doors “Waiting For the Sun” (Year released: 1968; chart peak position: 3)
One of the best classic rock albums
from one of the most influential classic American rock bands ever. Containing
the instantly recognizable “Hello, I love you” and “Five to One,” this record
is as enchanting, enticing, intriguing, and soulful blend of sexual
provocateur and drowned cynicism, the
raw emotion and energy of the Doors breaking on through to the other side.
1: Kate
Bush “Lion Heart” (Year released: 1978; chart peak position: 206)
Listening to this LP in the dark
will surely waken the witch that roams within this album. A dark mix of sexual
nuances, double meanings, hidden messages, and dramatic humor paints the mood
for this record. Although it charted at #6 in her native England, Kate Bush was
a well kept secret in the US. The drama-laden paranoia of “Hammer Horror” gives
a kick on the emotional depth present, as the stunning beauty and grandiose nature
of “Wow” completes all the elements of theater apparent here. The passion and
warm, fullness of this album compliment the tough and slick backbone that
illustrates the power and presence of this masterpiece.