Albums to Listen to Before you Die

By Beth Aveyard
I started to write this based on my own opinions, but instead of boring you with my own opinions, I decided to instead to employ the help of my friends and family- all who have widely different music tastes- and get their thoughts and feels on their favourite albums. Here is my compiled list of Albums to Listen to Before you Die.

Tracy Chapman- Tracy Chapman (1988)

"I think the words are just completely meaningful...there’s something about it that is quite eerie. She’s such a unique artist, who’s extremely powerful and passionate in every song. She’s not to everybody’s taste, but I think she’s awesome."

Back to Black- Amy Whinehouse (2006)

"When Amy Whinehouse died it was, and still is, a great loss to the music industry. She was wholly unique and Back to Black is one of those albums that you don’t want to skip any of the songs because each one is truthful and genuine and beautiful. It is consistent in every way, just appreciate this for what it is; simple, flawed and pure magic."

Scouting for Girls- Scouting For Girls (2007)

"For me, Scouting for Girls are the epitome of anecdotal British music. Every song has that little bit of love and loss and a pretty funny story to accompany it."

An Innocent Man- Billy Joel (1983)

"It made an impression on me when I was open to the blend of pop and classical music. So, This Night (This Night You’re Mine) can’t be what Beethoven imagined Pathetique to be, but it really works for me."

Torches- Foster the People (2011)

"This album has a song for each and every mood; Pumped Up Kicks is slow and relaxed, Call It What You Want and Don’t Stop are bouncy and suitable for the highs, whilst Broken Jaw is best suited for those who wish to share their lows with lead singer Mark Foster."

Glitterbug (2015)/The Wombats Proudly Present The Modern Glitch- The Wombats (2011)

"There is a song for every emotion and every mood. The songs are so relatable. They aren’t cliché love songs, but relate to genuine things such as depression and growing up. Yeah."

The Joshua Tree- U2 (1987)

"It was the first concert that I ever went to see, it was at Leeds Roundhay Park and I have never forgotten that experience."

Iowa- Slipknot (2001)

"Undoubtedly the heaviest album to ever go mainstream, each and every song oozes blood and vomit in an adrenaline fuelled thrill ride which will make your throat hurt just from listening. Particular highlights include the shout along chorus of People=Shit and the slow 15 minute long, but no less disturbing, title track Iowa."

Chaos and the Calm- James Bay (2015)

"This is one of the more modern albums on this list, but that does not mean that it shouldn’t be listened to. This is just easy listening with heart and soul. It’s very easy to listen to the entire and enjoy everyone."

+- Ed Sheeran (2011)

"Ed Sheeran’s simple voice and way of creating his music is truly astounding and to say that this was his proper debut album is wonderful. Each and every song is different attacks all of those different sides of you whether that be the emotional side or the quirky side or the romantic one."

Save Rock and Roll - Fall Out Boy (2013)

"This album consists of a variety of uplifting songs with the edge that makes it rock/alternative. 'Young Volcano's' highlights adolescence, and all of the music videos show continuity as they portray a narrative from the start to end of the album. Other songs, such as The Phoenix portray motivational songs of theirs. Overall, it is a perfect ratio of the rock and alternative genres so it adheres to all ages."

The Freewheeling- Bob Dylan (1963)

"Because how many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man? Also because Bob Dylan."

Love at the Greek- Neil Diamond (1977)

"I was playing Subbutio in my mate Stephan’s bedroom every night and he used to play this music that I’d never heard of, I found myself really liking it and it turned out to be Neil Diamond and his live album “Love at the Greek”. To buy the album, I trailed my Nana all around Blackpool searching for it, until we eventually found it in Woolworths."

HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1- Michael Jackson (1995)

"I just think the music is timeless; his music isn’t associated with just one generation but appeals to everyone. There isn’t one person who can say that they don’t like at least one Michael Jackson song. Through his music he talks about everything, from his own personal life (Black or White) to huge social issues (Earth Song). Michael Jackson made a difference and every one of his songs deserves to be listened to and appreciated."

Glittering Prize 81/92- Simple Minds (1992)/ Choke- The Beautiful South

(1990)

"Both of these albums were the getting ready and going out songs when I was at university and teacher training. It’s simple, I just like the songs and they remind of these times."

So have fun, try listening to at least one, if not all, of these albums, and learn why they are so special to the people that have recommended them.

Beth.