Music stands the test of time. For all of us born in the late nineties, our music tastes range from today’s pop and hip-hop to modern country and alternative rock. We grew up listening to the radio stations playing all the 2000s and 2010s hits, and we loved every minute of it. Those were the good days I dearly miss about my childhood. The music was top tier and you had such a variety with how the music sounded. Our throwback music was fun and experimental, where no song was the same as the other.
Good music can be hard to find in today’s music. That’s why it’s always special when you find a gem among monotonous tunes that the radio plays. No matter what genre you listen to the most, there are fantastic albums out there that stand the test of time.
Here are five vintage albums we should all listen to before we die:
From some of the queens of rock and roll, Anne and Nancy Wilson are powerhouses that bless all ears with their vocals and guitar riffs. Their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, holds the iconic tracks “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” Another major standout is “White Lightning And Wine.” The Wilson sisters leave no crumbs behind when they grace us with their talents. Dreamboat Annie is the epitome of their heart-crushing sound. And honestly, who doesn’t want to listen to some badass women with all the grit and rock stardom?
Enough said. There is no explanation required for why this is one of the greatest albums of all time. Everyone in the world should listen to it. Get your dancing shoes on, and dance along to some of the best hits pop music has ever known.
You will always find Dark Side of the Moon on everyone’s greatest albums lists. Pink Floyd’s most known album is a colorful, enigmatic journey. “The Great Gig in the Sky” contains angelic vocals and “Money” is a rock song everyone bobs their heads while listening. “Time” has killer guitar riffs and the choir ensemble on “Brain Damage” is heaven for your ears. Pink Floyd is a timeless band. Listening to this album transports you right back to 1973 and makes you wish you were born in a different decade so you could witness this rock magic in person.
Who doesn’t love some Fleetwood Mac? Rumours needs no introduction. This iconic album still gets radio play, and you cannot go into a store without hearing some of the rock masterpieces. “The Chain,” “Dreams,” and “Go Your Own Way” are classics that never get old. Forty-Five years later and Rumours is still one of the most-streamed albums today. Rightfully so.
You can’t talk about rock music without mentioning Queen. Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest singers rock music has seen. His voice transcends along with Brian May’s flawless guitar strings. You can’t help but sing along whenever one of their songs play. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” and “Fat Bottomed Girls” are just some of the phenomenal tracks a part of this compilation album. Regardless of what song you listen to, you will want to sing your heart out with this iconic rock band.
Here are five modern albums we should listen to before we die:
Considered one of the most creative and poetic songwriters of the 21st century, Lana Del Rey created art when she recorded Norman F****** Rockwell. With the imagery and poetry riddled throughout every song, this album deserves display in a museum. “Cinnamon Girl” is a standout track with Del Rey’s mesmerizing vocals and the color visuals in the lyrics. “Happiness is a butterfly” and “Love song” are sweet ballads that make you wish to be in love only so you can relate to the beautiful, romantic lyrics. “Mariners Apartment Complex” is another huge favorite. Lana Del Rey doesn’t disappoint with this Grammy-nominated album.
A journey through sunshine, heartbreak, and hope, Harry Style’s Fine Line is a realistic and relatable album for all. If you are in love, this album is for you. If you are going through a breakup, this album is also for you. The vibes amongst “Golden,” “Lights Up,” and “Sunflower Vol. 5” are immaculate and make you want to dance. “Falling” will make you want to cry, but “Fine Line” ends with a hopeful and optimistic note of “We’ll be alright.” This album deserved all the achievements and recognition it received.
If you ever want to cry, just turn on an Adele song. Her powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics hit deep in your heart. You can’t help but get goosebumps when you first hear her music. 25 was the best-selling album of 2015 and broke many records. Hits like “Hello,” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” and “When We Were Young” are highly praised and critically acclaimed. Other tracks like “I Miss You,” “Water Under the Bridge,” and “All I ask” are all songs that hit you right in the feels. Adele is one of the best singers in modern music so all of her albums are amazing, but 25 is a special album that everyone needs to hear at least once.
The album that solidified The Weeknd as a household name in today’s music, Starboy, is a well-produced record with massive tunes. Nobody can forget when the first single, “Starboy,” was released and played constantly on the radio. “Party Monster” is a dark, haunting track, and “I Feel It Coming” is a Daft Punk dance creation. The Weeknd is also a romantic songwriter with tracks “Nothing Without You” and “Die For You.” When it comes to The Weeknd, his music satisfies all tastes. That is what makes him such a great performer and one of the most streamed artists today.
Blending the lines between Alternative and Pop, BANKS never disappoints with her addictive beats and raw lyrics. Her sophomore album, The Altar, brings pain and heartache to the front line. With songs “To The Hilt” and “Lovesick,” BANKS sings about the toxins in a failing relationship. Every young person can relate to those lyrics. “Trainwreck,” “Mind Games,” and “27 Hours” devour our souls with thoughtful lyrics among heavy, electronic beats. “Poltergeist” and “Gemini Feed” are fan favorites for their husky tones and poetic darkness. If you want an album with lyrics that stab you in the heart and electronic beats that kiss your soul, listen to BANKS.
Check out my playlist, here!
Maria's Muses 