THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL ALBUMS. Begins with #100-91. Continues tomorrow.
Caffé Latté presents the all-time
200
MOST ESSENTIAL
ALBUMS
Frank Sinatra is generally credited as the
first artist to release a concept album. Until then, the pop market was focused
almost exclusively on the single. Albums merely consisted of a compilation of
recently issued product with filler to capitalize on a successful hit song.
During the 1960s, albums gradually built up credibility and by the 1970s, had
become as integral as the single. The era of ‘classic albums’ had emerged, led
by acts such as The Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and David
Bowie.
This Top 200 list includes albums that broke
new ground; expanded the sonic landscape and influenced the music that
followed. They have been ranked according to impact on the sound of rock and
pop music, popularity, sales and timeless quality.
200
LEMONADE
BEYONCE’
2016
It didn’t take long
for Beyoncé to be recognized as the focal point of Destiny’s Child. She then
launched her solo career. Today, Beyoncé is the leading female artiste on the
planet. ‘Lemonade’ is a rich and contemporary project: daring in many ways. Its
overriding theme is sisterhood. The disc will continue to unlock meaning and
inspire others in the future.
O
199
TUSK
FLEETWOOD
MAC
1979
What do you do when your last album is universally praised as one of the greatest LPs of all time? This was the daunting task facing Fleetwood Mac after the critical and commercial success of 'Rumours' in 1977. The relationships within the group were strained during the recording of that classic. To come together as divided entities would have only made the idea of a follow-up album even more difficult.
Rather than succumbing to the pressure of repeating itself with a 'Rumours II', the group members re-assembled and created an album that was the antithesis of its predecessor. 'Tusk' did not even attempt to better 'Rumours'. Spread out over a double album, the music is self-indulgent in places. With Lindsey Buckingham dominating proceedings - and, possibly saving the band- 'Tusk' offers some highs (the title track, "Think About Me" and "Sara") and some misses. Few groups would have proceeded as bravely as Fleetwood Mac did with this album. For that reason, it deserves a place on this list.
O
198
BLUE LINES
MASSIVE
ATTACK
1991
Neneh Cherry and Soul II Soul had laid the groundwork in the late 1980s. Massive Attack gave trip hop its defining moment with 'Blue Lines'. The Bristol collective brought together the sounds of Britain, the West Indies and Africa in a novel way. 'Blue Lines' changed dance music. Incorporating dub, hip hop, dance and ambient styles, the album is a watershed debut record. Best of all, is the soulful power of Shara Nelson's vocal on the track "Unfinished Sympathy". This song alone is enough to make the album essential. The disc also features Cherry and rapper / producer Tricky.
O
197
A NEW WORLD RECORD
ELECTRIC
LIGHT ORCHESTRA
1976
The idea behind the Electric Light Orchestra was to imagine where The Beatles would have taken music had they not split. By the time of 'A New World Record', lead singer Jeff Lynne had sharpened his skills as a songwriter and producer. In the same way that George Martin had incorporated a plethora of musical instruments, ELO meshed classical sounds with rock.
The tracks "So Fine", "Above The Clouds" and "Shangri-La" embody the band's original raison d'être. Rock and orchestral delights mesh on the radio hits "Livin' Thing", "Rockaria!", "Telephone Line" and "Tightrope".
O
196
THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD
EARTH,
WIND & FIRE
1975
'That's The Way Of The World' served as both a new studio album for Earth, Wind & Fire, but also as the soundtrack for a film which shared the same title. EW&F records always spanned a musical spectrum and this LP was no exception. The group offered funky tracks ("Shining Star"; "Yearnin' Learnin'" and "Africano"), smooth ballads ("All About Love" and "See The Light"), soul (the title track) and R&B ("Reasons").
The album embodies the sprawling aural territory explored by EW&F's contemporaries: The Commodores, Kool & The Gang and Stevie Wonder.
O
195
SHE’S SO UNUSUAL
CYNDI
LAUPER
1983
While the novelty did wear thin by the end of the 1980s, Cyndi Lauper's breakthrough in 1983 is one of the key moments of that decade's pop culture. 'She's So Unusual' was her solo debut album, containing the #1 singles "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". The LP features Lauper tackling many themes on songs such as "When U Were Mine", "Money Changes Everything", "Shebop" and "All Through The Night". On the disc, she reveals the depth of her vocal range. This comes as a surprise to anyone who prematurely dismissed her as a zany caricature.
O
194
A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
ROD
STEWART
1976
By 1976, Rod Stewart was establishing himself with an impressive songbook. 'A Night On The Town' was his 7th solo studio album. On this LP, he built on the quality served on the preceding 'Atlantic Crossing'. The new album featured stronger material. It opens with the international hit "Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)". Other hits on the LP include: "Pretty Flamingo", "The First Cut Is The Deepest" and "The Killing Of Georgie (Part 1 & 2)". Stewart is in fine voice, switching smoothly from rock to ballads. The consistent standard of his albums during this period resulted in the longevity of his career.
O
193
BROTHERS IN ARMS
DIRE
STRAITS
1985
'Brothers In Arms' captured Dire Straits at its commercial zenith. Each of the band's previous albums had built on the last. Co-producers Neil Dorfsman and lead singer / songwriter Mark Knopfler used the latest technology during its recording. The LP's release helped popularize the compact disc format.
Sting guests on his #1 co-write, "Money For Nothing". The title track is the album's standout. 'Brothers In Arms' topped charts around the globe. Other chart entries included "Your Latest Trick" and "Walk Of Life".
O
192
DIANA
DIANA ROSS
1980
As the end of the 1960s approached, Diana Ross announced she was quitting The Supremes. She launched a solo career which blossomed during the 1970s. As the 1980s began, Motown's star act was eager to be a game-changer again. Ross recruited the services of Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers from the funk group Chic.
They created an uber-cool musical make-over for Ross. The album project reflected her desire for change, encapsulating effectively on "Upside Down". The single reached #1 around the globe, spearheading her renaissance. The disco /funk persisted on the tracks "My Old Piano", "Tenderness", "I'm Coming Out", "Have Fun (Again)" and "Give Up". "Friend To Friend" was the only ballad on the LP.
The brazen musical shift was rewarded with the best sales of her solo career. Ross used its success to search out her options with other labels. She left Motown soon after for RCA.
O
191
ABRAXAS
SANTANA
1970
Santana's debut album was unleashed in 1969. 'Abraxas' was the follow-up. This was a time of musical experimentation and the group's album expanded the audience for Latin Rock.
Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana led his musicians through a diverse range of sounds; with ingredients such as salsa, jazz, rock, blues and rhythm creating its unique hybrid. The highlights include "Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen" and "Oye Como Va".
O
Check out the special playlist as new albums are added on spotify:
spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte
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