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 Beyoncé
199 TUSK Fleetwood Mac
198 BLUE LINES Massive attack
197 A NEW WORLD RECORD Electric Light Orchestra
196 THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD Earth, Wind
& Fire
195 SHE’S SO UNUSUAL Cyndi Lauper
194 A NIGHT ON THE TOWN Rod Stewart
193 BROTHERS IN ARMS Dire Straits
192 DIANA Diana Ross
191 ABRAXAS Santana
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190
TATTOO YOU
ROLLING
STONES
1981
The Rolling Stones moved into its 3rd decade with an album of songs that were leftover outtakes from the previous decade. On this LP, the band plays with renewed vigour, a testament to its continued relevance. One side consisted of ballads while The Stones rocked out on the flip. "Start Me Up" was the album's major hit, featuring another unforgettable opening riff. "Waiting On A Friend" is a Latin/ R&B- tinged standout. The LP contains some of the band's strongest material, including: "Slave", "Little T&A", "Hang Fire", "Tops", "Black Limousine" and "Heaven".
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189
TRACY CHAPMAN
TRACY CHAPMAN
1988
Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut album led a revival of folk music in a contemporary context. Her songs tackled modern-day issues such as urban decay, poverty and violence. In the decade of synth pop and music videos, Chapman's music penetrated because of its authenticity and simplicity.
"Fast Car" drew listeners to the parent album, with its affecting despair. Delving deeper, the other tracks were brilliant echoes of the singer/ songwriter tradition.
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188
FULFILLINGNESS' FIRST FINALE
STEVIE WONDER
1974
For 'Fulfillingness' First Finale', Stevie Wonder avoided social commentary and focused attention on relationships. The sole exception is the vitriolic "You Haven't Done Nothin'". On this track Wonder criticizes politicians that promise to ameliorate the lives of struggling citizens, but deliver little.
For the most part, Wonder lets his softer and romantic side guide us through the material. Among the standouts are: "Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away", "Creepin'", "Too Shy To Say", "They Won't Go When I Go" and "Boogie On Reggae Woman". It's one of a series of 70s albums representing Wonder's golden era.
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187
CAN'T SLOW DOWN
LIONEL RICHIE
1983
Lionel Richie tentatively launched his solo career. He was still a member of The Commodores when he topped the charts around the world with "Endless Love", his duet with Diana Ross. Even his debut solo single "Truly" and album 'Lionel Richie' were both unleashed while he was one of The Commodores. He only severed ties with the group when both were bona fide hits.
The follow-up 'Can't Slow Down' finds Richie more confident, encouraged by the public's acceptance of his solo status. He flexed his creative muscles on what remains his best album. It includes the chart hits "All Night Long (All Night)", "Stuck On You", "Hello" and "Running With The Night". These songs have become radio staples. This became Motown's best selling album ever, blending soul, dance, adult contemporary and country.
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186
BOOKENDS
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
1968
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were at the top of their game when they released 'Bookends', arriving just after the success of their soundtrack for the hit film 'The Graduate'. "Mrs Robinson" from the movie is included on this new LP. Many of the tracks capture the feel of America at the time.
Paul Simon's songwriting continues to impress, exploring themes such as growing old, relationships and modernity. Garfunkel's heavenly vocal adds depth and magic to the songs. Among the highlights on this LP are: "America", "Old Friends", "Fakin' It", "Hazy Shade Of Winter" and "At The Zoo". At the time he was second to only Bob Dylan as a singer / songwriter.
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185
BORN IN THE U.S.A.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
1984
American rock's leading social commentator is a title Bruce Springsteen has worn for decades. His is the voice of the U.S.A.'s downtrodden and battlers. On 'Born In U.S.A.', Springsteen doesn't shy away from these issues, but the general mood is more exuberant.
The title track addresses the struggle of a Vietnam vet, but the rest of the material suggests optimism. "Cover Me", "Dancing In The Dark", "I'm On Fire" and "Glory Days" were among the 7 singles lifted off this LP. All 7 peaked in the US Top 10. Springsteen was at his commercial peak here. Today, 30+ years on, he still speaks for the voiceless.
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184
HOT AUGUST NIGHT
NEIL DIAMOND
1972
Neil Diamond's first solo singles came out in the 1960s. By the time he was captured live on stage for 'Hot August Night', he was a recognized talent.
Diamond is at his best in front of an audience. At this concert, the consummate showman serves some of the highlights from his songbook: "Solitary Man", "Shilo", "Crunchy Granola Suite", "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" and of course, the show-stopper "Sweet Caroline".
The gig was at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, taking place on August 24, 1972. It remains one of the best live albums ever and a souvenir of a talent at the height of its power.
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183
FAITH
GEORGE MICHAEL
1987
Freed from the teenybopper image of being in Wham!, George Michael matured into a creative force for his debut solo project. 'Faith' allowed him to stretch out, exploring genres such as dance, adult contemporary, soul and pop. Each track stands in its own right. Michael avoids repeating himself. Little wonder then, that 'Faith' made him a major artist.
The title track is an homage to the rock tradition. "Father Figure" finds Michael immersed in soul. He has fun with the controversial 9-minute "I Want Your Sex (Parts 1 & 2)". Other standout tracks include "Kissing A Fool", "Monkey" and "One More Try".
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182
CRAZYSEXYCOOL
TLC
1994
New Jack Swing was the hot flavour of R&B when TLC arrived on the pop scene. The trio built on the groundwork laid down by En Vogue. TLC's 2nd studio album 'CrazySexyCool' influenced New Jill Swing and many of the groups that followed in its wake, most notably Destiny's Child.
This album contained the hits "Waterfalls", "Creep" and "Diggin' On You"; 3 outstanding examples of female hip hop. The other tracks maintain the quality, especially "Kick Your Game", "Case Of The Fake People", "Red Light Special", "Let's Do It Again", "Switch" and "Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes". The trio also cover Prince's "If I Was Your Girlfriend".
'CrazySexyCool' reveals a focused TLC with strong material. They took New Jill Swing further than En Vogue, injecting it with added muscle. The album features contributions from the likes of R&B legendary writer / producers Babyface, P Diddy, Babyface, Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin.
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181
TOO LOW FOR ZERO
ELTON JOHN
1983
'Too Low For Zero' marked a significant return to form for Elton John. The rigorous recording schedule of the 1970s proved to be taxing on his creativity and the musical output had suffered as a result.
His previous releases 'The Fox' and 'Jump Up!' had some impressive moments, but were uneven. John had already started writing again with his lyricist Bernie Taupin. 'Too Low For Zero' was their first reunion on an an entire album. John re-assembled his band too.
With all these pieces together, the outcome was a consistent set of new songs that included the major hits "I'm Still Standing"and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues". Other noteworthy tracks include "Cold As Christmas (In The Middle Of The Year)", "Kiss The Bride", "Crystal" and the title track. The LP was a commercial triumph for John, his best album since 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'.
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