Caffé Latté presents the all-time
200
MOST ESSENTIAL
ALBUMS
100 THE WALL Pink Floyd
99 MOONDANCE Van Morrison
98 LADY SOUL Aretha Franklin
97 STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON N.W.A.
96 TRANS-EUROPE EXPRESS Kraftwerk
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95
THE STRANGER
BILLY JOEL
1977
Although 'The Stranger' was Billy Joel's 5th studio album, this was the record that established him as a major act internationally. Arguably, he has never delivered a finer set of tracks.
Previous releases had hinted at his songwriting skill, but on 'The Stranger', each track demonstrates his malleability. This LP was Joel's first with Phil Ramone as producer. His counsel served Joel well in the crafting of the tracks. The material is easily accessible which resulted in substantial sales around the globe.
The album opens with the rock track "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)". The title song follows, adding a dark tinge to proceedings. Next is the major hit single "Just The Way You Are". It swiftly became an American standard, collecting the Record and Song of the Year Grammy Awards. "She's Always A Woman" is the other love song on this album. It is delicate and sensitive, but avoids the saccharine. Joel takes a dig on religion with the fun "Only The Good Die Young". The upbeat mood persists with "Get It Right The First Time". "Vienna" reminds us all to not get too obsessed with the rat race. "Everybody Has A Dream" has a distinctly gospel feel. Joel evokes Bruce Springsteen on the epic "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", which recounts the tale of Brenda and Eddie.
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94
DISCOVERY
DAFT PUNK
2001
French electronic duo Daft Punk's 2nd studio album 'Discovery' not only built on the groundwork of 1977 debut LP 'Homework', but represented a continued evolution.
The album opens with the thrilling "One More Time". The aural delights continue with "Digital Love" and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". Daft Punk take the mechanical vocal attitudes of Kraftwerk, Cerrone, Giorgio Moroder and the Pet Shop Boys and wrap them around rich dance contexts.
Elsewhere, the duo creates a hybrid sound that contains echoes of disco, funk, electronica and house. It looks back as well as suggesting future sonic directions. "High Life" is a robotic variation on the Chic sound. "Nightvision" is a moody piece. "Voyager" and "Veridis Quo" offer more variations on dance music. 'Discovery' will continue to inspire the dance music of the future.
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93
DUSTY IN MEMPHIS
DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
1969
Dusty Springfield did much to open up the UK to American soul music. So the notion of bringing Britain's leading purveyor of blue-eyed soul to its source was an inspired one.
The singer went to Memphis where she worked with producers Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin. The trio were seasoned pros in the soul / R&B genre.
Springfield is in solid form, attacking each track with assured skill. Among the standouts are "Son Of A Preacher Man", "Just A Little Lovin'", "The Windmills Of Your Mind", "Breakfast In Bed", "No Easy Way Down" and "Just One Smile". The tracks include compositions written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin; Randy Newman; Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil; and Alan & Marilyn Bergman and Michel Legrand.
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92
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
QUEEN
1975
On paper, Queen defied logic. The band attracted die-hard heavy metal devotees while its camp lead singer monopolized the spotlight. Guitar riffs and pomposity were equally integral ingredients in the group's sound.
The fact that each member had input on the 'A Night At The Opera' album allowed Queen's many personalities to co-exist. John Deacon offered "You're My Best Friend"; Roger Taylor contributed "I'm In Love With My Car"; Brian May gave the group 4 song ideas including "'39"; and the album's magnum opus "Bohemian Rhapsody" was Freddie Mercury's brainchild. The latter also brought the idea for 4 other tracks, including the lush "Love Of My Life".
'A Night At The Opera' saw Queen finally bring together prog rock, heavy metal, British music hall, glam, art rock and pop into a listenable album for mass consumption. After achieving inroads with previous albums, this LP made Queen rock legends.
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91
AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE
JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE
1967
The album cover promised something other-wordly and the Jimi Hendrix Experience delivered. 'Axis: Bold As Love' was the group's 2nd studio album, unleashed only 7 months after its debut with 'Are You Experienced?'
By late 1967, Hendrix had been crowned the new guitar deity. This sophomore release brought Hendrix and producer Chas Chandler together again. The album allowed the legendary musician to explore new sonic territories. Best of all here is the cosmic ballad "Little Wing", a sharp contrast to Hendrix the axeman.
Other noteworthy tracks on 'Axis: Bold As Love' include "One Rainy Wish", "If 6 Was 9", "She's So Fine" and "Castles Made Of Sand". The album fuses blues, acid rock and psychedelia. Its influence on the music of Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others is evident throughout this album.
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