Caffé Latté presents the all-time
200
MOST ESSENTIAL
ALBUMS
35
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
1970
As the 1960s drew to a close, there was trepidation amid all the social upheaval. The war in Vietnam was still raging. Nixon was in the White House. There was a distinct absence of social cohesion. Simon & Garfunkel's classic album 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' arrived as a form of re-assurance.
The title track extends a calming effect as Art Garfunkel's angelic vocal prowess rises to the fore. "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" is a soothing piece adapted from Peru. Paul Simon keeps it all interesting and entertaining, serving a rich variety of material. These 2 are among the standout tracks. Other highlights include the heavenly "The Boxer", "The Only Living Boy In New York" and "Cecilia". There's more fun in store with "Keep The Customer Satisfied", "Baby Driver", "At The Zoo" and "Why Don't You Write Me". Also worthy of note are "Song For The Asking" and "So Long Frank Lloyd Wright".
Simon & Garfunkel split up after this opus. It has remained a cherished watershed album, possessing a superior level of quality few subsequent artists ever matched.
O
34
ELVIS PRESLEY
ELVIS PRESLEY
1956
Albums weren't regarded as important in the formative years of rock and roll. Priority was given to the single. There are a few exceptions and Elvis Presley's eponymous album is definitely one.
Its cover announced this collection differed from the usual cash-ins that LPs were at the time. The album was unleashed at an uncertain time for rock artists. Presley soon became an industry leader. This was his debut LP. His audience had embraced the single disc format, but there was no guarantee they would gravitate towards albums too. These more expensive discs often consisted of previously purchased hits and filler. RCA Victor need not have been concerned. The record became the first to reach #1 on the US Album Chart. It enjoyed 10 weeks at the summit. This was the 1st rock album to sell over 1,000,000 copies.
33
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED
THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE
1967
'Are You Experienced' was the incendiary debut album from legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and his group. On the LP, the Jimi Hendrix Experience bridged the sound of rock and the future, all fused within a psychedelic context.
The album launched the listener on to a journey to a new galaxy of sound. The LP boasts the guitar anthems "Purple Haze", "Hey Joe", "Stone Free", "The Wind Cries Mary" and "Foxey Lady". The remaining tracks are just as fiery.
O
32
LET IT BLEED
ROLLING STONES
1969
While 1972's 'Exile On Main St.' album is arguably the Rolling Stones' most celebrated body of work, 'Let It Bleed' saw the group flex its creative muscle, resulting in many musically adventurous tracks.
This LP is home to 2 of the band's finest songs: "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Both made the purchase worthwhile. The album has some misfires, but there are redeeming rockers such as "Live With Me" and the title track.
O
31
THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP
EMINEM
2000
By the release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP', Eminem had continued developing his creativity. Few artists have been as misunderstood and vilified as Eminem. Granted, his lyrics are frequently offensive and many deal with ugly themes. Like him or not, there's no denying that Eminem does possess an abundance of talent.
On this album, the growth is evident. The pick of the crop are "Stan", "The Real Slim Shady", "Kim", "The Way I Am", "Criminal", "Drug Ballad" and "Marshall Mathers".
Eminem excels in this genre because of the fine line he constantly treads. He keeps you guessing if he is serious and revealing a side of his dark personality or if he is throwing back at us a reflection of our own sick society.
Either way, this album further entrenched rap into the mainstream in the new century. Co-producer/ writer Dr Dre is worthy of credit here too. Many of the tracks are ugly and uncomfortable, but they convey a raw reality. Eminem was catapulted to the top of the rap pile.
O
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