A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends tagged me in a status on Facebook, asking me to list my top 10 albums til now. Of course, being a music enthusiast this got me going. I was so excited to start thinking about the list...I thought up of albums I associated amazing memories to, albums that defined my most exciting and life-changing years and I just couldn't wait to write them all down. But, it was a process. There are a lot of albums that got me through some tough times. And somehow those are the ones that end up standing out the most. Then again, I didn't want to exclude musical genius so I started thinking of all the wonderfully lyrical albums that have come across the airwaves or completely escaped mainstream radio. I am a huge advocate of getting unknown artists discovered. None of these artists know who I am but I still feel it is my right to do so.
So, I decided, why not list right here, the top 10 albums I came up with, with VERY careful consideration. My so called careful consideration came up with 12 albums. Choosing who would make the cut and who wouldn't was really difficult. I have over 18 gbs of music on my computer. Just think how hard this was for me. (I am totally laughing at myself by the way, but as I said before, music just gets me going.)
And here they are, my top 12. I would love to hear if you agree or if you have some you think should have made the list! By the way, these are NOT in order of the best to worst. Choosing the TOP album would be an impossible task!
1. Christina Aguilera ~ Stripped (2002)
Her best material hands down. Some of the most beautifully written and at times painful lyrics to pay attention to regarding abuse, abandonment, self-esteem and of course, heartache.
Songs to look for: I'm Ok, Walk Away and Impossible featuring Alicia Keys
2. John Mayer - Heavier Things (2003)
Everyone knows I am a John Mayer fan but there is a reason for it. He is the epitome of lyrical genius. Somehow he knows how to string together the greatest writing and melody you can ever set your ears to. You can't deny the effect his songs have on you when you give it a listen.
Songs to look for: Come back to bed, Split-Screen Sadness and Something's Missing
3. Colbie Caillat - Coco (2007)
Colbie is definitely not the most famous artist but her lyrics are worth paying attention to. Usually, I say that if I like every single song on an album, then you know that album is gold. And this was it for me. Sure some do tend to sound alike but as a young adult in University, confused and looking for answers, this album provided me that warm fuzzy feeling that I needed.
Songs to look for: One Fine Wire, Oxygen, and Tailor Made.
4. Coldplay - X&Y (2005)
Of course Coldplay would be here. They are one of the best bands I've encountered (well not encountered, but you know) I could say that all albums by this group are exceptional but I chose this one because I had it on repeat and because when I went to see them in concert, promoting this specific album, Chris Martin ended up showing up 2 feet away from my friend and I. *insert hyperventilation here*
Songs to look for: X&Y, Talk, and A Message.
5. Yanni - Live at the Acropolis (2000)
OK I know this seems pretty funny considering my age and well...it's Yanni (at least that's what I keep hearing from my friends). But, let me tell you, if you are into classical music, piano ballads and just beautifully composed music, this album proves to be an embodiment of just that. This album is very dear to me - my dad's best friend who passed a way a few years ago gave this to my family after we all fell in love listening to it at his house one day. I was probably 10 or 11 and from then on I fell in love with instrumental music, specifically that of Yanni's. Having been to two of his concerts (and going to his 3rd this Summer), I can say he is extremely talented and deserves all the credit handed down to him and more. I still get goosebumps listening to some of his songs as it somehow manages to always take me back to a familiar, warm place, whether I was studying, or just trying to escape life's craziness. If you take a listen, pay attention to his album Voices, as it is music from this album accompanied by impeccable voices.
Songs to look for: Until the Last Moment, Santorini and Nostalgia
6. Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993)
Sarah McLachlan has one of those distinct voices and arguably one of the best. She is a very talented lyricist and her music proves to be legendary. Seeing her live sing this album was just the icing on the cake. If you haven't heard of this album you must go and listen. Goosebump-worthy.
Songs to look for: Possession, Good Enough and Elseware
7. Ricky Martin - Vuelve (1998)
Yes, I know, my taste is all over the place but I like to be a well-rounded music "expert". If you like and enjoy Spanish music, this album is one of the best in terms of lyrics, music and vocals. I had this album on repeat for quite some time as a kid. It's just one of those albums I can hear over and over again and, another album that came to life when I saw him sing it live.
Songs to look for: La Bomba, Vuelve, and Casi un Bolero
8. Janet Jackson - Velvet Rope (1997)
Janet Jackson is one of those artists you wish still made music today. You cannot get more real than these lyrics. In a way, Christina Aguilera's Stripped resembled the grittiness of Janet Jackson's painful lyrics in this album. You just can't match talent like this to any other artist of today. Yes, in a way, many of these songs come from a dark place but on the other hand, bring you to a place of ease and enlightenment because you know someone can bring your pain and sorrow and even your happiest days to light. I only wished I could have seen this tour live.
Songs to look for: Velvet Rope, You and Every Time
9. One Republic - Native (2013)
Ryan Tedder of One Republic deserves all the credit and then some for being one of the most talented writers in the music business. Yes, he can write some annoying mainstream pop songs, but he has some gems up his sleeve that not many people pay attention to. This album has been on repeat as it is one that soothes and calms me down from a stressful day.
Songs to look for: Can't Stop, Au Revoir, If I Lose Myself, Somethings' Gotta Give.
10. Emeli Sande - Our Version of Events (2012)
Emeli Sande is a truly amazing artist. She has become somewhat mainstream but I don't think she gets the credit she deserves. Her voice is out of this world. Her music touches the soul. Again, completely goosebump-worthy.
Songs to look for: My Kind of Love, Daddy and Suitcase.
11. Neon - Jay Sean (2013)
Anyone that knows me knows I am one of Jay Sean's biggest fans. It seems odd but his music also gets overlooked because what he puts out on the airwaves is not what he has on his albums. With such a good voice he manages to create some quality feel good music. It is R&B that I have on continuous repeat. His mixtape The Mistress has songs that are must-listens but I feel this one has an all around good feel to it - or as I call it, Getting Ready music.
Songs to look for: Mars, Guns N Roses and Deep End.
12. John Mayer - Continuum (2006)
Yes, I know I have John twice, but there was no way I could leave this album out. I'll say it again, he is a musical genius. Take a chance on him, I know you will find depth and meaning to each song. His live version of this album, Where the Light is, is even better. I have probably seen him live more than 10 times, and I never leave unhappy. He always delivers.
Songs to look for: Belief, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, I Don't Trust Myself with Loving You and Gravity.
So, I decided, why not list right here, the top 10 albums I came up with, with VERY careful consideration. My so called careful consideration came up with 12 albums. Choosing who would make the cut and who wouldn't was really difficult. I have over 18 gbs of music on my computer. Just think how hard this was for me. (I am totally laughing at myself by the way, but as I said before, music just gets me going.)
And here they are, my top 12. I would love to hear if you agree or if you have some you think should have made the list! By the way, these are NOT in order of the best to worst. Choosing the TOP album would be an impossible task!
1. Christina Aguilera ~ Stripped (2002)
Her best material hands down. Some of the most beautifully written and at times painful lyrics to pay attention to regarding abuse, abandonment, self-esteem and of course, heartache.
Songs to look for: I'm Ok, Walk Away and Impossible featuring Alicia Keys
2. John Mayer - Heavier Things (2003)
Everyone knows I am a John Mayer fan but there is a reason for it. He is the epitome of lyrical genius. Somehow he knows how to string together the greatest writing and melody you can ever set your ears to. You can't deny the effect his songs have on you when you give it a listen.
Songs to look for: Come back to bed, Split-Screen Sadness and Something's Missing
3. Colbie Caillat - Coco (2007)
Colbie is definitely not the most famous artist but her lyrics are worth paying attention to. Usually, I say that if I like every single song on an album, then you know that album is gold. And this was it for me. Sure some do tend to sound alike but as a young adult in University, confused and looking for answers, this album provided me that warm fuzzy feeling that I needed.
Songs to look for: One Fine Wire, Oxygen, and Tailor Made.
4. Coldplay - X&Y (2005)
Of course Coldplay would be here. They are one of the best bands I've encountered (well not encountered, but you know) I could say that all albums by this group are exceptional but I chose this one because I had it on repeat and because when I went to see them in concert, promoting this specific album, Chris Martin ended up showing up 2 feet away from my friend and I. *insert hyperventilation here*
Songs to look for: X&Y, Talk, and A Message.
5. Yanni - Live at the Acropolis (2000)
OK I know this seems pretty funny considering my age and well...it's Yanni (at least that's what I keep hearing from my friends). But, let me tell you, if you are into classical music, piano ballads and just beautifully composed music, this album proves to be an embodiment of just that. This album is very dear to me - my dad's best friend who passed a way a few years ago gave this to my family after we all fell in love listening to it at his house one day. I was probably 10 or 11 and from then on I fell in love with instrumental music, specifically that of Yanni's. Having been to two of his concerts (and going to his 3rd this Summer), I can say he is extremely talented and deserves all the credit handed down to him and more. I still get goosebumps listening to some of his songs as it somehow manages to always take me back to a familiar, warm place, whether I was studying, or just trying to escape life's craziness. If you take a listen, pay attention to his album Voices, as it is music from this album accompanied by impeccable voices.
Songs to look for: Until the Last Moment, Santorini and Nostalgia
6. Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993)
Sarah McLachlan has one of those distinct voices and arguably one of the best. She is a very talented lyricist and her music proves to be legendary. Seeing her live sing this album was just the icing on the cake. If you haven't heard of this album you must go and listen. Goosebump-worthy.
Songs to look for: Possession, Good Enough and Elseware
7. Ricky Martin - Vuelve (1998)
Yes, I know, my taste is all over the place but I like to be a well-rounded music "expert". If you like and enjoy Spanish music, this album is one of the best in terms of lyrics, music and vocals. I had this album on repeat for quite some time as a kid. It's just one of those albums I can hear over and over again and, another album that came to life when I saw him sing it live.
Songs to look for: La Bomba, Vuelve, and Casi un Bolero
8. Janet Jackson - Velvet Rope (1997)
Janet Jackson is one of those artists you wish still made music today. You cannot get more real than these lyrics. In a way, Christina Aguilera's Stripped resembled the grittiness of Janet Jackson's painful lyrics in this album. You just can't match talent like this to any other artist of today. Yes, in a way, many of these songs come from a dark place but on the other hand, bring you to a place of ease and enlightenment because you know someone can bring your pain and sorrow and even your happiest days to light. I only wished I could have seen this tour live.
Songs to look for: Velvet Rope, You and Every Time
9. One Republic - Native (2013)
Ryan Tedder of One Republic deserves all the credit and then some for being one of the most talented writers in the music business. Yes, he can write some annoying mainstream pop songs, but he has some gems up his sleeve that not many people pay attention to. This album has been on repeat as it is one that soothes and calms me down from a stressful day.
Songs to look for: Can't Stop, Au Revoir, If I Lose Myself, Somethings' Gotta Give.
10. Emeli Sande - Our Version of Events (2012)
Emeli Sande is a truly amazing artist. She has become somewhat mainstream but I don't think she gets the credit she deserves. Her voice is out of this world. Her music touches the soul. Again, completely goosebump-worthy.
Songs to look for: My Kind of Love, Daddy and Suitcase.
11. Neon - Jay Sean (2013)
Anyone that knows me knows I am one of Jay Sean's biggest fans. It seems odd but his music also gets overlooked because what he puts out on the airwaves is not what he has on his albums. With such a good voice he manages to create some quality feel good music. It is R&B that I have on continuous repeat. His mixtape The Mistress has songs that are must-listens but I feel this one has an all around good feel to it - or as I call it, Getting Ready music.
Songs to look for: Mars, Guns N Roses and Deep End.
12. John Mayer - Continuum (2006)
Yes, I know I have John twice, but there was no way I could leave this album out. I'll say it again, he is a musical genius. Take a chance on him, I know you will find depth and meaning to each song. His live version of this album, Where the Light is, is even better. I have probably seen him live more than 10 times, and I never leave unhappy. He always delivers.
Songs to look for: Belief, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, I Don't Trust Myself with Loving You and Gravity.