My Top Albums - #1

I took a little break from writing recently. I think in a world so hectic, its quite easy to loose motivation, especially with my life seemingly being jammed on fast forward at the moment. I decided to take some time out and so some writing, and thought i might do another article on some of my favourite albums. There are going to be a few on this list, all with my favourite songs, and reasons why i think their so ground-breaking, split into as many different parts as I can be bothered to write. None of these are in any particular order. Enjoy!

Slipknot - Slipknot (1999)

Favourite Song - Eyeless

Rating - 9/10

Now, there are a few Slipknot records on this list, but if you know me you know that i absolutely adore this nine piece from Iowa. Not only is their music punchy and different, but its a journey in emotional honesty and pure anarchy, which isn't something a lot of artists currently can seem to do. Their debut is such a powerhouse of a record, imploding onto the scene in 1999, cementing their place in the history books. The Og line-up all appear in this one, from Corey Taylor to Chris Fehn, all of the nine give off stunning performances, which translate to absolute chaos when on stage. Go have a look at some of their live performances, because they are never dull, from lining up to punch Clown in the head to Sid's impressive stagediving and even setting each other on fire, nothing will stop this band from putting on a show. Highlights of this record are (sic), Only One and Spit it Out, all oozing with Slipknots trademark animosity and fury. My personal highlight from this album, Eyeless, is not only an amazingly catchy track, with some amazing guitar samples and drumming performances from Joey Jordison (R.I.P), but also potentially has one of the most iconic sets of lyrics until their hit Duality, that came many years later. 'You can't see California without Marlon Brando's eyes!' Look out kid, Metal icon's are looking at you.

Take This to your Grave - Fall Out Boy (2003)

Favourite Song - The Patron Saint Of Liars And Fakes

Rating - 10/10

Now, you might not think that this record is anything special, but you'd be so damn wrong. This 2003 debut from Chicago's finest is not only a masterpiece, but also an album that started the pop punk scene in the early 2000's. So many of the songs from this record are still being played live today, like Saturday, which the band still closes every live show with, Pete Wentz screaming and all. A band thrown together through friendship and coincidence, Fall Out Boy went on to blaze their own path in history, creating so many soundtracks to your emo phase. This album was the epitome of mine, and I still find myself revisiting songs like Grenade Jumper, Chicago Was So Two Years Ago, The Pros and Cons Of Breathing and Tell That Mick He Just Made My List Of Things To Do Today, because their such solid anthems. Andy Hurley is a truly amazing drummer, and when paired with the stunning licks of Joe Trohman, you can't go wrong. Plus, even though he looks back on it claiming his performance was less than good, the vocals from Stump are the blueprints for what came to be his distinctive meld of soul and punk melody, and I think it couldn't be better.

I Like When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It - The 1975 (2016)

Favourite Track - Paris

Rating - 9/10

This record is really just a beautifully written work of art. I can't sing its praises enough, its a true journey through the brains of the band, bringing you to every corner of their musical ability and talent. From the melodic pop of She's American and Love Me, the true beauty is in the introspective latter end of this record, with songs like Paris, Nana and She Lays Down. These songs are real tear jerkers, all talking about love, loss and the obstacles to them. Healey has such a way with crafting lyrics that are so profound and yet subtle, and with his soft delivery, especially on the acoustic She Lays Down, detailing his mothers struggles with post partom depression and drug use due to it, you are sucked in to the physical pain of a loveless motherhood filled with anxiety and dread. Paris is my personal highlight because of the way it attacks loves preconceived features, and how actually it's nothing like it really is in the movies due to our societies new interest in technology, and its new context in relation to sexual relationships, which is built upon in their later discography. The 1975 also dip their toes into ambient music with Please Be Naked, allowing the listener to create their own story to match the bright loops of the track, which is such a euphoric experience that I always find myself astonished by. Every listen brings a new story, and that is the relative experience of music playing out in your head. Beautiful.

American Idiot - Green Day - (2004)

Favourite Track - St Jimmy

Rating - 10/10

If we're talking about truly influential albums, we don't need to look any further than Green Days epic rock opera American Idiot. This record was meteoric, and paved the way for so many after it that I tried to compile a list, but quickly reached the character limit, tenfold. The iconic story of the 'Jesus of Suburbia' attempting to forge a life for themselves between a city that doesn't care and a society that rejects him for attempting to live out his dreams of being a rocker, American Idiot is a harsh attack on American cosmopolitan lifestyle. As the rich get richer, the ones left at the bottom like 'Jesus of Suburbia' have no one left to turn to bar substance and shitty role models, encapsulated in the suicidal drug dealing preacher St Jimmy. Every song in this beautiful album is a highlight, from the commercially successful Boulevard of Broken Dreams to the less celebrated (if that's possible with this record) hits like Letterbomb and Whatsername, from blow to blow Green Day stay consistent, whilst staying diverse with their sound and range throughout. Billie Joe Armstrong's voice, full of venom, spits out the scornful verses with as much vigour as a protestor giving the opportunity to defecate on Trump Towers, while superb Bassist Mike Dirnt lays down the stunning basslines, with Tre Cool bringing it all together through his own beautifully chaotic drumming. Whats not to love about this album? Exactly. And don't wear it out!

Peice of Mind - Iron Maiden (1983)

Favourite Track - Still Life

Rating - 9/10

If your looking for a masterful menagerie of metal mastery, look no further than the impressive discography of Iron Maiden. These metal machines have been pumping out records since the eighties, and not one of them have managed to miss the mark of perfection. This album is responsible for Maiden's absolute cult following with arguably one of their most famous songs The Trooper featuring. But that's not where the anthems end, because this is a rare metal record that never seems to loose momentum. From the second you hear Where Eagles Dare your sucked in to an absolute behemoth of a track list, filled with stunning performances from the Maiden line up. Nicko McBrain on drums gives an amazing Iron Maiden debut, and the stunning writing and vocals by Bruce Dickinson really cement this album into the Metal history books. Plus, if we're talking about album art, Derek Riggs has once again smashed it out of the park! This image is iconic to say the least, and set the standard for all of the Maiden covers to come. Peace of Mind is also the blueprint to so mant more Iron Maiden albums, laying down the groundwork for Powerslave and Somewhere in Time, both of which used the same formula for brilliant music. Bravo Maiden, lets just hope your new album coming in September will live up to the hype!

So there's the first five. These aren't going to be coming out one after the other, I've got some reviews to do in the meantime, but they'll be coming around every once in a while. What do you think of my list so far? Make sure to stay up to date with the blog to find out the next batch of five albums I think are pure musical genius!