After deep diving into Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, we’ve curated a list of our favorites, allowing you to listen to an array of different artists and genres.
David Bowie, ‘Scary Monsters’ (1980)
Monsters haunt every corner of David Bowie’s Scary Monsters, which blends elements of art rock, new wave, and post-punk. The ’70s were over, but the album blended disco glitter and industrial grime perfectly, creating a complex soundscape that takes listeners on a journey of paranoia, isolation, reflection on the Cold War, and obsession. Some of the most iconic tracks on the album are “Ashes to Ashes” and “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).”
The Roots, ‘Things Fall Apart’ (1999)
You haven’t heard poetic prose until you’ve listened to The Roots’ Things Fall Apart. The album has been described as a hip-hop masterpiece with a soulful rhythm featuring jazzy horns, boom-bap beats, and effortless flow. It delves into topics such as resilience, loss, and the American experience, but, most importantly, it celebrates Black identity.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, ‘Willy and the Poor Boys’ (1969)
On the cusp of the ’70s, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) released Willy and the Poor Boys. The album is a kaleidoscope of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and country grooves, with lyrics reflecting working-class experience, frustration with the Vietnam War, and optimism and anthems celebrating life.
Taylor Swift, ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ (2021)
First released in 2012, Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) is a rollercoaster of emotions with pop ballads, country twang, and electro beats that dissect heartache and celebrate self-discovery with razor-sharp lyrics. She guides us through a raw and relatable landscape, from the 10-minute version “All Too Well” to the giddy heights of “22.”
Beyoncé, ‘Lemonade’ (2016)
Queen Bey takes the crown with her genre-bending album Lemonade, which dives into themes such as infidelity, forgiveness, rage, and Black storytelling. This visual and sonic masterpiece will leave you wanting more of Beyoncé’s raw power.
Marvin Gaye, ‘What’s Going On’ (1971)
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On isn’t music; it’s a balm for the soul. The album confronts social injustice, celebrates resilience, and offers a timeless plea for peace. It blends gospel, soul, and jazz, exploring love, loss, and the universal human struggle.