Even though most of us enjoy listening to music in general, there are a few particular artists and songs that hold special places in our hearts. If you're like me, you have quite a few of those and by quite a few, I mean A LOT. There are 10 albums specifically that meant so much to me when I was growing up, and continue to mean the world to me as an adult. Let's have a look, shall we?
1. The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
Anyone who knows me KNEW this one was going to be first. Of course, my favorite band's entire discography is incredibly meaningful to me, but this album was the one I had on replay throughout the entire duration of my stereotypical middle/high-school emo phase. The theatricality, angst, musicality, and the powerful, memorable lyrics stood out to me at a time when I felt so misunderstood, and I'm forever grateful to the greatest band in the world for creating the world we know as The Black Parade.
2. American Idiot by Green Day
Ah, another one of Sarahi's 'absolute most-favorite-est bands' of all time. I blame this album for making me the little wannabe anarchist I am today. American Idiot is another one of those extremely theatrical, politically-critical albums that takes you through a story of rage and love throughout the entire piece. This album inspired me to dive deeper into music by taking guitar lessons, its 'Jesus of Suburbia' being one of the first full-length songs I learned how to play. This is (in my opinion) one of the greatest and most influential punk rock records of our time.
3. The Wall by Pink Floyd
This one here is a little bit hard to explain; Pink Floyd has a certain magic to their music that is so fascinating to me, and this album really embodies their vibe as a whole. I've loved them since I was a young 'un. I guess the part about not needing "no education" in Part 2 really spoke to me in the midst of my upbringing, hating the education system and whatnot.
4. Riot! by Paramore
Uhhhhh, I love THIS Paramore. Don't get me wrong, their new stuff's 'aight but THISSSSS. This speaks to me on such a level, my dudes. It's so angry and badass, this album still makes me wanna kick someone, flip a table, burn down a house or something. Every track on here is still a bop to this day.
5. Man on The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager by Kid Cudi
Curveball! Bet you didn't expect an album like this to be next, huh? I actually credit this album and the song Pursuit of Happiness for introducing me to the world of rap when all I knew was eyeliner and studded belts. Kid Cudi was the man for misunderstood kids everywhere, standing out amongst the rest in the hip-hop world. His flows, diverse musicality, vision, and creativity is unmatched in all ways, and it's all spilled out in this album. I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to thank him in person for creating masterpieces such as this one.
6. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
This one is such a classic, and one of the most influential albums in the rap world. Every song on this is outstanding, proving that no matter how much you may hate him, Kanye Omari West is an artist way beyond his time. I also know Nicki's verse on Monster front and back and it will forever slay my whole existence.
7. A Fever You Can't Sweat Out by Panic! At The Disco
Yup, back on my emo BS. This is a cult classic, c'mon. Panic's! breakthrough album will forever be a favorite of mine. No offense, but every song on here is soon freakin' good. You can bet your sins and tragedies that I still listen to this religiously.
8. Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
I honestly do love Red Hot Chili Peppers more than I love myself. This album is my favorite of theirs for many reasons including the fact that it's named after my home state. I can never listen to just one song from this record. You have to listen to this all the way through to really appreciate it's unmatched brilliance.
9. Hot Fuss by The Killers
Yeah, ok. I'm basic. But you have to admit that THISSS is the absolute most quintessential Killers album you're ever gonna get. Any chance I get, I belt this out in my car from start to finish. From the classic riffs and lyrical interpretation to the stories behind each song, nothing will ever match the sound of this one.
10. Because The Internet by Childish Gambino
I wholeheartedly credit this album for restoring my faith in rap in such a hopeless time in the music industry. Any kid our age with superb taste in music knows all the flows on this by heart from start to finish. Every single song is a favorite of mine, proving that Donald Glover is one of the most diverse artists. There probably won't be another him 'till after 3005.
Honorable (yet incredibly significant) mentions:
- Meteora by Linkin Park
-From Under The Cork Tree by Fall Out Boy
-Pretty. Odd by Panic! At The Disco
-Suicide Season by Bring Me The Horizon
-21st Century Breakdown by Green Day
-Enema of The State by Blink-182
-A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds to Mars
-Light Grenades by Incubus
