Times have definitely changed with today's music industry, especially with how music impacts our society. Today, a single song can make an artist rise to fame, compared to a major album like in the past. Also, with so many streaming services to choose from, albums aren't even important as they used to be. It's quite unfortunate.
My family and I were raised on vinyls, albums, and cassette tapes—they were the big thing back then. Overtime, we collected our music and appreciated their value. To this day, I still listen to music I purchased physically aside from using Spotify and Google Play for easy access to songs.
After spring break, I found at least 20 albums I listened to the most, simply because I resonated with them.
Whether it helps you cope with negative emotions or uplifts you, the purpose of an artist's is to appeal to a specific audience. I mean, how many Beyoncé fans do you think bought baseball bats after listening to "Lemonade?"
Music has helped me a lot with anxiety, heartbreak, self-esteem and even bullying. As I experienced these issues, music was my go-to hobby because it kept me sane. In no particular order, here are a few albums I enjoy that complete the "soundtrack" to my life.
1. Nirvana - "Nevermind" (1991)
"With the lights out, it's less dangerous." — Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
2. Twenty One Pilots - "Blurryface" (2015)
"I was told, when I get older, all my fears would shrink, but now I'm insecure, and I care what people think." — Twenty One Pilots, "Stressed Out"
3. Pink Floyd - "The Wall" (1979)
"All in all, you're just another brick in the wall." — Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall"
4. Lauryn Hill - "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (1998)
"You might win some, but you really lost one." — Lauryn Hill, "Lost Ones"
5. Amy Winehouse - "Back to Black" (2006)
"I told you I was trouble, you know that I'm no good." — Amy Winehouse, "You Know I'm No Good"
6. Janet Jackson - "The Velvet Rope" (1997)
"I get so lonely, can't let just anybody hold me." — Janet Jackson, "I Get Lonely"
7. Rihanna - "Rated R" (2009)
"That Rihanna reign just won't let up." — Rihanna, "Hard"
8. Fleetwood Mac - "Rumours" (1977)
"Now, here you go again, you say, you want your freedom. Well, who am I to keep you down?" — Fleetwood Mac, "Dreams"
9. Lana Del Rey - "Born To Die" (2012)
"Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise." — Lana Del Rey, "Dark Paradise"
10. Prince and the Revolution - "Purple Rain" (1984)
"Maybe I'm just too demanding, maybe I'm just like my father: too bold," — Prince, "Purple Rain"
11. Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" (2010)
"Let's have a toast for the douchebags." — Kanye West, "Runaway"
12. Frank Ocean - "Channel Orange" (2012)
"You don't know how little you matter until you're all alone." — Frank Ocean, "Crack Rock"
13. Eminem - "The Marshall Mathers LP" (2000)
"I don't mean to be mean, but that's all I can be is just me." — Eminem, "The Way I Am"
14. Erykah Badu - "Baduizm" (1997)
"Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned." — Erykah Badu, "On & On"
15. Jhené Aiko - "Souled Out" (2014)
"Change is inevitable. Why hold on to what you have to let go of?" — Jhené Aiko, "Spotless Mind"
16. Brandy - "Full Moon" (2002)
"Must be a full moon, feel like one of those nights." — Brandy, "Full Moon"
17. Azealia Banks - "Broke With Expensive Taste" (2014)
"I be PYT, you Billie Jean, you be that ex bitch." — Azealia Banks, "Heavy Metal and Reflective"
18. Alicia Keys - "The Diary of Alicia Keys" (2003)
"What goes around, comes around. What goes up, must come down." — Alicia Keys, "Karma"
19. Queen - "A Night At The Opera" (1975)
"Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality." — Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody"
20. Rihanna - "ANTI" (2016)
"When I look outside my window, I can't get no peace of mind." — Rihanna, "Consideration"
What's the soundtrack to your life? What are your favorite albums that define you?