I don't think it's any secret that I am absurdly obsessed with music. I love so many different genres, that I find it a struggle picking what to listen to day by day. One way I find myself really getting into music is when I listen to entire albums at a time. It gives me a better concept of the artist as a whole. One of my favorite things are concept albums. Concept albums are basically albums that should be listened to straight through in a row. Each song is connected and the album tells a story as a whole. Music is already such a beautiful art form and when artist's craft a story by linking songs together, it's hard to deny the artistry of any of the tracks on the album.
1. Man On The Moon: The End Of Day - Kid Cudi
This album has always been one of my favorite albums. It was the first glimpse I had ever had of Kid Cudi. The sounds of his tracks are so intense and hypnotic that I couldn't stop at one song, so I listened to the entire album straight through...three times. You could say I became a fan. The whole album is a melodic adventure through Kid Cudi's head and all the emotions that inhabit it. You become entranced by the beats and lyrics in each song, that they soon begin to just resonate in your head even after it's over.
2. American Idiot - Green Day
Green Day has always been on my radar of artists that I liked and should keep an eye on, and this album is one that proves that statement correct. The album definitely holds a rock opera, almost Queen-like, sound to it and kind of works like a running movie soundtrack in my own head. The entire album follows the journey of the main character throughout the songs through political opinions to the character trying to find himself. There is a musical based off of this album for a reason.
3. Mignonette - The Avett Brothers
I've always been a ridiculous fan of folk/indie music, so naturally I love the Avett Brothers. Their sound is so crisp and beautiful to me, I couldn't help but fall in love with their concept album. The album follows the story of three shipwreck survivors who end up eating the fourth when their yacht, the Mignonette, was lost at sea off the coast of Africa. Once the three men were rescued, one of the men confessed to the tale of the fate of the fourth man. The album beautifully captures the twistedness of the whole incident, but also in a heart-wrenching manner if that is possible.
4. For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver
Once again, I clearly am a huge an of folk/indie music, so Bon Iver is a good fix. The album not only contains some of my favorite songs ever, Flume and Skinny Love, but gets you stuck in a place that you just can't get out of. The album reminds me of a soft rainy day that needs to be embraced. The album tells the story actually of a place that you get stuck in, in a pain that you can't erase. It's a different kind of concept album because it's one that directly involves the listener, and it's absolutely enchanting. If you've ever fantasized about getting lost in the woods on a grey day, this album is for you.
5. Late Registration - Kanye West
Despite Kanye's bad reputation at times, no one can say his music doesn't paint stories for you. The album weaves Kanye's life story through every lyric. As soon as you listen to the first track, it leads right into the first song Heard'em Say and you know you're about to listen to a great album. The album features soul, orchestral sounds and typical Kanye bass. While his has plenty of other amazing story-telling albums, this one is like a hidden gem.
