I listened to my dad’s music. Classic rock bands such as the Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Who, Rolling Stones, etc. filled every car ride. I even expanded on his personal tastes in the genre of Progressive Rock like Yes, Genesis, Rush, and many more. My dad got me my own MP3 player and I filled it with all the songs I knew. I have and always will love all those songs. They made me who I am today.

All the way up to 15, I hated new music. Any radio song sucked, any new thing that came out was not innovative or new or interesting. I made it a personality trait to hate new things. Even worse, my brother started listening to rap music and the disdain I already had for my sibling grew.

Then one day, I had the great idea to try something else. I thought, what is the closest genre to Rock? And then I found this band called Electric Wizard. Metal. Stoner Metal to be more specific. It’s a mixture of psychedelic and metal, very interesting if you have the time. Then it just blew up from there: Jazz, Funk, Rap, Pop, Electronic, Ambient, and even more Metal. And I am so glad I took that first step.

I know it’s hard to try and venture out to different genres when you already love all the songs you know but I encourage you to try. It will make you look at the songs you already know in a different light and realize the impact artists had on other genres. Let me preface by saying that I will not do every genre justice and I do not every album in every genre I mention. I am making this collection here for those willing to venture out and want a good starting point. I’ll say a little bit about each one, but it will so much more beneficial if you discovered out why by yourself.

Classic Rock – Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles

Anybody who has listened to music has heard of The Beatles before and you have heard at least one Beatles song in your lifetime. This album is a culmination of their creative minds peaking. Granted, they peak with every album but this one is a very good basis for who The Beatles are and their influence on Classic Rock, and music in general, from here on out.

Heavy Rock – Paranoid by Black Sabbath

Corrupt politicians, evil men mad of steel, apocalyptic imagery, and taking drugs encompass this album. Now, what more could you want in a Metal album? Pioneering masters in heavy, hard-hitting riffs and with soaring vocals by Ozzy Osbourne, this is a must for anybody looking to get into this genre.

Progressive Rock – Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd

This album shows how far rock music can reach while staying in its boundaries. Progressive rock is a form of rock that takes the rock formula and adds extended instrumentals to create a sense of an epic. A must for anybody looking for a whole new experience in music. There's not much more I can say about this album that hasn't already been said by so many other lovers of this album. You have to just find out for yourself.

Alternative Rock – OK Computer by Radiohead

All stereotypes of rock music today can be traced back to this album. To get into Alternative Music, you must listen to this album. I know I made this list for people to get into albums easier but this one is a little harder than most. You may listen to all the regular Alt Rock artists today like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Weezer, etc. but this album experimented with Rock and made it the sound it is today.

Jazz – Kind of Blue by Miles Davis

The seminal record for Jazz. Miles Davis and Jazz are synonymous with each other and one cannot be said without the other. This album showcases the excellent musicianship of Miles Davis as well all the other musicians on this record. The most influential album if nothing else, and let me tell you, it is much more.

Funk – Mothership Connection by Parliament

Are you looking to get down to dance? This album will move your entire body and if you are not the dancing type, you will tap your feet without you even knowing it. This is not a decision you have anymore. The funk can be felt through your headphones.

Soul – Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder

This is one of the most beautiful albums of all time. This album is classified under Soul and R&B (as well as Funk and Pop) and could honestly fall under either but I am putting it under Soul because it has some of the most beautiful arrangements ever recorded. You may Stevie Wonder but listening to this album will make you appreciate him and this genre so much more.

Rap – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar

Now, this genre was so hard to choose just one album. We have so many albums that could fit in this genre but the one for me that still gives me the youthfulness, the intelligence, the power, and the meaning Rap has is Good Kid, and more specifically Kendrick Lamar. You may know him today as one of the most famous rappers, but this album really shows what he is capable in the Rap game and a great start for those wanting to find how powerful rap can be.

Pop – 1989 by Taylor Swift

Do I even need to talk about this one? For those that do not know, Taylor Swift was a country artist turned pop star and the transition was the best thing to happen to pop music. All the songs on this album will make you want to sing along and are so catchy. For those that cannot stand pop, I recommend listening to this album and if none of the songs stick with you, then you don’t ever have to listen to pop again. If just one stuck or if you revisited one, then you are now a true believer.

Country – Live at Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash

Country is not all about tractors and girls and beer, as the stereotypes seem to show. There are dark themes, meaningful sayings, and wonderful songs that accompany this genre. Johnny Cash may be famous for his hits like, “Wheel of Fire” and “I Walk the Line,” but this album shows him performing for the inmates at Folsom Prison in California. The songs are funny, sad, hopeful, and what makes it even better are the responses from all the inmates. An amazing album that shows the country is so much more than stereotypes.

Electronic – Discovery by Daft Punk

Listen to the song titled “Harder Better Faster Stronger.” Then you will understand why electronic music can be so good. This album by Daft Punk, a French Electronic group, shows the innovation that comes with synthesizers and computers and that computers can be instruments too. Give it a listen if you are looking for some of a great start to a genre that is continuously getting expanded.

Ambient – Ambient 1: Music for Airports by Brian Eno

Ambient music, for those that know, can be a form of electronic music that focuses on minimalistic styles. This album was released in the '70s and it contains songs that are long while not advancing in melody or rhythm. This genre is also synonymous with meditative music. Definitely, a relaxing album but the reason why it is important is that Brian Eno was able to choose a simple musical phrase without having it become boring or annoying throughout all the songs.

Stoner Metal – Dopethrone by Electric Wizard

Considered the heaviest album of all time, Dopethrone is what happens when you turn Metal up to a twelve and slow it down to a snail’s pace. I added this because it was one of the first albums that I found by myself without having influence from my father. If you do plan on venturing down this road, proceed with caution. Once you get in, though, there is no escaping. Recommendation to listen to in the car or on loudspeakers. You would not do this album justice if you listened to through headphones.

Metal – Leviathan by Mastodon

Mastodon is an amazing metal group and in my opinion one of the greatest of all time. Metal fans might have their own album they believe is the best introduction and I would agree with them. This album for me seems like the culmination of Metal and just every aspect of it is just, in a word, awesome. Amazing musicians explode their prowess onto this record and it hits hard. Metal is the hardest genre to get into, I will admit, but through several listens, it will stick.

For me, these albums really define that genre when I think about it. These are the first albums that pop into my head when each is said. Again, these may not be the best albums to represent their respective genre and I did not cover all the genres. I do plan on continuing to discover new music forever so I am gradually updating this list, at least in my head. As of now, I think everyone needs to hear these if you already listen to these genres and I believe they are a good starting point for newcomers. Enjoy music lovers!