22 Albums That Rock My World

Without music, life would be a mistake. — Friedrich Nietzsche

Once again I’ve attempted to compile a list of music that has moved me throughout my life and I’ve found the task to be both daunting and joyful all at once. Alas, I was determined to complete the mission I had set for myself. If I were to give this exercise a go at a later date, and I just might, most of these albums would remain but it’s likely there would be a few new entries in place of those that are here. In any case, this is a list of some of the albums that rock my world. Most of these albums will be familiar to anyone who listens to popular music, but that only confirms the legendary status of each of them. I did leave off several genres — hip hop, classical, metal, and country — that I do exceedingly enjoy, but that’s just how it goes with these things. I set the limit at 22 and I was going to stick to my intention.

Sounds and melodies are best enjoyed with headphones, a comfortable lounge chair or a grassy field — or with loud speakers and a bunch of friends! — your beverage of choice, and a spliff if that’s your thing.

In alphabetical order:

A Love Supreme, John Coltrane

This music is divine. Mr. Coltrane is incomparable. Every listen opens my heart more.

Are You Experienced, Jimi Hendrix

No guitarist compares, and none ever will. Jimi remains a man out of time whose music transcends description.

Blue, Joni Mitchell

So much thanks given for the ethereal wisdom, poetry, joy, freedom, passion, and talent of this lovely lady from Fort Macleod, Canada. There is nothing quite like it.

Disintegration, The Cure

Moody. Mesmerizing. Dreamy. Dark. Delightful. The apex of a band who has a remarkable catalog. It swirls and twirls around and within you like very few do.

Dummy, Portishead

This album is the perfect album for the perfect moment. Again and again.

Exodus, Bob Marley

A revolutionary of the highest order. So many phenomenal albums. I’ve no doubt you will be up on your feet dancing shortly after the needle drops.

Hunky Dory, David Bowie

A stone cold classic from the one and only. Each song on this album speaks a story unique unto itself and universal all at once. A true artist.

Kind of Blue, Miles Davis

Legend. This album is considered one of the greatest of all-time by nearly any measure. It was a sweet elixir of healing the first time I listened, and it still is.

Led Zeppelin IV, Led Zeppelin

Loud. Fucking. Blues. Rock. From the rock and roll gods themselves. The greatest four piece hard rock band of all-time at their zenith.

London Calling, The Clash

Pure punk genius. Stick it to the man on all cylinders. And fun as hell.

Moondance, Van Morrison

Every song on here is next level. I never tire of listening.

Music For Airports, Brian Eno

Anytime that I feel like I don’t know what the fuck is going on in the world I can put this album on, close my eyes, and dream myself into feeling that all is right again.

Nevermind, Nirvana

What can ya say about Kurt and the boys. Three dudes who came to rock the fuck out without giving a fuck what others thought. Pure beauty and truth.

Revolver, The Beatles

The originators. The innovators. The four lads from across the pond who changed the world in ways that still reverberate today.

Rumors, Fleetwood Mac

Stellar songwriting, harmonies and musicality from a group of supremely talented individuals that melded into one beautifully cohesive whole.

Sign ‘O’ the Times, Prince

A sheer powerhouse of a record by a sheer powerhouse of a man and his band. No one does it like Prince. No one.

So, Peter Gabriel

Beauty. Intelligence. Joy. This album is a journey of the senses that never fails to elevate and inspire.

Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder

On some days I will put this record on and it will be all I listen to. Stevie has no rival. He brings his heart and soul to this music in a way that I don’t think has ever been matched in a record. It speaks to a time, and yet is timeless in its message, mood and magic. A must have in any collection.

The Doors, The Doors

Where did Jim come from? Where did he go? Only Mr. Mojo Risin knows. The perfect combination of poetry and rock and roll. A zeitgeist of American rock.

The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd

This album hits in a way that no others do.

Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman

Sublime. Simple. Sweet. Singular. I love this record.

What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye

Perhaps first on the list of albums to be sure we preserve in a vault somewhere so that it remains for future generations. A Masterpiece.