I’m going to give a list of 4 of my favorite albums. I’m reviewing these albums as a whole and will go through a few of my personal favorite songs and why I like the album. I suggest you listen to the albums in its entirety before voicing any opinion. Also know that I take my suggestions seriously and wouldn’t steer you the wrong way. These albums all get my 100% thumbs up.
The 59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem
It’s only 12 songs and 41:32 but there isn’t a bad song on the album. The first 3 songs, Great Expectations, 59′ Sound, and Old White Lincoln have all had radio play. High Lonesome is a good song that references the Counting Crows song Round Here. The Patient Ferris Wheel is my personal favorite on the album but every song has it’s on allure. If you haven’t ever listened to this band, here is my blog giving a top notch recommendation.
Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
I feel like Bruce is sort of an acquired taste and people among my generation sort of just overlook Bruce and his talents. Born in the USA came out in 84′ and was Bruce’s 7th album. The album contained messages relating to the pursuit of the American Dream (I read that off of Wikipedia, I just know the songs). Let’s just look at the songs that this album has. Born in the USA isn’t my favorite song but a classic nonetheless. I find Cover Me to be such a cool sounding song. I’m on Fire literally gives me goosebumps. Downbound Train and No Surrender are both quality songs and I’m Goin’ Down is sung in a way that only Bruce can sing. Then you close the album in Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark, and My Hometown. Seriously albums aren’t made this good anymore.
The Joshua Tree by U2
We can quote Gusto to intro this album “the best track 1 on any album ever”. After some thought I couldn’t think of too many better intro songs then Where the Streets Have No Name. The buildup for the first 2 minutes is really intense. Then you follow right with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and With or Without you. Bullet the Blue Sky and Running to Stand Still follow in dramatic fashion. The rest of the songs aren’t as popular but just those few tracks make up for it. Another band that is missed by my generation but I would suggest listening to this album in it’s entirety.
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic At the Disco
Released in 2005, Panic had a fresh sound and an incredible album for the time. The lead single was I Write Sins, Not Tragedies which is still one of my favorite songs to date. I like to call an album great when I can put it on and listen to every song all the way through and not skip over because of shitty songs. They title their songs as really long an unrecognizable so it’s better to just put on the CD and play it all the way through.4
I like how the first sentence is “list of 5” but the title is 4.. did you run out of ideas for the 5th?? I’m interested to see the last one of the list… I’ve never heard of The Gaslight Anthem but am listening to them now and expecting great things.
Have you listened to American Slang at all? I still like it all the way through, but not nearly as much as The 59 Sound or Sink or Swim.