20 Albums that Changed My Life

A little bit of a lighter entry here. But I figured it would be a little bit more fun. I should also note that I intend this list to—at least the first 10 albums or so—be listed in loose chronological order of when I listened to them. This way I feel it gives you as readers a better idea of where my taste has evolved from. So without further ado...

20. Amy Grant-Heart in Motion. I am shameless—I'll go ahead and admit to owning this album. However this album makes its way on the list for being my first CD. So while the material is not exactly the best, it did more or less get me going on music.

19. NOFX-Punk in Drublic. Aside from all the clamoring over how "drublic" is pronounced, this album really opened up the realm of punk rock to me. Up until this point the majority of music i listened radio friendly and this was a big "awakening" to a lot of music that would influence me over the next few years.

18. Blink 182-Dude Ranch. Definitely not their best work by any means, however the content was essentially my bible throughout middle school and the first bit of high school.

17. The Get Up Kids-Four Minute Mile. Of all the "emo" albums I acquired over the years— this was the first and the best. Like "Dude Ranch", this album resonated a lot with what I dealt with growing up, but musically was much richer than the punk music that had been at the forefront of my life for the past couple of years.

16. Alkaline Trio-Maybe I'll Catch Fire. Not their best album again, but one that set the precedent and was something that touched a lot on what being a teenager is all about—just from the dark recesses of the mind.

15. Black Star-S/T. This was my first real introduction into hip hop and I loved it. Up until this point, my view of hip hop was that it was rap— and by rap I mean what I heard on the radio. This album taught me that hip hop could be lyrically deep, and yet maintain some of the smoothest beats ever to grace my ears.

14. The Fiery Furnaces-Blueberry Boat. A concept album by all means, this album gives new meaning to term "grower" for me. I can recall my first reaction to hearing this album (thanks Drew) as "This sounds like carnival music." I learned from this album to approach music with an open mind—and to enjoy benefits that that brings.

13. Interpol-Turn on the Bright Lights. A massive, epic album in all senses. This album again served as an important step in expanding my musical horizons. Probably a top ten album of all time for me (2002 was a great year for music.)

12. XTC-Oranges and Lemons. This album was important to me for a couple of reasons. For one, it told me that there were actually albums from this era that weren't completely dated. It also reminded me that pop music was not all trash as Partridge is a great song writer.

11. Jimmy Eat World-Clarity. I do listen to "Bleed American" more, however, "Clarity" was with out a doubt a standout album from my high school days. Tight musicianship, good song writing, and a great live performance has sealed this band into my vault of "No matter how bad you get now, I will always love you."

10. The Blood Brothers-...Burn, Piano Island, Burn. This album is the perfect example of post-hardcore in my opinion. Well-written, taught, explosive — when I need something to get my blood pumping, I pop this little gem in and get ready to take on the world. This album was so tough, it would literally force the band to take a slightly softer route on their next album as this one was too much for the band to play live. That's what I am talking about.

9. Bloc Party-Silent Alarm. I was lucky enough to get into this band on the forefront of their success by landing an advanced copy of their first EP. I waited for quite some time for the stateside release of this album and was not disappointed. Nothing spectacular can be found here but that really is what made this album so special to me—there is not a weakness. The slow songs offer up something good as well as all the faster tracks. This is a tight record.

8. Four Tet-Rounds. At a time where I was beginning to dabble in electronica, I stumbled on this album and was blown away. So much well-placed subtle details have resulted in an album that that continues to provide new layers for me. Jazz, electronica, and elevator music fans can all find something they will like on this album.

7. Radiohead-OK Computer. This album needs no introduction. If you like music you like this.

6. The Beatles-Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Growing up, we all listened to The Beatles. For me, I let them sit dormant in my memory for years before returning to this album a few years ago. What a great record, innovative guys who we all know shaped so much of what came after them.

5. Third Eye Blind-S/T. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. How did this get into the top five. Well, as mentioned earlier—I am shameless—and I cannot think of a better pop album in my memory. Sure we all got sick of hearing "Semi-charmed life", but c'mon, "Jumper" is a great track. And I have to mention the beautiful poignant work of "Motorcycle Drive-by". Stop hating and embrace the freedom that can be found in admitting that well-constructed pop songs are great fun.

4. Ben Folds Five-Whatever and Ever Amen. I got this album for free from some kid who only got it because they had a few hits on the radio. This album is BFF at the top of their game where the fusion of goofy material (highlighted by "Kate" and "Battle of who could care less") is blended perfectly with truly stirring material (personal favorites are "Selfless, Cold, and Composed" and "Missing the War".) Oh Ben, where have you gone?

3. Radiohead-In Rainbows. This was a tough call for me. While OK Computer really is the quintessential Radiohead album, "In Rainbows", I believe, is Radiohead at the top of their game. Heartfelt, cathy, and most importantly innovative. What Radiohead has done with their music over the past 20 years I think we should all strive to accomplish in our chosen fields. A beautiful album.

2. Wilco-A Ghost is Born. Wilco is really important to me as they helped open my eyes to the realm of alt-county rock. Initially, I was not very impressed with this album. My love for "Yankee Foxtrot Hotel" was very strong and to switch gears on me was on par with a slap on the face. Like "Blueberry Boat" this album has taken some getting used to but really defines what can be accomplished when a band sets out to redefine themselves—as Wilco seemingly does on every album. My only discourse with this album is "Spiders". Or the noise on the end. Ruined what otherwise is a perfect album.

1. Broken Social Scene-S/T and You Forget it in the People. The true definition of the word "supergroup." Everyone who likes to listen to music can get something from these releases as the large array of contributors all have something to provide here. Words really cannot do this band enough justice. Please, do yourself a favor and check out some of these videos to experience the rich diverseness that I speak of. No other band has quite struck home on so many levels as Broken Social Scene has.

So I guess that sums it about. Questions/Comments? Let me hear you sound off on what I have here or go ahead and list your own (Thanks George for the idea!)