Certain albums become more than just collections of songs. They become soundtracks to specific moments, memories, struggles and periods of growth. The 12 albums on this list have stayed with me through different seasons of life, influencing the way I think, create, and see the world. Whether they inspired me, challenged me, or simply provided comfort when I needed it most, each one has left a lasting impression and helped shape the person I am today. Lets check them out.
King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard – Flight B741
Alright, lets kick it off with the most recent album that has shaped my life. Flight B741 from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. I have always felt like contemporary rock and roll has been missing something. After caving in to the buzz of King Gizzard, Flight B741 just came out and decided to give it a try. I am so thankful I did because this album is monumental from front to back. It gives vibes of what The Beatles were doing back in the day. Key tracks off this album I recommend include “Sad Pilot” and “Daily Blues.” If there is one album off this list I encourage you to listen to off this list, its this one.
Metallica – Reload
Now I already know what you are saying, Reload? Yes, Reload. It was the first Metallica album I listened to as a kid. My dad would crank it to 11 when this album was in the CD tray. Without this album, Metallica would have never become my favorite band of all time. If metal isn’t your thing, Reload definitely fits more into the Hard Rock category. This was a different route for the band pulling away from their thrash roots. Key tracks off the album include “Fuel,”The Memory Remains,” “Carpe Diem Baby,” and “Slither.”
Kiss – Alive II
Kiss Alive II was one of 2 of the first CD’s as a child. At age 7, I received this as a Christmas present and it has been in my heart ever since. The energy of the live recording will make you jump out of your seat. It was the first CD I remember popping into my personal CD player, a moment I will never forget. It displays the true essence of Rock and Roll. From Ace Frehley’s ripping guitar solos to Paul Stanley’s dominance as a frontman. Kiss Alive II encapsolates the spirit of Kiss in the best way possible. Key tracks include “Shock Me,” “King of the Night Time World,” and “Shout it Out Loud.”
Aerosmith – Toys in the Attic
Toys in the Attic was the second of the 2 CD’s I received for Christmas that year. Aerosmith’s 3rd album is quite literally a masterpiece. It all boils down to Joe Perry’s kick ass guitar playing and Steven Tyler’s unmatchable talent behind the microphone. If you are a newbie to Aerosmith, this has some of their most famous tracks but beneath “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion” remains many other heavy hitters. Key tracks I recommend include “Toys In The Attic” and “Round and Round. “
Phish – The Bakers Dozen
Okay, so there are many, MANY live Phish recordings that I could have picked over this. Phish’s Baker’s Dozen encapsulates the bands peak sound during their so called 3.0 era. The Baker’s Dozen was a 13 night run at the legendary Madison Square Garden in 2017 and I happened to catch 4 of the shows. It was a magical time to be a fan of the band. They were on fire the whole time with nearly perfect performances of each one of the songs. The cool thing was, they didn’t repeat a single song the whole damn time. If you always wanted to get into Phish and didn’t know where to start, first off, just skip their studio albums and listen to this. Then get your butt to a show! Some of my favorite tracks off this include “Most Events Aren’t Planned,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” and “Scents and Subtle Sounds.”
The Police – Reggatta De Blanc
Everyone knows a song from The Police, perhaps “Message in a Bottle?” While this song is featured off Reggatta De Blanc, this album is a masterpiece from front to back. A perfect blend of rock and reggae. I stole this album from my dads CD collection and popped it in my 2001 Saturn 3 door and lost my mind. Skip the first track and start the album off on track two “Reggatta De Blanc.” Every song segues perfectly. Key tracks include “Deathwish” and “It’s Alright For You.”
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin II had a huge impact in my life. While I knew all the tunes prior to realizing this, I turned 21 and went to a party at a friends and they were spinning this on the record player. Hearing this cranking at a party and not some shitty pop music really made me feel like this world hasn’t come to an end yet. The power of Robert Plants voice, the electricity from Jimmy Page’s guitar, the undertones from John Paul Jones and the explosiveness of John Bonham. A timeless album that might be considered as one of their best. Key tracks include “Lemon Song,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Thank You.”
The Claims
The greatest band you never heard of and the greatest band that never was. The Claims, hailing from Lake George, NY were a powerful 3 piece that had the essence of rock and roll. They only put out one demo cd and that was it. If only, If only is what I say to myself even until this day. Key tracks include “Sylvia.”
Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown isn’t necessarily a favorite amongst fans. Prior to them releasing this, I was already in love with their material. But 2009 came and Green Day was touring and made a stop in Albany, NY. It definitely wasn’t my first concert but I would consider this the start of my “real” musical journey as a live music fan. Watching the band come on kicking off the show with the the title track to the album blew my mind. The energy, powerful guitar riffs and progressiveness locked me in and since then haven’t looked at Green Day the same. If you haven’t listened to this album and you like band, PLEASE give it a listen. It still stands up til this day. Key tracks include “21st Century Breakdown,” “East Jesus Nowhere,” and “The Static Age.”
Emerica – Stay Gold Soundtrack
This isn’t an album per say but the soundtrack to Emerica’s Stay Gold movie is an instant classic. Skateboarding videos and music go hand in hand. I can’t tell you how many artists I’ve discovered through skateboarding but it is in the hundreds. This soundtrack hits home and has all the feels. Every song is carefully picked out. There are playlists on Spotify and Apple Music for Emerica Stay Gold. Do yourself a favor and expose yourself to this masterpiece. Heck, just watch the damn video! Key tracks include “Some Days You Just Can’t Win” by Ultimate Spinach and Dead Meadow’s “That Old Temple.”
Twiddle – Somewhere on the Mountain
After my first Phish experience in 2012, I started to get more into jam bands, seeing what else was out there. Twiddle at the time was on their way up touring heavily in the northeast and happened to make a random stop in Lake George, NY in late 2012. After seeing them, a friend convinced me to go to a string of their shows and never looked back since. What makes Somewhere on the Mountain a signature album to me is not just the jams. It was the songwriting abilities of the band. If you wanna dance, cry or just vibe out, Twiddle’s sophomore album is perfect for all feelings. Key Tracks include “The Box,” “Second Wind,” and “When it Rains it Poors.”
Cake – Fashion Nugget
Not really the biggest Cake fan but if it wasn’t for this album, I probably wouldn’t be as involved with music as I am. My aunt Pina had a profound impact on my life as a human being and as a fan of music. My grandmother would drop me off at her house when she would have to run errands. And I LOVED days like this. It meant Chinese food, court TV and surfing through her album collection. From rock to grunge and soul/funk music, my aunt Pina had a wide array of taste for music and was always open minded. She passed in 2018 and without her, I can easily say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Key Tracks include “The Distance,” “I Will Survive”and “Nugget.”
