Important albums

This is a list of all the important albums I've listened to in my life. They've saved me, inspired me, given me life, made me think, laugh, smile, cry, and everything in between.

Artist Album Release Date Why it's important
J Dilla Donuts 2006 It changed how I listened to hip hop and sampling in particular. I learn something new every time I listen to it or read about it. Donuts is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time and the pinnacle of last musical salvos.
Donald Fagen The Nightfly 1982 I can't stop listening to The Nightfly. I'll think about it and I *need* to hear it in full.
Michael Jackson Off The Wall 1979 The start of Michael's iconic solo collab with Quincy Jones and one of many examples of why disco never died.
Michael Jackson Dangerous 1991 Michael's first solo album without Quincy Jones and he created a masterpiece.
Flying Lotus Los Angeles 2008 Soundscapes like I'd never heard before. This changed electronic music at the time.
Ahwlee VII 2020 Heavy rotation. Ahwlee flipped some awesome Final Fantasy tracks into bops and neck breakers.
Madvillain Madvillainy 2004 A bit like Donuts, Madvillainy has this lore that might overtake the music for some but, for me, they're jostling for dominance in my mind—and that's a good thing.
Roberta Flack Oasis 1988 Oasis was released way out of Roberta Flack's most successful period. But quality and popularity aren't mutually inclusive. This album holds sentimental value as my dad played a few tracks from it (via her greatest hits) and it represents pleasant times from my childhood.
Ryuichi Sakamoto Smoochy 1995 Ryuichi Sakamoto was such an incredible musician and A Day in the Park, from this album, reminds me of a specific time in my childhood. Coincidentally, it was around the time this album was released which adds to the sentimental quality. I miss him everyday.
Tears for Fears The Seeds of Love 1989 They really pushed the boat out on this one in terms of styles and sound. It feels like a big blowout for the last year of the 80s and all those big drums, heavy reverb, and abstract lyricism.