#anti abel tesfaye

[agir1ukn0w]

all my male celebrity crushes are kicking abel tesfaye’s ass in my mind

[musicvalla]

Exploring Iconic Albums of the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen the music industry flourish in unprecedented ways, with artists across genres breaking boundaries to create albums that stand the test of time. From chart-topping tracks to lyrical masterpieces, certain albums have left an indelible mark on listeners worldwide. This article explores what makes an album iconic and highlights some unforgettable examples from the realms of pop, rock, and R&B.

What Makes an Album Iconic?

An iconic album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive narrative, a cultural statement, or a groundbreaking experiment that redefines norms. The artistry of a title song often sets the tone for the album, creating anticipation and drawing listeners into its world. For instance, think of albums where the title track encapsulates the entire theme of the project, delivering a sonic identity that's instantly recognizable.

Moreover, the ability of an album to resonate with listeners over decades is a key factor. These projects often explore universal themes like love, identity, or social change while maintaining a unique creative voice. Let’s explore some standout examples.

BTS: Redefining Global Pop with Every Album

No conversation about iconic 21st-century albums would be complete without mentioning BTS, the global phenomenon from South Korea. Their discography, as detailed in the BTS album list, is a testament to their versatility and ability to connect across cultures.

Albums like Love Yourself: Tear delve deep into themes of self-acceptance and heartbreak, while Map of the Soul: Persona explores Jungian psychology and personal growth. These projects are not only musical achievements but also visual and narrative triumphs, with music videos and performances that elevate the listening experience.

BTS’s albums often include intricate storytelling, with each track contributing to a larger narrative arc. This level of attention to detail has earned them a dedicated fanbase and solidified their place as icons of modern pop music.

Coldplay: Masters of Melodic Innovation

Coldplay has been a household name for over two decades, with a discography that boasts some of the most memorable and emotive tracks in modern rock. Their famous songs often reflect their ability to balance introspection with grand, uplifting soundscapes.

Albums like A Rush of Blood to the Head and Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends are revered for their lyrical depth and innovative production. Tracks such as "The Scientist" and "Fix You" resonate deeply with fans, combining personal storytelling with universal themes. Coldplay’s ability to evolve, experimenting with electronic elements in Mylo Xyloto and Music of the Spheres, has kept their music fresh and relevant.

The Weeknd: A Visionary Approach to Modern R&B

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B with his distinct sound and thematic albums. One of his most iconic projects, Starboy, is a bold statement about fame, identity, and reinvention. The album’s title track, a collaboration with Daft Punk, became a global hit, setting the stage for the themes explored throughout the record.

The depth of the weeknd starboy lyrics reflects his internal struggles and commentary on the darker side of fame. With tracks like "I Feel It Coming" and "Reminder," The Weeknd merges hypnotic beats with poignant storytelling, creating an album that is as introspective as it is danceable.

Rihanna: Queen of Reinvention

Rihanna’s ability to transcend genres and continually reinvent herself has solidified her status as a pop icon. Albums like Good Girl Gone Bad and ANTI are prime examples of her musical evolution. Good Girl Gone Bad introduced the world to a more confident, edgy Rihanna, with hits like "Umbrella" becoming instant classics. Meanwhile, ANTI showcased her willingness to experiment, offering a blend of pop, R&B, and reggae influences.

The lyrical depth of Rihanna songs lyrics is particularly notable in tracks like "Love on the Brain" and "Needed Me," which delve into themes of love, power, and vulnerability. Rihanna’s fearless approach to music and fashion has made her a cultural force to be reckoned with.

The Importance of Cohesion in Albums

One hallmark of iconic albums is cohesion. Whether it’s a concept album with a clear narrative or a collection of tracks unified by a common theme, cohesion helps listeners immerse themselves in the artist's world. For example, Beyoncé’s Lemonade seamlessly combines personal storytelling with broader cultural commentary, while Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly is a poetic exploration of race, identity, and society.

A well-executed title song often acts as the glue that binds the album together. It sets expectations and offers a glimpse into the themes that the album will explore, ensuring that listeners are fully engaged from start to finish.

Albums as Cultural Milestones

Some albums transcend their musical impact to become cultural milestones. For instance, Michael Jackson’s Thriller not only redefined the pop genre but also set new standards for music videos and global marketing. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s 1989 marked her transition from country to pop, showcasing her songwriting prowess and broadening her appeal.

Albums like these often spark conversations that go beyond music, influencing fashion, language, and even politics. They become part of the zeitgeist, reflecting and shaping the era in which they were created.

The Role of Visuals in Elevating Albums

In the digital age, visuals have become an integral part of the album experience. Music videos, album artwork, and even social media campaigns contribute to the overall narrative. For example, the aesthetic of The Weeknd’s Starboy—dark, futuristic, and enigmatic—enhances the themes explored in the album.

Similarly, BTS is known for their meticulously crafted visuals, which complement the stories told in their songs. The BTS album list is a testament to their dedication to creating a multi-sensory experience, blending music, visuals, and performances into a cohesive whole.

Why These Albums Endure

The enduring appeal of iconic albums lies in their ability to evolve with listeners. As we revisit these projects years or even decades later, they continue to offer new perspectives and insights. Albums like Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, The Weeknd’s Starboy, and Rihanna’s ANTI remain relevant because they capture universal emotions and experiences.

Moreover, these albums often serve as a time capsule, preserving the essence of a particular moment in history. Whether it’s the optimism of the early 2000s or the introspection of the 2020s, these projects reflect the cultural and emotional landscape of their time.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Iconic Albums

Iconic albums are more than just collections of songs; they are works of art that shape and reflect the human experience. From the intricate storytelling of BTS to the experimental genius of Coldplay, the vulnerability of The Weeknd, and the bold reinvention of Rihanna, these artists have created albums that resonate across generations.

As music continues to evolve, these projects remind us of the power of art to connect, inspire, and transform. Which of these albums has left the greatest impact on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

[rubylioness]

Ed Sheeran completely jacking The Weeknd’s whole aesthetic of the After Hours series for Ed’s newest song “Bad Habits” isn’t talked about enough for me :/

[psfeitodemanha]

After Hours: a narrativa do anti-herói

Das luzes mais intensas para a mais sombria escuridão, em After Hours, The weeknd entrega uma estrondosa narrativa guiada por melodias hipnotizantes

Quando The Weeknd anunciou seu quarto álbum de estúdio intitulado como After Hours, álbum sucessor do EP “My Dear Melancholy,” onde o artista explorou suas angústias mais profundas em baladas poderosas, foi difícil imaginar por qual nuance Abel Tesfaye (seu verdadeiro nome) iria trabalhar. O vídeo que apresenta essa nova fase tinha uma estética com o vermelho vibrante com muitas luzes e o personagem de The Weeknd correndo e sangrando por Las Vegas. A inspiração para essa estética veio de filmes dirigidos por Martin Scorsese onde um deles tem o mesmo nome do álbum (After Hours) e também a clara referência em sua vestimenta ao do personagem de Robert De Niro no longa Cassino.

The Weeknd se tornou um dos grandes nomes masculinos da indústria, justamente por ser um dos poucos artistas que se propõem a fazer o novo. Claro que sua voz característica (dita por muitos ser bem sexy) e suas letras explícitas são sua marca registrada, mas podemos lembrar que são poucos artistas que podem (e conseguem) abraçar e se mostrar como alguém que não é um grande romântico ou um completo babaca. Lembrando de seus grandes sucessos como “Starboy” e “Can’t Feel My Face” essas mudanças podem talvez parecer discretas, mas se colocamos “Blinding Lights” na mesa o jogo vira drasticamente.

After Hours se propõe ser um trabalho mais furioso entre por tudo que o artista já fez, abraçando mais melodias no dream pop sem esquecer seu potencial no R & B. Abel teve total participação desde a composição até produção junto com o produtor de grandes sucessos da indústria, Max Martin.

O álbum se inicia com “Alone Again'', uma canção que vai crescendo ao decorrer de sua duração pelo instrumental e acompanhados com os agudos e sussurros do artista, é uma música que ilustra bem os altos e baixos que o álbum irá seguir. Abel apresenta seu trabalho contando sobre a sua liberdade e o medo de acabar ficando sozinho no meio de sua caminhada, o que propõe que esse personagem apresentado seja um possível herói mal interpretado. A partir daí o álbum vai criando mais camadas, e fica claro que essa narrativa não é uma jornada de herói, mas possivelmente de um vilão, mas será que realmente precisamos de mais um vilão em 2020? Mesmo que tenha pensado que não, Abel te convence que a única resposta possível é sim.

A jornada desse personagem se mostra mais complexa em faixas como “Scared To Live” (que tem Elton John entre os compositores) com uma poderosa carga emocional em sua letra desenhando mais camadas sobre os sentimentos desse personagem de modo delicado e desesperante, indo até para a obscura, explícita “Escape From LA” que contém trechos como “It's slowly burning, it was never cheap If you seen what I seen, you wouldn't sleep” (está queimando lentamente, nunca foi barato/ E se você viesse o que eu vi, você não dormiria) onde mostra seus os tormentos que reflete a relação do artista com a fama em seus relacionamentos. O que gera empatia e até mesmo uma atração ao perigo cantado nesses momentos por ser simples e sincero.

As revoltas de um homem que ama quebrar corações, ostentar bens materiais e mulheres é presente na quinta música, “Snowchild”, com trechos como “Every month another accusation/ Only thing I'm phobic of is failing/ I was never blessed with any patience” (A cada mês, uma nova acusação/ A única coisa da qual tenho fobia é falhar/ Eu nunca fui abençoado com paciência) que nos lembra de vestígios da era “Starboy”, que não se destaca entre as demais, porém cumpre seu papel de construção de uma persona de moral duvidosa. 

O maior sucesso nesse álbum não poderia ser outro, a música que carrega claras referências ao pop dos anos 80, “Blinding Lights”, é uma faixa nostálgica e eletrizante, sendo o tipo de canção que qualquer artista que busca referências aos sucessos dessa época adoraria ter em sua discografia. After Hours contém mais momentos brilhantes como a canção “In Yours Eyes” que tem uma musicalidade que remete a faixas de Michael Jackson, com um incrível solo de saxofone no final. E, também as letras intimistas em “Save Your Tears” e “Hardest To Love” com instrumentais mais adocicados. A maioria das canções possuem boas transições tornando o trabalho agradável e, como boa parte de sua discografia, uma interlude bem colocada e hipnotizante. 

Abel conseguiu unir o que tinha melhor nos seus dois últimos trabalhos e construiu um álbum coeso e eletrizante. Seu personagem embarca em um ambiente sombrio onde todos seus sentidos estão à flor da pele. Ele não é o vilão e muito menos o mocinho, digamos que em After Hours, The Weeknd tem um papel anti-heroico em sua narrativa passando do amor, medo e insanidade. 

Ele ousou na versatilidade de sua voz e no conceito visual e, parece mais determinado em suas composições que vão de doces baladas à um cativante pop onde as produções são só a cereja do bolo perante toda a matéria prima, onde ele soube transformar acontecimentos de sua própria vida em algo mais palpável no ato de After Hours. Porém, no quesito composição, ainda que seja mais explícita e mais arriscada, não é algo tão distante de seus álbuns antecessores: “Starboy” e “Beauty Behind the Madness''. Entretanto, esse álbum se destaca entre os demais por soar mais perigoso e sombrio.

De certo modo, ficamos atraídos nessa faceta de Abel que vai além de sua voz sexy e letras melodramáticas, mas justamente por ser intenso e envolvente a cada faixa. E apesar de tudo isso, o artista foi esnobado na edição de 2021 do Grammys. É difícil dizer o porquê dessa decisão da bancada, o que traz à tona as afirmações de racismo ou pelo evento buscar uma exclusividade de uma performance que Tesfaye não quis ceder.

Sem dúvidas foi uma das maiores eras realizadas na música em 2020 e mesmo que a mais importante premiação da indústria não tenha reconhecido, a falta que After Hours irá fazer é incontestável, mas isso não vai parar a corrida de Abel, pois ele virou um personagem no qual não pode ser evitado. Definitivamente não pedimos por mais um vilão em 2020, mas precisávamos do anti-heroísmo de The Weeknd.

[coochiequeens]

It was a historic, triumphant night for women in music at the 2021 Grammys, as a range of female artists took home the top awards. HER took home song of the year for the Black Lives Matter anthem I Can’t Breathe, Taylor Swift became the first woman to win album of the year three times, and the rapper Megan Thee Stallion won both best new artist and best rap performance for her Savage remix with Beyoncé, now the most awarded singer (male or female) and female artist of all time.

The first Grammys from executive producer Ben Winston, 39, best known for turning James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke series into a viral staple and the first new producer since Ken Ehrlich took over the show in 1980, stuck mostly to live or pre-recorded performances spliced with videos highlighting new, streaming-bolstered stars. The production’s Covid precautions – 6ft-compliant tables and chairs beneath a garlanded outdoor terrace, five separate stages at the Los Angeles Convention Center, widespread testing – added millions to the show’s budget but helped the show avoid some of the tech glitches and Zoom awkwardness that plagued last month’s Golden Globes.

The cascade of performances and success for black female artists glossed over a growing wave of criticism over the Grammys’ opaque nomination process, alleged conflicts of interest and years of appearing to snub black artistry. The Canadian artist known as The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, led an anti-Grammys chorus which included such artists as Zayn and Drake, after his album After Hours, a critical and commercial smash containing the year’s biggest song, Blinding Lights, was surprisingly shut out of nominations. In a statement to the New York Times last week, the Weeknd said he would boycott the awards from now on and direct his record label not to submit his music for future contention, citing the anonymous committees with final say on nominations.

But the controversy mostly stayed outside the frame on Sunday, save a statement in the final 10 minutes from the interim Grammys president, Harvey Mason Jr, promising a renewed diversity effort and calling on artists to “work with us, not against us”. Instead, the 3.5-hour mega-concert was about “bringing us together like only music can”, said the night’s ebullient host, the Daily Show’s Trevor Noah, and “never forgetting what happened in 2020, but hope for what is to come”.

Noah mostly served to line up the roll of performances grouped loosely by genre, from pop/rock (Harry Styles, last year’s Grammy sweeper Billie Eilish, sister-act Haim), to country (Mickey Guyton, performing Black Like Me, a rejoinder to a genre notoriously unwelcoming to black and female artists, then Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris with John Mayer). Bad Bunny – the most streamed artist of 2020 – foreshadowed the reopening of clubs in a light tunnel, while Dua Lipa, whose album Future Nostalgia took over early quarantine in 2020, went full Studio 2054 with DaBaby for their remix of Levitating.

The show highlighted several independent music venues strapped by lost business during the coronavirus shutdowns: JT Gray of The Station Inn in Nashville, Tennessee, presented the award for best country album (to Miranda Lambert); Rachelle Erratchu of LA’s The Troubadour presented best pop solo performance to Harry Styles for Watermelon Sugar; Billy Mitchell of the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem gave the award for best rap song to Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé; and Candice Fox of LA’s The Hotel Cafe awarded Beyoncé best R&B performance for Black Parade.

The night was bisected by a somber, extended in memoriam segment during the still-ongoing pandemic. Anderson .Paak and Bruno Marschanneled the roof-lifting energy of the rock’n’roll pioneer Little Richard, Lionel Richie honored his friend the country star Kenny Rogers, and Brandi Carlile eulogized the Americana legend John Prine with a cover of I Remember Everything. The Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard, accompanied by Coldplay’s Chris Martin on piano, carried home the segment with a soulful rendition of her song You’ll Never Walk Alone.

But the evening mostly belonged to not one superstar but several women, particularly black women celebrating black pride, from Megan Thee Stallion’s show-opening win for best new artist, to her jubilant (and heavily censored) performance of WAP with Cardi B, to the Grammy’s final note, a tribute to Beyoncé’s Juneteenth anthem Black Parade. HER won song of the year for I Can’t Breathe, a song written in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. “We are the change that we wish to see,” she said. “And that fight that we had in us the summer of 2020? Keep that same energy.”

Taylor Swift won her third album of the year trophy for Folklore, while Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia won for best pop vocal album. Billie Eilish took home record of the year for Everything I Wanted but dedicated her speech, the night’s final, to Megan Thee Stallion. “You deserve the world, I think about you constantly, I root for you always,” she said. “Can we just cheer for Megan Thee Stallion, please?”

Megan also used her time to thank fellow female stars. Visibly giddy, she accepted the award for best rap performance by remembering the mantra inspired by her childhood idol and fellow Houston-bred star: “What would Beyoncé do, but make it a little ratchet.”

Beyoncé herself spoke while accepting her 28th Grammy for Black Parade. “I wanted to uplift, encourage and celebrate all the beautiful black kings and queens who have inspired me and the whole world,” she said.

[youngandhungryent]

Wiz Khalifa “Still Wiz,” The Weeknd “Snowchild” & More | Daily Visuals 7.22.20

Source: The Weeknd performing at the SSE Hydro in the SEC in Glasgow Featuring: The Weeknd, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye Where: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom When: 10 Mar 2017 Credit: Peter Kaminski/WENN.com

Soooo is Wiz Khalifa is an anti-masker and anti-social distancer? Well, we don’t know for sure but from the looks of his latest visuals the man is living like the Coronavirus ain’t infecting people at an alarming rate. In his latest video to “Still Wiz,” the Pittsburgh spitter throws caution to the wind and throws a Cali pool party where bikini clad women join him for some fun in the sun, drinks in the pool and chronic smoke in the whip. Hopefully it wasn’t a puff-puff-give affair.

Back in Canada where the Rona is actually under control and COIVD carrying Americans are banned from entering, The Weeknd joins in the cartoon trend and in his clip to “Snowchild” takes an animated adventure through Toronto.

Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Chris Rivers, Slim 400 featuring Sada Baby, and more.

WIZ KHALIFA – “STILL WIZ”

THE WEEKND – “SNOWCHILD”

CHRIS RIVERS – “SHINE”

SLIM 400 FT. SADA BABY – “BRACKIN THRU THE GHETTO”

ELI FROSS FT. SHEFF G – “ISO”

J-HAZE – “HARLEY QUINN”

KENZO KARI FT. CRISPY E & RICH PAPI – “DETROIT TO MIAMI”

DRAG-ON – “PART 34 FREESTYLE”

source https://hiphopwired.com/890162/wiz-khalifa-still-wiz-the-weeknd-snowchild-more-daily-visuals-7-22-20/

[4minutes]

Listing bands that describe me, tagged by @jayyynine​. (ok but can I do artists? I’m gonna do artists cause there’s really only one band that describes me hahahah)

P!nk - I’ve been a fan since Can’t Take Me Home. My mom got me that album from the BMG mail music club. Like when the CDs came in the mail. I’ve really aged myself. But 17 years is a long time to love someone so much. I feel like she’s had an album for every “chapter” of my life. She is my all-time favorite. My hero. The greatest of all time. My first tattoo was the last measure of “Who Knew” on my wrist, and she signed my arm to get it tattooed when I met her 7 years ago. I love her so much.

Fall Out Boy - I grew up only listening to pop music, and FOB was really one of the first bands who I loved that wasn’t like typical cookie cutter pop music. I know they’ve gotten a bit more “mainstream” in some people’s eyes, but I feel like they’ve never lost sight of who they are as a band at their core. The hiatus was brutal but they came back swinging. Pete Wentz is absolutely one of my heroes, and one of the first celebrities who I related to as a male, that spoke out on mental health, sexuality, and heartbreak from a guy’s perspective. They’re such incredible musicians and I can’t wait to see them again this Fall.

JoJo - Just a real beacon of light in a dark world. A true example of perseverance, persistence and fighting to never lose your voice. She has one of the most insanely beautiful, clear, stunning voices I’ve ever heard. If you haven’t seen her live, you must. And dig deep beyond just her albums. The girl put out some incredible mixtapes. Can’t Take That Away from Me remains a staple in my rotation. She is an incredible writer, as well, and one of the most talented young voices in the music industry.

Robyn - Oh man. I remember hearing Robyn on the radio in the 90′s with her hits back then, and they were total jams, but it wasn’t until her self-titled album came out that I went back and listened to everything she’d done between the 90′s and then. If you go back and listen to the Robyn it sounds fresher than a lot of stuff on the radio currently, and it’s 12 years old. “Dancing On My Own” is my favorite song of all time. I have cried to that song, danced to that song alone, danced to it with my best friends, and I’ve screamed the words from the front row of more Robyn concerts than I can count.

Lady GaGa - Man, she is truly one of a kind. Watch her documentary if you need more proof of that. I remember when The Fame came out, that was like my workout album when I was losing weight way back when. I have so many incredible memories that come to mind when I think of GaGa and her music. She’s one of the people that made it cool to be weird and made me and so many others feel like there were different people out there in the world for us. She’s a force of nature.

Rihanna - Another lady I’ve been a fan of from the beginning. She’s an ‘88 baby too, and seeing how she’s taken control of her career and her empire is truly inspiring. ANTi as an album is one of those records that I look back on and think about how it really changed my life. Not a lot of artists put out work that powerful.

Gwen Stefani/No Doubt - No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom was the first album I can ever remember getting as a kid. I’ve loved Gwen (and NxD) ever since. Getting to see her from the front row last year was a really special, emotional moment for me.

The Weeknd - This is definitely a more recent one for me. I remember my good friend, Christina, playing me “Life of the Party” when it came out back in 2011 and I thought “Woah this is unlike anything I’ve ever heard,” and I don’t typically respond to male artists, but over the years I have come to love this man and his music so much. I’m so glad there is another guy out there singing about fucked up shit. And DAMN, Abel Tesfaye can sing. And I want basically all his XO clothes.

Justin Timberlake - I’ll always love Justin so much. I’ve been a fan of his for what feels like as long as I can remember. He is insanely talented, and someone I’ll always look up to on some level.

Carly Rae Jepsen - I frequently wear my “I HEART CARLY” sandwich board and ring a bell. E.MO.TION. is one of the greatest pop albums of all time and “Run Away with Me” is the smash that got away.

Tove Lo - Talk about falling fast and hard. I relate so deeply to her words and her music. I love a good dark pop artist, and she excels at what she does. She’s another one who I feel has a really unique voice and point of view. My queen of the clouds.

Halsey - What can I even say about this girl? I absolutely adore her. She is so special and I hope she has a very long career.

Jessie Ware - One of the most beautiful voices/humans/singers/artists ever. I love her so much.

I think I went overboard on this and I had to stop myself. Tagging @tokyoto @bodybyprozac

[linaliveshere]

My Top 15 albums

Music to me is a stress relief. It is something that reflects your mood, no matter how you are feeling. It transports you back in time, almost as if you are living and breathing in a different generation. Music liberates you, its helps you connect with the cores and values that you have and continues to help you grow. Music gives you the fondest memories, is the soundtrack to your life and much of the reason why we connect with others on an intimate basis.

For me, a university student who is at the cusp of starting the next chapter of her life, music is an incredible escape from reality. Over the years, my knowledge and acceptance of music has allowed me to collate and enjoy many artists of many genres. On twitter and Tumblr, I asked what you guys would prefer for me to talk about, and my top 15 albums of all time came in at number one. Below, with much difficulty may I add, I have sought out my top 15 albums of all time!

1. INXS: Kick

I honestly cannot fault this album in the slightest. INXS was such a powerhouse for Australian music and they bought our industry to the mainstream across the world. Michael Hutchence was such a prolific singer and songwriter, a true artist who could grasp the concept of emotion and reality and put it so well into a song. Kick was an album that kick-started (pardon the pun) the juggernaut, headed by the smash hit Never Tear Us Apart. This whole album from start to finish is pure genius, and honestly makes you feel like you’re on a never-ending roller coaster. If you have never listened to this album, you should.

Top 3 songs:

-Never Tear Us Apart

-Kick

-Need You Tonight

2. The Weeknd: House of Balloons

Known to most of us by his stage name The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye has become one of the biggest superstars in the world. From record breaking singles and albums to top collaborations with artists such as Daft Punk and Lana Del Ray, his discography has come a very long way since his first proper release- House of Balloons. Everyone seems to say that the first release is always the best and I will dispute that, but not in this case. Every album Abel has done has been so different and incredible, but something about House of Balloons stands out. The raw stumbling’s of drug abuse and sexual desires that he was singing about was something next level. Others had done it before him, but the way he produced this album was next level. It was a considerably short LP for the XO, only 50 minutes long. But it is enough to transport you back to his harsh Canadian upbringing and why he is like he is.

Top 3 songs:

-Wicked Games

-Coming Down

-High For This

3. Kendrick Lamar: To Pimp a Butterfly

First thing I want to say about Kendrick and this masterpiece of an album was that HE WAS ROBBED ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE GRAMMYS!! Kendrick has always been very popular online- much like counterpart Chance The Rapper, and made his mainstream debut when this album- To Pimp A Butterfly, flew up the charts around the world. Along with doing the infamous festival circuit which include headlining iconic festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella and Australia’s very own Splendour in the Grass, To Pimp A Butterfly gained more traction. It brings to the surface all the issues that we as a society are too reluctant to talk about or see the truth about- racial tensions, the police brutality, the treatment of people of colour in general- especially women of colour and so much more. What elevated this album though for me was when Kendrick did a mash up of ‘The Blacker the Berry’ and ‘Alright’ with him being tied up in shackles singing behind a jail cell door. America at that time was in the grunt of the presidential campaign, making it even more dramatic and brought the album to a new audience.

Top 3 songs:

-The Blacker The Berry

-King Kunta

-These Walls

4. The Killers: Hot Fuss

The Killers are one of those bands who continually fly under the radar but remain so popular. Having two older sisters with quite a big age gap between us, my introduction to The Killers was through them blasting this album in the car non-stop; but I didn’t mind that. Hot Fuss is the best debut album of any artist I have listened to. The Killers weren’t punk rock or rock and roll- they were alternate rock. It was good enough for the music geeks and to be played on top 40 radio. This album holds two of the catchiest choruses ever with the songs ‘Mr Brightside’ and ‘Somebody Told Me’. Every time I listen to Hot Fuss, it sparks a little flame inside me and I sing at the top of my lungs. Along with this, the lyrics to the songs on the album are absolutely phenomenal and from start to finish take you on a journey. There are tales of heartbreak and regret with ‘All These Things That I Have Done’ and ‘Jenny Was a Friend of Mine’, love and adulation with ‘Midnight Show’ and ‘Everything Will Be Alright’. This album is honestly timeless and no matter how old you are, is pure enjoyment.

Top 3 Songs:

-Smile Like You Mean It

-Midnight Show

-On Top

5. Coldplay: Viva la Vida

I have been to a lot of concert, shows, gigs and festivals in my almost 23 years of life, and Coldplay has come out on top every time. Much like others on the list, their entire discography is something that I will listen to over and over and not get bored of it. Despite my favourite song of all time coming from their album X&Y (Fix You), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, or the stadium stomper as it is known as by music geeks, is an album that cemented Coldplay a stadium tour status. The massive drum and guitar, as well as incorporating orchestra was the first of its kind that I had heard, and I fell in love with the album immediately. Chris Martin is one of my favourite singer/songwriters of all time, and his ability to take something usually so hectic and not usually incorporated into mainstream music and make it his own is something that I admire him for. What really made this album pop of course was the stadium vibe and the enormity of the sound.

Top 3 songs:

-Viva la Vida

-Cemeteries of London

-Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love

6. Rihanna: ANTI

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is and always will be my woman crush. After doing 7 albums in 7 years, my babe Rihanna took about 3 years out of the spotlight to create her latest and most bold album to date- ANTI. There is something about the authentic of this album that puts this above the rest. Having that time off and going back to her Caribbean roots brought this album to the next level. The mix of her old-school reggae and more modern r’n’b, along with the improvement of her vocals along the way helped elevate it, but her bad girl persona did remain- especially with the inaugural song from the album ‘Bitch Better Have My Money’. The song ‘Work’, with rapper Drake, sent this album to elite status. It is fun and makes you feel like you can take on anyone and anything, and in contrast, will pull at your heart strings with songs such as Love on The Brain’. I am still upset that she did not tour Australia with the album, so thanks RiRi!

Top 3 songs:

-Love On The Brain

-Kiss It Better

-Woo

7. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

I have always known who Fleetwood Mac were, but I was introduced to this album only a short while ago. Stevie Nicks is an absolute boss. Fleetwood Mac became dominant at the time where social constructs were a lot different to how they are now. The fact that this album not only challenged music minds and records, but created the shift for social change as well. Artists like Madonna and Cindy Lauper were aided by the success of Stevie Nicks and the fact she was a main vocal in a genre dominated by white males. One of the reasons I love Rumours so much is because of the massive influence it had on the music industry. It also included the catchy songs like ‘Dreams’ and ‘Go Your Own Way’. Fleetwood Mac and especially Stevie Nicks are timeless and a once-in-a-generation artist who has as much influence as they did.

Top 3 Songs:

-Go Your Own Way

-You Make Loving Fun

-Oh Daddy

8. Michael Jackson: Thriller

Carrying on from the influence of Stevie Nicks, there is no one better who broke down barriers in terms of race, gender and sexuality like Michael Jackson. There are so many of his albums to choose from, but Thriller is the one that I enjoy the most in terms of music. The title song caused so much controversy, and everyone thought with this controversy that Michael or the album wouldn’t be successful. Boy, people were wrong. After having filmed the first feature-length music video and being an African-American, there were bans put in place. Michael defied the odds and became and even bigger star. Some personal favourites, which I enjoy belting out during a boozy night out like ‘Wanna be Startin’ Something’, ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Beat It’. Another reason why I love this album so much is that it produced one of the most iconic moments in pop culture- the introduction of the moonwalk at the Motown 25 special on May 16, 1983. And yes, I am still trying to perfect the move.

Top 3 Songs:

-Beat It

-Billie Jean

-Human Nature

9. Ed Sheeran: +

Ed Sheeran is possibly the best singer/songwriter of the past 5 years. With his most recent album ‘Divide’ and the inaugural single ‘Shape of You’ breaking all kinds of streaming and charting records, it is no surprise that his music beforehand would be top-notch as well. Enter Ed’s first proper LP- Plus. This was such a raw album that spoke about Ed and the difficulties that surrounded him and other people, much like The Weeknd with House of Balloons. This album came into my life at a time where I was struggling, with songs like ‘The A Team’ and ‘Lego House’ indirectly playing with my emotions and opening a light to a lot of the problems that I was having. Ed toured this album twice, and his presence on stage reflects how people such as myself interpret the album as well. Oh, and I’ve also had the pleasure in meeting Ed and telling him how thankful I am for him!

Top 3 Songs:

-Small Bump

-Kiss Me

-Drunk

10. Beyoncé: Lemonade

This would not be a top album countdown without the mention of the most famous women of the modern era. Beyoncé has delivered hit after hit. When her latest album Lemonade dropped, it caused hysteria of all sorts. She has been the campaigner of the visual album as well after her Beyoncé release, and Lemonade was no different. Much like Kendrick Lamar, who features on one of the standouts of the album ‘Freedom’, Beyoncé used her audio and visual platforms to seek out the injustice that is happening. She also includes her daughter, Blue, in a lot of them and it makes it that much more personalised. Her vocals are still red hot, as proven by hits ‘Formation’ and ‘Hold Up’, which now boasts the infamous bat and car scene. This album is honestly one in a million and I can never get bored of it!

Top 3 Songs:

-Freedom (feat Kendrick Lamar)

-All Night

-Hold Up

11. Maroon 5: Songs About Jane

The first concert I ever went to centered around this album. Maroon 5 have been around for as long as I’ve been alive, and their music continues to adapt with pop culture. Adam Levine, the front man, was my first real celebrity crush, and this album did solidify that. Songs About Jane was a forefront in indie music at the time of its release, headed by She Will Be Loved and Sunday Morning. Their cover of Harder to Breathe and the inclusion This Love gives you Adam’s sensual voice right to your very core. the use of the guitar in this album is impeccable- in one song it will make you get up and dance when in the next it makes you feel like you could cry for days about your ex-lover. The lyrics and the execution of this album are timeless, and no matter what decade or era it is brought into, would be successful.

Top 3 Songs:

-She Will Be Loved

-Harder to Breathe

-Tangled

12. Taylor Swift: Red

I feel like Taylor Swift has been around for every turning point in my life. 13-year-old me found out who she was through my love of the Jonas Brothers and her guitar-twanging smash Our Song. Through the country phase to what is her best album to date- pop alumni Red. This album, like many of her others, tells a story of love and heartbreak, but also celebrates having the right people in your life. ‘22’, one of the biggest selling singles by Taylor, is one of my favourite songs of all time. Despite being noted by a lot of people as ‘pop trash’, the significance of this song resonates with a lot of people. It is about being care-free and living your life to the fullest no matter what. ‘All Too Well’ and ‘Red’ talk about heartache and how love in all forms can manipulate you in so many ways. This album is raw and full of emotion, no matter the genre it is placed under. The Red Tour was also my favourite Taylor concert as well.

Top 3 Songs:

-State of Grace

-All Too Well

-22

13. Kanye West: 808’s and Heartbreak

Say what you want about Yeezy, but he definitely knows his sound and his music. 808’s and Heartbreaks is an album that took Kanye out of the hip-hop world to the more mainstream. The mellowed down sound with the use of the heavy drop verberating in the chorus’ of most of these songs brought the genre and the album to another dimension. ‘Heartless’ and ‘Love Lockdown’, the two main singles from this work, are so well put together though the emotion elicited in Kanye while he is singing and rapping, as well as the tremendous loops in the beat. I have never witnessed music before or after this album that makes you want to get up and dance but cry your god damn eyes out at the same time. If you are one of those people who loves a continuous bop, this album is right up your alley.

Top 3 Songs:

-Love Lockdown

-Paranoid

-Say You Will

14.  Adele: 25

What a woman. I don’t have enough words to describe the feel, emotion and powerhouse vocal that is Adele. Unless you were living under a rock over the past 18 months, her song ‘Hello’ was everywhere and definitely set the scene for the whole album. Adele is one of very few people who can stand on a stage with little to no movement around her and manage to captivate millions. Her amazing voice capitulates almost every other artist in the industry right now. Listening to ‘25’ is honestly an out of body experience every time you listen to a song.

Top 3 Songs:

-Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

-I Miss You

-Water Under the Bridge

15. One Direction: Midnight Memories

This wouldn’t be a countdown without my absolute favourites of all time, right?! Midnight Memories by far is my favourite album from One Direction. They had a lot of song writing and production influence on this album, and it is very noticeable compared to their first two albums. The boys having that much influence on this album shone through, especially with the rock undertones and the sophisticated lyrics laced through all the songs. Alas, they did make this album with the fact that they were about to embark on a stadium tour, and this album is a massive stadium stomper. Harry, Liam and Zayn all shine vocally, whilst Niall and Louis’ songwriter impressed throughout the whole album. I honestly love this album with all my heart, and my eyes still water every time a song comes on because I miss One Direction so much. I am still bitter that I missed out on seeing this tour.

Top 3 Songs:

-Strong

-Happily

-Through the Dark

SPECIAL MENTION to Harry Styles and his new solo album, which would have been on the list if it was out already :P