Ten Perfect Albums (Part 1)

Editors: Ciara Teefey

In recent years the idea of an album has been torn up and misconstrued beyond belief. It’s hard to find a new album that isn’t just a messy compilation of songs simply designed to make sales, wrapped in the husk of being an ‘album’. Albums should be a long form celebration of creativity, with each track being worthy of its spot, nobody wants to have to skip a song when listening to an album. 

I have compiled 10 albums in no particular order, that I believe are flawless all throughout, requiring no skips, or loss of interest, I will introduce these albums, however, it's up to you to experience them all fully for yourself. 

The Ramones- Ramones (1976)

To debut this list, it only makes sense to start with The Ramones’ debut self-titled album, an album that defined the music of the late 70s.

With 14 songs packed into just under 30 minutes, the album stays moving and progresses rapidly, leaving no time for you to drift off.

Characterised by Johnny Ramones aggressive riffs and Joey’s crisp New Yorker vocals with themes of history, comic books, life in Queens and many more, the band shines in every song.

With its short run time, there is no reason to not give it a listen, there is something for everyone, and I don’t think there is a single person I know who hasn’t heard the opening track ’Blitzkrieg Bop’.

Personal favourites include: Havana Affair, Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue, I Don’t Wanna Go Down To The Basement.

Rush- 2112 (1976)

Picture an era dominated by rock and disco, then hearing the brooding synth that opens Rush’s masterpiece 2112, the 20-minute-long symphony, taking up the whole A side, following the story of a futuristic world where everything is controlled by an intergalactic government.

Story aside, the albums A side alone is enough to make this one of the greatest ever, despite it's length, the songs progression makes you forget it’s 20 minutes long.

With early synthesizers and experimental effects, this album should also be praised for its innovation and influence. Though often overlooked, the B also contains some of the most creative songs ever pressed on vinyl, with drummer Neil Peart’s lyrics that inspire creativity like nothing else.

Personal favourites include: 2112, Lessons, The Twilight Zone.

Darkness on the edge of town- Bruce Springsteen (1978)

The ’Boss’ is often acclaimed for his legendary album Born in the USA, however I believe nothing will beat his heartfelt 1978 album.

Each song makes you feel a different way, whilst maintaining a feeling of hope and joy. Springsteen’s lyricism goes beyond musicianship; they are more like poetry.

Even if you didn’t grow up in smalltown, blue collar America, Bruce’s words will resonate you and echo in your mind.

The band’s instrumentals feel so complete, with nothing that could possibly be added, this album mastered the fusion of countless genres. Nobody else could combine the harmonica, organ, guitars, piano, even trumpets, quite like Bruce and his legendary E Street band. Hearing The Promised Land performed live remains the only time I was brought to tears at a concert.

Personal favourites include: Adam Raised a Cain, Prove It All Night, The Promised Land.

Wu-Tang Clan- Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)

Rough, rugged, and raw; these three words are often used to describe Wu-Tang's debut album, and no better words could be used.

This album can be interpreted in two ways, you either feel as though you are being verbally assaulted by 9 MCs, or, that you are part of their group, taking out your anger at the world in lyrical form.

I never gave hip hop much attention, but this undoubtably iconic album changed everything. From RZA’s dark and intense beats to ODB’s David Bowie-Esque eccentricity, this 9-man rap group comes at you hard with every song. In a group of nine, it is shocking that there is not one weak link, everyone brings something unique to the table and combine to create something magical.

Personal favourites include: Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang: 7^th Chamber Part II, Tearz.

GZA- Liquid swords (1995)

Sticking to the hip hop theme, and coming from the Wu-Tang's solo projects, the GZA created an album, so unbelievable, it remains in hip hop charts today.

Still featuring many of the Clan’s members, the album is almost a continuation of 36 chambers but levelled up. RZA’s beats on this album are in a completely new chamber, sticking with his iconic sampling but with a cleaner more developed sound.

The GZA himself is always considered the groups spiritual leader, and this shows in the lyrics of every song, going hand in hand with his unique flow that will leave you thinking about the universe. Impressive for a rap album. Listening to this in one sitting is done so easily, with the songs all linking with each other and matching themes.

Personal favourites include: Duel of the Iron Mic, 4^th Chamber, B.I.B.L.E