Pink Floyd – ‘Dark Side of the Moon’

The influence and reputation of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is unquestionable. This is one of the most iconic, well crafted works of art ever produced. This album has stood the test of time, in part due to the sheer brilliance of sound engineer Alan Parsons. One of the hallmark features of the LP is it’s consistent flow, and the effect of each track ‘bleeding’ into the next, creating seamless transition between consecutive songs.

Personal highlights for me are the enchanting, lyric-less ‘Great Gig in the Sky’, and the iconic conclusion medley of ‘Brain Damage’ and ‘Eclipse’.

21 Savage – ‘Savage Mode’

Savage Mode’s executive producer, Metro Boomin, seamlessly combines sinister, ambient sound design with aggressive Atlanta-style trap percussion to introduce a totally new, raw eerie sound to US trap rap music. This coupled with 21 Savage’s laidback, almost lethargic flow culminates in a truly authentic trap rap album.

My highlight tracks are ‘Savage Mode’ and ‘No Heart’.

Bob Marley & The Wailers – ‘Exodus’

Exodus was produced and recorded in the aftermath of an attempt on Bob Marley’s life. Although not directly referenced in the album, the laid-back energy and mellow, reflective lyricism of Marley give the impression of an artist simply happy to be alive. The beauty of this album is Marley’s talent to maintain this laid-back, typical reggae feel, whilst touching on deep, societal issues, and promoting protest and demonstration and the spreading of love, harmony and passion, as opposed to war and fighting.

Personal highlights for me are ‘Jamming’ and ‘Turn your lights down low’.

Dr. Dre – ‘2001’

Throughout 2001, Dr Dre intends to immerse the listener in his LA soundscape: complete with bullet ricochets, helicopters whirring and even skits. The album portrays a dark portrait of life in L.A. in 2001, dealing with issues such as paranoia, police brutality and sex. Dre used this project as an opportunity to reinvent himself and his sound, and consequently inspired the progression of Hip Hop through the noughties.

My personal highlights are ‘Forgot about Dre’ and ‘Xxxplosive’.

Gorillaz – ‘Demon Days’

‘Demon Days’ is a masterful blend of comical, cartoonish processed vocals and synthesisers, coupled with a polished mix of commercial electronic, hip hop `and rock elements. The result is an eclectic, almost humorous, yet cohesive project. I fell in love with this album immediately; fast forward 16 years, and tracks from this album remain staples within my playlists.

My personal highlights are ‘Feel Good Inc’ and ‘Dirty Harry’.