Musing Monday: My Top 5 Albums of All Time

 

By Nick Gibson

So I like music. Yeah I’m sooooo original. But seriously though, music is a big part of my life. I am almost always listening to something. Whether it be doing chores, working whatever writing projects I got going on, or just doing...well anything.

Over the years, like anyone else, I’ve developed a few favorites. This where I will produce the thing every person on the internet loves: Lists. I hope you all enjoy reading my top six albums of all time.

Each of these albums I can and have listened to multiple times, front and back. Not only that but the music on them has resonated with me in some way.

3 Doors Down-The Better Life

 

Starting off this list is the album that literally defined my high school years. I would listen to it on the bus when I was transported in between schools. Every day I’d listen to this on my portable cd player. I eventually listened to it so much that I was able to tell the time just by how far into the album was at any given moment.

Beyond nostalgia, it’s just honestly a very good collection of songs. Of course the stand out track is Kryptonite, the evergreen ode to Superman. Besides that obviously good song, some other stand out tracks are:

Be Like That

 

A 90’s fueled fever dream of grandeur that you most likely remember from American Pie 2.

Duck and Run

 

 An eternal fuck you to all those people that doubt you. It’s just a good solid album.

Evanescence-Fallen

 

Another one of my high school favorites. Like most people my age, I was suckered in by the sheer talent of vocalist Amy Lee. A woman whose talents far outstrip the fame it has brought her.

What I really enjoy about this one is the rather unique mix of Metal/Electronic. A sound not often heard. So little this very band would go in a different direction with the very next album.

Most people only know this band for the song “Bring Me To Life” and while that song is indeed a banger, there are many others that don’t get the love they deserve.

Tourniquet

 

 Epic is really the only way to describe what you would be hearing. In this track Amy cries out in pain. Religious themes abound. Fun fact, Evanescence was thought to be a christian rock band when Fallen was first released. Even going so far as to be stocked at Christian Book stores. It didn’t last long but still a funny standout story. I personally feel like this song heavily contributed to it.

Haunted

 

You are in for a creepy time when you listen to this one. Not much more to say other it’s just really good. Take a listen and see for yourself.

Daft Punk-Tron Legacy Soundtrack

 

Some people may prefer the original but for me “Tron Legacy” is where it’s at. A thrill ride from start to finish. It’s sound track being one of the main elements. The way action is timed with the beats is something only Eager Wright has managed to achieve. (Go watch Baby Driver if you to get an idea of what I mean. Plus it’s just a damn good movie)

This one doesn’t have a stand out track per se. Derezzed would be the closest to fit that bill. I do love that song but there are two others that I love even more.

End of Line

 

 The Ultimate Walking theme. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into a place with this song playing in my ears. Walking along to the beat just manages to give my stride a certain sense of confidence.

The Grid

 

Literally the intro to the entire movie. This track manages to both set up the world and send chills down your spine. All at the same time!

Nirvana-Unplugged In New York

 

So I’m a huge fan of Nirvana. It’s literally my favorite band of all time. I own all of their major releases. To me, this one in particular stands head and shoulders above the rest. A certain honesty pervades the entire thing. It’s like your out with your friends. That is, if your friends were world class musicians playing you some of the greatest hits of the era.

There really isn’t a stand out track. The entire albums is just that good. But I owe you wonderful two of my favorite tracks so here we go.

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

 

 The literally show stopper, as the final song of the night Kurt definitely went out on a high note. Giving an emotion fueled performance that left even the hardest person shaken.

Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam

 

Yes another cover. This one is just simply beautiful. Bassist Krist Novoselic adds his skill with an accordion to take the song to an entire new level.

Linkin Park-Metora

 

Closing out this list is another childhood favorite of mine. I actually still have my original copy. It’s beaten to hell and back but it still plays like the Christmas night I got it. Practically every song I can relate to in some how.

The song is “Breaking The Habit” is undoubtedly the most well known song. I could name the entire album but instead I’ll just give you the usual two.

Numb

 

A song that is deeply important to me. With a message of wanting one thing and and your parents wanted something completely different. This is a song that I would send to people if I needed to sum up my relationship with my parents.

Somewhere I Belong

 

This song also has a deep meaning for me. For obvious reasons, it’s a song that talks about walking through life, searching for “the place you belong”. Sometimes when I need to vent I’ll pop this song and and just jam.

So there’s my list. What did you think? What are you’re favorite albums? Sound off in the comments below.