We all have those albums that we just love to put on the old turntable, CD player, or music streaming service and just get lost in immersion. Where the music transports our being to a different time, atmosphere, or cosmic alignment, so these are my top go-to albums.
In these album recommendations, I try to avoid well-known and popular albums that fly under the radar. I will hopefully add more albums as time goes on.
Hopefully, No Eye Rolling From My List
I know everybody has their different tastes and preferences but hopefully, my taste is decent enough not to repulse the general masses. I made this post to share my favorite beloved music. I tried to hit a bunch of different musical genres, as it is always a pleasure to find music that surprises and captures you.
So, hopefully, you find at least one album and make it your own.
My Top Go-To Albums
Mississippi Fred McDowell – I Do Not Play No Rock ‘n’ Roll (1969)
This is just “straight natural blues” that will move you. It’s a lively and generally upbeat blues album that will get you tapping to the beat. Fred often talks a little throughout the album and adds his thoughts.
I first heard this album in a small record store and had to ask the store owner who this was. Only to find out he didn’t have any for sale, so I had to order it online. I don’t believe this is currently in print, but you can purchase it on eBay or Discogs.
Fred McDowell is making his stand on what kind of music he plays, as evidenced by the title. If you like the blues, or maybe even if you don’t, you might still enjoy this album. I know I do.
Colin Hay – Going Somewhere – (2000)
Colin Hay is the former frontman of Men At Work. Colin has quite a few solo albums under his belt, but I believe this is his masterpiece. There are so many stacked good songs. This is just Colin playing guitar solo with his amazing, unique voice and touching lyrics.
I saw him in concert and even met him afterward. I asked him if he was ever going to release this album on vinyl (as it wasn’t at the time). He said, “I’ll think about it.” Regardless, two years later, he did on the 20th Anniversary of the album’s initial release date.
For this album, I highly recommend both the CD and the vinyl record. The CD has one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard, “I Don’t Know Why,” sung acapella live, and that isn’t included on the vinyl and highly recommended! The vinyl replaces “I Don’t Know Why” with “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You”(Radio Edit), another great song, though.
The Tumbled Sea – Songs Of The Tumbled Sea (2008)
The first few times I listened to this album, I cried, and I was even at work. So, yeah, that was weird. I was transitioning to a new job and just went through a really hard time in my life. I would classify this album as Modern Classical and Ambient.
This is such a beautiful album that really takes you on an inner journey. For me, this takes me back to childhood. It also kind of makes me sad when I listen to it, but in a good way…I guess. Beautiful and sad. Emily’s Song is the standout, but the whole album is great.
Not many people know about this album, and it is a real treasure. This was only released as a CD and as a 320 kbps MP3 back in 2008. This so needs to be released on vinyl, hopefully someday. Let’s hope! Sam Lee is the actual name of The Tumbled Sea, which was produced in Boston, Massachusetts.
Third Eye Blind – Third Eye Blind (1997)
This is Third Eye Blind’s debut album, and it is their best album, in my opinion. This is filled with chart-topping hits and uncharted gems as well. Stephen Jenkins’s songwriting and lyrics are amazing. Their lineup of members on this album is at its best, with guitarist Keven Cadegan. Who was later kicked out due to a drug problem.
I believe this album still holds up today. I enjoy the last four songs of the album the most: “I Want You,” “The Background,” “Motorcycle Drive By,” and “God of Wine.”
Allegri : Miserere -The Tallis Scholars (2007)
This totally surprised me as I don’t normally listen to this kind of music, but I allowed myself to step out of my comfort bubble and was blown away by the beauty of this music.
The musical genre is Classical Renaissance and is very outside my wheelhouse, and I am really uncomfortable talking about it as I know little to nothing about this genre. The music is churchy and sounds like it is sung in a great cathedral. Which really adds to the album’s wonderfulness.
This is what angels singing would sound like: beautiful and haunting. Maybe there is a better version of this being sung out there, but I don’t know.
John Frusciante – The Empyrean (2009)
I am a huge fan of John Frusciante, as I have almost all of his albums on vinyl. My favorite artist! Most people know him from being the on-and-off lead guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but his solo work is better, in my opinion. John considers himself more a songwriter than a guitarist. He is a pure artist in every sense of the word. He has had an exciting life, to say the least.
The presses of this record are all good and sound great.
The Empyrean is just one of many great albums by John. I highly recommend any of his early albums before he made the switch to electronic music (which I didn’t like as much). Other great albums by John are Curtains, To Record Water For Ten Days, Smile From The Streets You Hold, The Will To Death, Shadows Collide With People, Letur-Lufr, and the crazy album Niandra LaDes And Usually Just A T-Shirt.
Some of his newest electronic music is okay; I really enjoy the older stuff.
Robert Cray – Strong Persuader (1996)
I picked this record up around ten years ago, and I still want to put it on. Robert Cray is a blues artist with many records, but I think this might be his best. Every Robert Cray album will always have at least one good song.
This is just a solid album that delivers with lively guitar and engaging lyrics. I think the stand-out track is “I Wonder.”
What Are Your Recommendations? Love To Hear Your Recommendations!!!
What are your go-to albums? I would love to explore other people’s lists, as finding new great music is so rewarding. Please leave a comment below.
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