If you’re a music lover, you know that there are endless genres to choose from. But which ones are the best? Here are the 10 best neotraditional musical genres of 2023!
Table of Contents
The Beatles – Abbey Road
The Beatles – Abbey Road Review
If you are a fan of The Beatles, then this album is definitely a must-have. All of the classic songs are here, including “Come Together”, “Something”, and of course “Abbey Road”. This album is a classic for a reason, and it’s great to see it finally being released on CD.
The sound quality on this CD is excellent. The songs have been remastered, and they sound better than ever. The Beatles were always ahead of their time when it came to recording technology, and this album is no exception. The CD sounds fantastic, and it’s great to be able to hear the songs the way they were meant to be heard.
If you’re a fan of The Beatles, then you need to add this album to your collection. It’s an essential part of any Beatles fan’s collection, and it sounds better than ever on CD.
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
On March 1st, 1973, Pink Floyd released what is arguably their most popular and influential album, “The Dark Side of the Moon”. The album was an instant success, reaching number one on the Billboard charts and staying there for 741 weeks (a record that still stands today). “The Dark Side of the Moon” is a concept album that explores the human condition, with each song representing a different aspect of life. The album’s iconic cover art, featuring a black triangle superimposed over a photograph of the band members taken by Hipgnosis, is now one of the most recognizable images in music history.
“The Dark Side of the Moon” is a masterfully crafted work of art that has stood the test of time. The album’s themes of mental illness, greed, and death are as relevant today as they were when the album was first released. The band’s innovative use of synthesizers and sound effects creates an otherworldly atmosphere that draws the listener in. Pink Floyd’s performance on the album is impeccable, with each member playing to their strengths. David Gilmour’s guitar work is silky smooth, while Richard Wright’s keyboards add an ethereal quality to the songs. Nick Mason’s drumming is understated but effective, and Roger Waters’ bass playing is rock solid. The band’s use of sound effects and tape loops creates an immersive experience that is unlike anything else in music.
“The Dark Side of the Moon” is an essential album for any music fan. It is a timeless classic that has influenced countless artists and continues to be one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Led Zeppelin – IV
Led Zeppelin’s fourth album is a masterpiece. There’s not a weak track on it, and it has some of their best-known songs, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Black Dog,” and “When the Levee Breaks.” It’s also one of their most eclectic albums, with folk, blues, and rock influences all present. This is Led Zeppelin at their peak, and it’s one of the greatest albums of all time.
Michael Jackson – Thriller
When I first heard Thriller, I was maybe 10 years old. My brother had the cassette and I remember being so fascinated by the artwork; I would stare at it for hours trying to make sense of the images. I was too young to really understand what was going on in the music, but I loved it anyway. There was something about the way Michael Jackson moved that was just so captivating.
Now, nearly 30 years later, I finally understand what all the fuss was about. Thriller is simply a masterpiece. From the opening bass line of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” to the last haunting notes of “Beat It”, this album is a tour de force of pop music. Jackson’s voice is in peak form here, and he is backed by some of the best musicians in the business. The result is an album that is both timeless and completely of its time.
The title track is, of course, the centerpiece of the album, and it is a perfect example of why Jackson was such a groundbreaking artist. The song is a perfect blend of pop, R&B, and rock, with a dash of horror movie camp thrown in for good measure. It is simultaneously catchy and creepy, and it perfectly captures the feeling of being caught up in a nightmare.
If I had to choose one word to describe Thriller, it would be “essential”. This is an album that everyone should own. It is a true work of art, and it deserves to be celebrated as one of the greatest albums of all time.
AC/DC – Back in Black
There is no mistaking the sound of AC/DC. For more than four decades, they have been one of the most influential rock bands in the world. With their uncompromising brand of hard rock, they have sold more than 200 million albums and inspired generations of guitarists.
Their 1980 album, Back in Black, is their biggest selling album of all time, with more than 50 million copies sold worldwide. It is also one of the most popular rock albums ever made, and is regularly cited as a major influence by other artists.
The album was recorded in just six weeks after the death of original lead singer Bon Scott. His replacement, Brian Johnson, stepped into the role admirably, and the band went on to achieve even greater success with this album.
The title track is perhaps the most well-known song from the album, and is a staple of classic rock radio stations around the world. The song is a tribute to Scott, and features some of Angus Young’s most iconic guitar work.
Other standout tracks include “You Shook Me All Night Long”, “Hells Bells”, and “Have a Drink on Me”. The album is full of hard-hitting rock songs that are sure to get your blood pumping.
If you’re a fan of AC/DC, or if you’re just looking for a great rock album to add to your collection, then Back in Black is essential listening.
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St.
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. Review
The Rolling Stones are considered by many to be one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. They have been around for over 50 years and have released some of the most iconic and influential music in history. One of their most famous and well-loved albums is Exile on Main St., which was originally released in 1972.
Exile on Main St. is often cited as one of the greatest rock albums ever made, and it is easy to see why. The album is a double album that features some of the best songs the Stones have ever recorded. It is a perfect example of their signature sound, which is a mix of blues, rock, and country. The album features some of the band’s most famous songs, such as “Tumbling Dice,” “Happy,” and “All Down the Line.”
If you are a fan of the Rolling Stones, then you need to own this album. It is an essential part of their discography and is a must-have for any fan of classic rock.
Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks
(https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Tracks-Bob-Dylan/dp/1579129580)
It is impossible to overstate the importance of Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. Released in 1975, the album marked a major creative and commercial comeback for Dylan after a period of relative obscurity in the early 1970s. Blood on the Tracks is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s finest albums, and its impact on popular music cannot be overestimated.
The album was recorded in New York City in September 1974, with Dylan working with a group of musicians that included bassist Tony Brown, drummer Howie Wyeth, and guitarist Eric Weissberg. The sessions were difficult, as Dylan was clearly struggling with personal issues, and he later admitted that he was “going through a very weird time” when he wrote the songs. Nevertheless, the album’s 10 tracks are among the most intimate and emotionally powerful of Dylan’s career.
The centerpiece of Blood on the Tracks is “Tangled Up in Blue,” a multi-verse tour de force that finds Dylan reflecting on a failed relationship from multiple perspectives. It is one of Dylan’s most complex and enigmatic compositions, and it remains one of his most beloved songs. Other highlights include “Simple Twist of Fate,” “Shelter from the Storm,” and “You’re a Big Girl Now,” all of which rank among Dylan’s very best work.
Blood on the Tracks was an immediate commercial and critical success upon its release, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning rave reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone, Time, and Newsweek. In the years since, the album has only grown in stature, and it is now widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time.
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of Ziggy Stardust in the history of rock music. As one of the first concept albums, it not only changed the way that rock albums were made, but also had a massive impact on popular culture and fashion. The story of Ziggy Stardust, an alien rock star who comes to Earth to spread a message of peace and love, is one of the most iconic and influential stories in rock music. The album itself is a classic, with some of Bowie’s best-known songs, including “Ziggy Stardust,” “Suffragette City,” and “Starman.” The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is an essential album for any fan of rock music.
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
The title track of Bruce Springsteen’s third album is an anthem for every dreamer who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances. Springsteen’s working-class characters are desperate to break free from the dead-end jobs and small-town lives they were born into, and “Born to Run” is their collective rallying cry. The song starts with a simple, anthemic melody that gradually builds to a crescendo of explosive guitars and drums. Springsteen’s lyrics perfectly capture the frustration, hope, and determination of his characters, and his impassioned vocal performance is nothing short of exhilarating.
“Born to Run” is the perfect embodiment of everything that makes Springsteen great: his ability to capture the struggles of everyday people, his gift for writing catchy melodies, and his passion for rock & roll. It’s no wonder the song has become an enduring classic, and it remains one of Springsteen’s most beloved songs.
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
It would be hard to overestimate the impact that Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” had upon its release in early 1977. It was a commercial juggernaut, spending 31 weeks at #1 on the Billboard album chart and ultimately selling over 45 million copies worldwide, making it the fifth biggest selling album of all time. It also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while its singles “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” were both huge hits. In retrospect, it’s easy to see why “Rumours” was such a phenomenon, as it perfectly captured the zeitgeist of its time.
The album was recorded during a tumultuous period in the band’s history, as guitarist/vocalist Lindsey Buckingham and bassist/vocalist Stevie Nicks were in the midst of a bitter breakup, while drummer Mick Fleetwood was going through a divorce. Despite the personal turmoil, the band managed to channel their emotions into some of their best music. “Rumours” is a masterclass in songwriting, with each member of the band contributing several outstanding tracks. Buckingham is responsible for some of the album’s most memorable moments, including the anthemic opener “Second Hand News” and the seething “Go Your Own Way.” Nicks’ contributions are equally impressive, with the gorgeous ballad “Dreams” being her standout moment. Elsewhere, Christine McVie delivers the beautiful “Songbird” and “You Make Loving Fun,” while Mick Fleetwood’s drumming propels the whole thing along.
There’s not a weak track on “Rumours,” which is one of the reasons why it remains such an essential listen all these years later. If you’re looking for a perfect snapshot of 1970s pop/rock music, this is it.