If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to check out this guide to the best social science of musical genres.
Table of Contents
The Beatles, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”
It would be difficult to overestimate the impact of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on both music and popular culture. The album was a game-changer in so many ways, not the least of which was its bold and innovative use of studio production techniques. It sounded like nothing that had come before, and it influenced countless subsequent recordings.
The Beatles were at the peak of their powers when they made Sgt. Pepper, and they took full advantage of the creative freedom afforded them by their newfound status as international superstars. They were able to experiment in the studio without having to worry about whether or not the results would be commercially viable, and the result is an album that is both timeless and ahead of its time.
The songs on Sgt. Pepper are uniformly excellent, with classics like “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Getting Better,” and “A Day in the Life” standing out as some of the best work the Beatles ever did. But it’s the album as a whole that is truly impressive, as it hangs together perfectly from start to finish.
There has been much speculation over the years as to what exactly Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is supposed to represent. Is it a concept album? A statement about fame and celebrity? A commentary on the state of the world in 1967? Whatever it is, it’s one of the most important and influential albums ever made, and it remains as fresh and relevant today as it did 50 years ago.
Michael Jackson, “Thriller”
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is one of the most popular and well-known albums of all time. It has sold over 100 million copies and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album features some of Jackson’s most iconic songs, including “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, and the title track, “Thriller”. “Thriller” also won eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Critics have praised “Thriller” for its innovative blend of pop, rock, R&B, and disco. Jackson’s vocal performance and the album’s production have been singled out as particularly impressive. In addition to its commercial success, “Thriller” is widely considered to be one of the greatest albums ever made.
Pink Floyd, “The Dark Side of the Moon”
The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 1 March 1973 by Harvest Records. It built on ideas explored in the band’s earlier recordings and live shows, but without a conceptual thread. The record thematically explores human mental illness, the way mental illness can influence perception, and time. The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, topping record charts in several countries including the US Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart for a then-record 15 weeks, and remained in that position for 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988. With an estimated 45 million copies sold worldwide, it is Pink Floyd’s most commercially successful album and one of the best-selling worldwide.
The album was one of Pink Floyd’s first to use synthesizers. Wright used an ARP Pro Soloist while Mason also used a Mellotron, which created string and flute sounds. Gilmour used a Binson Echorec delay pedal for his guitar solo on “Eclipse”. Engineer Alan Parsons was responsible for many sonic aspects and the recruitment of concertmaster Brian Gascoigne for orchestral parts. The iconic cover image was designed by Storm Thorgerson, who would work with Pink Floyd extensively in the following years.
“Speak to Me”/”Breathe”
The opening track “Speak to Me” features only heartbeat sound effects and breathing, which segues into “Breathe”, one of the most popular tracks from the album. The song is based around a simple three-chord progression and features Roger Waters’ lead vocals. The lyrics deal with the basic struggles of human life and how we try to cope with them.
“On the Run”
“On the Run” is an instrumental track that features heavy use of synthesizers and sound effects. It is one of the most experimental tracks on the album and was reportedly difficult to record due to its complex nature. The track is said to represent the chaotic nature of life and how we are always running from something.
“Time”
“Time” is one of the most popular tracks on the album and features some of Pink Floyd’s most iconic lyrics. The song is about how time seems to move faster as we get older and how we can never get it back once it’s gone. The ticking clock sound effect is said to represent the passage of time. The song features a number of different time signatures and changes key several times throughout its 6:53 runtime.
“The Great Gig in the Sky”
“The Great Gig in the Sky” is an instrumental track that features heavily on keyboards and piano. The track is said to represent death and how we all have to face it sooner or later. It features some of Richard Wright’s most beautiful keyboard work and has been praised by many critics as one of the best tracks on the album.
“Money”
“Money” is one of Pink Floyd’s most famous tracks and is often cited as their best work. The song is a satire on materialism and how people are obsessed with money. The cash register sound effects and jingling coins are said to represent the greediness of humans. The song features a number of different time signatures and changes key several times throughout its 6:21 runtime.
“Us and Them”
“Us and Them” is one of the more political tracks on the album and deals with the divisions between rich and poor, black and white, etc. The track is said to represent how we are all just humans despite our differences. It features some of Roger Waters’ best lyrics on the album and has a very catchy chorus.
Led Zeppelin, “Led Zeppelin IV”
Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin IV” is one of the most important and influential albums in rock history. Released in 1971, it featured the band’s most popular song, “Stairway to Heaven.” The album was a commercial and critical success, selling over 37 million copies worldwide. It has been cited as one of the greatest albums of all time by numerous publications.
The Rolling Stones, “Exile on Main St.”
The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.” is a classic album, and one of the most important and influential records of all time. It’s a double album, with a total of 22 tracks, that was released in 1972. The album was recorded in England, France, and the United States, and it features some of the most iconic and popular songs in the history of rock music, including “Tumbling Dice,” “All Down the Line,” “Happy,” and “Rocks Off.” “Exile on Main St.” is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, and it is certainly one of the most essential recordings in the Rolling Stones’ catalogue.
Bob Dylan, “Blonde on Blonde”
Blonde on Blonde is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on May 16, 1966 by Columbia Records. Recording sessions took place in New York and Nashville in October and November 1965. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, reaching gold status in 1967.
The double album was Dylan’s attempt—in his words—”to do them right this time”—after the controversial Bringing It All Back Home, which featured electric instruments on only half of the tracks. Many critics consider Blonde on Blonde to be one of Dylan’s greatest achievements and one of the finest albums in rock music history. In 2003, the album was ranked No. 9 in Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.
Blonde on Blonde spawned two singles that were top-twenty hits in the US: “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and “I Want You”. Like its predecessor, Highway 61 Revisited, Blonde on Blonde was a critical and commercial success. It peaked at #3 in the US, #4 in the UK, and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.
The Beach Boys, “Pet Sounds”
The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” is one of the most influential and important albums in popular music history. Released in 1966, it has been cited as an influence by everyone from The Beatles to David Bowie to modern-day superstars like Kanye West. It is considered one of the best albums of all time by many critics and fans alike, and its impact on music cannot be overstated.
“Pet Sounds” is a masterpiece of songwriting, arrangement, and production, and features some of the Beach Boys’ most beloved songs, including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Sloop John B,” and “God Only Knows.” The album was a commercial and critical success upon its release, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and receiving rave reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone and NME.
In the years since its release, “Pet Sounds” has only grown in stature, and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made. If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out – you won’t be disappointed.
Nirvana, “Nevermind”
Nirvana’s Nevermind is one of the most influential and important albums of the last 30 years, and changed the face of popular music. It’s a record that is as fresh and relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1991. There’s a reason why this album has been hailed as a classic, and it’s because it truly is one of the best rock albums ever made.
Nevermind is an album that captures the zeitgeist of its time perfectly. It’s a record that is angry, frustrated, and full of angst. But it’s also an album that is full of hope, and has an underlying message of positivity. This is an album that speaks to the disaffected youth of the early 1990s, and provides them with a voice.
The album opens with the iconic track “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record. This is a song about teenage rebellion, and it’s a perfect anthem for anyone who feels like they’re not being heard. The song is catchy, yet angry, and it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being lost and alone.
“In Bloom” is another standout track on the album, and is a perfect example of Nirvana’s ability to write catchy hooks whilst still maintaining their edge. This is a song about conformity, and how society expects everyone to fit into pre-determined roles. It’s a song that will resonate with anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit in.
“Come As You Are” is another track that perfectly captures the feeling of being lost and alone. This is a song about accepting yourself for who you are, and not trying to be someone you’re not. It’s a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today.
“Lithium” is a song about mental illness, and how difficult it can be to deal with. It’s a candid look at something that is often taboo, and it’s refreshing to see someone like Kurt Cobain being so open about something so personal.
“Heart-Shaped Box” is one of the most beautiful tracks on the album, and is proof that Nirvana were more than just a one-dimensional band. This is a song about love and loss, and how sometimes those two things can be intertwined. It’s a sad but beautiful song, and one that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
“Pennyroyal Tea” is another candid look at mental illness, this time from the perspective of someone who is struggling to cope. It’s a frank and honest look at what it’s like to live with mental illness, and how hard it can be to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
“Rape Me” is a controversial track, but one that needs to be heard. This is a song about sexual assault, and how those who have been through such an ordeal often feel trapped and alone. It’s a difficult listen, but an important one.
“Dumb” is a sweet and simple love song, which contrasts sharply with the darkness of some of the other tracks on the album. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be moments of light.
“All Apologies” is the perfect closer to the album, and sums up everything that Nirvana were trying to say with Nevermind. This is a song about accepting yourself for who you are, even if you don’t fit into society’s expectations. It’s an uplifting message, and one that we all need to hear from time to time.
Nevermind is an essential album for anyone who loves rock music. It’s an important record that changed the face of popular music forever. If you haven’t listened to it yet, then you need to rectify that immediately!
David Bowie, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”
It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” It is not only one of the greatest albums of all time, it is also one of the most influential. Upon its release in 1972, it completely changed the way that popular music was made and perceived. It ushered in a new era of creativity and experimentation, and its impact is still being felt today.
“The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” is a concept album about an alien rock star who comes to Earth to save it from destruction. The album tells the story of Ziggy’s rise to fame and eventual fall from grace, and features some of Bowie’s most iconic songs, including “Ziggy Stardust,” “Suffragette City,” and “Starman.”
The album was met with critical acclaim upon its release, and has since been ranked by numerous publications as one of the greatest albums of all time. It is also notable for its innovative use of sound and production techniques, which were far ahead of their time.
In short, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” is a masterpiece, and one of the most important albums ever made. If you haven’t heard it, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
The Clash, “London Calling”
London Calling is the third studio album by English punk rock band the Clash. It was released on 14 December 1979 through CBS Records in the United Kingdom and on 25 January 1980 through Epic Records in the United States. The album represented a change in the band’s musical style, featuring elements of ska, R&B, pop, and jazz. London Calling was a commercial and critical success; it reached number nine on the Billboard 200 chart in the US and was certified platinum there. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it at number eight on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The Clash began recording London Calling at Wessex Studios in Islington, north London, in August 1979. To record their album, the band hired Guy Stevens, who had worked with them on their previous album Give ‘Em Enough Rope. The sessions were difficult for Stevens as he often clashed with lead singer Joe Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon. The tension between Stevens and the band led to his firing from the project, and control of the album was given to engineer Bill Price. The album was completed in November 1979.
London Calling features a diverse range of genres, including punk rock, ska, reggae, rockabilly, pop, jazz, and blues. The title track is a doo-wop-influenced song that tells the story of two lovers meeting near Battersea Power Station. “Brand New Cadillac” is a rockabilly song that features guest vocals from Vince Taylor. “Jimmy Jazz” is a reggae-influenced song that features a horn section. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” is a ska song that was co-written by Roddy Radiation of The Specials. “Death or Glory” is a punk rock song that deals with the pressures of working-class life. “Koka Kola” is an advertisement for the Coca-Cola company that was recorded without permission from the company. “The Card Cheat” is a piano-driven ballad that deals with gambling addiction.
The album artwork for London Calling was designed by Ray Lowry and shows Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar against the stage during a show at The Palladium in New York City on 21 September 1979. The image has become one of the most iconic images in rock music history.
Critical reception
London Calling received acclaim from music critics upon its release. In a contemporary review for NME, Tony Stewart praised the album as “the work of mature men safe in the knowledge that they are still capable of making great popular music”. Robert Christgau wrote in The Village Voice that London Calling is “the best album ever made by anybody”, calling it “an argument for rock as pop”. Christgau later named it the best album of 1979 in his year-end list for the publication. In 2005, London Calling was voted number one in Mojo’s 100 Greatest Albums Ever poll. In 2006, Q placed London Calling at number two in its list of “40 Best Albums of the ’80s”. In 2007, Time named London Calling the best album of all time, calling it “a perfect album… timeless”. In 2012, Rolling Stone ranked it at number four on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time