100 Albums That Changed Popular Music

Whether on vinyl or MP3, the album has become an integral part of our cultural history. This book tells the stories behind the most groundbreaking, influential, and often controversial albums ever recorded. Among the featured: Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys), What's Going On (Marvin Gay), London Calling (The Clash), No Fences (Garth Brooks), and The Chronic (Dr. Dre). Narrative chapters in this chronologically organized volume describe how the albums reflected the political, social, and economic culture of the era. Individual entries discuss the albums' histories, the inspiration behind their creation, and why they continue to stand the test of time.

So much more than another best-ever roundup, here you'll find the reasons why these 100 albums deserve recognition for the way in which they transformed music. Incisive, expert commentary on the stand-out albums from the bands and performers that really turned things on their head: from Bob Dylan to the Sex Pistols, and from Miles Davis to Marvin Gaye.

Chris Smith tells the fascinating stories behind the most groundbreaking, influential, and often controversial albums ever recorded.

VH1's 100 Greatest Albums television series sparked much debate about the accuracy of its list, but it was a great guide for any serious or casual music fan as to which albums should be staples in any record collection. As a book, the 100 Greatest Albums will be the perfect reference for building a substantive and thorough collection, as well as just being an entertaining read about some of the most important works ever created in music history. The book follows the order of the list, starting at 100 and working towards number one. Each album is discussed thoroughly across a two-page spread and each spread will include; an image of the album cover, the year of release, the record label, production and engineering credits, band members and instruments played, appropriate quote or quotes about the album from other artists, an essay that gives context to the album by examining its historical significance and detailing what makes the album unique by diving into the songs.

Which hundred albums have had the biggest impact on music in their time? Which of them have really changed things? And what, if you haven't heard them already are the 500 songs that you simply have to hear? Immediately, a hundred lists will form in a hundred minds, but here you'll find incisive, expert commentary from an array of expert music writers on the stand-out albums by the bands and performers who really turned things on their head: from Bob Dylan to the Sex Pistols, and from Marvin Gaye to Dr Dre. What exactly was the alchemy that the Beatles produced which so profoundly altered popular music in the 60s? How should we understand the impact and lasting significance of albums like Grievous Angel, Never Mind the Bollocks, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars? Book jacket.

Discover the music that influenced some of the biggest stars in Music history in 10 Albums That Changed My Life, a personal, insightful and gloriously illustrated look at the music that matters the most to the artists who matter the most to you. More than a hundred musicians invite you backstage, each revealing in their own words the 10 albums that influenced their lives, their music and their futures. Artists from Punk to Classic Rock, British Invasion to Pop, and Heavy Metal to Modern Rock take the stage in this sonic coming-of-age adventure. With more than 1,000 albums illustrated and profiled, 10 Albums That Changed My Life shares wonderfully intimate perspectives and surprising selections. Consider Henry Rollins, the legendary front man for punk's Black Flag. Slipped into his list of heavy rockers, you'll find The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hair. "I had this record in 4th or 5th grade. It was my mother's. I knew it was subversive and I probably shouldn't be listening to it and that's what made it irresistible to me. Besides, there is some great songwriting and performances on this album," Rollins says. From the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band to Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here, Rolling Stone's Exile on Main Street to The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, Flatt & Scruggs The Original Sound to Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced, the book is packed with classics and cool revelations. Featuring a Foreword by Rock And Roll Hall of Fame artist Nancy Wilson of Heart, 10 Albums That Changed My Life is a fun and fabulous page-turner, tuning into the music that made a difference. And still does.

This one-of-a-kind reference investigates the music and the musicians that set the popular trends of the last half century in America. Many rock fans have, at one time or another, ranked their favorite artists in order of talent, charisma, and musical influence on the world as they see it. In this same spirit, author and music historian David V. Moskowitz expands on the concept of "top ten" lists to provide a lineup of the best 100 musical groups from the past 60 years. Since the chosen bands are based on the author's personal taste, this two-volume set provokes discussion of which performers are included and why, offering insights into the surprising influences behind them. From the Everly Brothers, to the Ramones, to Public Enemy, the work covers a wide variety of styles and genres, clearly illustrating the connections between them. Entries focus on the group's history, touring, membership, major releases, selected discography, bibliography, and influence. Contributions from leading scholars in popular music shed light on derivative artists and underscore the overall impact of the performers on the music industry.