Music

 

1. Bocanada by Gustavo Cerati This is my favorite album of all time. Following the disbandment of the iconic Argentinian rock band Soda Stereo, lead vocalist and guitarist Gustavo Cerati became involved with several electronic-leaning bands (Plan V and Ocio) and additionally went through a phase as a DJ. With these experiences, he was influenced to write and make what some consider the magnum opus of his career: Bocanada. Bocanada is one of my favorite albums. It highlights Cerati’s ability to experiment with different music genres, something that was shown throughout his whole music career. Bocanada combines so many genres within it: rock, electronic, art, trip-hop, experimental, alternative, dream pop, neo-psychedelia, space. His use of samples within different songs are amazing, using a variety of intriguing ones from the Verve to the Spencer Davis Group to even Claude Debussy. With these amazing factors, along intriguing lyrics filled with imagery, this album has it all. This album is purely a masterpiece from an amazing/ingenious songwriter and one of the greatest guitarist Gustavo Cerati.

 

 

2. Madvillany by Madvillan 

An innovative album and collaboration between rapper/producer MF DOOM and DJ/producer Madlib. The combination of these two artists coming together results in one of the most innovative hip-hop albums ever created. MF DOOM delivers some of his most iconic lyrics with his clever, unpredictable lyrics, while Madlib arranges experimental, ecletic melodies and beats.

 

 

3. Artaud by Pescado Rabioso

Although Argentinam  band Pescado Rabioso were only together for a few years, their impact from the several albums they released were revolutionary. The album that gets the most apraisal is Artuad. The album was mostly a solo effort done by band leader and Argentinan legend Luis Alberto Spinetta. The songwriting talent of Spinetta flourishes on these album, both through his melody arrangements and lyrics. From beginning to end, the album is beautiful. It would go on to become one of the most influential Argentinian albums, influencing the current and next generation of Argentinian artists.   

                

 

4. A Seat at the Table by Solange

This 2016 album was the first album release from Solange in over eight years. It was released to commercial success and critical acclaim. A Seat at the Table explores themes of racial inequality, inner peace and independence. Genre-wise it explores several including neo soul, contemporary R&B, electronic and funk music. It is a very well-arranged album with several interludes that include monologues from people such as Solange's father. Through heart-felt lyrics and arrangements, it is one of my favorite albums. 

  

 

5. The Animal Years by Josh Ritter

In my opinion, this is Josh Ritter's masterpiece. Influenced by personal experiences and what he saw going on in the world such as the War in Iraq. The opening song, "Girl in the War" focuses on a young man's worries and inability to express how he feels about his lover's service in war. It is backed by beautifully arranged percussion, piano and organ. The album also takes a lot of influence from the life and writings of Mark Twain. A largely Americana and folk rock album, Josh Ritter does a great job in keeping the listener interested in the list of songs with elegant, reflective lyrics.     

                     

 

6. What's Going On by Marvin Gaye

This is one of the most impactful records I have ever listened to. The background behind the development of the album made me love it even more. Originally developed by Four Tops member Renaldo Benson after witnessing police brutality and violence in Berkeley, California.  He then discussed what he saw with songwriter Al Cleveland, who wrote a song based off of the experience. Benson  introduced the song to his group the Four Tops, but they felt it was too political. Cleveland then took the idea to Marvin Gaye who took the song and revised it. He wrote "What's Going On", influenced by 1965 Watts Riots he had witnessed and also letters he interchanged with his brother who reflected on his treatment after returning from the Vietnam War. Motown Records founder and record executive Berry Gordy dismissed the song when Marvin Gaye introduced the song to him, criticizing its jazz-influenced arrangment and for it having a political message. However, Marvin fought Motown executives to have it released. Once released, it was a huge success and became the fastest-selling single for Motown. Gordy then allowed Marvin to have full control over releasing an album based around the single if he did it under 30 days. Marvin did just that and released one of the greatest, if not the greatest, protest albums of all time. What's Going On focuses on racism, police brutality, climate change and desire for peace.