Top 15 Most Influential Albums (for Me)
A digs list of albums that have had the most impact on my musicianship and compositional style |
| 1 |  | Miles Davis
Kind of Blue
Kind of Blue is THE definitive jazz record in my opinion and not only has influenced my compositional preferences in jazz and rock but also my improvisational skills. Several listens are required for this to sink in to its full value, but when it does it is unforgettable. Perfect Miles. |
| 2 |  | King Crimson
In the Court of the Crimson King
Wow. Most people who have heard this will tell you that it is a unique trip that is simply unlike any other. The whole group defines a sound that isn't jazz or fusion or rock, but totally new. I love it and it has been one of my all-time favs. |
| 3 |  | Opeth
Ghost Reveries
This is an album that I never get tired of listening to. Its brutal, heavy, acoustic, melodic, soft, tranquil, fierce, etc. What an extreme package. It was my introduction to Opeth and to me just achieves something that other albums never do: chemistry and honesty. |
| 4 |  | Pink Floyd
Animals
This album is awesome. "Dogs" is my personal favorite, but the entire album is truly inspiring and insightful. Classic Rock or Prog fans, get this and try it out. |
| 5 |  | Dream Theater
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
This is an outstanding display of musicianship and compositional complexity. Regardless if you are a DT lover or hater, I still think that my music tastes have drastically changed after hearing this album. |
| 6 |  | Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin IV
This is a stellar record that was far beyond its time and deserves every bit of attention it gets. This album also has a lot more to it that originally presents itself, so keep listening. |
| 7 | | Bob Marley & the Wailers
Legend
This is supposed to be the most popular record in reggae; and for a good reason, its the bomb. It's a collection of Marley's best hits and some are just amazing and since it is a style of music that I rarely listen to, it is very enjoyable every time I listen to it. Definately a cool one to check out |
| 8 |  | Iron Maiden
Brave New World
Iron Maiden have a sound that is instantly recognizable, but tweak it slightly on each album. The sound on this is killer and although there are many great Maiden albums, this is in my top 3 at least. |
| 9 |  | Metallica
Master of Puppets
Even if you think Metallica has sold out, I still find their earlier works to be fantastic and I continually come back to them for ideas and for a great listening experience. It was hard to pick between their first three as a best album/ most influential. |
| 10 |  | Rush
Hemispheres
Rush has always been one of my favorites and whether it's playing covers in my group or listening to their epic musicians jam, they are fantastic. Hemispheres is a record that I take something new from every time I listen to it. "La Villa Strangiato" is totally wicked and is brilliant, imo, especially the 7/8 section. |
| 11 |  | Kamelot
The Black Halo
To me Kamelot is a lot more than just power metal and their music really just keeps me energetic and is hard to get super tired of. Both this and Epica are extremely great, even if I had to order Epica. *sigh* |
| 12 |  | Camel
Camel
This is a totally great progressive rock album that just really fits the style of music that I like most. It has extreme melodic highlights throughout and never fails to impress me that a band could construct this as their first album. |
| 13 | | Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tarkus
ELP is usually a love/hate band with fans; I love ELP almost all of the time. Brain Salad Surgery has some of my favorites on it but overall I believe that Tarkus is really a lot more present in my music when I write new songs. Not to mention my group has covered "Bitches Crystal" in a different arrangement so many times that it's just sweet. |
| 14 |  | Symphony X
The Divine Wings of Tragedy
Complete with a Symphony X masterpiece, this is definately one of their greats. This album really has changed how I see a lot of different types of metal and is a favorite of mine in the progressive metal category. |
| 15 |  | Thrice
The Alchemy Index Vols. III and IV...
This record has such a less-is-more feeling and it works brilliantly. There is so much more emotionally to this music than if you simply take the music at face value. What an amazing creation. This sound stays ever-present when I solo or write new things. A must have for the laid-back listener. |
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