Welcome to my world. There’s a quote that states that music is the the connection to someone’s soul and that is the ultimate truth. The impact that music has had on me is indescribable. From the tonality, the moods along with the subject, music and fashion is a creative combination. For a long time I have wanted to write about how music has influenced my dressing for a long time, but I also knew that there had to be a certain sense of timing with the discussion. All 40 of these albums through the years have had an impact on my way of dressing, confidence along with a sense of style. So look no further due because here they are. Enjoy!
40. The Writing’s On The Wall (Destiny’s Child; Columbia)
Oh how I miss this era of R&B music. I played this record almost everyday after school. This is the breakthrough album from the talented Destiny’s Child. From hits like Say My Name, Jumpin Jumpin to Bills Bills Bills, Beyonce and her gang taught young girls and women that it’s okay to speak your mind while keeping your energy graceful. Miss Yonce is killing the cornrow game.
39.Spice (Spice Girls; Virgin)
This is probably one of the first albums that I had listened to This blockbuster album from The Spice Girls created an impact all on it’s own. This was effect of the girl power era and they seemed irreplaceable… until Ginger Spice ruined it all (one of the worst times for music). This also created a franchise which included products like school rulers, erasers, a movie, posters and of course the dolls. I had owned Sporty Spice, Baby Spice and Scary Spice.
38. One In a Million (Aaliyah; Blackground/Atlantic )
One In A Million is an album that changed the game for R&B and pop music. Aaliyah, who was 17 years old at the time had some powerhouse producers (Timbaland) and writers (Missy Elliott) combined. The trio created the ultimate musical magic. Aaliyah’s crop-tops, tom-boy chicness along with her hair were iconic. Remember the one eye style?
37. Goodies (Ciara; Shonuff/LaFace/Zomba)
They didn’t call Ciara the Princess of Crunk n B for nothing. Even though the music is in the past, this genre of music has helped to establish trap music. Some people forget that Miss CiCi was as hood as hood got and I loved every bit of the ghetto chicness. From beginning to end this album had the bursts of energy helping to make Ciara more than just a one hit wonder. From songs like Goodies, One Two Step and Oh, this all brings me memories of when I was waking up, working out, then getting ready for high school. Time goes way too fast. P.S. who else imitated that dance on the car in the song Oh?
36. Rated R (Rihanna; Def Jam)
This list would not be complete if I did not have at least one of Rihanna’s albums. Rated R has to be by far the pop singer’s most emotional record to date. Having been released right after the abuse altercations from ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, this heartfelt and triumphant album inspires woman all over the world… plus you can still be fearless while expressing your creativity. The vocals are another huge improvement by RiRi. You can definitely hear the anger and frustration in some of the lyrics. Russian Roulette and Cold Case Love are by far her best tracks on the album. Her style back then reminded my of the legendary fashionista Grace Jones with the tapered hair along with her padded shoulders. Absolutely fierce.
35. Good Girl Gone Bad (Rihanna; Def Jam)
I can’t believe this album was released almost 10 years ago! It’s the album that made me recognize Rihanna in an innovative light. From her black short bob to her standout fashion style, the year 2007 was a breakout year for Rihanna when coming to trends. Of course I have to mention the hits… umbrella… ella… ella. This is still stuck in my head.
34. ANTI (Rihanna; Westbury Road/Roc Nation)
This is Rihanna’s most recent work after a four year hiatus. She wanted to create something new and different from her past albums. What I love is the fast that the songstress did not have a lot of dance songs which is what Rihanna is known for. Her electric style has matched the more alternative R&B that was projected on this album. In her hit video, Work, she combined the Caribbean culture along with her fashion, plus less I forget short-term boyfriend Drake.
33. Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morrisette; Maverick/Reprise) /(My Life (Mary J Blige; Uptown)
It’s the angry white lady meets the angry black woman. I mean this in the finest sense. I truly believe that passion feeds the creativity best. When you are feeling mad, happy, depressed or whatever the emotion, it just feels more organic through art. These two albums are masterpieces. Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill sets the tone of what is real and what needs to be discussed in this rock album. Mary J Blige’s My Life heals due to just relating to her message. The hip hop diva influenced many women, men and teens alike due to the fact that this record was an expression of pain, you hear this through her voice. You hear it through both of the records.
32. Ashanti (sophomore album by Ashanti; Murder Inc./Def Jam)
Ashanti was a start of a new era. She had some notoriety because of fact that she was on Murder Inc. and wrote a hit song for Jennifer Lopez, but it was time for the singer songwriter to shine. The year was 2002 and Ashanti reigned with two number one songs and few top tens. This was the era where I was inspired by hip hop fashion and music. It was also an era of hideous matching pink track suits and those ugly headbands. I unfortunately rocked the matching track suits, but I hope that they don’t make a comeback… at all.
31. FutureSex/Lovesounds (Justin Timberlake; Jive/Zomba)
Justin Timberlake’s second album,Future Sex/Lovesounds, influenced by Prince. Timberlake also collaborated with the genius producer Timbaland. The combination of Timberlake and Timberland was pure magic with the changing tones on almost all songs on the record. It also enforces that the duo brought sexy back, but most importantly great music and dapper fashion.
30. Confessions (Usher; Arista)
For Usher in 2004, it was all about the gold chains,snapback hats with the ATL (the city Atlanta which is where he is from) initial on them, fedora hats and of course confessions for the singer. The hits kept on coming, and many compared Mr. Raymond to the legend Michael Jackson due to the style of dancing. People took notice around the world. I still want that chain just to spin like he did on his hit song Yeah.
29. Cut 4 ME (Kelela; Fade To Mind)
I know this record is a mix-tape, but this is my countdown and it is one of the best records that I have listened to. Even though Kelela on Cut 4 Me reminds me of a mixture of Janet Jackson and Erykah Badu, there is something futuristic about her. She may not be a household name like The Weeknd, but what they have in common is changing the game of music with alternative/electric R&B. She was on Solange’s recent album on the song, Scales which is nothing that I have heard from the singer. Kelela is a force to be reckoned with… I look forward to hear what she releases in the future plus I see a bright career ahead of her. I’m loving her dreadlocks with her shaved sides… very cool.
28. Good Kid…Maad City (Kendrick Lamar, Top Dawg, Aftermath, Interscope)
The introduction to the album sets the tone of escapism. Kendrick Lamar’s debut album is pure gold with songs like Poetic Justice, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, Swimming Pools and many more solid hip hop and r&b tracks which tell a story on Good Kid Maad City. This was a start of something promising and also what I call borderline genius.
27. To Pimp A Butterfly (Kendrick Lamar,Top Dawg, Aftermath, Interscope)
This album is poetic justice. It’s a source of empowerment, black culture, depression along with love and hope. With what is going on in the 21st century, it is pretty refreshing how artists like Lamar are bringing back what so many rappers in the early 90’s did when reporting (or rapping) about racial profiling in America. Topics that pertain to this is needed within society. Pure gold in my opinion.
26. Mama’s Gun (Erykah Badu, Motown,Puppy Love)
I need to have an article just on Erykah Badu because she is simply one of the coolest, kookiest, quirky artists out there and way too underrated. For me she is the queen of Neo Soul. Mama’s Gun is the essence of just a great album and one to inspire many women and men to just let go and pack light. Don’t be a bag lady!
25. The Breakthrough (Mary J Blige, Geffen)
Yes I had to have another Mary J Blige album on the list. The Breakthrough is a comeback album for the singer and does not disappoint from beginning to end. It’s a classic Mary J Blige record that uplifts and also relates to the listener. Back when walkmens were still a thing, the album helped to uplift my spirits during high-school whenever I was either stressed out and just needed some music therapy. Miss Blige’s music is just good for the soul and brings out my inner diva. Faux fur anyone?
24.Ceremonials (Florence and The Machine, Island)
I listened to this album by accident, youtube has a funny way of selling products to people without you purchasing anything (thanks to auto play). There is absolutely no regrets because of how great the album is. Florence and The Machine sings different genres from rock to gospel without sounding offbeat. Ceremonials has a dreamy and romantic tone even when the topics are borderline dark. This also inspires a whimsical view on my style. After my grandmother passed away, this album brought another perspective all together, and helped through that tough time. Only If For a Night startled me due to how similar the topic was on the death of Florence Welsh’s grandmother, like as though she were speaking to me. The power of music and art heals.
23. Number 1’s (Mariah Carey, Columbia)
Somewhere in this countdown, I needed to have Mariah Carey somewhere. I was raised by her music in the 90’s so her compilation of all (almost) of her number one songs is suitable for this countdown. It showcases those powerful vocals along with her writing skills. Just pure gold… or platinum because she has the voice to prove it.
22. FanMail/Crazy Sexy Cool (TLC, Laface, Arista)
What I love about TLC is the realness that they bring on each of their records. While Crazy, Sexy, Cool brings brashness, Fanmail is a record that is truly ahead of its time, still sounding new. The girls were never perfect but their music had stories that still resonate with people today on topics from sex, love, feminism, STDs and the societal standards of beauty. They knew what they wanted and brought the confidence in which you could not escape. We need more artists like them but of course you can’t duplicate an original like Chilli, T-Boz and Left Eye.
21.Ray of Light (Madonna, Maverick, Warner Bros.)
Many critics have stated that this is one of Madonna’s best albums and I agree. I can hear her voice, and what I mean my that is I can hear the expression clearly on each of her songs. When she is excited, sad or happy it shows in her voice. It’s an honest and adventurous record that does not sound like a 1998 record which, is when Ray of Light was released. The influence on today’s electronic music is evident.
20. Voodoo (D’Angelo, Cheeba Sound, Virgin)
At the time of the release, I was had no interest in listening to this album, I was 10 and it was too mature for me to grasp the topics. As I got older… I discovered how talented D’Angelo was when listening to Voodoo and could not wait on his long awaited album that released in 2014. His voice is a blend of artists like Marvin Gaye and Prince but his writing is all on him. A true talent.
19. Whitney Houston (sophomore album by Whitney Houston, Arista)
I do believe that Whitney Houston had the best voice in the industry. At the time of the release on her debut album, she probably had no idea the influence, set of standards, raising bars and breaking down the racial barriers by the voice herself. What’s impressive is that she was only 22 while having a voice… like that. When I think of Whitney Houston and her influence on many singers like Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Beyonce, Pink, Brandy, Monica, Toni Braxton, Kelly Rowland, Mary J Blige, Ashanti, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Ciara, Usher, Robin Thicke (to name a few), I think of goosebumps because her voice was everything to the music culture. This is some of the best vocals that I have heard on any album.
18. Baduizm (Erykah Badu, Kedar, Universal)
From the head wraps, scented candles and the signature rings, Baduizm set the tone for a new era of music to arrive… named Neo Soul. This is Erykah Badu signature album. It’s more than just R&B, there are elements of jazz, hip hop and soul combined like pancakes and maple syrup. I can’t hate on head wraps because it brings the funk to an outfit.
17. House of Balloons (The Weeknd, XO) Nostalgia, Ultra (Frank Ocean, self released)
Speaking of a new era, here are two masterpieces which were both released on the internet. This is how many people download music. I was just starting my Journalism program in college when I had stumbled upon two amazing mixtapes that changed R&B music. Frank Ocean’s voice was refreshing to hear. The whole mixtape brought promise to listeners for the direction of where music was heading. Nostalgia, Ultra will always be a gem because of how effortless the sound is. No one had any idea of who The Weeknd was, he was a complete mystery, but his music was dark, gothic yet soulful, all the reason to follow the reclusive artist. Listening to The Morning is a favourite of mine and is the reason why I was hooked on his music. House of Balloons is by far his best mixtape out of the three that he released. These two artists just keep continuing to release great music.
16. Miss E So Addictive (Missy Elliott, The Goldmind, Elektra)
Missy Elliott is weird, cool and talented. She brings her genius ideas to the table. Missy didn’t just rap but she also sings. Vocally her voice flourishes throughout the album. I can hear the impact that Lil Kim, Prince, Rick James and Lauryn Hill has on Miss E So Addictive. She is truly one in a million. I am probably one in the million of millennials whom had praised Katy Perry for brining Missy Elliott out in the Super Bowl performance in 2015.
15. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy/The College Dropout (Kanye West, Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam)
Two different albums from the same artist. The irony that Kanye West brings are the opposing subjects. Where The College Dropout brings hope and the reality of life, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivers darkness and escapism to life. It shows you the stages of West’s life in a span of about six years. Where his breakout album is borderline comedic, twisted fantasy is sarcastic and depressing. The differences are due to the impact that his mother left on Kanye, before and after she passed away. This also shows that greatness of West’s genius talent. Pure art.
14. Black Messiah (D’Angelo, RCA)
The wait was over when D’angelo released his masterpiece in 2014. Black Messiah is ultimately the dictionary for greatness. It sets the standard of excellent albums for the our times. This is another album that speaks about the racial barriers in America along with what it means to being black. You may need to take a second or third listen just to hear what greatness is bestowed upon us. I am still waiting for him to perform these records in Canada. I raise my hands to an album well done! What a classic.
13. Hardcore (Lil Kim, Undeas, Big Beat, Atlantic)
Hardcore explains what the album is all about… pure raunchiness, aggression, and just a lot of fun! Miss Kim is just one of the guys with her sexually charged lines, and witty rhymes. I will be completely honest and state that when first listening to Lil Kim’s debut album, it sounded like a musical porn at best. She knows exactly what she wants with no apologies while sounding like her male counterparts in hip hop. Lil Kim changed the hip hop game for female and male rappers alike with dirty rap with Hardcore. Her colourful wigs will never go out of date because hipsters around the world (whether some will like to admit and Nicki Minaj) dawn on Kim’s signature style. Even Rihanna is a fan of her style.
12. Songs in A Minor (Alicia Keys, J )
Alicia Keys was only 20 when this album was released. She wrote and produced every song on the album which is insane in this day of age. With her cool cornrow hairstyles, cool fedora hats, the relatable songwriting and of course the effortless piano playing, Songs in A Minor is the essence of how simplicity is best. The outlook on love, life and respect is unique and relatable. I am a fan of the singer, so this choice was the hardest but her debut is a stand out.
11. Purple Rain (Prince, Warner Bros.)
Prince created a sound for music. Like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, as a black artist, his music was played for all to listen to and not just one set of people. When you listen to Purple Rain, you hear a little bit of rock, some r&b, a splash of funk, a hint of electronic music and a force of neo soul which was not even a genre in 1984. He wrote and produced all of the songs on the soundtrack and I am pretty sure some of the instruments were played by him also. I can only tell the impact that such a singer has had on many artists with the slow, electric, r&b tinged songs, but this will be for another time I promise. His voice fluctuates beautifully from a falsetto to a deep voice. Prince’s legacy will never die, his style in fashion and music will live on forever. Just take a listen to the magic of Purple Rain.
10. Ready To Die (Biggie Smalls, Bad Boy)
Let’s just say that I prefer Biggie over Tupac… this is just my preference. With Ready to Die, the late rapper brings topics like sex, depression, gang rivalry and confidence to light. It’s not just a hip hop classic album, this is a classic album period. There is a bit of an ironic twist with Biggie’s debut album because one minute he is talking about being the greatest, to just giving up on life with Suicidal Thoughts and Everyday Struggle. This is his biography in an album so to say. Hip hop will never be the same… I will never be the same. Now that is what I call a masterpiece.
9. Back To Black (Amy Winehouse, Island)
Another talented artist gone way too soon and also another album that is pretty much Amy Winehouse’ autobiography. We all know that her personal life had a lot of turmoil and this comes to light in Back to Black. I hear her pain, frustration and sense of loneliness through her words and voice. Winehouse wrote all of the songs like a story. Her style was all her own with the beehive hair to the Monroe piercing. When she sang she sung a word like many today try to copy. Adele, Duffy and many of white British r&b soul singers live in the house that was created by the late singer.
8. LP1 (FKA Twigs, Young Turks)
The album is weird, ethereal, angelic, gloomy and artistic. Nothing like I have listened to and another reason why LP1 needs to be on the top 10 list. FKA Twigs brings an innovative and unique twist to the music game that stands out from all the newbies coming out with music. I think she just sleeps and dreams up her next ideas. They just see to come naturally. Her best songs on her debut album are Two Weeks, Pendulum, Lights On and Video Girl. Each songs have diverse yet united sounds from some tones of R&B and EDM music. Her activism and feminist views shows through the music videos. As I wrote in an article about the artist, her style is pretty different too, but of course cool like FKA Twigs herself. This is only her debut album, I am excited and patiently waiting on her second effort.
7. Thriller (Michael Jackson, Epic)
Let’s get one thing clear. Thriller is the best selling album of all times. It was released over 30 years ago and impact is still real! From beginning to end Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones takes you on a roller coaster while making music that touch many people of different cultures around the world. It would a travesty not to talk about the videos because he changed the way creativity is expressed within the pop culture of music; the song Thriller didn’t even go number one but is played yearly every Halloween. It’s now a standard to create a story through videos then just selling your music (unless you are Beyonce but she herself still makes videos). He will always be the King of Pop.
6. Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (Janet Jackson, A&M)
Miss Jackson is an icon all on her own. Rhythm Nation 1814 is another gem discussing what it meant to be black in America. This sounds redundant but the topic will never get old if people do not change their racist views on others. As a Canadian, I always find it interesting how artists talk about American politics because being black and a woman in Canada is somewhat different in the U.S. Like her big brother Michael, Janet’s music videos set the tone and impact on artists like Beyonce, Britney Spears, Ciara and many others because she is a creator of excellence. I need that whole soldier outfit and key ear ring she wore in Rhythm Nation.
5. Control (Janet Jackson, A&M)
This is one of those first albums to have a positive light on what being a black feminist was all about. Miss Jackson was able to break free from her family, creating her own style in fashion and music. Control has changed the face of R&B and Hip Hop with a new genre called New Jack Swing.
4. The Low End Theory (A Tribe Called Quest, Jive, RCA Records)
This was the golden age of hip hop. With elements like jazz integrated with hip hop, the genre had a huge influence from The Low End Theory. I suggest that if you are love hip hop and jazz, or is just a lover of music… please take a listen to a masterpiece that still resonates with people including myself today. While Q-Tip brings the confidence and swagger, Phife Dawg brought humour and truth into the rap game. This group is a true entrepreneur to such a new genre that changes at a daily paste (look at today’s music.) Their second album deals with racism (it was the early 90’s), being young along with people just trying to fit in. Again it’s my suggestion to listen to a classic.
3. A Seat at The Table (Solange, Saint, Columbia)
If you have read some of my blog posts in the past, then you will understand that this album had to be on this list. I wrote 1000 words on why you need to have a seat at Solange’s table and gave eight reasons within the article. I feel like a proud mother when I listen to such great work from a singer who is often in the shadows of her big sister. Solange strikes gold with A Seat at The Table. As you already know what makes a great album are a few things that include topics that deal with today, what it means to be black in this world and also the uniqueness surrounding the album. From Weary all the way to the end, Solange discusses the struggles of being a young black women all while trying to make her son proud. I gave props to her parents because they did something right with the Knowles’ sisters. The standout tracks are the haunting and soulful Weary, the emotional Cranes in The Sky, the graceful vocals from Mad, the confident Don’t Touch My Hair, the dreamy Borderline, the fun Junie, the tones from Don’t Wish Me Well, the innovative beats from Scales, and the best song on the album… F.U.B.U. . I could write more but you get the picture. Her interesting sense of style doesn’t hurt either. Please go on tour this year!
2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Lauryn Hill, Ruffhouse, Columbia)
This is an album that transcended my thoughts, way of dressing and views on life. Before A Seat At The Table that speaks about todays struggles on race, love,depression and rebirth, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill set that tone almost 20 years ago. I was only eight when her album was released and did listen to it at the time. Lauryn Hill is a genius with combining singing and rapping all at once. When you take a listen to songs like Everything is Everything and Doo Wop (That Thing), they showcase that talent that I believe never dies, new work just needs to be released. The album questions and shifts your thoughts black feminism, depression, hunger for ambition and heartbreak. We need more artists that tell a story because the topics may be all the same, but writers write stories and create sceneries that are all their own. What I love most about this album is the fact that her rapping is above her vocals and man can Lauryn Hill sing!
1.Off The Wall (Michael Jackson, Epic ,CBS)
Off The Wall is just pure energy from beginning to finish. I read somewhere that when recording the album, Michael was at a dark time in his life, I find it quite interesting because of how lighthearted and upbeat the record is. There is no album that is as upbeat and uplifting like this effort. All the songs are amazing and with the collaborations like producer Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Rob Temperton, you are in good company. The first song, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough reels you in, just pure fun and excitement and of course the best song on the album. Rock with You is full of romance and fun while Working Day and Night sustains energy and the funk from the 70’s. Get on the Floor continues to invite people to get on the floor and dance while Off The Wall explains to enjoy life and not take it too seriously… live of the wall. Girlfriend is a funny track about Michael telling his lover to leave her boyfriend because she is cheating on him… what a story. She’s out of My Life deals with heartbreak and showcases some of Michael Jackson’s best vocals. Stevie Wonder wrote the jazz induced I Can’t Help It, another standout song for me. It’s the Falling In love belongs in a great musical while Burn The Disco Out reminds you to re-listen to such a great album. My reasoning over why I chose Off The Wall of Thriller is because of the hunger and energy that hear on the album. You can hear just how talented and borderline genius this artist is or was. His legacy lives on.
Hammer Style Girl 