6th November 2023
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The government may have shut down pubs and clubs, but that can’t stop you from having a cheeky little dance whilst washing your hands! Here’s 10 classic albums (in no particular order because they are all AMAZING!) to get you through this isolation period!
Considering that this was an album written during intense internal conflict within the band, there sure are a few classic tunes on here! This is the album that brought us the ultimate, independence inducing anthem that is “Go Your Own Way” – perfect to amp up your hand washing routine. Then there’s “Dreams” which was written as an antidote to Mick Fleetwood’s divorce, the separation of John McVie and Christine McVie, and the break-up of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks eight year relationship- proving that music surely is the cure for everything! To top it all off, there’s “Don’s Stop”- though written in a sad context, the song reminds us if you “open your eyes and look at the day, you’ll see things in a different way”.
This is the second studio album from Lily Allen, and possibly some of her best work. Praised upon its release for its “sharpness” by critics, this album is a response to society, patriarchy and tabloid culture, all delivered via Allen’s signature bluntness. Songs like “The Fear” and “22” highlighted the problems with 2009, and almost 11 years later the lyrics are more than relevant today. The country based “Not Fair” to me is the ultimate comeback tune, written as a rebuttal to the internal relationship problems with Allen’s then boyfriend Jay Joplin.
This is the debut by the Liverpool four-piece released in 2014. Whilst festival season has been cancelled (just as the weather started to perk up!), this album will no doubt get you in the mood for an ice-cold can of dark fruits and a bucket hat. The album is reminiscent of youth and unrequited love, as evidenced in “So Long” and “Good For You” . Then there’s “Fossils” which lead singer Kieran Shudall says is about the first Jurassic Park movie, but not the second- if that doesn’t make you want to listen to the album, I don’t know what will!
Ah yes, throwback to when Rihanna released music and not makeup! This is the album that brought us the ultimate club classics like “Don’t Stop The Music” and “Shut Up and Drive”. Critics believe this is the album that helped transform Rihanna into the fully fledged sex symbol we see today, feeding into her later albums Loud and Rated R.
This is the fourth studio album which catapulted the French four-piece into the mainstream. Oddly enough, this album touches on the history of the bands home country France. The ever catchy “1901”, was written about the glory days of early 20th century Paris. As always, there are a couple of songs written in regard to love and relationships, such as “Armistace” (which has some French in it!), and “Girlfriend”. This album is both educational and a bop.
Two words. Guilty. Pleasure. This album is a reminder of Hannah Montana, Joe Jonas’ infamous phone call break up and of course Taylor Swift’s curly hair. “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” are stark reminders of everyone’s childhood fancy, and absolute bangers to wash your hands to. Or you could be like Taylor and grab a hairbrush and start dancing in front of a window in the hope your crush will notice you.
If you’ve ever watched The Inbetweeners, chances are you would have heard this album lurking in the background of Simon pining for Carly. This is the debut from BRIT school graduates The Kooks, and is so simple and raw which makes is so beautiful. This is the album that brought us the ULTIMATE indie classics that are “Naïve” and “She Moves In Her Own Way”, It is also the album that introduced us to lead singer Luke Pritchard’s **health woes** via “Eddies Gun” . All in all this album serves as a stark reminder of those horrendous Topman shirts, the E4 glory days (I mean The Inbetweeners and Skins anyone!), and house parties where someone would drink one too many Smirknoff Ice’s.
The compilation album from M19’s finest (next to me of course!) Whilst Noel and Liam can’t bear to breathe the same oxygen, this album allows us to hold onto the days of Oasis a little longer. Featuring all the classics like, “Wonderwall”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and “Live Forever”, had washing suddenly just got a little bit more fun.
In comparison to their debut album which had more darker vibes, I See You is a lot more lighter and refreshing, which is emulated in the bands album artwork. The overall tone of this album is a lot more upbeat in comparison to the bands previous work, and highlights the individual talents of each member of the band. The beauty of The XX’s work is that they never downplay each other. For example, “On Hold” primarily showcases the soft vocals of guitarist Romy, which are enhanced by the deeper, smoother tones of bassist Oliver Sim, and they are all brought together with the synth work of Jamie Smith.
It wouldn’t be an LGSM article without citing the work of Liverpool’s greats! The only way to describe this iconic album is feel good. From the delicacy of “Here Comes The Sun”, to the bass heavy “Come Together” there is something for everyone to dance (and wash your hands!) to. Nothing more can be said of this album part from- classic.
