Don't let nobody tell you that Rap does not have classic albums! Just like any other genre, rap is blessed with poets and musicians crafting timeless music. Take a look at the best rap albums list right here: 

1) To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar

Following the success of his previous album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City”, Kendrick Lamar followed up with an album so good, even Barrack Obama couldn’t stop praising it! To Pimp a Butterfly was a commentary on racial injustice in America, while dealing with his own demons, as Kendrick rose to superstardom. 

Popular Song: i

You can purchase this album here

2) Illmatic by Nas 

There are good debut albums, there are classic albums… and then, there is ILLMATIC! A young rapper from New York sent shock waves around the rap industry with his monumental debut album. Nas’ sharp pen game and gritty production represented the streets of New York to the fullest. Illmatic became a benchmark that rappers still wish they could beat. 

Popular Song: N.Y. State of Mind 

You can purchase this album here

3) Straight Outta Compton by NWA 

Often credited as the founders of “Gangsta Rap”, NWA consisting of Eazy E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yela changed how the rap and the rappers were supposed to be. Claiming to represent the “real ones”, Straight Outta Compton showcased the dark street life in Los Angeles to a wider audience. 

Popular Song: F*** The Police 

You can purchase this album here

4) My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West 

While making this album, Kanye didn’t just want to create an album, he wanted to create a visual and sonic experience. Kanye left no stones unturned, as he put in hundreds of hours of work to make an album that had the melodies of his previous album, but still managed to keep it raw. The result was a unique album that showed Kanye’s genius! 

Popular: Runaway 

You can purchase this album here

5) The Chronic by Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s music catalog is unmatched! But when he released his debut album as a solo artist, he unmatched production on The Chronic laid the blueprint for how the West Coast sound should be like. Adding funk and synths to his beats, Dr. Dre’s debut album led the G-Funk revolution, ushering into a golden age for the West Coast hip-hop. Oh, and this album was also a debut for a certain rapper named Snoop Dogg! 

Popular Song: Nuthin’ but a G Thang

You can purchase this album here

6) Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan’s sound was, and still is, refreshing. A collective of ten talented rappers, all from different boroughs of New York was unheard of! With their love for Kung-Fu movies, Wu Tang Clan managed to mesh the sounds of the Kung-Fu movies with grimy New York music. Wu Tang Clan’s impact is undeniable, and it all started with this album. 

Popular Song: C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) 

You can purchase this album here

7) The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem 

If there was an album that you “hate it, but you love it” in rap, it has to be sophomore release by Mr. Marshall Mathers. Surrounded by controversy, hate, and his own struggles, Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP is an explosive, unfiltered, hyperbolic mix of emotions, laced with some of the most impressive vocal performances ever in the rap music. 

Popular Song: The Real Slim Shady 

You can purchase this album here

8) Astroworld by Travis Scott 

In terms of modern-trap albums, Travis Scott’s supposed “magnum opus” stands out in it’s own way. An ode to Astroworld theme park in hometown, the album is a thrilling ride in itself, with a star studded line up of feature artists and music that is melodic but enthralling at the same time. Like a roller coaster, you’ll feel numerous emotions at once, but it’s guaranteed that it’ll be a unique experience. 

Popular Song: Sicko Mode 

You can purchase this album here

9) All Eyez on Me by Tupac 

Tupac’s impact transcends beyond hip-hop. Tupac as personality that stands on it’s own, and it stands out as more than just a rapper. His honesty and his personality made him a darling all across the world. When he released his first album out of jail, it was meant to be received with much fanfare. But it is Tupac’s honesty that made this album such a classic. Club songs, street anthems, emotional tracks, socially conscious songs, Tupac covered all the bases he could in this masterpiece. 

Popular Song: California Love

You can purchase this album here

10) Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg

If there is an album that can rival Nas’s Illmatic as the best debut ever, it has to be Snoop Doggy Dogg’s Doggystyle. Dr. Dre gave enough buzz by letting Snoop feature frequently on his mega hit “The Chronic”, Snoop became a star even before he released his own album! So by the time Snoop geared to release his debut, the whole world had their breath in anticipation of another West Coast classic. And Snoop did not disappoint, earning great commercial and critical success from the album. 

Popular Song: Gin and Juice 

 You can purchase this album here

11) Licensed to Ill by Beastie Boys 

After an underwhelming stint as a rock band, Beastie Boys dropped their debut as a rap-rock group in 1986 under Def Jam & Columbia records. With legendary producer Rick Rubin helping them, Beastie Boys broke the “race” barrier in the rap music, as “License to Ill” was well received all across the world, selling over 10 million records. It is also one of the fastest selling album in Columbia Records’ history.  

Popular Song: Fight for your right

You can purchase this album here

12) The Black Album by Jay Z 

Marketed as a “Retirement” album from Jay Z, Shaun Carter (Jay Z)  wanted to create an album that summed up his journey. From amazing collective of producers like Kanye West, Just Blaze, Timbaland, The Neptunes and Eminem, Jay had the beats to rap his heart out, culminating in an album that was Jay Z’s artistic and rapping peak.

Popular Song: 99 problems

You can purchase this album here

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For the title category ‘Modern Pop’, the boundaries of what constitutes modern itself are notional and constantly expanding. We say this a lot for our Top Albums posts, but there’s no reason to not cherish the timelessness of the sound and enjoy the possibility of being surprised, and even be fuelled by it. Here are some of our Modern Pop Classics!

 Presenting a listening guide for the Top 10 Modern Pop (vinyl) albums:

1) My World by Justin Bieber

Released when Justin was 15, My World is Justin’s first album, more like an EP given its duration. The album has many notable producers and songwriters. Although the songs are not quite top level quality, Justin lends his squeaky-clean charm and natural ability to make the album stand out!

Notable Track: One Time

You can purchase this album here

2) ÷ (Divide) by Ed Sheeran

A musician who commands solid commercial power and has an impeccable ‘innocent’ image in his own right, ÷ falls in line with both his image and music. The album lacks honesty, not because soul-searching individuals fancy pop, but that it makes the lack of imagination that much distinct. The sentiments are generic, with a personal touch here and there.

Notable Track: Eraser 

You can purchase this album here

3) Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

Influences of hip-hop and jazz that shine through both the production and Winehouse’s vocals on this album- memorializing Amy as one of the greatest songwriters of her generation. The lyrics are in-depth and raw, and influential even after nearly two decades of it’s release.

Notable Track: Rehab

You can purchase this album here

4) Fine Line by Harry Styles

‘Fine Line’ is every bit storytelling with a mystic music style, with song writing playing catch-up in places. The album feels like a combination of attempts to mimic Bowie’s imagination, as one of Styles’ influences, ’70s power pop and Laurel Canyon folk-rock to the sort-of soul of Coldplay- a whole new flock of influences embodies in songs throughout the album.

Notable Track: Sunflower, Vol. 6,

You can purchase this album here

5) When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? By Billie Eilish

Human, honest and all-encompassing, the album is littered with glossy pop, cartoonish show tunes and sculptural, choral electronic strangeness. It is imaginative and will most likely entrance you, with longing and darkness interspersing a rather light-hearted atmosphere. It is safe to say, for the 19-year-old Eilish, that pop is in safe hands. 

Notable rack: My Strange Addiction

You can purchase this album here

6) Born to Die by Lana Del Rey

If ‘doomed-but-devoted’ is a trope, Lana possibly started it. While the lyrics on this one may sound snoozy and indecisive, but it makes up for it in the magnificent melodies. They are effortless and high quality; recontextualizing her presence in the world of music- from an indie singer-songwriter to that of a beautiful turned pop musician.

Notable Track: Blue Jeans

You can purchase this album here

7) 21 by Adele

This earth-shattering 2011 album cemented the British pop vocalist’s icon status. 21 is filled with colossal songs, elegant and glistening, bending but never breaking under the heft of Adele’s voice, which sounds like Amy Winehouse mashed with opera. It is not surprising that Adele tried to craft her songs intentionally to be timeless, that are both absolute and nuanced.

Notable Track: Set Fire to The Rain

You can purchase this album here

8) Melodrama by Lorde

Lorde’s work is usually crafted with utmost care and softness of the spirit, something she brings alive in ‘Melodrama’ as well. The album is a study of being a young woman, finding her own conviction in unsteady circumstances and opines for embracing oneself as rewarding. The album is lyrically hard-hitting, sprinkled with a mix of Lorde’s self-awareness and felicitous writing.

Notable Track: The Louvre

You can purchase this album here

9) Folklore by Taylor Swift

Steering away (or rather into) her perceived essence, “With some indie record that’s much cooler than mine”, Taylor has created an album that is distinguishable from her previous work, sonically experimentative and canny of a pop album- all at the same time. It is contemplative, rough-edged and spacey, welcoming the arrival of a post-pop Swift.

Notable track: Seven

You can purchase this album here

10) Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa

Future Nostalgia is upbeat, breathtakingly fun and cohesive.  Reminiscent of disco, Dua Lipa brings together disco strings and funk bass in the vein of Chic and Donna Summer: possibly her secret ingredient. With fun, versatile numbers, this one is perfect for self-isolation dance parties!

Notable Track: Don’t Start Now

You can purchase this album here

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Relive the many iconic moments in the rich history of pop music. Take a look at some of the most celebrated (and also our favourites) classic pop albums. Read along to see if you have missed any of these classics, and do let us know in the comments below if we missed any of your favourite classic pop albums. 

1. Thriller - Micheal Jackson:

Thriller’s late-1982 release marked the beginning of Michael Jackson’s entry into another level of fame, propelling him into superstardom and launching him instantly into the celebrity stratosphere. Seven of its nine original cuts were Top Ten singles, but more important is the way Jackson and producer Quincy Jones turned the singer’s obsessions into intricate, stunningly sung pop-funk

Notable Song: Billie Jean

You can purchase this album here

2. Like a Virgin - Madonna:

Following a charismatic debut 26-year-old, Madonna was determined to steal the spotlight with 1984’s Like a Virgin. Overseen by disco genius Nile Rodgers, the album is flawlessly played and produced. Still, it’s Madonna’s coy-but-impassioned vocals that make the album more than a fleeting dose of pop stuff.

Notable Song: Like a Virgin

You can purchase this album here

3. Bad - Micheal Jackson:

Bad may not have all the timeless prestige of its predecessor, Thriller, but it’s just as full of heart and purpose. Over rockier rhythms, Jackson sounds gleeful and impassioned, once again proving that Jackson is pop’s one true master of ceremony.

Notable Song: Man In The Mirror

You can purchase this album here

4. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel:

Bridge Over Troubled Water, marked the end of a lot of things, including the ‘60s, the partnership of one of the biggest acts of the era and that duo’s reliance on the folk-rock sound they helped invent. But boy did they go out with a bang! The 1970s album is the most ambitious in Simon & Garfunkel’s career, in songwriting and production.

Notable Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water

You can purchase this album here

5. Arrival - ABBA:

At their best, as on Arrival, ABBA were as mysterious as Bowie, as rococo as Phil Spector, as unbearably sad as the Smiths. The power of their music lies in the enigmatic Mona Lisa smile, not only their biggest record of all time and one of the biggest pop albums, but it also has the distinction of being the most experimental and musically curious.

Notable Song: Dancing Queen

You can purchase this album here

6. Tapestry - Carole King:

Difficult as it may be, imagine for a minute that Tapestry wasn’t one of the most successful albums in music history; that it wasn’t a defining touchstone for the boomer generation and the singer/songwriter movement. Even then it stands on top of the mountain of pop music glory.

Notable Song: It’s Too Late

You can purchase this album here 

7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John:

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, originally released as a double LP with, yes, yellow inner sleeves, cemented not only his nearly wayward eclecticism but his audience’s willingness to follow any path he trod.

Notable Song: Bennie and the Jets

You can purchase this album here 

8. Falling Into You - Celine Dion:

The album’s appeal largely stems from its heart-on-sleeve romanticism and Dion’s talent as a vocal interpreter. The album ended up becoming a global phenomenon, selling over 30 million copies as well as bagging the Album of the Year Grammy.

Notable Song: It’s All Coming Back to Me Now

You can purchase this album here 

9. Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II - Billy Joel:

A bombastic record of, well, you guessed it, Joel’s greatest hits, spanning a prolific and commercially successful career of several decades is the thing a collector dreams of. His sound is unmistakable, his style is undeniable and his influence is sure, impactful.

Notable Song: Piano Man

You can purchase this album here 

10. Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston:

It’s difficult to imagine a time when Whitney was not like the biggest name in the pop music scene, but back in 1985, nobody had heard of a 21-year-old Whitney, and what a gorgeous debut project it truly was. Not only producing multiple chart-topping singles, but she changed the whole soundscape, ushering in a new era of R&B, soul and groove into the predominantly white sound of pop music.

Notable Song: Saving all my Love for You

You can purchase this album here 

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Quit believing that the Rock was no good after the golden age! Check out the following iconic albums that shaped the Modern Rock music.

1. Parachutes - Coldplay

The Indie-label debut for this British band proplled them into stardom, selling over 13 million copies worldwide. “Parachutes” was a perfect blend of innocent songwriting with alternative rock’s sonics that stood the test of time.

Notable Song: Yellow

You can purchase this album here

2. In Rainbows - Radiohead:

First major act to have a “pay what you want” album release, “In Rainbows” is the peak critical acclaim for Radiohead after “OK Computer”. With range of musical instruments and styles, In Rainbows is a rich listening experience.

Notable Song: Jigsaw Falling into Place

You can purchase this album here

3. In Absentia - Porcupine Tree:

Finally moving away from Psychedelic and Pop sounds, Porcupine Tree took a very different route for their major record label debut. Needless to say, it worked perfectly for them, as the new, progressive music earned more critical and commerical success.

Notable Song: Blackest Eye

You can purchase this album here

4. Currents - Tame Impala:

Tame Impala single handedly brought the Psychedelic Pop into mainstream with their album “Currents”. Narrating a personal story of heartbreak, it’s spaced out instrumentals and the groove Tame Impala sets that created a totally unique experience for the masses.

Notable Song: Less I know the Better

You can purchase this album here

5. Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers:

Claimed to be “Spiritual and epiphanic”, Californication presented an introspective side of the band that was unheard of from them. While they ditched their usual funk, for a mellow sound, they bagged multiple hits, even winning a Grammy for the song “Scar Tissue”.

Notable Song: Californication

You can purchase this album here

6. Greatest Hits - Guns N' Roses:

Guns n Roses are legendary! It speaks volumes about their popularity that their compilation album managed to rank number 1 in the UK Charts despite almost no promotion. Not only that, “Greatest Hits”spent over 400 weeks in Billboard 200 era.

Notable Song: Welcome To The Jungle

You can purchase this album here

7. AM - Arctic Monkeys:

By the time Arctic Monkeys were set to release their fifth album, they had already added other sub genres of Rock in their music, but in “AM”, the British band finally ventured into hip hop to deliver a darker sound in the album.

Notable Song: Do I Wanna Know?

You can purchase this album here

 8. Carrie and Lowell - Sufjan Stevens:

The title of this album is a tribute to Stevens’ mother, late Carrie and her second husband Lowell Brams. Songs were inspired by the family trips they took to Oregon in his childhood. This album was universally praised, marked Sufjan’s return to his Indie-Folk roots.

Notable Song: Should Have Known Better

You can purchase this album here

9. Is This It - The Strokes:

The Strokes’ debut album caused a lot of controversy for it’s sexually explicit album cover, but the ‘70s inspired Garage Rock album was pivotal in reinventing post-millennial guitar music, changing the aesthetic for the rock ‘n roll in modern day.

Notable Song: Hard to Explain

You can purchase this album here

10. Ten - Pearl Jam:

After the dissolution of the previous band, bassist Jeff Ament started recording again with Pearl Jam, reworking the older tracks. “Ten” stood out from the music of the 90s, showing strong classic rock roots, as the album went on to have huge critical praise.

Notable Song: Jeremy

You can purchase this album here

11. Elephants - The White Stripes:

With the themes revolving around the concept of “death of the sweetheart” in the American culture. “Elephants” by The White Stripes marked the revival of 2000s Garage Rock Revival. But it is Seven Nation Army becaming a staple in sporting areans that mark the success of this album. 

Notable Song: Seven Nation Army

You can purchase this album here

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The history of rock is anything but straight and simple. And with everyone being entitled to their own favourites, and some objectively great music, a top 11 classic rock list seems to be an impossibility. When you combine the two however, the result is full of surprises. Read on to find our recommendations!

1) The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd

Is it a concept, a timeless classic or one of the singular most impactful rock albums to have been recorded?  Pink Floyd’s influence in defining rock culture as we know it today cannot be understated. TDSOTM combines lyrics that outline the realities of modern life with a dynamic sound; often adding linking sound effects (cacophony of clocks in ‘Time’, coin-dropping in opening of ‘Money’). Simply, passionately, thrilling!

 Notable Track: Time

 You can purchase this album here

2) The Wall by Pink Floyd

It’s safe to say that members and collaborators of Pink Floyd had a certain world view and they did not shy from speaking their minds in their music.  The anti-hero- Pink journeys through a miserable childhood, hollow education all the way to meaningless stardom. Littered with metaphors and flashbacks, the album is a celebration of storytelling, dynamism in sound and of course, some really great lyrics! (‘Mother do you think they’ll drop the bomb/ Mother, do you think they’ll like this song?’). 

Notable Track: Another Brick in the Wall

 You can purchase this album here

3) IV by Led Zeppelin

Still fresh in many ways, IV is a collection of impactful, concise, and enduring sound tracks that are raw yet crafted, tight yet loose and every bit influential. On brand with the band’s aesthetic, IV will leave you wanting for more from just side one. One can expect to enjoy Page’s riffs, Bonham’s who cares? drum sound, Jones’ musicality and Plant’s crispy vocals. Await the world’s greatest guitar solo climaxing on a song that is the epitome of tease- and also our notable track!

 Notable Track: Stairway to Heaven

 You can purchase this album here

4) Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits

This album brings about rocking tunes, that are crafted with thought and beautifully produced. The album explores orchestral textures, with Knopfler’s guitar work being the spotlight of this solid EP. Just on side A, one will find songs like the bouncy ‘Walk of Life’ all the way to ‘Why Worry’- a song on which guitars assume the softness of a sigh. And on side B, stories about men and war primarily in a soft-toned background, undercut by electric guitars.

Notable Track: Why Worry

 You can purchase this album here

5) Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

For the eerie calm it brings along with it, if Covid-19 could have background music, I’d nominate the album to be it. The band’s 11th studio album is often compared to an old friend, wherein, no matter how many times you listen to it, you will always find a new worthy discovery. The album boasts of musical chemistry and groove, with more or less, an optimistic tone to the album. A better, new world being created on the ashes of an old one.

Notable Track: The Chain

 You can purchase this album here

6) Hotel California by The Eagles

If the album made you wonder if it’s by a whole new band compared to their old music, you are not alone. Gravitating more towards mainstream rock, the album was promising in terms of finally delivering on the bands existing potential: with a change in producer and personnel. The songs will take you through various themes, including the titular- with California as a metaphor for a dark world, the fleeting nature of success and human greed, all the way to even touching romantic disappointment.

Notable Track: Hotel California

 You can purchase this album here

7) Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles

A refreshing reimagination of what constituted recorded sound, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is an experimental, extraordinary and introduced a different understanding of rock. Orchestral climaxes and Indian musicians aside, the album is rife with brilliance: Intro to ‘Lovely Rita’, the fuzzy warm feeling of ‘With a Little Help’ and the rested playfulness of rhymes in ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’.

 Notable Track: When I’m Sixty Four

You can purchase this album here

8) Private Investigations: The Best of by Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler

The best ofs-, in a way, are nothing but portraits of artists and bands, and if so- this is one of the best introductions for Mark and the band! The album boasts of inspired storytelling as was signature of Mark, with ‘Sultans’, ‘Romeo & Juliet’, ‘Walk of Life’ and of course, ‘Brothers in Arms’. That’s not all though- with ‘Calling Elvis’, ‘Sailing to Philadelphia’ make it well rounded with (sonic) soul and memory. 

Notable Track: Brothers in Arms

You can purchase this album here

9) The Velvet Underground and Nico

Gestalt rock and roll, this album, because it brings with itself a range of tunes. Its an album as influential as any to glam, punk, new wave music…you name it. Dreamy pop ‘Sunday Morning’ to the under stated love song ‘I’ll be your mirror’, one may wonder if it was Andy Warhol’s production that fostered the creativity of this album.

Notable Track: There She Goes Again

You can purchase this album here

10) The Doors by The Doors

Don’t buy this just for ‘Light my Fire’ because it comes packed with some of the band’s best songs like ‘End of the Night’ and ‘The Crystal Ship’ too. This album is a compilation of the best by an impressive band that fused rock, blues, classical, jazz and poetry with a knockout punch! The music provides an apt backdrop to Jim Morrison’s vocals, melodic and dynamic throughout.

Notable Track: Light My Fire

You can purchase this album here

11) Abbey Road by The Beatles (Anniversary)

"And in the end/the love you take/is equal to the love you make" felt like goodbye but thankfully it was not! Abbey Road is distinct from their other work- it is emotionally mature, the joy in “Here Comes the Sun”, the never seen before sensuality in “Because”, make this another album that is far more colourful when its altogether than it’s individual parts.

Notable Track: Come Together

You can purchase this album here

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The world of Jazz is vast and diverse and ever-evolving. To pause a moment in time, here is a compilation of distinct albums that have been remarkable and heavily celebrated for being innovative and imaginative; embedding themselves in history of jazz itself. Tell us which ones you own/would like to own in the comments below.

1. Kind Of Blue - Miles Davis:

Possibly at top of this list if there was an order, and the best-selling jazz album of all time, Kind of Blue brings together an all-star cast in the sextet that gave birth to a musical language that still remains highly influential even beyond the jazz world. It balances the intensity with a relaxed vibe to create extended grooves that keeps you glued.

Notable Track: So What

You can purchase this album here

2. Blue Train - John Coltrane:

Featuring Coltrane and his sextet comprising of Kenny Drew, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones and also Jazz Messengers Lee Morgan and Curtis Fuller, this album is a wonderful validation of Coltrane’s creativity after he began rebuilding his life after overcoming addiction. On this six-track album’s title song, you will also find his distinct “Sheets of Sound” improvisation theme.

Notable Track: Blue Train

You can purchase this album here

3. In A Silent Way - Miles Davis:

American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Miles Davis compelled the world to make the distinction between what was rock and what was jazz with an album that probably lay somewhere between the two genres. The music is transcendental, deeply emotive and original.

Notable Track: In A Silent Way

You can purchase this album here

4. Time Out - Dave Brubeck Quartet:

This 1959 album coming out at the same time as Ornette Coleman’s The Shape of Jazz to Come, challenged the revolutionary and innovative nature as characterized by the latter into a slightly different one- that was brought about by exploring sonically on standard tunes leaving it grounded yet free-spirited.

Notable Track: Take Five

You can purchase this album here

5. Mingus Ah Um - Charles Mingus:

This one has it all! Celebrating the melding of hard bop with plaintive blues cries and holy gospel cadences. It was the birth of a unique style. One will find up tempo songs like “Better Git It in Your Soul” balanced with ballads like our choice of notable track, that touch you deeply on this record.

Notable Track: Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

You can purchase this album here

6. The Sidewinder - Lee Morgan:

You cannot miss the soul-jazz groove and infectious horn motifs on the title song. The album brings together saxophonist Joe Henderson to balance Morgan’s flighty sound, with solid support from Barry Harris, Bob Cranshaw and Billy Higgins in the rhythm section. The result is extreme freedom and celebration of music.

Notable Track: The Sidewinder

You can purchase this album here

7. Saxophone Colossus - Sonny Rollins:

This incredible album really shines light on Rollins’ capacity as an improviser. He is joined by the likes of legendary bebop drummer Max Roach and the quartet comes together to create pure magic! His solos are impactful with strong emotion and a fluidity that takes different forms.

Notable Track: St. Thomas

You can purchase this album here

8. Sunday at the Vanguard Village - Bill Evans Trio:

Bill Evans characterized the melting of bebop and impressionist classical music to bring to life a new sensibility to jazz piano playing. When you listen to this album, it is easy to get lost and not be able to discern how the trio moves along, a collective improv of sorts showing the fluidity of their musical communication.

Notable Track: My Man’s Gone Now

You can purchase this album here

9. Moanin by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers:

As a drummer, Art Blakey was instinctive, powerful and subtle. Combining all three, he could make tracks swing and also complement soloists. His ingenuity can be found in this 1958 album that packs top-notch songs like “Blues March” and “Along Came Betty”.

Notable Track: Moanin’

You can purchase this album here

10. The Shape of Jazz to Come - Ornette Coleman:

One of the most revolutionary jazz albums of all time, this features a spectacular quartet comprising trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Billy Higgins with Coleman on the lead. With their reimaginations of melody and harmony. It gave birth to a new musical language that would occupy the forefront of the free jazz movement of the 60s.

Notable Track: Lonely Woman

You can purchase this album here

11. Out to Lunch - Eric Dolphy:

A leading light of the avant-garde movement, Eric Dolphy was recorded Out to Lunch in the free jazz era with Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Richard Davis, and an 18-year-old Tony Williams on drums. The music is exploratory, with a prevailing sense of swing that makes the entire composition cohesive.

Notable Track: Hat and Beard

You can purchase this album here

12. Head Hunters - Herbie Hancock:

Where do we begin about Hancock! This fusion superstar hit #1 on the US Jazz charts with this album. His wizardry spreads across jazz and funk here, with the instruments being well-balanced to make way for the groove, synth and bass to co-exist playfully together.

Notable Track: Chameleon

You can purchase this album here

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 Experience a sense of Moksha through these priceless recordings conceived by some of the exceptional artists putting on unmatched performances from the sphere of Indian Classical music.

Presenting a listening guide for the Top 12 Hindustani Classical (vinyl) albums:

1) Call of the Valley - Shivkumar Sharma, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Brij Bhushan Kabra

As the name suggests, Call of the Valley transports you to the fresh green pastures, lilting crystalline rivers & air full of nourishment of the Kashmiri mountains. Composed by a trio of Indian classical maestros: Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, a name synonymous with Kashmiri folk instrument Santoor; Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, the virtuoso flautist in the Hindustani tradition & Pt. Brij Bhushan Kabra, the father of the Indian classical slide guitar, invites you to revel in an unusual yet spiritual journey.

Notable song: Raag Piloo

2) Ravi Shankar’s Music Festival of India - Ravi Shankar

This is an outcome of a unique & joyful collaboration between the infamous sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar & his student, the ex-Beatle George Harrison. On Harrison’s offer, a 16 piece revue composed of Indian classical luminaries such as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Allah Rakha, T.V.G., L Subramanium, Lakshmi Shankar, and the likes toured in the west orchestrated by Ravi Shankar, exhibiting the exemplary yet eclectic aspects of Indian Classical music.

Notable song: Tarana

3) West meets East: Volume 2

After the great success of the 1st album, which won them a Grammy whilst affording a heightened interest in the Indian Classical music world over, the American violinist Yehudi Menuhin & Indian sitar virtuoso Pt. Ravi Shankar released the 2nd masterful volume in a trilogy of collaborations between the two.

Notable song: Raga Piloo

4) Khayal & Thumri by Parween Sultana

The pupil of the Patiala Gharana, particularly known for its thumri, ghazal and khayal styles of singing, Padma Shree Begum Parween Sultana presents a rich exemplification of Patiala Gayaki in the form of Raga Mangal Bhairav, Raga Kusumi Kalyan & Thumri in Bhairavi.

Notable song: Tarse Nain More

5) Yugal Bandi: Played by Shiv + Hari

Recorded at Studio Decibel during a tour in Sweden; Yugal Bandi is a majestic collaboration between Santoor maestro Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma & virtuoso classical flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Notable song: Raga Jhinjhoti

6) Raga Pooriya / Raga Durga by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi

Encountering the music of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi is to enrapture oneself in the ecstatic cosmos. The jewel of the Kirana Gharana, one of the most prolific Indian classical Khayal Gharana, delivers a rejuvenating experience through Raga Pooriya & Raga Durga in this exceptional recording released in 1973.

Notable song: Tu Ras Kan Re

7) Pandit Jasraj Sings Ragas Sudh-sarang & Bhimpalasi: Pandit Jasraj

Pt. Jasraj is the gold standard when it comes to musical performance, a pioneer of the Khayal form belonging to Jaipur Atrauli Gharana. Featuring alongside the Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, Pt. Jasraj manages to invoke a heightened level of devotion through delineating khayal sung in Raga Shudh-Sarang & Raga Bhimpalasi.

Notable song: Sakal Ban Laye Rahe

8) Jugalbandi: Dulal Roy & Himangshu Biswas

An extraordinary & rare collaboration between Dulal Roy on Santoor, Himangshu Biswas on Flute & Afaq Hussain Khan on Tabla.

Notable song: Raga Bhupali

9) Prabha Atre By Prabha Atre

A remarkable exponent of the infamous Kirana Gharana, Prabha Atre enunciates a melodic yet empyreal performance in this exceptional 1971 recording, accompanied by Anant Bedekar on Harmonium & Narayanrao Indorkar on Tabla.

Notable song: Tan Man Dhan Tope Varan

10) Jagjit Singh & Chitra Singh ‎– Come Alive In A Live Concert

Arguably one of the greatest Ghazal duo to have ever existed; Jagjit Singh & Chitra Singh conjures a beautiful & passionate emotion in this live recording of an intimate Mehfil.

Notable song: Meri Tanhaiyo

11) Shehnai And Violin (Jugalbandi): Ustad Bismillah Khan And Prof. V. G. Jog

This is a captivating & rare Jugalbandi between one of the greatest exponents of Shehnai, Ustad Bismillah Khan & the foremost exponent of the Violin in the Hindustani music tradition, Vishnu Govind Jog.

Notable song: Raga Jaijaiwanti

12) Classical Vocal: Kishori Amonkar

Padma Vibhushan Kishori Amonkar is a class apart when it comes to the Khayal form of singing. A genius of the Jaipur Atrauli Gharana, Kishori Amonkar achieved a level that can only be attained through true sadhana. Experience musical transcendence through this singular vocal performance! 

Notable song:  Eree Aaj Bhailava Sukhva 

 Click here to check out the full collection.

The century old journey of Bollywood is inseparable from its music.

Bollywood soundtracks are special. Like any other genre of music, filmi music can be heard in isolation, but watching the film beforehand can make a perceptible difference. This act increments the position of a Bollywood song from being a film-promoter to being an aural bioscope. It either speaks for the film by providing cadence to the camera and gravitas to the plot or provides an escapist outlet to intense cinema.

Presenting a listening guide for the Top 12 Bollywood (vinyl) albums:

1. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (Music: Anand-Milind / Lyrics: Majrooh) :

 Enter the first Khan, who brought romance back to Bollywood. Anand-Milind’s melodious QSQT with Majrooh’s youthful but mature lyrics had an instant connect with the masses. It also brought Udit Narayan to superstardom.

Notable song: Papa Kehte Hain

2. Pakeezah (Music: Ghulam Mohammed & Naushad / Lyrics: Kamal Amrohi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi, Kaif Bhopali & Mir Taqi Mir) :

1972 – Paakeezah was finally here after 14 years, with the stellar soundtrack of Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad. Meena Kumari’s last film was a vivid poetic canvas with melodious songs and poignant lyrics.

Notable song: Chalte Chalte

3. Sholay (Music: RD Burman / Lyrics: Anand Bakshi) :

The West had a few dollars more, we had poore pachaas hazaar. Ennio Morricone had the Spaghetti, Pancham had Sholay, an iconic movie with iconic characters and dialogues cueing an iconic soundtrack.

Notable song: Mehbooba Mehbooba

4. Teesri Manzil (Music: R. D. Burman / Lyrics: Majrooh) :

This RD soundtrack for a romantic, rock and roll, revenge thriller made for a rollicking breakthrough for him. From vintage drums to gorgeously shot dance sequences, Teesri Manzil had it all. Trivia: most of the songs were one-takes.

Notable song: O Haseena Zulfon Wali

 5. Aradhana (Music: SD Burman / Lyrics: Anand Bakshi) :

Background music to the entry of Bollywood’s first superstar, the sapnon ki rani featuring soundtrack of Aradhana is one of the most memorable soundtracks of Burman Sr. Look out for the bardic “Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana” sung by SD himself.

Notable song: Mere Sapnon Ki Rani

6. Kati Patang (Music: RD Burman / Lyrics: Anand Bakshi) :

Your life may be an ill-fated, colourless Kati Patang, but at the same time Kaka serenades you with melodious poetry. Romance, melancholia and poetry’s synonymous synergy comes alive in this Pancham-Anand Bakshi soundtrack. 

Notable song: Yeh Shaam Mastani

7. Kashmir Ki Kali (Music: O. P. Nayyar / Lyrics: SH Bihari) :

An alter ego of the picturesque paradise, OP Nayyar’s discography defining soundtrack of Kashmir Ki Kali had Shammi-Sharmila waltzing all the way, making you go: "Tareef karoon kya uski, jisne tumhe banaya".

Notable song: Ye Chand Sa Roshan Chehra

8. Jawani Diwani (Music: R.D. Burman / Lyrics: Anand Bakshi) :

Going gaga is passé, the youth went gilli gilli akkha to Pancham’s Jawani Diwani. Featuring the infectious guitar hook of “Saamne Ye Kaun Aaya” and the Binnaca featured romantic duet “Jaanejaan”, the soundtrack spawned many remakes and film titles.

Notable song: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

9. Madhumati (Music: Salil Chowdhury / Lyrics: Shailendra) :

For every Om Shanti Om, there is a Karz. For every Karz, there is a Madhumati. This reincarnation pioneering film had a melodious score by Salil Chowdhury with and poetic lyrics by Shailendra.

Notable song: Dil Tadap Tadap Ke

10. Kabhi Kabhie (Music: Khayyam / Lyrics: Sahir) :

Sahir’s pensive lyrics, Khayyam’s enchanting music, Yash Chopra’s masterful direction. Such a fusion happens Kabhi Kabhie. Subtitled “Love is life”, its soundtrack includes every shade of love: from melancholic poetry to the youthful and jovial facets of budding romance.

Notable song: Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein

11. Aashiq (Music: Shankar-Jaikishan / Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri) :

The Showmen team of Raj Kapoor, Mukesh, Shankar-Jaikishan, Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra was behind many golden soundtracks  of the 50s. Following suit in the 60s was Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Aashiq.

Notable song: Ye To Kaho

12. Blackmail (Music: Kalyanji-Anandji / Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan):

This underrated Vijay Anand thriller starring Dharmendra and Rakhee is solely associated by many with the soundtrack. With Kishore-da’s “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” and Kalyanji-Anandji’s thrilling “Mile Mile Do Badan”, the soundtrack gave Polydor another Bollywood classic.

Notable song: Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas

Click here to check out the full collection.

The Kohinoors of music- Yes diamonds are valuable but have you thought about music albums? Here are 9 of the most expensive expensive Indian albums on the market right now. If you have one of these, you sure lucked out.

1) At The Taj Mahal Bombay by The Jetliners: 

Their live concert at the Taj Mahal in Bombay was recorded. Aptly named ‘At Taj Mahal Bombay’ a heaven for swing fans to dance to their tunes, the rarity of this album makes it one of the most expensive Indian albums. 

 Price: ₹ 37,104 

 2) Ananda Shankar and his music by Ananda Shankar: 

Ananda Shankar needs no fresh introduction. He has dominated the local music scene by experimenting, breaking traditions, establishing styles to create new sounds, and weaving new patterns. Released in 1975, this is still one of the most sought-after albums, hence earning its place in this list. 

 Price: ₹ 39,721 

 3) Dahshat (Soundtrack) by Bappi Lahiri: 

An Indian horror movie directed by the infamous Ramsay brothers, was expected to be artsy. But it was the soundtrack that took the audience by surprise. The eccentrics of Bappi Lahiri fit with the ethos of the film. Also, it helps that the title 'Dahshat' literally translates to 'terror'.  

 Price: ₹ 43,706 

 4) Disco Jazz by Rupa: 

The first objective of this album was to create vibrant, new dance music with universal appeal. A rare gathering of eastern and western musicians combining powerful vocals, traditional Indian instruments with the driving sounds of electric guitars, drums, space-age synthesizer keyboards and haunting melodies. Its re-release in 2017 indicates the popularity it gained even after 40 years of its initial release. 

 Price: ₹ 51,316 

 5) Sitar Goes Latin by Enoch Daniels and Jayram Acharya: 

This album presents twelve world-famous Latin numbers on The Sitar. Through this ancient Indian instrument, these favourites from the West have acquired a unique colour. A touch of Eastern melody emanating from the delicate strings of the Sitar lends a mysterious and irresistible quality to these perennial favourites. 

 Price: ₹ 51,950 

 6) Sri Aurobindo by Arun Amin:

This LP features 9 songs for which Arun Amin has written the lyrics, the music and played the guitar. The song 'Sri Aurobindo' is a tribute to Arun Amin's guru Maharishi Sri Aurobindo. This is an LP for those who care for meaningful lyrics, soft and sweet melodies combined with unusual compositional experiments. 

 Price: ₹ 61,855 

 7) Explorations by Braz Gonsalves, Pam Crain & Louis Banks:

'Exploring' is perhaps the most operative word in jazz. From its inception, it has been a music of constant search and change. With the help of legends in the industry, this album blends the east and the west in a perfect way to create musical genius. This album was recorded live at Kalamandir, Calcutta and is surely a landmark in their progress of the integration of Indian and Western cultures. 

 Price: ₹ 74,305 

 8) International Music by Bharat Karki & Party: 

From beginning to end, this is a flood of Indian psychedelic funk, showering us with heavy percussion grooves in a borrowed international music style that uses elements of rock, Latin, and Arabic music, blended with chanted Hindu mantras, electric guitar, bass, traditional Indian percussions, flutes, screams, organ, and Moog! 

 Price: ₹ 74,326 

 9) Devapriya (Beloved God) / Soul Raag by Braz Gonsalves:

Holy grail number 7 from the legend of jazz music in India. Braz Gonsalves drew inspiration from the classical, folk roots of our own country and fused it with jazz making this masterpiece that sounds original and adds a further dimension to international music. 

 Price: ₹ 79,405