Thin Lizzy – Chinatown
This year is the 40th anniversary of Chinatown, one of Thin Lizzy’s most celebrated albums. By 1980 the band had already shot to fame with hits like ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘The Boys are Back in Town’. Now was the time to demonstrate the many ups and downs of the rock n’ roll lifestyle. In this album, each song paints a picture of a period or personal battle.
In this album we are introduced to one of their best ballads ‘Didn’t I’ and to ‘Killer on the Loose’, arguably the most controversial song on the album referencing a serial killer from Yorkshire. This album has stood the test of time.
Bob Marley – Rastaman Vibration
Who doesn’t love a bit of Bob? This reggae sensation continues to fill our living rooms with colourful lyrics and messages of hope. Bob Marley would be 75 this year. His legacy lives on and his determined voice, connecting the power of music to the struggles of people remains as strong as ever.
With this classic album, we go back to 1976 when he released Rastaman Vibration. Renowned as the Wailers and Marley’s breakthrough album as it shot to fame in the US. The laid back Rastafarian style of music with compelling lyrics would influence generations. He is not only an intelligent songwriter but also a pop icon that has profoundly shaped our relationship with reggae music. If you don’t have one of Bob’s greatest hits songs on your Spotify playlist then ‘Roots, Rock, Reggae’, ‘Positive Vibration’ and ‘War’ are three classics from this superb album.
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
If you don’t have a copy of this album you are among the minority within the population of Ireland and the UK. ‘Back to Black’ has sold over 16 million copies worldwide and nearly every song was a natural smash hit. Rehab, Back to Black and Love is a Losing Game are just three of the influential songs that topped the charts. It went on to win Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammy Awards.
On many of the songs, Amy collaborated with Mark Ronson who understood her personality and brought out her stunning tones. Amy liked to use a fusion of musical genres in her music and this never fails to disappoint. Pop, RnB, Jazz and Blues are embedded into all of the tempos. If you are looking for an album to use as beautiful background music then look no further. This is one album where you won’t want to be skipping songs.
The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
You can’t mention classic albums without giving the Beatles a spot. This album showed off the creative side of the band, mixing musical styles, showcasing modern instrumentation and crossing genres made it simply irresistible to critics. This super album won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
There are so many hits within this one album that we could dedicate an essay to the songs and as the album featured as part of the Leaving Cert music syllabus for years we are sure there are lots of essays out there. ‘She’s Leaving Home’, ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ and ‘When I’m Sixty Four’ are three of our favourites to chill out with.
The above albums represent some of the greatest music to be found in our bursting library of playlists and songs. Take some time out, stop flicking from one song to the next, relax and enjoy these captivating classic albums.
