Music is a universal language, one that almost everyone can speak and understand. Over the decades, artists have created albums that have lasted the test of time and have placed in the history books. However, music taste is subjective, so what causes certain albums to be so dearly loved? There are so many variables that go into having an album truly be noteworthy: the genre, the melody, the storytelling, and the emotions evoked. That is one thing that makes music so special and diverse: it is purely rooted in things that elicit human emotions. When an artist makes people feel, it builds a string that interlinks the person to the melody forever. Some prime examples of albums like this are;
- Bob Marley & The Wailers — Exodus (1977) Reggae
- B.B. King — Live at the Regal (1965) Blues
- Bob Dylan — The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963) Folk
- Marvin Gaye — What’s Going On (1971) R&B
- Miles Davis — Kind of Blue (1959) Jazz
- Michael Jackson — Thriller (1982) Pop
- The Beatles — Abbey Road (1969) Rock
All of these artists are recognized worldwide for their craft, even though none of them have current music. That is because good art never fades if it has an impact in the first place. As the world develops and changes, human nature remains, and music feeds on these facets. Some of the greatest albums of all time, according to the internet, are labeled as such not because they are a reflection of the artist’s uniqueness, which appeals to people all over the world who are told every day that it is more important to assimilate than to be true to themselves. Music is one big release from the pressures of society, which is why people cherish it so much. Community, creativity, love, memory, voice, and purpose are all key elements to make albums and singles candidates for artistic merit, transcending genres.
It all boils down to making people all around the world feel like their experience is shared and that they are understood. Music is a reflection of human nature, which is why albums like “The Big Day” by Chance the Rapper in 2019 have seemingly faded the rapper out of the scene. If the people no longer feel connected to the art, the artist loses credibility, in a way. That is why being a producer or a musician is such a delicate craft. The second music shows an absence of originality, heart, angd voice, which is when it loses its merit.
