Punk poetess Patti Smith. Photo Credit: Klaus Hiltscher
Back in July 24, 2017, NPR posted a list of the 150 greatest albums by women. Like any list of this magnitude it was a generator of debate. Recently NPR decided to keep the discussion going by inviting music fans to submit their list of ten albums.
I decided I would make my voice heard by submitting my list of ten albums. Instead of doing a strict critical synopsis of overall influence, I focused more on how the albums personally impacted me (even though I would consider all of these albums to be influential). It was difficult to narrow it down to ten and being honest if I was to revisit this list in a couple of days I might change my mind on a few of the picks. There really was no shortage of contenders. But these are all special albums.
Even though this website is primary focused on protest music, since I was compiling the list anyways, I felt that I might as well post it here. I also included my brief comments of how the album impacted me. A number of these albums do contain at least some socially conscious material, but this list is a deviation of what I generally post here. But I guess making arguments of women’s rightful place in the historical development of music could be considered a political discourse.
I was also a teenager in the 1990s which contributes to the fact that four of my picks are from that decade. Feel free to join the discussion and share your picks.
Nina Simone In Concert (1964) – Nina Simone
Powerful socially conscious masterpiece which makes you think and feel. This album was also on my list of 15 important protest albums by women.
Horses (1975) – Patti Smith
A prefect blend of poetry and punk. Continues to sound vital.
The Raincoats (1979) – The Raincoats
Not going to lie, may of never of discovered this album if it wasn’t for Kurt Cobain and my teenage love for Nirvana. But I’m glad I discovered it. The lo-fi rawness and sincerity continues to make this album a compelling listen.
Hounds of Love (1985) – Kate Bush
This album is a true religious experience. It transports me to another world and I experience all kinds of feels.
The Trinity Session (1988) – Cowboy Junkies
Margo Timmins ethereal vocals get to me after every listen.
I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990) – Sinéad O’Connor
Emotionally poignant album. “Black Boys on Moped” is a powerful socially conscious tune which sadly remains relevant.
Live Through This (1994) – Hole
Back when I was an angst ridden youth this album spoke to me. Even as a reasonably well-adjusted adult the album still holds up, it is the perfect blend of melodic rage.
Loose (1994) – Victoria Williams
Both Victoria Williams and this album is criminally underrated. The music is authentic and it just feels right.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) – Lauryn Hill
Powerful blend of the personal and political. A true landmark.
The Navigator (2017) – Hurray For The Riff Raff
I don’t remember the last time an album impacted me the way this one did. It is the perfect soundtrack for the times we live in. The album was also the number one protest album of 2017.