Music is something that has brought people together for at least 35,000 years. Despite that, I’ve noticed that most people just stick to what they’re comfortable with, including myself. So, I put together a list of music from different genres from throughout the decades, and I provided albums and songs that I personally enjoyed.
70s
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Heart was first formed in 1967 in Seattle, Washington. They are best known for their hard rock music, as well as their folk rock music. They have gone through lineup changes multiple times; however, the most well known members would be Ann Wilson, and Nancy Wilson. An album I would recommend would be Little Queen, which came out in 1977. The album features “Barracuda,” which hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. But, other than “Barracuda,” I would personally recommend “Kick It Out” and “Go On Cry.”
Pop
Captain & Tennille is a pop group from the 70s that consisted of “Captain” Daryl Dragon, and Toni Tennille. They even had a variety show from 1976 – 1977 called The Captain and Tennille. I really liked their 1976 album, Song Of Joy. My favorite songs off of the album were “Mind Your Love,” and “Shop Around”. Unfortunately, Dragon and Tennille divorced in 2014, though they remained good friends after they split up.
Disco
A Taste Of Honey was created in 1978 in LA, California. They are best known for their chart-topper song, “Boogie Oogie Oogie, which earned them two platinum records for both the album and the single. The album that I found myself listening to the most was Another Taste, which was released in 1979. The songs I loved the most were definitely “The Rainbow’s End,”“Your Love,” and “Let’s Begin.” A Taste Of Honey’s music is catchy, and just fun to listen to.
Blues
Derek and the Dominos was a blues rock band from London England, that was only active from 1970 – 1971. Although they were so short lived, they still produced some amazing songs. My personal favorite of which would be “I Am Yours,” and “Have You
Ever Loved A Woman?”both of which were on the 1970 album Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs.
Metal
Budgie was a Welsh heavy metal band that formed in 1967. They were one of the first heavy metal bands, and were incredibly influential. Out of all of their albums, I really liked their 1972 album Squawk, which was their second studio album. My favorite songs off of the album are “Drugstore Woman,” “Stranded,” “Whiskey River,” and “Make Me Happy.”
80s
Rock ‘n’ Roll
INXS was an Australian rock band that was created in 1977 in Sydney. It was formed while the members were in high school, and they first released their album INXS. The albums I would recommend the most would be their 1984 album, The Swing, which includes songs such as “Melting in the Sun,”and “Face the Change.”Another album I loved was their 1987 album Kick, which features one of their most popular songs, “Need You Tonight.” The songs off of Kick which I liked the most were “New Sensation,” and “Meditate.”
Pop
Bananarama, originating from London, England, formed in 1980 by a friend group consisting of Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward. They had 30 singles hit the Top 50 of the UK Singles Chart. Some of their top singles were “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It)” (1982), and “Cruel Summer” (1983). I personally recommend their 1984 album, Bananarama, which includes some of my favorite songs by them such as “Rough Justice,” and “Cairo.”
Hip hop
Salt-N-Pepa is a hip hop group that formed in New York City in 1985. They’re most known for their 1993 single “Shoop,”which came out with their hit album, Very Necessary. An album I would definitely recommend would be Hot, Cool & Vicious. The album is by far one of my favorites, with songs like “I’ll Take Your Man,” “I Desire,” and another one of their incredibly popular songs“Push It,”which went to number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
New Wave
Oingo Boingo, known for their exciting music and wonderful live concerts, is a very weird, but very good band. Oingo Boingo was formed in 1979 by Danny Elfman, who is known for composing music for over 100 films. I personally enjoy their music, as it just gives you the feeling that you need to dance. Although I love all of their songs, my favorite album would have to be their 1981 album, Only a Lad. The album has many punk influences, meaning that there are a few controversial and political songs. Danny Elfman said that the intention of the album was to be angry, but to have a sense of humor about it at the same time.
Metal
Formed in Berkeley, California, Lȧȧz Rockit is a thrash metal band that, although lesser known, have many incredibly high ratings for their albums. Lȧȧz Rockit first formed in 1981, and went on hiatus from 1992 to 2005. They were formed by 17 year old vocalist Michael Coons, and 18 year old Aaron Jellum. The albums I enjoyed the most were probably their 1984 album, City’s Gonna Burn, and their 1989 album, Annihilation Principle. I would also recommend their single, “Leatherface” from 1990. Most of their songs are very fast paced, which is usual for thrash metal. So, if you like quick, and loud music accompanied by shouting, Lȧȧz Rockit would be the band for you.
90s
Rock ‘n’ Roll
When I first heard Lili Haydn, it genuinely blew me away. I have a feeling that she has that impression on many people. She combines violin and rock in her songs, and my personal favorite album has to be her 1997 album, Lili. After the release of that album, she actually went on tour with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, playing as their opening act. Lili Haydn has also composed music for many different shows and movies, including the 2018 film The House That Jack Built, and Anita (2013). Lili is a talented composer, violinist, and singer that I believe just about anyone will love.
Pop
Five, also written as 5ive, is a boy band that formed in London, 1997. They were formed by the same team that were in charge of the Spice Girls. They have a total of
four albums, my favorite of which being their first album, 5ive from 1998. The songs from the album that I liked the most were definitely “Everybody Get Up,”and “That’s What You Told Me.”
Hip Hop
Black Moon, originating from Brooklyn, is a hip hop group from 1992. Black Moon’s lineup consists of Buckshot, 5ft, and DJ Evil Dee. The group formed while 5ft and DJ Evil Dee were in high school, and they soon found Buckshot, and he joined the group as well. In 2003, they released their third album, which is also my personal favorite. The album, Total Eclipse, generally received high praise when it was released. The songs I liked the most had to have been “That’z How It Iz,” “Confusion,” and “How We Do It.”
Country
Lonestar, which used to be known as Texassee, is a country band that formed in Nashville, Tennessee. The group formed in 1992, and is still active today, though the lineup has changed. Their 1995 album, Lonestar, is my favorite album they’ve produced so far. The album has singles such as “No News,” which was the group’s first number-one single. It also has a song called “Heartbroke Every Day,” which was my favorite song off of the album.
Grunge
Babes in Toyland is a grunge band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, which came to be in 1987. The band only released three studio albums, Spanking Machine from 1990 being my personal favorite. The songs I liked the most off of Spanking Machine were definitely the songs “Fork Down Throat, and “Boto(w)rap.” I would also recommend their 1995 album, Fontanelle, which has my all time favorite song by them, “Handsome & Gretel.”
