music essentials – Page 2

Ten Classic Country Albums Every Music Fan Should Own

While several of our selections are established country classics, recorded decades ago, there are a few surprises here.

In ‘The Suburbs’ their third album, Arcade Fire created their most sophisticated and ambitious work, replete with string arrangements.

The first soul-jazz album ever is one of the best, both for Grover Washington Jr.’s superb playing and the direction of famed producer Creed Taylor.

Here are 10 phenomenal recordings, to be treasured for their inherent musical performances just as much as for their sound quality.

Maria Callas was the finest singer of the twentieth century, bar none: the finest singer in any language or in any genre of music.

Nina Simone can make you forget that anyone else has ever recorded anything she sang.