30. The Rhythm of the Saints
Paul Simon’s album, released October 16, 1990, is an enduring ode to the incredible longevity of Simon’s prime. One of only two albums released by Simon in the 90’s, The Rhythm of the Saints comes off the heels of the universally acclaimed Graceland (1986). Opting to once again explore deeper into world music with a South American sound, Simon finds incredible success. “The Obvious Child”, Simon’s opening song, is stirring, resonant and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Simon has once again captured the magic for a fourth straight decade. The percussive intensity is brought with full force by Olodum, the unrelenting Brazilian drum ensemble. Simon’s smooth vocals and masterful lyrics on songs such as “Spirit Voices”, “She Moves On” and “Born At The Right Time” propel this album into the upper echelons of the all time greats.
29. Odessey and Oracle
The sophomore album from the British group The Zombies was released on July 15th, 1968 in the United States. Though not an overnight sensation, Odessey and Oracle has gained significant cult status through the years. From the iconic “Time Of The Season” and “This Will Be Our Year”, The Zombies experimentalism produced profound results. Rod Argent, the founder and leader of The Zombies, wrote and provided lead vocals for many of the songs along with the bass guitarist and occasional lead vocalist Chris White. One of my personal favorites from the album includes “Butcher’s Tale (Western Front 1914)”. The unique blend of harmonies and instrumentation from Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, Chris White, Paul Atkinson and Hugh Grundy holds up incredible well nearly a generation after its release. Fun fact, the Shakespearean title of the album misspelled Odyssey due to an issue with the cover artist. The band unsuccessfully tried to play off the misspelling as intentional.
28. What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye’s jazzy, smooth and soulful album What’s Going on, released May 21st, 1971, features some of the very best of Motown records. The subtle messaging set in the context of the Vietnam war and American inequality issues holds as much, if not more power as it did upon its initial release. “We don’t need to escalate, you see, war is not the answer for only love can conquer hate”, a message that resonates with all. From the title track “What’s going on” to “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, Marvin Gaye pours his heart in soul into every second of this excellently crafted masterpiece.
27. The Royal Scam
The duo of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, otherwise known as Steely Dan, gained immediate prominence when their first studio album Can’t Buy A Thrill was released in 1972. The duo remained prolific through the 70’s and produced some of the most inventive albums to date. The Royal Scam, released in May of 1976 went certified platinum peaking at 15 on the Billboard’s top 100 albums. The compact 9 song album led off by “Kid Charlamagne” featuring one of the greatest guitar solos of all time performed by Jazz fusion guitarist Larry Carlton. Every song is unique while fitting in with the overall flow of the album from “Haitian Divorce”, “The Caves Of Altamira” and “The Fez”, Steely Dan’s jazz rock fusion is simultaneously invigorating and thought provoking. The storytelling and inventiveness trademark an all time classic work.
26. Paranoid
While I don’t view myself as the biggest fan of the metal genre, this is an album that absolutely cannot be overlooked. Let’s start from the very beginning, the cover art. If you can’t clearly tell; the album depicts a man dressed in a pig costume holding a sword. Genius, I love it. Paranoid was released in September of 1970 in the U.K. before its January 1971 U.S. Release. Right from the start Ozzy and company hit the audience with “War Pigs/ Luke’s Wall”, a violent condemnation of war and warmongers. The heavy hitting themes and incredible riffs combine for a truly inimitable album. The titular track “Paranoid” remains the most successful single in the bands history while being an afterthought on the album. The otherworldly “Planet Caravan” and iconic “Iron Man” remain just as groundbreaking today as they were in 1970.
