10 Favorite Albums: Veteran Artist Edition

Anyone can make just one

by j. brotherlove

I was talking to a buddy the other day about longevity in music and how hard it is for new artists to get second and third albums. Then I started thinking, of my favorite artists, which of them have at least 10 albums (not counting "best of" or "live"). And… what is my favorite album by them.

I chose 10 because at that point, you have definitely made your statement about the type of artist you are. I used a combination of my last.fm charts and track ratings in Media Center to make my selections. Also, allmusic came in handy to verify which artists had at least 10 albums.

Meme it if you like (I tag EJ, Jason and George for starters) This may be harder for the younger set and those heavily into hip hop (the only hip hop act I can think of with 10 sets is LL Cool J).

The Results

1. Kate Bush — The Dreaming (1982)
   This was a difficult decision for me. Out of the 130-plus songs I own by Kate Bush, only 10 of them rate below three stars. I pretty much love everything she does. But in the end, I like the sound of The Dreaming best. Favorite songs: "Pull Out The Pin", "The Dreaming", "Houdini".
2. Joni Mitchell - Wild Things Run Fast (1985)
   Another tricky one. Although The Hissing Of Summer Lawns and Hejira are more enigmatic and cohesive, I chose Wild Things Run Fast because I like to sing along with it the most. Favorite songs: "Wild Things Run Fast", "You Dream Flat Tires", "Man To Man".
3. Larry Heard (as Mr. Fingers) - Introduction (1992)
   I love most of Larry Heard’s work. There’s a calm, sexy energy to his approach to dance music. Introduction was supposed to be his big foray into mainstream radio. However, besides some airplay on smooth jazz stations, it didn’t catch. But that didn’t stop him from continuing. Favorite songs: "On My Way", "What About This Love?", "Closer".
4. Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear (1978)
   This one was easy. Here, My Dear is such an important record. If you listen to soul music it’s a must listen. The lyrics are extremely personal and thematic. The music is undeniably funky and moving. Favorite songs: "When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You", "Anger", "A Funky Space Reincarnation".
5. Everything But The Girl - Walking Wounded (1996)
   I love every musical incarnation of EBTG (and there have been a lot of them) From folksy/pop to adult contemporary jazzy to downtempo to electronica they always deliver. The first time I listed to Walking Wounded I was blown away. Favorite songs: "Before Today", "Walking Wounded", "Good Cop Bad Cop".
6. Prince - Parade (1986)
   Another really tough decision. I initially chose Lovesexy because of its weirdness (I’m attracted to weird). But I settled on Parade because the songs are just so damn great (although the movie that inspired it, Under The Cherry Moon, sucked ass). Favorite songs: "New Position", "Kiss", "Anotherloverholeinyohead"
7. Mariah Carey - The Emancipation Of Mimi (2005)
   This album goes down as one of my favorite pop music recordings of all time. It’s amazing that at her age, Mariah has so much material (one, a complete album of Number 1 songs). Only three songs here fail to rate as five stars for me. That’s incredible! Favorite songs: We Belong Together", "Stay The Night", "Shake It Off".
8. Swing Out Sister - Kaleidoscope World (1990)
   Swing Out Sister is another group who has transformed throughout the years. Although the last offering from them was sort of a dud, Kaleidoscope World’s combination of depressing lyrics and upbeat music helped me get over a breakup and cemented my love for the group. Favorite songs: "You On My Mind", "Forever Blue", "Waiting Game".
9. Teena Marie - It Must Be Magic (1981)
   I’m having trouble embracing Teena Marie’s latest project Sapphire. But I can’t be mad at her. Out of her 12 albums, it is the first one that I don’t like. That’s an awesome track record. I bought this after watching Amelia Black perform "Yes, Indeed" at Club LaRay in Chicago. Thank goddess for drag queens! Favorite songs: "It Must Be Magic", "Square Biz", "Yes, Indeed".
10. Duran Duran - Rio (1982)
    Duran Duran was my first favorite band. I still love them. Rio was their most cohesive album to me. It’s also the album that cemented them in pop culture. Favorite songs: "Rio," "Save A Prayer" and "The Chaffuer".

Previously…

• Hounds Of Love
• Trouble Man
• I’m What It’s All About
• What About This Love?
• Back In The Day (LaRay)
• Rollercoaster
• One To Ten

you didn’t tag me…what you think i can’t do this? you think i’m too hip-hop for this meme. lol. give me til the weekend i got a surprise for you. what most people don’t know is that most of my 80s was spent listening to new wave and house music…and not like any of those artists have 10 albums to talk about. but i got 10 favorite artists with at least 10 under their belt. i’m up to this challenge.

By all means, Lynne, knock it out. It’s taken EJ a week and he still hasn’t finished putting his list together. It’s trickier than it looks.

I’ll second the EBTG “Walking Wounded” nod. Reading this post made me pull it out and listen to it again. I still love it. Fave songs for me: Before Today, Walking Wounded, Flipside, Single.