The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie

While not his first album, and certainly not his last, David Bowie’s hit album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars,” easily makes my top three, over 50 years after its initial release. Being a Bowie fan for all of my life, I struggle to find a single skip on this album, something I can’t say about most of my Spotify library. Bowie’s album is a distinct mix of glam and rock, featuring strong lyrical components and insane guitar riffs. My favorites of the album being “Starman,” “Moonage Daydream” and “Rock n’ Roll Suicide.” Bowie’s signature style to his music highlights the strengths within this album, and separates it from all the rest; 50 years ago and now.

Folklore: Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s 2020 album, Folklore, easily makes my top three albums, if not top album of all time. Developed during the Covid-era, Swift’s album tells stories of love, heartbreak and growth. This album highlights her personal narrative and musical development since the beginning of her career, as the lyrical strength of this album is incomparable. It’s poetry, folk and pop all in one package, with songs such as “The Last Great American Dynasty, ”The Lakes” and “Exile” being three of my favorites, not just within the lyrical production, but the differing musicality of each song. This album is easily Swift’s strongest work, and easily one of my favorite albums of all time.

Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers: Kendrick Lamar

My favorite rap artist, Kendrick Lamar ensures that each album he produces will be top tier, and “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” is no exception. This album truly comes from the heart, as Lamar explores his traumas, defeats and future ambitions in the form of music. His lyrical choices and diction within this album connects with the listener, making it such a strong piece of art. The backing vocals on “Count Me Out” add dimension to the song, making it one of my favorites, as well as “N95” and “United in Grief.” Overall, Lamar’s album is a lyrical masterpiece in the least, and an album that I think everyone must listen to, even just once.