[feature] Essential Albums: Miguel

Jan 14, 2013

In an ongoing effort to better understand the musical influences behind new music, we’re asking artists to tell us about their be-all-end-all essential albums of all time ever forever. This week we get five picks from neo-soul singer Miguel, whose excellent album dropped last year.

Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key of Life (1976)

It’s probably one of the most known albums by Stevie Wonder. If you’ve never listened to him, it’s a great place to start. It’ll make you want to go back and listen to his earlier releases.

Listen: “Love’s In Need of Love Today”

Led Zeppelin – IV (1971)

It’s THE quintessential rock album.

Listen: IV (full album)

The Notorious B.I.G – Ready To Die (1994)

He’s a storyteller. Allegorically, he’s the illest MC ever; and he’s got a sense of humor.

Listen: Ready To Die (full album)

Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

I love the continuity of the record. André 3000 is my favourite MC of all time.

Listen/Watch: “Roses”

Little Brother – The Listening (2003)

That album, front to back, is amazing; the continuity, the concepts, the lyricism, the beats. It’s their debut album to a larger audience and one of the last, timeless hip-hop album by a duo.

Listen: The Listening (full album)