Yesterday, on April 30, I turned 21!
For 21 years, music has been the biggest constant in my life and is one of the reasons I am here today.
So, in honor of 21 years of life, I am going to take you through my 21 favorite albums:
21. Circus by Britney Spears
It was hard choosing between this album and Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande, but respecting your elders is paramount, so I had to go with Spears. This album was my childhood, which explains so much about why I am the way I am. This album is the blueprint for the hot, confident, “good girl gone bad” vibe that female pop stars know and love.
20. How Does That Grab You? By Nancy Sinatra
Realistically, any of Nancy Sinatra’s first three albums could have gone into this slot. I just love her. Her style, songs, cheeky humor, and honesty always make me feel understood.
19. HNDRXX by Future
No skip album. Future is my favorite rapper. Honorable mentions to Young Thug and Drake.
18. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
I resonate with every song on this album. Ultraviolence shows the dark, raw, and desperate side of womanhood.
17. Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk (Expanded Edition) by Jeff Buckley
This is technically a compilation and not an album, but I wanted to include it. And no, I’m not neglecting Grace here; Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk (Expanded Edition) just does not get enough love.
16. Bloom by Beach House
This album was the soundtrack for my trip to Paris during my senior year of high school. I remember sitting on the boat at night listening to “On the Sea,” and having a spiritual experience in that moment.
15. Kerosene by Miranda Lambert
My mom would play this CD every day in her old, beat-up Saturn, so I have known every lyric to this album for as long as I can remember.
14. Bring Me Home: Live 2011 by Sade
Anything by Sade is art. But a compilation of her singing live? Incomparable.
13. how i’m feeling now by Charli xcx
This album means so much to me. It is so representative of my life that if I were a better writer, I feel like I could have written it myself. Thank goodness for Charli xcx!
12. Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins
Hard rock and dreamy love songs? Count me in.
11. Animals by Pink Floyd
This album is so good that you can listen to a 17-minute track on it and still want more.
10. Cherry Valley by Carter Faith
Carter Faith is going to be a star, and this album is a masterpiece. Also, go listen to her cover of “Fame is a Gun” that she released as a single.
9. Ctrl (Deluxe) by SZA
I had a Ctrl poster on my bedroom wall when I was 13. The deluxe version just gave me more songs to love.
8. Live Through This by Hole
Female rage is a powerful thing. Say what you want about Courtney Love, but she knows how to make music that means something. If you need proof, listen to “Asking for it.” Also, it’s not on this album, but listen to Hole’s cover of “Gold Dust Woman” because it rocks.
7. Because of the Times by Kings of Leon
KOL is one of my favorite bands. This album represents them nicely.
6. Brothers by The Black Keys
Another awesome band. This album is a classic.
5. Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin is one of the greatest bands of all time. “Thank You” from this album is going to be played at my future wedding. (I don’t even know if I ever plan on getting married; it’s just that good).
4. Shotgun Willie by Willie Nelson
Album of the summer (every summer, that is). I also plan to play his cover of “A Song for You” at my imaginary wedding.
3. Technical Ecstasy by Black Sabbath
“You Won’t Change Me” might just be my favorite song ever, so I had to include the album that gave it to me.
2. Close To You by Carpenters
Carpenters are so lovely, and this album encapsulates their sound in the best way.
1. Disintegration by The Cure
I am a sucker for The Cure. I appreciate all of their albums, but Disintegration truly takes me to another place.
Honorable Mentions: Sign O’ The Times by Prince, Harvest Moon by Neil Young, CASE STUDY 01 by Danieal Caesar, Punk by Young Thug, 4 by Beyoncé, emails I can’t send by Sabrina Carpenter, Cold Beer & Country Music by Zach Top, locket by Madison Beer, The Black Album by JAY-Z