![December Hotel's 100 Favorite Albums [2012 Edition]](/Lists/Photos/december100.jpg)
I've been talking about doing this list for years, and finally I'm making it happen. This list is comprised of albums that, for one reason or another, I have grown to love over the years. Some date back to before I was born. I was a child of the '80s, so many of those entries carry a little nostalgia.
Many of these albums are among the best ever written, as far as I'm concerned. I hope you enjoy the list and feel drawn to check out a few that are unfamiliar to you.
Easily one of the greatest hits compilations of all time. I mean, who doesn't like this album? There isn't a single bad song to be found on the entire album. He remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of music, a political symbol, and reggae's biggest star by a mile. Legend was originally issued in 1984, three years after Marley died from cancer. It quickly became the biggest-selling reggae album of all time.
OMD is short for Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. This is one of the first albums I really got into. It still takes me back to fifth grade when I hear it. Not a great album, but it has its moments. This album probably isn't the best starting point for a first-time listener. I recommend "The Best of O.M.D." OMD were responsible for some of the catchiest and brightest synth-pop that the '80s had to offer. It's too bad so many music listeners have never heard of them.
"Hysteria," along with the Beastie Boys' "Licensed to Ill," owned my sixth-grade year of school. I adored these two albums. "Hysteria" is among a select few albums from that time period that don't sound dated to me. The highly praised Mutt Lange deserves much of the credit for that. One of those few albums where you can listen from start to finish and not skip a song.
I can still remember the first time I saw the video for "Flood." I was completely mesmerized by the song and video. Afterwards, I had my mind made up that I needed the album. It took a little while for the rest of the album to catch on, but after it did, I played this album to death. I still don't listen to it as much as I should because of that. Jars of Clay has since moved on to record quite a few more albums, but none eclipse the greatness of this debut for me.
I was late to jump on The Verve bandwagon, but boy, was I glad I did. They have a very rewarding catalog. I'm a big fan of psychedelic space rock. Most probably wouldn't consider this their shining moment; for me, it is. "A Storm in Heaven" is a journey through space and time that one needs to take from time to time.
The Samples are easily one of Colorado's finest. I have to be honest: early on, I wasn't much of a fan. Aside from "Did You Ever Look So Nice," it took until after high school before I started to really connect with Sean Kelly and The Samples. This is a great starting point for anyone interested in experiencing the reggae-inflected pop sound of The Samples.
For years, Bruce Springsteen was one of those artists I always admired from afar. It wasn't until the late '90s that I truly embraced this living legend. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, there was no way Springsteen could ignore the event. Nor did he hesitate to transform the anguish of the tragedy into an uplifting proclamation. This was an album for a nation in pain. Probably his best album since the late '80s.
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I have to admit I was a fan of Tricky before I even knew or heard anything about Massive Attack. In my early twenties, everywhere I turned, I kept hearing about Massive Attack and how I needed to check out "Mezzanine." But for some odd reason, it wasn't until the end of my twenties that I finally got around to purchasing it. I am still kicking myself for waiting so long. One of the best albums to ever hit the trip-hop scene.
I was a fan from the very first moment I heard "Scooby Snacks." When I want to seem cool and on the scene, I always throw on some Fun Lovin' Criminals. Remember that scene in the movie "Swingers" where they are strutting along in slow motion? That is a very accurate picture of what Fun Lovin' Criminals are: a confident, smooth trio of musicians always on point, bringing the funk and soul to anyone ready to experience the coolness of what this life has to offer.
Arguably the kings of hip-hop. Run-D.M.C. were one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the '80s. "Raising Hell" was a historic moment in rap, paving the way for later acts. I always make a great effort to play one of the many great songs on this album at my parties. This is just a fun album that hasn't lost a step after all these years.
