Top 10 Albums of 1995
Mid-nineties musical mania. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top albums of 1995. For this list, we are looking at albums that were released in the year 1995. These albums defined the mid-nineties are have stood the test of time twenty years later.
Special thanks to our user Leo Logan for submitting the idea on our Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: “Liquid Swords” GZA
During their prime, the lineup of New York City’s Wu-Tang Clan was strong enough for a full baseball squad, but their focus was on droppin’ beats and martial arts philosophy. As one of the WU’s finest lyricists, GZA released Liquid Swords and shredded the competition with a dark, atmospheric sound and rhymes that had hip-hop fans experience heavy mental stimulation. Although group mates Raekwon and Ol’ Dirty Bastard released some amazing albums of their own in ’95, it was GZA who reigned supreme. Wu Tang Forever.
#9: “The Woman in Me” Shania Twain
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In early February of 1995, country music fans received a sublime gift from the country gods in the form of this genre classic. Shania Twain undoubtedly had the looks to become a star, but it was collaboration with AC/DC producer “Mutt” Lange that optimized her immense talent. “The Woman in Me” produced eight singles that transformed Shania from a rockin’ Canadian gal to a pop-country international icon. The album gave us boot-kicking jams along with a few ballads for twangy lovers. So, the big question is: where were you when Shania took over?
#8: “The Infamous” Mobb Deep
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The hip-hop scene of Queensbridge, New York was thriving after the 1994 debut album from Nas, but the MC duo of Mobb Deep was already on the map with their own first release. The group’s second album, The Infamous, struck a chord with gritty lyrics and raw beats that were street to the core. The album featured Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan and even the aforementioned Nas. The commercial appeal reached a new level when the hip-hop anthem “Shook Ones Pt. II” was featured in the 2002 film “8 Mile.” Oozing with authenticity, The Infamous was a tape deck mainstay in 1995.
#7: “The Bends” Radiohead
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After the single “Creep” became an alt-rock phenomenon in the early 90’s, Radiohead was on the verge of becoming a definitive MTV band. Lead singer Thom Yorke had a different vision for the group, as shown on their sophomore effortThe Bends. Radiohead fine-tuned their sound and the introspective lyrics offered an existential side-road through the world of Brit Pop. Yorke’s unmistakable voice paved the way for a new breed of lead singers while simultaneously setting a new standard for artistic freedom.
#6: “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” Smashing Pumpkins
It’s quite ambitious to attempt to match the sonic accomplishments of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” but that’s what Billy Corgan attempted to deliver for a new generation with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Rather than working with their usual producer, Smashing Pumpkins brought on a new team for their epic, 28-track 1995 release and changed up their production team for an innovative new sound. “Mellon Collie” took listeners on a conceptual voyage through night and day, and the ornate construction resulted in seven Grammy nominations. The Smashing Pumpkins ravaged our senses with the ’95 gem.
#5: “Tragic Kingdom” No Doubt
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While grunge was finding its way onto the pop charts in 1995, a band from Anaheim brought the funk with their ska-inspired sound. While Tragic Kingdom was released later in the year, it took several months for No Doubt to reach the masses. Thanks to extensive touring and the magnetic stage presence of Gwen Stefani, singles like “Spiderwebs” and “Just a Girl” became pop hits, and who can forget the ballad “Don’t Speak”? Stefani had broken up with bassist Tony Kanal and her inspirational brother left the band, but “Tragic Kingdom” still became a magical masterpiece.
#4: “Jagged Little Pill” Alanis Morissette
Previously a Canadian pop-dance artist, a 21-year-old Alanis Morissette reinvented herself in 1995 after a move to LA. With vicious yet hilarious lyrics, and a new outlook on life after a San Fernando Valley robbery, Morissette redefined the role of women in rock music and proved to be more than a one-hit wonder with six smash hit singles. Morissette’s ability to channel her inner demons demanded attention along with the album’s raw intensity.
#3: “Foo Fighters” Foo Fighters
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Following the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, Nirvana’s Dave Grohl overcame his depression by creating his own band featuring…well, himself. The drummer wrote, sang and composed every track on Foo Fighters, with the exception of a featured guest spot from the Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli. Lyrically, Foo Fighters consists of structured tracks and all-out rambles, but the technical achievement and support from fellow musicians helped Grohl organize a permanent roster of musicians for the future.
#2: “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” Oasis
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Oh, to be a fly on the wall for the recording of this British cultural phenomenon. After the success of their debut albumDefinitely Maybe, Liam and Noel Gallagher boasted new rock star egos and a different outlook for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. You can almost feel their chest puffing out during the harder tracks, while ballads like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” proved that these bad boys could touch on the human element. Like all true rock stars do, Oasis captured national headlines on the daily after the album’s October release, and six sparkling singles ensured a lasting legacy. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Garbage” Garbage “Post” Bjork “To Bring You My Love” PJ Harvey “Everything is Wrong” Moby “Let Your Dim Light Shine” Soul Asylum
#1: “Me Against the World” 2Pac
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Bruce Springsteen was at the top of the charts in 1995, but a lyrical boss named Tupac Shakur swiped away his glory. Despite being locked up at the time of release, 2Pac’s third studio album debuted at #1 and strayed from typical themes of gangsta rap by taking on a more personal approach. Tracks like “Dear Mama” and “So Many Tears’ became instant classics and the album’s darker side anticipated the violence that would ultimately take the life of Shakur. Me Against The World marked a transitional period in hip-hop,” as 2Pac redefined the art form and produced street poetry for the ages. So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite album of 1995? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.