Listmania!
My favorite albums, old and new...
By an Amazon.com customer
Les Miserables Complete Symphonic RecordingLes Miserables Complete Symphonic Recording by Various Artists
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $14.99
I am a huge Broadway musical fan, and Les Mis was my very first one. All that's missing on this recording is Colm Wilkinson
Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar
Buy used from: $27.98
When I finally saw JCS when it was on tour, I became hooked when I found this lying around my parents' CD collection. I'm not even Christian!
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) by Duncan Sheik
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $8.49
This is perhaps my favorite new musical. I know why it deserved the Best Musical Tony. It really is a great yet tragic story and the songs by Duncan Sheik are wonderful. I have had the pleasure of seeing it on Broadway and meeting the cast
The Gold Medal CollectionThe Gold Medal Collection by Harry Chapin
Buy new: $22.99 / Used from: $3.59
One of the only artists mutually appreciated by myself and both my parents. He is a true storyteller and an artist that I was raised on.
Backstreet Boys [ENHANCED CD]Backstreet Boys [ENHANCED CD] by Backstreet Boys
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $0.01
For some reason I'm coming back to this although the era of boy bands has long since vanished. I think that this was one of the first CDs my mom bought for me when I was about 8 years old. As hokey as it is, it bring back lovely memories.
Taylor SwiftTaylor Swift by Taylor Swift
Buy used from: $7.09
I first saw her videos on YouTube and loved those songs, but the rest of this album is sweet, and usually I'm not a country person. I adore "Teardrops on My Guitar" the most.
Brothers in ArmsBrothers in Arms by Dire Straits
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $5.49
Mark Knopfler's guitar is the driving force of this album. Of course there are the classics "Money for Nothing," "Walk of Life," "So Far Away," and the title track. But I have also found the gem "Your Latest Trick" on there as well
Back to BlackBack to Black by Amy Winehouse
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $5.95
Her song "Rehab" got me hooked, but everything else on this album is awesome. I know she's having a rough time with drugs and stuff, and she has no problem expressing it on this album. She is a true talent, and I know why she deserved all those Grammys.
All We Know Is FallingAll We Know Is Falling by Paramore
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $7.35
I'm not usually a pop-punk fan, but that energy tells me that they have a lot of potential, and I was surprised that Hayley Williams was my age. I'm hooked on "Emergency" and "My Heart."
Inside OutInside Out by Emmy Rossum
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $1.74
I have loved Emmy since I saw "Phantom of the Opera" 3 years earlier. I like the ethereal electronic style of this album. "Slow Me Down" was an awesome choice for a single.
The Dream of the Blue TurtlesThe Dream of the Blue Turtles by Sting
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $1.99
Sting has perhaps saved me from being a Broadway-only dork for life with the Police song "Every Breath You Take." His unmistakable raspy voice always soothed me. It didn't hurt that he looked gorgeous as well. This is the only album of his where I love every song on it.
Begin to HopeBegin to Hope by Regina Spektor
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $4.98
She is one of my favorite indie songwriters. I love her MacLachlanesque piano and airy, Russian accented voice.
It Won't Be Soon Before LongIt Won't Be Soon Before Long by Maroon 5
Buy used from: $3.66
I had a hard time picking which one since I have come to love both their albums, and I really like Adam Levine's voice. I decided on this simply for "Makes Me Wonder" and "Won't Go Home Without You." Those are great songs. And I think "If I Never See Your Face Again" was spiced up by Rihanna's presence a year after this came out.
Dreaming Out LoudDreaming Out Loud by OneRepublic
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.90
Something I didn't really get into until I got into VH1. The video for "Stop and Stare" blew me away. You would never know Timbaland produced this except on "Apologize."
A Rush of Blood to the HeadA Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay
Buy new: $11.97 / Used from: $2.04
Coldplay has become another one of my favorites. "Clocks" and "The Scientist" are worth the price alone
Life in Cartoon MotionLife in Cartoon Motion by Mika
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $5.25
Ahhh, yes. A yummy candy fest all through the whole thing with who may just be Freddy Mercury reincarnated
One Cell In the SeaOne Cell In the Sea by A Fine Frenzy
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $5.94
This is another favorite of mine in the indie category. These are some of the most heartfelt songs I have ever heard and Ms. Sudol looks positively adorable. I especially love "Almost Lover."
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $0.31
I belt out "You Oughta Know" in my car whenever I'm pissed off about something. I still need to learn the words, though.
CloserCloser by Josh Groban
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $2.99
Every song, even the ones in other languages are worth a listen. I give thanks to my roommate for really exposing me to him. I especially love "Oceano", "Si Volvieras A Mi", "Per Te", "My Confession", "Remember When It Rained", and of course, "You Raise Me Up."
Ladies of the CanyonLadies of the Canyon by Joni Mitchell
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $5.74
I started hearing some songs from there on my mother's MP3 player. I'll bet some people are going to try to say it should be "Court and Spark" or "Blue", but it's got the original "Big Yellow Taxi" and I have a soft spot for "Woodstock."
The Silent ForceThe Silent Force by Within Temptation
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $9.99
I started getting into some of what is called "symphonic metal." I don't know if it is fair to call Within Temptation metal, however. I think Sharon den Adel's light vocals make a perfect contrast to the sometimes intense orchestrations, especially on my favorite track, "Angels."
As I AmAs I Am by Alicia Keys
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $3.75
I picked this one because of "No One", "Like You'll Never See Me Again", "Sure Looks Good To Me," "Lesson Learned," and "Teenage Love Affair." But all her albums are worth having.
These StreetsThese Streets by Paolo Nutini
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $7.48
I love Paolo's sweet, distinctive voice on this one, especially on "Rewind".
SpiritSpirit by Leona Lewis
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $6.59
The beauty and presence of Mariah Carey but the sensibility of Celine Dion. I dare anyone to not be moved by "Bleeding Love." Now her new song "Better in Time" is doing quite well too, so don't expect her to go anywhere soon.
The Joshua TreeThe Joshua Tree by U2
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $1.49
I had to save this for last because this is one of the greatest albums of all time! I am madly in love with Bono's gorgeous, passionate voice on this album and hopelessly addicted to "With or Without You."