Listmania!
Road Trip Music & My Essential Favorites
By an Amazon.com customer
Chicago IX: Greatest HitsChicago IX: Greatest Hits by Chicago
Buy new: $8.97 / Used from: $2.95
Chicago's first compilation CD featuring the best of the best for Chicago's most creative period. No fillers here which makes it very enjoyable to listen to without getting bored. This has been one of my favorites since I was 3 years old and I have yet to get tired of this album.
BostonBoston by Boston
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $3.99
Boston's debut album is still their best. All 8 songs here are in regular rotation on Classic Rock stations across the country. The perfect road trip album.
Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-1978Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-1978 by Steve Miller Band
Buy new: $8.94 / Used from: $0.99
The only Steve Miller Band Collection you will need. Perfect length. All classic rock staples. No fillers (like the band's complete greatest hits album) which keeps this cd rockin' thru all the tracks.
The Essential TotoThe Essential Toto by Toto
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $4.60
Toto's best single disk compilation. Great overview of the band from 1978 thru 1999. Features the classic rock staples Hold the Line, Rosanna and Africa. The album tracks used hold their own against the big hits.
Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 by Eagles
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $0.50
Not much explaining I have to do with this one. Great country rock sound that was designed for the open road. This IS the very best of the Eagles. No fillers here.
The Beatles 1The Beatles 1 by The Beatles
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $5.99
Another perfect road trip album that makes 80 minutes feel like only a half hour past. The "1" disk compilation of Beatles hits. This compilation is very enjoyable since each song is better than the one before it. Yes there are some great classic Beatles songs missing but for a one disk overview this it is pretty darn good.
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits by Journey
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $6.83
Journey at their best. Much like Chicago Journey is much more enjoyable to listen to on a single disk compilation. There is a good mix of Classic Rock and Soft Rock songs to keep it interesting.
U218 SinglesU218 Singles by U2
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $5.99
The best of the best of U2. I used to listen to the two compilations 1980-1990 and 1990-2000 but U218 takes the very best of both comps and flows much better especially since it ignores many of U2's less successful singles from the 90s.
Chicago 17Chicago 17 by Chicago
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $2.50
Yes, this is a very different sounding Chicago than the Chicago from the early 70s but as an 80s pop album it is very enjoyable. The great album tracks make it much easier to digest the overplayed hits.
Back in the High LifeBack in the High Life by Steve Winwood
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $2.89
Probably Steve Winwood's best album. The songs are so good it feels like you are listening to a greatest hits cd. This stands out from a lot of 80s albums that came out in 1986. My favorite 80s album next to Chicago 17.
We Are the '80sWe Are the '80s by The Bangles
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $1.61
Another 80s favorite. The Bangles big hit album "Different Light" was a favorite of mine in 1986. At the time there weren't too many groups that sounded like the Bangles. I have switched from listening to "Different Light" because their 1987 hit cover song "Hazy Shade of Winter" is featured here along side a sampler of all the Bangles albums from the 80s.
Images and WordsImages and Words by Dream Theater
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $2.99
The only Metal album I really enjoy. These guys know how to play and it is surprisingly easy on the ears.
Weezer - Deluxe EditionWeezer - Deluxe Edition by Weezer
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $13.51
Great classic 90s album that inspired many other artists. Fun lyrics and each track is enjoyable. get the Deluxe Edition. It is remastered and contains a Bonus Disk with b-sides and songs recorded during the same session but were ultimately rejected when originally released.
MTV UnpluggedMTV Unplugged by 10,000 Maniacs
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
I was a casual fan of 10,000 Maniacs hits of the 80s but I always felt their albums were over produced for their folksy style of music. I am not a fan of live albums but I think with Natalie Merchant's more mature voice and the accoustic sound these songs sound so much better in this "Unplugged" format.
The Singles 1992-2003The Singles 1992-2003 by No Doubt
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $0.85
No Doubt was a highly successful Ska band to come out of the 90s. Featured here are their high energy hit singles.
TenTen by Pearl Jam
Buy new: $10.49 / Used from: $0.75
The first major label Pearl Jam album is still the best. This was one of the albums that started the 90s grunge movement and really all the other "grunge" artists (with the exception of Nirvana) were just cheap imitators of this album.
Third Eye BlindThird Eye Blind by Third Eye Blind
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $0.01
Another great 90s album. All songs are very enjoyable to listen to and the album tracks are just as enjoyable to listen to as the hits.
20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection (Eco-Friendly Packaging)20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection (Eco-Friendly Packaging) by Gin Blossoms
Buy new: $7.97 / Used from: $4.64
This isn't one of my essential favs but when I am in the mood to listen to some great 90s music I pull this out.
The Best of the Cranberries - 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection (Eco-Friendly Packaging)The Best of the Cranberries - 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection (Eco-Friendly Packaging) by The Cranberries
Buy new: $7.97 / Used from: $3.55
One thing that is great about the 20th Century Masters series is it's limited number of tracks. Many greatest hits CDs try to max out the 78 minutes but bands like The Cranberries I think are more enjoyable without all the fillers. The collection songs really illustrate who beautifully Dolores O'Riordan can sing.
Dizzy up the GirlDizzy up the Girl by The Goo Goo Dolls
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $0.10
In my opinion this is the Goo Goo Dolls best album and it seems that on every album since they have tried to copy the formula they perfected here. Not at the top of my favorites collection but very enjoyable 90s music. There are many hits here which makes it feel like a best of compilation.
Mariah Carey - Greatest HitsMariah Carey - Greatest Hits by Mariah Carey
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $7.00
Yes I am a closet Mariah Carey fan. In the early 90s I was into R&B music. Somewhere around 1994 I lost interest in R&B but I still enjoy from time to time listening to the best of Mariah Carey. I bought this collection for the first disk. After the 90s I really wasn't as interested in her music and based on her decline in chart success I am not the only one who lost interest.
candycoatedwaterdropscandycoatedwaterdrops by Plumb
Buy new: $11.94 / Used from: $3.76
Great christian music. I have kept this album in rotation since it was released in 1999. This and dc Talk's Jesus Freak are my favorite 90s christian albums. Tiffany has a wonderful voice and she is a great song writer. My favorite song on here is Stranded.
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits by dc Talk
Buy new: $12.97 / Used from: $6.17
dc talk in the 90s was the biggest act in Christian music. As shown on this collection they were able to cross genres from hip hop to alt rock and were successful and infuential in whatever genre they chose. One thing that remand consistent were their lyrics that entertained us and at the same time spoke to our hearts. Great music and I am definetly taking this with me on my next road trip.
ADIOS [CD on Demand]ADIOS [CD on Demand] by Audio Adrenaline
Buy new: $12.97 / Used from: $4.19
A great influencial Christian band thru the 90s and the 00s call it quits with this best of compilation. The best of the best of Audio A. This collection is roughly in cronological order so you can follow the progression of the band. Though I enjoy their earlier hits I enjoy their later hits much better. A major stand out track for me is "Miracle".
The Best of Sixpence None the RicherThe Best of Sixpence None the Richer by Sixpence None the Richer
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.65
Famous for their staple song "Kiss Me" this group is one of the most successful Christian bands of the 90s. Leigh Nash has a wonderful voice and it shines on all the tracks. This compilation features songs writen by the band along side many of the cover songs they did (some of which I like better than the original versions).
Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. HandyLouis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy by Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars
Buy used from: $1.72
Louis Armstong at his best. This is not a boring collection of Louis Armstrong's pop tunes, this is Louis playing his trumpet and singing turn of the century blues. This was Louis Armstrong's very first long player and with the great care that was taken in remastering this masterpiece you wouldn't believe it was recorded in the early 50s.
The Great Summit: The Master TakesThe Great Summit: The Master Takes by Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington
Buy new: $8.94 / Used from: $3.71
Two jazz greats together for ONE TIME only. Duke Ellington sits in on piano with Louis Armstrong's band and plays classic Duke Ellington signature songs. The remastering makes this album recorded in the early 60s sound like it was recorded yesterday. The raw talent of all involved makes this enjoyable even after several listenings.
Play the Blues Back to BackPlay the Blues Back to Back by Duke Ellington & Johnny Hodges
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $7.91
Duke Ellington plays with a small group featuring alto sax Johnny Hodges. Very soothing music and very easy listening. Anytime I am stressing out I turn this album on and it calms me down. If someone else is driving this great for relaxing on a road trip. Close your eyes and put on those noise canceling headphones and enjoy!
Time OutTime Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $1.90
I am a casual Jazz fan and this is one of my favorites. Love the classic song "Take Five". Love Paul Desmond's alto sax.
Dave Digs DisneyDave Digs Disney by Dave Brubeck
Buy used from: $4.71
I like Dave Brubeck, I like Paul Desmond, and I love Disney so naturally I love the Dave Brubeck Quartet's take on classic Disney songs.
Summon the HeroesSummon the Heroes
Buy new: $8.98 / Used from: $2.79
John Williams and the Boston Pops perform classic Summer Olympic theme songs. Very enjoyable to listen to. Classical music's answer to Jock Rock.
Amelie: Original Soundtrack RecordingAmelie: Original Soundtrack Recording
Buy new: $11.94 / Used from: $8.96
I love this because it is different. Composed by Yann Tiersen for the movie Amelie. This music features an accordian and is very fun and whimsical like the movie.
Stand Still, Look PrettyStand Still, Look Pretty by The Wreckers
Buy used from: $3.49
Newer favorites: I loved Michelle Branch's debut album "Spirit Room" and when I found out she had gone country I wanted to check this out. This is a very cool album and I love the fact that Michelle Branch decided to get together with her friend Jessica Harp and take her music in a different direction.
How to Save a LifeHow to Save a Life by The Fray
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $4.20
Newer favorites: The Fray was going to be a Chrstian Rock band but then they decided to make music that could speak to the hearts of not only the Christian subculture but to the masses. This has become a very successful album for the Fray and I am hoping their next release will have the same appeal.
Five Score and Seven Years AgoFive Score and Seven Years Ago by Relient K
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.88
Newer favorites: Relient K is a Christian Pop/Punk band that has had some success in the "secular" market. They write very catchy lyrics that make each song fun to listen to. This is there best album to date.
Oh! Gravity.Oh! Gravity. by Switchfoot
Buy new: $8.98 / Used from: $2.95
Newer favorites: Switchfoot is a Christian Rock band that has enjoyed a lot of crossover success over the last 4 years. This is their best album to date. This band writes some great lyrics that deal with life issues.
The Face of LoveThe Face of Love by Sanctus Real
Buy new: $9.97 / Used from: $3.07
Newer favorites: Sanctus Real is my favorite Christian Rock band right now. The lyrics are very honest and personal. The first song "I'm Not Alright" sets the tone for the rest of the album. This album I am sure 10 years from now will still be in my favorites rotation.
Begin to HopeBegin to Hope by Regina Spektor
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $6.00
Newer favorites: I bought this album for the hit "Fidelity" but enjoyed the unique experience this album has to offer. It is VERY different but features many fun catchy songs. Regina is a very talented song writer, piano player, and singer... I heard somewhere that she was classically trained. That very much shows through on this album.
Long Island ShoresLong Island Shores by Mindy Smith
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $3.07
Newer Favorites: Nice easy listening folk music. Mindy Smith has a wonderful voice and writes very personal lyrics about life and about God.
Falling in BetweenFalling in Between by Toto
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $6.40
Toto has been one of my favorite bands since the late 80s. Even though I have been a fan of this group there is always a song or two that I skip over on their albums. This is Toto's most consitent effort. It covers many genres and you can really see how talented these guys are. You can see why they are well respected among their peers.