My Personal “No Skip” Albums
When chatting music with other music lovers, it is very easy to throw out different artists or songs and discuss whether or not you like them. However, another level to not only music taste, but also what exactly that person appreciates most in music, is what albums they consider to have no skips. I personally could go on and on about artists, bands, and songs I love but to me, it is actually pretty rare to find an album where you genuinely like every single song on it. I also want to note that I don’t think it is fair to include “Greatest Hits” or “Best Of” albums when discussing no skips because those take away from the carefully crafted records many bands and artists put together, and it is also obvious that a “Greatest Hits” of your favorite band would be an album without any skips. So in no particular order, here is my list of “no skip” albums:
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson is one of my favorite present day artists and while all his albums have their own unique vibe to them, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music just takes the cake for me. This is Sturgill’s second album and the album before the record that he received a Grammy for. I take pride in being one of the early fans of Sturgill and I started listening to him soon after this record was released. I was instantly blown away by his voice and how quickly it reminded me of Waylon Jennings. I also was overwhelmed with the refreshing feeling of hearing that older country sound with a steel guitar coming from a modern country artist. The title of the album itself is a nod to the album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles and the use of “metamodern” refers to the philosophy and aesthetics of the nostalgic sounds mixed with a modern touch. Overall, this album is a phenominal example of real country music, covering a variety of real life experiences, while moving the idea of country music forward in a way that honors the classics.
In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
This album may come as a surprise to those of you who have been reading my stuff for a while because I haven’t ever really mentioned Sam Smith’s music, however, his debut album In the Lonely Hour is one of the best heartbreak albums, in my opinion. In the Lonely Hour delivers a collection of songs that hit on various aspects of heartbreak and sadness that come with either losing the person you love or the person you love simply not loving you back. As the title would suggest, it is an overall sad album but hell, sometimes we need a moment to be in our feels and just process our sadness. This album also came out as I was in the middle of my own heartbreak and experiencing a confusing period for my personal life so it really did comfort me through that time and helped me feel seen. Something that I think takes this album up a notch is how vulnerable and raw many of these songs are, while still making room for catchy and fun hits to bring you out of a slump. Sam puts their real feelings of rejection and loneliness into works of art topped off with heavenly vocals, making it no surprise that this debut album did so well.
Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves
Similar to Sturgill’s album on this list, Pageant Material is Kacey’s second full-length album and the album before the one she won a Grammy for. Pageant Material is honestly one of my comfort albums and perfectly encompasses the small town living experience while also highlighting the growth of understanding the people in your small town but still allowing yourself to blossom and become your own. Kacey’s first album, Same Trailer Different Park has a similar vibe but you can just notice a bit more of personal growth in this album than the first. I also find that this album candidly showcases Kacey’s talent for beautiful yet witty songwriting mixed in with a homage to that classic country sound. She is honestly hilarious and always finds a way to highlight the tiny details that make us feel a bit more human and understood. As someone who comes from a small town where everyone knows everyone and has made the effort to see what else is out there, this collection of songs not only makes me laugh but also feel totally understood in my experience. Not only does this album highlight small town living, but also shares of the experiences of being and falling in love. Listening to this album without skipping songs will have you laughing, in your feels, and bring you back to your roots all in one sitting.
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
If you have been reading my stuff or following me for a while now, you know that this album was pretty much guaranteed to end up on this list. I consider myself to be a Fleetwood Mac super fan and have allowed myself to be completely obsessed with the relationship between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. This album also ends up on many people’s “no skip” lists and there is no wonder why. Rumours basically acts as the soundtrack to the chaotic soap opera-like situation this band went through during the writing of this album. Fleetwood Mac experienced breakups, divorces, copious amounts of drugs and alcohol, cheating, arguing, and lord knows what else during the writing process and were somehow able to put together a collaborative masterpiece without someone getting killed in the making. Something that makes this record stand out among others that focus on breakups is that very few actually have all the victims and perpetrators singing the songs together with the people they are about. Truly just a chaotic situation and we all just eat it up!
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Norah Jones is one of my absolutely all time favorite artists and at the top of my bucket list for concerts to attend. I have previously dug deeper into my thoughts about Norah Jones on an older post of mine, The Norah Jones Phase, if you want to give it a read. But about this album specifically, it is basically a paragon of love, romance, and womanhood wrapped up in one perfect debut work of art. When I listen to this album, I feel like I am fully a woman and not just some young girl. This album is intimate, sexy, mature, real, and beautifully crafted. I discovered this album just as I was leaving home for the first time and this collection of songs guided me as I navigated living on my own and entered the dating world for real. Norah has an eloquent way of conveying a woman’s experience and emotions that come with romance and relationships complete with flawless vocals.
I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! By Janis Joplin
Another artist that you may already know I love if you know me is Janis Joplin. I have been a Janis super fan for as long as I can remember and this debut solo album following her departure from Big Brother and the Holding Co. showcases her full range of talent. This album is also peak Janis and was released shortly after Woodstock of 1969 and features majority of the songs she performed during her set. Janis put her heart and soul into this album and you can really feel her fun natured personality throughout these songs, as well as her raw emotions in songs such as “Maybe” and “Work Me, Lord.” And while most people probably recognize her posthumous album Pearl, I believe this collection of songs provides listeners the perfect Janis experience with a delightful mix of blues and psychedelic rock.
Hozier by Hozier
Another debut album on this list is Hozier’s self-titled album, Hozier. This album seriously checks off every box of what makes an album phenomenal. Hozier’s lyrics are creative and delicate, complimented by his wonderful vocals. This collection of songs tells such a tender love story and almost feels like a gospel experience as you listen. Hozier provides the perfect mixture of Americana, indie rock, folk, blues, and gospel all in one album. This record makes me feel like I am experiencing a moment of awakening while lying in a field in the Irish countryside. This album made me an instant fan of Hozier for life and really set him aside from many other male artists in his genre.
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
Last on this list, and certainty not least, is Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. This record encompasses a mixture of contemporary R&B, soul, jazz, and a bit of reggae while proving the range and talent Amy was capable of. Amy was such an old soul and that is really shown in this record. It honestly makes my heart hurt to know she’s gone because it would be amazing to see what she would have put out the more she matured. This album makes me feel strong and sassy while also showing vulnerability and Amy’s deep contralto voice is just the cherry on top. Many people chock Amy up to just her struggle with drug use and bring up her well-known song, “Rehab”, but this album proves that Amy was so much more than her drug use. Anyone that doubts her really needs to give this album a serious listen.
I am sure this will not be my last post regarding no skip albums because I am always expanding my taste and listening habits but these eight albums really take the cake and are considered works of art in my book. What are some albums you consider to have no skips? Or did I happen to list one of yours? Let me know in the comments!
