No Skip Albums Part II
Back in 2021, I wrote about my personal no-skip albums. You can find that original post here. However, with as much music I listen to, I just had to make a part two for another round of albums that I consider to be perfect and without any skippable songs. So let’s get into it!
Tell Mama by Etta James
Etta James is one of those singers that people know without even realizing it, especially thanks to her song “At Last”. However, many people don’t take the time to dig further into her discography once they acknowledge what a hit that song is. When it comes to Etta James and her collection of songs, it’s almost hard to find work of hers that isn’t just absolutely brilliant, however, her album Tell Mama has skyrocketed to the top of my musical interest and officially is a no skips album for me. Probably her most popular from the album, “I’d Rather Go Blind” will easily lure any one in, but once you give this album the full attention it deserves, you realize what a wonderful mix of blues, soul, and R&B it really is. Probably my favorite song from this album, “The Same Rope” really captures that beautiful blend of genres this body of work is and just makes for a fun and sassy tune. This album has heart, soul, humor, and attitude throughout the entire track list and I fall more in love every time I listen. This is definitely one I would suggest for folks looking to dig further into Etta James, or even just blues and R&B in general.
Long Time Coming by Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell is one of those artists that I will bring up any chance that I get. She is officially one of my favorites in newer music and I will devour anything she puts out in the future. Her album Long Time Coming is what initially drew me into her musical world and I am absolutely transfixed. It is almost hard to explain exactly why, but this album just feels so authentic in every way. You can tell that the writing comes from a place of story telling and staying true to the roots of folk and country music, but still with its added flair. Throughout the album, we hear notes of Spanish influence tied in with a sort of mystic vibe. Every single song on this album has substance and a story, made even better by her spellbinding vocals. After learning more about Sierra Ferrell and her background, I found that this album is also a wonderful representation of her because it has both an old and young feeling that can only be expressed by someone who has lived quite a life and made the best of those experiences. Her ability to sound so old fashion and fresh at the same time is remarkable and she is seriously one to continue listening to with any future releases.
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
Next up is the masterpiece that is Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die. I plan to write an entire piece just on Lana Del Rey in the future, so for now I will just stick to talking about this album. Of course, my love for this album partly has to do with nostalgia, due to its release coinciding with the start of my college experience and first moments of freedom, however, nostalgia aside, this album is still a 10/10. Before the release of this album, Lana Del Rey was fairly underground or unheard of, but that quickly changed once the world got a taste of Born to Die. Lana Del Rey has the ability to infuse pop music with a vintage sound that makes me feel like every song of hers could be enjoyed by 18 year old girls just the same as an 80 year old grandmother with the way she so delicately expresses the experiences of womanhood. She artistically expresses her experiences in relationships in an honest in poetic way that makes every listener feel seen. Sometimes I find it hard to consider an album as artistic as it is deep, but this album hits the mark perfectly. When listening to every song on this album, I feel so in tune with my experiences as a woman and have continued to related to her releases following this album. I honestly feel that Born to Die will be considered a classic of my generation.
Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
Now days, Phoebe Bridgers is a well known name within the music industry, especially for the lovers of sad music. But I can honestly say I have been a fan of Phoebe’s since the beginning when she literally had only one song released on Spotify, “Georgia” (if you know you know). Stranger in the Alps is Phoebe’s debut album and I fell in love the moment I heard it. This album really is the perfect sad girl album and I know I can always give it a listen when I need to feel something. Phoebe’s song writing ability is so unique in the way she can express these heavy feelings, while also making it come off as casual. It is almost like she notices the tiny details when it comes to heavier topics and uses those as a sort of “tip of the iceberg” description of something larger. In this album, she doesn’t shy away from heavy topics or feelings and expresses them in such a delicate way. Although “Motion Sickness” is likely her most well known from this album, songs like “Scott Street” and “Smoke Signals” really reflect her delicate yet casual song writing. Of course she became even more mainstream with the release of her 2020 album Punisher and her involvement in Boygenius, but time has shown how much indie music shifted following the release of Stranger in the Alps. Again, this album may have no skips for me, but it is definitely more reserved for those moments when you are in your feels.
Traveller by Chris Stapleton
After years of writing songs for other artists and spending time in different bands, Chris Stapleton released his first solo album, Traveller in 2015. Off the bat, the way I know this album is as good as I think it is, is how the moment people gave it a listen, we all collectively begged the question “why did it take him this long to release his solo work?” This album is such a perfect example of what can happen when southern rock, blues, and outlaw country all come together. Each song feels so rich in its depth and influences, made even better by Chris Stapleton’s insane vocals. This collection of songs reflects what it is like to think about the past but also being optimistic for the future. Of course, “Tennessee Whiskey” has become the breakout single from this album, but every single song on here is deserving of attention. In the song “Was it 26” we get a glimpse into his past and his recollection at that. In “Fire Away” we get a realistic example of difficult times in a relationship. Every single time I give this album a listen, I am blown away by Chris Stapleton’s talent and ability to make even people who claim to not like country music tune in.
Just Like Leaving by Bella White
Yet again, another debut album that I think is worthy of the “no skips” category, Just Like Leaving by Bella White. This collection of songs feels like such a refreshing reintroduction to bluegrass music. You can tell that Bella has so much respect for the genre and she really puts her heart on the line within the writing of the songs. The vulnerability she shares in her experiences as a child of divorce and her own relationship issues represents so much wisdom that comes from taking what you learn from your parent’s relationship and how it affects your own. In addition, her vocals are so clean and crisp that it is just overall so pleasing to listen to. This album is another example of a new artist with an old soul breathing life into a genre that has been around for centuries. Upon listening to this album, I was an instant fan and will eat up any future work she releases. Plus, you can also read my short interview I had the pleasure of having with her here.
Since this is a part two to my original “no skip” albums post, I think I may continue to make future parts since there are so many albums I enjoy fully to the point I never skip any songs. Let me know what albums you consider to have no skips!
