As someone who was raised with 50s and 60s grandparents, a 70s and 80s mum, a 90s and 00s dad, and having lived through the 2010s myself, I think it’s safe to say I’ve been surrounded by and consumed a vast amount of music.

Like many others, I am in a constant state of wanting to discover new music, yet I procrastinate doing so. I am stuck in my ways, constantly listening to the same music whilst thinking about my backlogged list of album suggestions. To give me the kick I clearly need, I’m hoping to impart some of my knowledge onto those stuck in the same rut as me. 

Whilst my album choices are in no way underground, they do hold meaning to me and so they have been carefully curated to inspire others. From the 60s to the noughties, with a little mix of genres, hopefully something from this mix inspires you to broaden your horizons from the confinements of your pop playlist. 

1966: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme – Simon & Garfunkel 

Genre: Folk-rock

This is, maybe controversially, the best Simon & Garfunkel album. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel shot to fame after their song ‘The Sound of Silence’ became a number one hit in 1966, solidifying their place as best-selling duo of the 1960s. 

The songs on this album vary from slow and melodic to the odd foot-tapper, without stand-out tracks like ‘Homeward Bound,’ a song inspired Simon’s first girlfriend. Slightly more psychedelic is ‘The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine,’ a jovial track to sing along to in the car. And if you’re into Bob Dylan, ‘A Simple Desultory Philippic’ could be the one for you. It’s a satirical, catchy tune, imitating Dylan’s singing style and interrupting harmonica solos. I particularly enjoy listening to this album on a warm summers evening and a favourite for me is ‘A Poem on the Underground Wall,’ sporting a catchy rhythm that pulls you in. 

Even the more haunting melodies, like ‘Scarborough Fair / Canticle’ pack a punch with the themes. The main lyrics sounds innocent enough, but it’s the background message that illicit poignant feelings about the wars happening in the world now. 

Overall, it’s an album that’s thought provoking, making you want to delve into the rest of this duo’s discography. On a quiet day in summer, lay and listen to this masterpiece in its entirety. So many timeless classics in one place, an album that deserves the sort of love ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ receives. Though while you’re there, give that one a listen too.

1972: Transformer – Lou Reed 

Genre: Glam Rock 

Lou Reed, an artist whose career started in The Velvet Underground, released ‘Transformer’ as his second solo album. Produced by David Bowie, it is the perfect blend of sweet and melodic and rock n roll. Reed’s almost monotone singing style is also a key component for why this album stands out from the rest. 

The track you’ll have most likely heard is ‘Walk on the Wild Side.’ For a song that touches on taboo subjects such as sexuality, drugs, and prostitution, it’s surprisingly calming. The bass and acoustic guitar marry Reed’s voice in a harmonic ceremony, the relaxed rhythm the perfect match for the way he borders on talking and singing. The fade out of the saxophone is also a welcome earworm, an instrument rarely heard on records. 

The rockier tracks include ‘Vicious’ and ‘Hangin’ Round.’ Personally, it’s the guitar, drums and odd lyrics that stand out most to me. Both tunes follow an almost sarcastic tone and are incredibly catchy. 

For more jaunty tracks, I’d direct you to ‘New York Telephone Conversation.’ The song is only 1 minute 34 seconds long yet maintains a vivacious melody throughout. ‘Andy’s Chest’ is rather fun too. It has never been clearer a song was written by someone under the influence, but I like to think this is part of the appeal. 

Lou Reed’s cool style has made a mark, and the chill, glam rock vibe of this album just solidifies that. If nothing else, it is a good starter for getting into good 70s music that didn’t quite make it commercially.

1980: Sound Affects – The Jam 

Genre: Post-punk 

The Jam frontman, Paul Weller, once said this album was the band’s best, and I’d have to agree. Most people have probably heard ‘That’s Entertainment’ at least once in their lives. The almost mundane subject matter reflects the everyday life of the average British person, making you appreciate the things in life you may take for granted. Plus, if Paul Weller can relate to you, then hopefully you feel a little less alone. 

If you are an Oasis fan, you may be familiar with ‘Pretty Green,’ a track which Liam Gallagher loved so much, he named his clothing brand after it. The start of ‘Dream Time’ gives a slightly more psychedelic vibe than the other songs on the album, a hazy guitar looping in a rather dreamy matter. 

‘Start!’ is also a rather bodacious track, which you may either know its popularity in the charts or the Sainsbury’s advert. ‘Monday’ is a nice switch up from the usual songs based around how bad a Monday is; not to Weller, he’s dreaming of it. 

So, if you’re a mod or punk fan, or even a Brit pop fan, give this album a bash. You really can’t go wrong with something that’s inspired by the greats and has inspired the greats. 

1992: Generation Terrorists – Manic Street Preachers 

Genre: Alternative Rock

This album hosts my top song of 2025; ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, a song which tackles the topic of consumerism in our capitalist society. The combination of cool instrumentals and raw lyricism make me want to shout the track from the rooftops. 

This Welsh band might appear on some alternative Spotify mixes but often they are under appreciated. They have some interesting history, particularly around the disappearance of one of their members, Richey Edwards, who contributed so much to the darkly written, genius poetry of this album. 

‘Slash ‘n’ Burn,’ the opening track, has a catchy hook, making me play it on repeat. Most tracks on the album follow the same fast beat as this song, but each work in their own ways. ‘Crucifix Kiss’ is another fast-paced piece which I’ve found isn’t as appreciated in the Manics’ work overall. 

Granted, Generation Terrorists is a long album, but I think it’s perfect to have on in the background while doing something mundane, with the energetic flow of the album serving as a motivator. 

2005: Language. Sex. Violence. Other? – Stereophonics 

Genre: Rock

Another Welsh band? Yes, this time we have the iconic Stereophonics. Most well-known by their popular hit ‘Dakota,’ which is featured on this album, the rest of the songs on this album aren’t on the band’s top 10 on Spotify. Criminal. 

My favourite track, which is slightly slower paced than the rest is ‘Lolita.’ It does give a nice peaceful break near the end of a fast-paced record, and I enjoy the lyricism too. 

If you’re listening to the album for the first time, you’ll probably be waiting for ‘Dakota’ to come on. The four tracks that come before this hype up the anticipation. ‘Brother’ fades into ‘Devil,’ another favourite of mine, and both rhythms are so enthusiastic that by the time ‘Dakota’ appears, you stick around for the songs after too. 

‘Pedalpusher’ is one of the songs to come shortly after, which has been said to be a little more provocative than the others. However, I like the definite rock feel of this song, as others still have the vibe of sub-genres like indie or Brit-pop, making it stick out from the rest. For me, it’s the one which is most fitting for the records title.

So, next time you’re in a pub and hear ‘Dakota,’ ‘Have A Nice Day,’ or a personal favourite of mine ‘Local Boy in the Photograph’ be sure to remember to check this album out for some hidden Stereophonics gems which are perfect for people to nod along to. 

For me, summer is the time I like to get into new music and show it off to my friends and family. So, whether you’re going for a drive, walking in the one day of Scottish heat, having drinks with friends or hosting a barbeque, stick one of these albums on and give it a chance. You never know, you might discover someone new to add to this year’s Spotify Wrapped. Though if all else fails, you can impress the oldies in the family, or that one friend with a mixed bag record collection. 

Mia Gray

19🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Studying JMC & Politics in year 2