Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once

Hey MamaDavid Guetta

David Guetta – Hey Mama (Official Video) ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack

This is a famous song by David Guetta, whose musical sense is so renowned that virtually everyone in the artist community knows his name.

A collaboration with Nicki Minaj, known for her flashy fashion and exceptional sense of rhythm, the track has an upbeat vibe that has influenced many people, especially young listeners.

Latch feat.Sam SmithDisclosure

Disclosure – Latch ft. Sam Smith

Settle is the 2013 debut album by the British dance duo Disclosure.

It uses the garage and 2-step beats that were popular in the UK club scene, layering them with top vocalists like Sam Smith.

While the club scene of the 2010s became saturated with EDM, we shouldn’t forget artists like Disclosure who emerged from the traditional underground club culture.

In that sense, this album is a classic that deserves much wider recognition.

Thinkin Bout YouFrank Ocean

Frank Ocean – Thinkin Bout You – Saturday Night Live (2012) (reupload)

Frank Ocean, a member of the American hip-hop collective Odd Future and one of the premier singers of the 2010s.

With his beautiful vocals and ever-forward-thinking sound, he grew into one of the leading young singers, and his debut work is Channel Orange.

Incorporating hip-hop elements—such as a guest appearance by Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator—the album unfolds into a beautiful R&B experience.

Let Me See YouGirl Talk

Girl Talk – Let Me See You

One of the techniques used by DJs is called sampling.

It involves taking a portion of an existing song and repurposing it in one’s own music.

The group that has mastered this approach is Girl Talk.

Centered on hip-hop, they sample a wide array of hit songs from different eras and places to create the ultimate sampling music.

Their representative album is Feed The Animals, and in the track Let Me See You they even use a Fleetwood Mac song.

Because they draw from such a mix of genres, there’s bound to be a part that makes anyone think, “I love this bit!”

Late BluesIda

Ida – Late Blues [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A delicate slowcore that’s so cute you’d want to tuck it away in a little treasure chest, yet it carries a certain emotional weight.

The vibe is somewhat similar to what CHARA represents in Japan.

Sung by male–female twin vocals, it unfolds slowly and gently, as if speaking to you.

Redemption SongJoe Strummer & The Mescaleros

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros – Redemption Song

Joe Strummer, who stood at the pinnacle of the early punk scene as a member of The Clash.

A true punk rocker who left behind many famous quotes—like “Punk isn’t a style, it’s an attitude”—and actively engaged in political causes, he sadly passed away in 2002.

Streetcore is the album he was working on just before his death, and from its cover of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song onward, it’s a record that radiates his warmth and humanity.

An absolute must-listen for anyone who loves Strummer or The Clash.

Use SomebodyKings Of Leon

Kings Of Leon – Use Somebody (Official Video)

In the American rock scene over the past decade or so, Kings of Leon are unquestionably among the reigning champions.

They’re distinguished by a hot, rugged sound often called Southern rock, heavily influenced by music from the American South.

What catapulted the band to the top was the massive hit Use Somebody from the album Only By The Night.

In today’s music landscape, Kings of Leon may be the only band capable of delivering rock on such a grand, U2-like scale.