This is the second part of a series of lists I’ve composed to showcase and recommend to you a myriad of fun albums. I aim to compose five lists in total, meaning that I’ll end up recommending fifty records – if you can’t find an album you like after all that, it might be you.
Browsing top-ten lists online for good music to listen to is an exercise in repetition and droll: the same records recommended again and again. Usually groundbreaking, usually quite obvious. Here is my attempt at providing a set of albums that showcase a decent, if flawed, variety – variety in genre, people, language, etc.
It is also an attempt on my part to create a list that strips back all the layers of music to emphasise that foundational quality of the art: entertainment, dancing, fun. Stripping back, likewise, the ostentatiousness of music criticism and journalism to speak on something more light-hearted.
Unlike the albums off of my first selection, despite the title, these records are far dirtier, rougher, and more eccentric – can you tell from the album art?
This probably indicates that this selection is less accessible, but I nonetheless encourage you to give them a try – especially those that fit into the genres and sounds that you’re used to. Some emotions simply cannot be conveyed through easy listening experiences.
But that’s enough introduction! Go on.
untitled unmastered., by Kendrick Lamar
Release date – 2016
Genre/s – jazz rap
The B-sides to To Pimp a Butterfly are as buoyant as they are manically creative , making you wonder how some of them didn’t make the cut – but it’s fantastic that Kendrick released them as their own thing anyway. Maybe it’s how all the tracks are marked with dates, maybe it’s the minimal album art, but this project sounds like a time capsule dug out from under the earth. The instrumental on 02 is even grimier than the album cover, and Kendrick’s vocals are catchy (if slightly frightening). It should be considered a musical feat that this project is as fun as it is!
How fun is it? ★★
Fever to Tell, by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Release date – 2003
Genre/s – garage rock, indie
One of the most exciting and yet strangely underappreciated fragments of the garage-rock cloth. The instrumentals are disgusting, and Karen O navigates them with a hurricanic energy, knocking down walls, straight up murdering people. It’s fascinating how, as the music on the album slowly soothes itself with songs such as ‘Y Control’ and ‘Maps’, Karen never loses her characteristic, eccentric cadences. Definitely give this one a go.
How fun is it? ★★
Tha Carter III, by Lil Wayne
Release date – 2008
Genre/s – pop rap
Although not the strongest in Wayne’s Carter series in my opinion, the third instalment easily comprises of some of his most accessible and invigorating songs. ‘Mrs Officer’ is a hilarious tune about roleplaying; and if you somehow haven’t heard of ‘A Milli,’ go treat yourself. The influence of this record on the 2010s trap scene is undeniable – interestingly, the roots of modern-day producer tags can be found here.
How fun is it? ★
Surfers’ Pajama Party, by The Centurions
Release date – 1963
Genre/s – surf rock
Just some great, live surf rock from front to back. If you like the music from Tarantino flicks, you’ll certainly enjoy this underrated gem.
How fun is it? ★
Exmilitary, by Death Grips
Release date – 2011
Genre/s – industrial hip-hop, experimental
Mixing together elements of hip-hop, heavy rock and electronic music – you’ll either be repulsed by the noise or drawn into the abyss, like a moth to a light trap. There are some emotions that simply cannot be conveyed anywhere else than on tracks such as these. And so ahead of their time! Listen to ‘Spread Eagle Across The Block’ and ‘Klink’ to get what I mean.
How fun is it? ★★★
I Want You, by Marvin Gaye
Release date – 1976
Genre/s – smooth soul, funk
Marvin Gaye’s soft vocals seem to bubble up from underneath the slick, watery instrumentals. They pop and blurt out only when necessary. A smooth, smooth project.
How fun is it? ★
Fetch, by Melt-Banana
Release date – 2013
Genre/s – noise rock, punk
If you’re not used to music like this – punk, with elements of prog and noise, and unconventional, high-pitched vocals from Yako – then you can’t turn this on while doing something else. Listen to the first track (‘Candy Gun’) on its own, and you’ll know straight away whether Fetch is for you or not – if it is, you’ll have a blast.
How fun is it? ★★
Toxicity, by System of a Down
Release date – 2001
Genre/s – alternative metal
Humour and terror are two sides of the same coin. When Serj screams his politically-tapered lyrics on ‘Prison Song’, I don’t know whether to laugh or be concerned. I’d say the political commentary doesn’t diminish how fun it is though. Sing along first, think about the lyrics after.
How fun is it? ★★★
Screamadelica, by Primal Scream
Release date – 1991
Genre/s – dance, neo-psychedelia
This album just makes me happy.
How fun is it? ★★
Dariacore 3... At least I think that’s what it’s called? by leroy
Release date – 2022
Genre/s – electronic, mashup, dance, dariacore
Possibly the superlative example of mashup music, incorporating popular radio hits into heavy dubstep beats – or is she building dubstep tunes around pop songs? It’s hard to tell where one style begins and the other ends. No wonder the Dariacore series managed to kindle a fresh, internet-based microgenre of the same name.
How fun is it? ★★★
Another Ten Down
Thanks for reading. I really hope you find one or two records that fit your fancy – and if not, that’s cool. I’ll publish another selection soon, if you care to read it.
