Concept Albums

[Azurill]

I've been thinking about something lately when looking at the top albums of many artists.

Pink Floyd: The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon
Styx: Kilroy Was Here, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight
The Who: Tommy
Queensryche: Operation Mind Crime
Jethro Tull: Aqualung, Thick as a Brick
Alice Cooper: Anything from Killer to From the Inside
Nine Inch Nails: Year Zero
The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

What do they all have in common? They're all CONCEPT ALBUMS! In case you're a bit slow, a concept album is a CD that has some sort of "theme" or story behind it. For example, in Dark Side of the Moon, our good friend Waters was talking about the stages of life and it's meaning.

Somehow, we as humans want MEANING in everything we do, so we often value the above albums greatly not just because some of the songs were cool, but because they have made a lasting impact on our lives.

So, I have to ask on this dark night if you concept albums make a big difference in how you listen to music. If so, what are your favorites? Do you have to listen to the whole album at once to "get it", or is it very free-form?

[ormustang85]

Kanye West Line Up

1. College Drop Out

2. Late Registration

3. Graduation

you figure

[ShashiJapan4]

Thank God someone made this topic. I love concept albums with all my heart.

BTW: The Downward Spiral is actually a concept album as well. :P And, yes, the idea of a concept album does make an impact on how much I listen to an album. It gives it something extra, something you have to think about. One of my top concept albums is Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson. It tells the story of the(Who else?) Antichrist and his realizations in the end. Awesome album with awesome music, really.

And, as much as I hate MCR, I have to mention that all of their albums are concept albums. Yeah, inorite?

But, again, Antichrist Superstar- Awesome album all over. I highly recommend it for those into Industrial.

[Azurill]

Wow, you like Marilyn Manson, Shashi? I would've never guessed! :D

Yep, just checked Wikipedia: All three are concept albums.

Anyway, you know what would own? If WEIRD AL were to make a concept album! I know there was the UHF movie, but this one would be on EMO music! They already have Germs from NIN, so they could just take it from there!

[PEGxPELVISxPETE]

deloused in the comatorium-2003-the mars volta
twelve dreams of dr. sardonicus-1970-spirit

these two should definitely make the list

[ShashiJapan4]

Yep. I'm a big Manson fan... Well, I'm a fan of his music. I hate the guy but I love his music.