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The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico
When The Velvet Underground released their debut album in 1967, nobody could have predicted the seismic shift it would cause in the world of music. This record, produced with the help of artist Andy Warhol, brought a raw, experimental edge that simply didn’t exist in popular music before. Tracks like “Heroin” and “Sunday Morning” broke taboos and explored deeply personal, sometimes taboo topics, resonating with listeners who felt outside the mainstream. While the album barely sold 30,000 copies in its first five years, its long-term influence is enormous, cited by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest albums ever made. Decades later, it stands as the blueprint for alternative rock, punk, and indie music scenes. Bands such as R.E.M., Sonic Youth, and even U2 have acknowledged its influence. The Velvet Underground & Nico wasn’t just an album; it was an invitation to musicians everywhere to be bold, honest, and unafraid of breaking the rules.
Kraftwerk – Autobahn
Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn,” released in 1974, took listeners on a hypnotic, electronic journey that had never been heard before. The 22-minute title track merged machine-like beats with catchy melodies, using synthesizers and drum machines to create something entirely new. Before Kraftwerk, electronic music was mostly relegated to experimental corners, but “Autobahn” brought it to the mainstream, especially in Europe. Artists such as Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, and The Human League have all pointed to Kraftwerk’s groundbreaking sound as a major influence on their own music. The album’s commercial success, including charting in the United States and the UK, proved that electronic music could be both innovative and popular. Its legacy is seen every time a synth-driven pop song hits the radio. Kraftwerk didn’t set out to create a genre, but their meticulous, futuristic approach to music production laid the foundation for synthpop and modern electronic music.
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
When Miles Davis released “Bitches Brew” in 1970, he left the jazz world stunned. This album defied every convention of jazz at the time, fusing it with elements of rock and funk and using electric instruments in place of traditional acoustic ones. The results were sprawling, unpredictable, and electrifying—tracks like “Pharaoh’s Dance” and “Miles Runs the Voodoo Down” swirl with energy and surprise. Davis’s bold experimentation birthed the jazz fusion movement, inspiring artists like Weather Report, Return to Forever, and Herbie Hancock to follow suit. The album has sold over 400,000 copies and remains a landmark in music history, often cited as the moment jazz truly collided with the electric age. Critics and musicians alike regard “Bitches Brew” as the point where new musical possibilities exploded, even if Davis never set out to create a new genre.
Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath
Few albums have had as profound an effect on music as Black Sabbath’s 1970 self-titled debut. The opening track, with its haunting tritone riff and thunderstorm sound effects, set an ominous tone that was utterly unique at the time. The album’s heavy, downtuned guitars and dark lyrical themes created a blueprint for what would become heavy metal. Songs like “N.I.B.” and “Iron Man” are now legendary, but back then, they were like nothing else on the radio. Black Sabbath’s influence can be traced through every generation of metal bands, from Metallica to Slayer and beyond. The album has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been certified multi-platinum, a testament to its enduring appeal. Its impact is so great that many consider it the moment heavy metal was truly born, even if the band themselves saw it as simply making music they loved.
The Stooges – Raw Power
When The Stooges unleashed “Raw Power” in 1973, it was a shock to the system. The album’s aggressive guitar work, chaotic drumming, and Iggy Pop’s wild vocals were a complete departure from the polished rock of the era. Tracks like “Search and Destroy” and “Gimme Danger” pulsed with energy and rebellion, inspiring a new wave of musicians to strip their sound down to its raw essentials. Although critics were divided at the time, “Raw Power” is now recognized as a key catalyst for the punk rock movement. Bands such as The Ramones and Sex Pistols have openly credited The Stooges as a primary influence. The album’s legacy is a testament to the power of passion and attitude over technical perfection, paving the way for punk’s rise in the late ‘70s and beyond.
Bob Dylan – Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan’s 1965 album “Bringing It All Back Home” marked a radical turning point not just for Dylan, but for music as a whole. By plugging in his guitar and introducing electric instruments to his folk roots, Dylan sparked both controversy and innovation. Songs like “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Maggie’s Farm” blended poetic lyrics with rock rhythms, creating a new genre: folk rock. The shockwaves from this album were immediate, inspiring bands like The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkel to experiment with similar sounds. “Bringing It All Back Home” sold over a million copies and is regularly ranked among the best albums ever. Dylan’s willingness to challenge expectations changed both the folk and rock worlds forever, proving that evolution in music can come from the most unexpected places.
Brian Eno – Ambient 1: Music for Airports
In 1978, Brian Eno quietly released “Ambient 1: Music for Airports,” and in doing so, invented a whole new genre. Instead of demanding attention, Eno’s music was designed to create a calming atmosphere, almost like sonic wallpaper. The album’s gentle, looping melodies and slow-moving textures were unlike anything else on the market. Eno’s concept of ambient music has since been adopted by countless artists across genres, from Moby to Aphex Twin, and even in modern video game soundtracks. “Music for Airports” is now regarded as a pioneering work that changed how people think about music’s role in daily life. Its influence is subtle but profound, proving that sometimes the quietest records can make the loudest impact.
DJ Kool Herc – Live Party Sets (1973)
Long before hip-hop dominated the charts, DJ Kool Herc was making history at Bronx block parties in the early 1970s. By isolating and looping the “break” sections of funk and soul records, Herc invented the technique that would become the backbone of hip-hop music. His extended breakbeats gave dancers, later known as B-boys and B-girls, room to showcase their moves, and soon MCs began rapping over these sections. Herc never released a studio album, but his live party sets are considered the birth of hip-hop culture. His influence can be seen in the careers of Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and a whole generation of hip-hop pioneers. What started as a neighborhood innovation quickly grew into a global phenomenon, all seeded by Herc’s creative DJing.
The Clash – London Calling
“The Clash’s” 1979 masterpiece “London Calling” is a genre-bending triumph that shook up the punk scene. By weaving together punk, reggae, ska, and rockabilly, the band showed the world that punk didn’t have to be one-dimensional. Tracks like “London Calling” and “Train in Vain” reflect a restless energy, while the album’s lyrics tackled political issues head-on. The record’s fearless experimentation influenced bands across the spectrum, from Green Day to The Raconteurs. “London Calling” is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time, and its legacy is felt every time a band crosses genres without hesitation. The Clash did more than just play punk—they redefined what a punk band could be.
Run-D.M.C. – Run-D.M.C.
In 1984, Run-D.M.C. released their self-titled album and shattered boundaries between musical styles. With hard-hitting beats and rock guitar riffs, the group created a sound that was raw, streetwise, and undeniably fresh. Songs like “It’s Like That” and “Rock Box” blended hip-hop’s lyrical power with the energy of rock, paving the way for the rap-rock hybrids of the future. The album went platinum and brought hip-hop crashing into the mainstream, influencing artists like Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and even Aerosmith, who later collaborated with Run-D.M.C. on “Walk This Way.” Their fearless approach to music and fashion made them icons, proving that hip-hop was here to stay and ready to evolve.
Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works 85–92
When Aphex Twin released “Selected Ambient Works 85–92” in 1992, nobody quite knew what to make of it. The album’s atmospheric textures, unusual rhythms, and haunting melodies didn’t fit neatly into any existing category. Instead, Aphex Twin (Richard D. James) unintentionally created the blueprint for intelligent dance music (IDM), a genre that values complexity and innovation over mainstream appeal. Tracks like “Xtal” and “Tha” are now considered classics, influencing electronic musicians from Boards of Canada to Four Tet. “Selected Ambient Works 85–92” is hailed as one of the greatest electronic albums ever, and its legacy endures in the countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of electronic music today.
The Ramones – Ramones
When The Ramones released their debut album in 1976, their stripped-down, high-energy style was a breath of fresh air. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, the album features 14 songs that hit hard and fast, like “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.” The Ramones’ simple, catchy melodies and rebellious attitude defined what punk rock would become. Their influence is impossible to overstate: bands like Green Day, The Offspring, and Blink-182 all credit The Ramones as a primary inspiration. The album’s legacy is so strong that it’s been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Ramones showed that sometimes, less really is more—especially when it comes with a side of attitude.
The Wailers – Catch a Fire
The release of The Wailers’ “Catch a Fire” in 1973 marked a turning point for reggae music. Bringing together the roots sounds of Jamaica with elements of rock and soul, the album introduced reggae to a global audience. Songs like “Concrete Jungle” and “Stir It Up” blended infectious rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, capturing the imagination of listeners worldwide. The success of “Catch a Fire” helped launch Bob Marley as an international superstar and set the stage for reggae’s worldwide popularity. Today, artists across genres—from punk to hip-hop—cite The Wailers as a crucial influence. The album’s unique sound and message of resilience continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
In 1991, My Bloody Valentine released “Loveless,” an album that would accidentally define the shoegaze genre. With its swirling guitars, whispered vocals, and dense layers of sound, the album created a dreamy, immersive experience. Songs like “Only Shallow” and “To Here Knows When” are filled with emotion and texture, drawing listeners into a unique sonic world. Despite its troubled and expensive recording process, “Loveless” became a cult favorite, inspiring bands like Slowdive, Ride, and even modern acts like Tame Impala. The album’s influence can be heard in countless dream pop and indie records, proving that sometimes, sonic experimentation leads to entirely new genres.
Nirvana – Nevermind
When Nirvana dropped “Nevermind” in 1991, the music world was turned upside down. The album’s explosive sound, combining punk grit with catchy melodies, struck a nerve with a whole generation. Tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are” became anthems for youth disillusionment, propelling the album to diamond status with over 30 million copies sold. Nirvana’s success brought grunge out of Seattle’s underground and into the global spotlight, influencing bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Foo Fighters. “Nevermind” didn’t just define a genre—it reshaped the entire landscape of mainstream rock, proving once again that powerful music often emerges from the most unexpected places.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
