FAVORITE ALBUMS...

So I was bored and got to thinkin'...what albums have truly gone beyond spawning a few Top 40 hits and have been meticulously crafted by artists who sought the true meaning of the art? Music, to me, should be more than just something that compels chicks to coochy poppin' or something of the sort (although there's a time and place for that); it should be lyric arrangement of something profound and moving. Despite what individuals of other generations may say, "music isn't what it used to be," blah blah blah, I beg to differ. Below are 10 albums (released during my lifetime) that can render these arguments null.

# 10) "Waiting to Exhale: Music from the Motion Picture," Various Artists (1996)

There are few soundtracks that can really be considered an album. Usually clunky, lacking fluidity and altogether purposeless, soundtracks typically suffer from a lack of identity and are usually filled with one or two top 5 hits among a load of "what the h*ll is this sh*t" songs. In other words, soundtracks are essentially another form of marketing for the film they are meant to support. Not this one. The Waiting to Exhale soundtrack--featuring tracks from Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, TLC and Toni Braxton--is cohesive in its arrangement; every song is another chapter in the album's story. With no weak link in the bunch, this album is a strong listen from start to finish and actually does more justice to the movie than the movie does to itself. And that, in and of itself, is saying a lot.


#9) "St. Elsewhere," Gnarls Barkley (2006)

It's weird. It's haunting. It's d*mn amazing. Gnarls Barkley's 2006 release, "St. Elsewhere," is a pseudo-soul/alternative album...h*ll, who knows what it truly is. Regardless, it's an astounding achievement from the duo, which is comprised of former Goodie Mob frontman Cee-Lo and underground producer Danger Mouse. The album eccentrically explores issues such as suicide, heartbreak and drug addiction through Cee-Lo's hey-that-guy-sounds-like-the-old-guy-from-my-church vocals stacked atop Danger Mouse's electronic beats, and the result is...well, obviously great if it ended up on this list. It's an album unlike any other.

#8) "Daydream," Mariah Carey (1995)

Released in 1995, Mariah Carey's "Daydream" album is undoubtedly her best work and, perhaps, one of the best pop albums of the 90s. Including the #1 hits, "Fantasy," "Always Be My Baby" and the great "One Sweet Day," (the chilling duet with Boyz II Men) "Daydream" has set the precedent for every other Mariah album to follow--and they've all fallen extremely short. While it may be hard to truly take her seriously with subpar recordings like "Touch My Body," this album is a fair indication that beneath the overzealous diva is a true artist with the ability to craft a beautiful body of work.

#7) "Baduizm," Erykah Badu (1997)

Before neo-soul had even been classified as such, Erykah Badu was setting the bar for subsequent albums that would dare to be considered a member of this sub-genre. The true achievement of "Baduizm" is its songwriting, and Badu's poetic storytelling is a true gem. Each letter of every word has a meaning, and it takes multiple listens to sufficiently digest Badu's prose. But once you have, it's profound. This album may have served as the antecedent for neo-soul albums, but after listening to it in its entirety, it's necessary to ask if any so-called neo-soul album is even worthy of being in Ms. Badu's company.

#6) "In Rainbows," Radiohead (2007)

One of the biggest sins the National Association for Recordings Arts & Sciences (NARAS, better known as the old guys that award Grammys) could have ever committed was choosing not to award this work with the Album of the Year trophy. "In Rainbows," released by British alternative band Radiohead, is a daring piece of work that examines issues so close to home (e.g., sudden death of loved ones, unexpected failures, etc.) in a fashion that is truly thought-provoking. The musical arrangement complements the lyrical work; the chord dissonance heightens the suspense of each track. One can only hope this album doesn't get lost in time.

#5) "Crazysexycool," TLC (1994)

Message to children 15 and younger: There's a very good chance that your existence is due to this album. Surely, TLC knew that this would be an album of conception upon its release--and with tracks like "Red Light Special," "Take Our Time" and "Kick Your Game," it's almost impossible for it not to be. But beneath the baby-making music is one of the most compelling songs released during my lifetime, "Waterfalls"--which took the issue of HIV/AIDS head-on and most certainly left a lasting effect on my generation. Survey anyone aged 35 and younger, and I promise they could recite its infectious chorus on command.

#4) "The College Dropout," Kanye West (2004)

People think Kanye West is an inglorious bastard--and he probably is. But he's an ingenious, inglorious bastard. "The College Dropout" does something few hip-hop albums have been able to accomplish: it evokes thought. A lot of it. West encompasses just about every issue imaginable--discrimination, race relations, religion--in his breakthrough debut, and doesn't hold back. Ironically, West is usually rebuked for the very thing that makes his albums great: his frankness. He says the things most people are scared to say, and does things most people are scared to do. Well I guess making a politically relevant, honest album are one of those reprehensible things. Thanks Mr. West for stepping up to the plate.

#3) "Back to Black," Amy Winehouse (2007)

Winehouse, to most, is synonymous with "crack whore." But beneath the gigantic beehive, emaciated stature and odd attire is a true musical genius. On the album, Winehouse laments of the heartbreak she's suffered, and croons with a voice so strong that will make even the harshest critic a believer. Although the album clocks in at just over 30 minutes, each track is composed with a sense of musicality that really makes you wish she would have said, "yes, yes, yes" (anyone oblivious to this reference should go back under their rock). After hearing this album, the realization will soon come that her omission from the current music scene is a true injustice. Amy...for the sake of music, PLEASE get your act together.

#2) "Jagged Little Pill," Alanis Morissette (1995)

Alanis Morissette was an angry b*tch, and it worked. I don't know what pissed her off, but whatever did, thanks--out of her resentment came one of the greatest albums ever released: "Jagged Little Pill." Alanis exposes herself on the album, revealing a vulnerability that most artists rarely allow listeners to discover. Whether she's having a conniption over a former lover ("You Oughta Know"), admitting the hurt she suffered from the fact that her parents were obviously underwhelmed by her achievements ("Perfect"), or explaining just how sh*tty life can be ("Ironic"), this album is a true masterpiece.

#1) "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," Lauryn Hill (1998)

"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Man...there are honestly no words that can truly do this album justice. It's flawless. Lauryn Hill, after the disbandment of the Fugees, created a collection of songs that solidified Hill as a musical prodigy. Packaged as a concept album that examined love, betrayal, and personal growth, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" speaks volumes about life and any listener can relate to it. Lauryn's versatility as a rapper, singer, producer, and writer is praiseworthy, as well; she truly used each and every inherent talent to truly explain to the world what Lauryn Hill was all about. The final words of the title track serves as a perfect summation of the reputation Hill has created for herself:

"And deep in my heart
The answer, it was in me
And I made up my mind
To define my own destiny"

Lauryn Hill is defined by my peers as one of the greatest musical talents of our generation, and this album serves as a testament to that claim.

Here are some other great albums that just didn't quite make the list:
* "American Idiot," Green Day (2005)
* "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below," Outkast (2003)
* "Californication," The Red Hot Chili Peppers (2001)
* "Come On Over," Shania Twain (1998)
* "Version 2.0," Garbage (1998)
* "Tragic Kingdom," No Doubt (1996)