Time Capsule: 100 Essential Albums since 1955
Picking the must-haves across various genres
I do not own the rights to the images in this article.
The year is 2226. A.I. didn’t destroy humanity, but it molded us in its image: A bunch of robotic beings who code and drone on in our daily lives with seldom a creative thought.
Though, as in any society, there are rebels, and amongst them is my great-great-great grandson, Allen Iverson McKrell V, a 12-year-old with a love for music and exploring. When visiting an old cabin in the woods I once owned, he happens across a time capsule that includes a record player and 100 LPs that defined the times of my grandparents, parents, me and my students.
As he listens, he discovers the joy, beauty, emotional resonance and musical richness of music that was popular in the U.S. in the 20th and 21st centuries. Starting with the dawn of rock and roll, young Allen embarks on a sonic journey that makes him feel alive like never before. This journey leads to a revolution of creative expression, all bolstered by the power of music.
In the words of Huey Freeman, “It’s fun to dream.” Anyways, 35 years on this earth has taught me a lot, and I created this list to represent what, in my humble opinion, is the most essential music of the past 71 years.
Chuck Berry, The Great Twenty-Eight
Released: Jan. 1, 1982 (Recorded 1955-1965)
The Father of Rock and Roll’s music was revolutionary to folks at the Under the Sea Dance in Back to the Future and has barely aged a day in 2026.
Elvis Presley, ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits
Released: Sept. 24, 2002 (Recorded 1956-1976)
Inspired by live music on Beale Street in Memphis, Elvis’ love for rock and roll resulted in a plethora of iconic smash hits which are best compiled on this early-aughts gem.
James Brown, Get On Up: The James Brown Story (soundtrack)
Released: July 29, 2014 (Recorded 1956-1976)
The Hardest Working Man in Show Business had so much funk in the trunk, along with jump blues, R&B and soul, all of which are demonstrated with prodigious ability on this stunning soundtrack.
Little Richard, Here’s Little Richard
Released: March 4, 1957
On his electric debut, the Architect of Rock and Roll used energetic keys and exhilarating “Whooos!” to help jumpstart one of the greatest cultural phenomena in American history.
The Flamingos, Flamingo Serenade
Released: Aug. 11, 1959
This Chicago quintet gave us the quintessential doo-wop record, complete with beautiful melodies that are both timeless and a relic from an enchanting era in American music.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue
Released: Aug. 17, 1959
With a lineup that was a who’s who of jazz excellence - including John Coltrane and “Cannonball” Adderley - Miles Davis set a new standard for what it means to be cool.
Etta James, At Last!
Released: Nov. 15, 1960
Etta served up a diverse palette of blues, jazz and soul backed by grandiose, swirling production and powerful vocals that make you feel like you’re in a nighttime dreamland.
Muddy Waters, At Newport 1960
Released: Nov. 15, 1960
Muddy Waters got his mojo workin’ for the best blues album of all time, live or otherwise.
Patsy Cline, Showcase
Released: Nov. 27, 1961
Backed by the Jordanaires, Patsy encapsulated loneliness and longing with pained vocals and melancholy melodies that tug at the heartstrings.
Ray Charles, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Released: April 1962
The kid from Greenville, Florida, had incomparable range that was best exemplified on his groundbreaking masterwork featuring gems including “Bye Bye Love” and “Born to Lose.”
Tony Bennett, I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Released: June 18, 1962
Tony Bennett went on to have one of the longest and most storied careers in American popular music, but his opus came early and was complete with impeccable phrasing and his signature class.
The Beatles, 1
Released: Nov. 13, 2000 (Recorded 1962-1970)
The Fab Four’s indelible hits are packed into this sprawling epic that carries both the zeal of radio hits and depth of deep album cuts.
Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song
Released: 1962
Originally released as The Magic of Christmas in 1960, this album was improved upon repackaging, mostly because the classic title track opens the record and sets the tone for music that feels like a warm crackling fireplace on a cold December evening.
Sam Cooke, One Night Stand! Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963
Released: June 1985 (Recorded Jan. 12, 1963)
Shelved 22 years before it was released because RCA considered it too raw and too Black for Sam’s white audience, this live album is proof that soul, love and human connection exist through music.
Sam Cooke, Ain’t That Good News
Released: Feb. 18, 1964
Sam’s final studio album was also his greatest; in addition to the sweet and up-tempo love ballads he was known for, this swan song features Civil Rights anthem and greatest song ever recorded, “A Change is Gonna Come.”
The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go
Released: June 17, 1964
Those honey-dripped voices, infectious handclaps and distinct echoes make this album by that unassailable trio the epitome of the classic Motown sound.
B.B. King, Live at the Regal
Released: 1965
Whether he was low-key or wailing, B.B. played vibrantly to a rousing crowd for an unforgettable performance.
Ray Charles, Live in Concert
Released: January 1965
They say seeing Ray Charles live was astounding, and this album features renditions of “What’d I Say,” “Hallelujah I Love Her So” and “You Don’t Know” that will bring you to a higher spiritual plane.
The Temptations, The Temptations Sing Smokey
Released: March 22, 1965
Smokey Robinson’s blissful lyrics sound magical coming from The Temptations, from “My Girl” to “You Beat Me to the Punch” and beyond.
Otis Redding, Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Released: Sept. 15, 1965
Otis cooked up southern-fried soul with thick vocals, explosive horns and tear-soaked keys - Blue, indeed.
The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds
Released: May 16, 1966
A far cry from their sun-kissed ditties, The Beach Boys made lovely music for deep feelers that resonated with the masses.
Aretha Franklin, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Released: March 10, 1967
The Queen of Soul commanded respect even in her most vulnerable moments on this career-defining album.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Are You Experienced
Released: May 12, 1967
Jimi and co. took us on a psychedelic ride through love, confusion, murder and war, all scored by blistering guitars amidst a purple haze.
Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison
Released: May 6, 1968
The Man in Black went behind the walls of a max prison to encourage inmates with fiery tunes that relate to their experience - as if they forgot.
Merle Haggard, Mama Tried
Released: Oct. 3, 1968
Merle lived the life Johnny Cash sang about and poured his heart into powerfully remorseful songs about a wayward life - Thank God he got right.
The Beatles, Abbey Road
Released: Sept. 26, 1969
It’s all there on the final album The Beatles recorded: Paul’s playfulness, John’s tea-shaded coolness, George’s dreamy musings and a killer drum solo courtesy of Ringo, but it’s the breathtaking medley to close the album that makes Abbey Road one of the best records ever made.
Rolling Stones, Let It Bleed
Released: Nov. 28, 1969
You can’t always get what you want, but the Rolling Stones’ blend of rock, blues and country on Let It Bleed is just what we need.
Kris Kristofferson, Kristofferson
Released: June 1970
Kristofferson’s masterful songwriting is on full display on his folksy country debut, including on the cheeky “Blame it on the Stones” and the heartfelt “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Black Sabbath, Paranoid
Released: Sept. 18, 1970
The satanic panic that some felt around this album was misguided, as Black Sabbath condemns war and greedy amoralists while warning against fatal addictions, all over metal heavy enough to make Tony Stark blush.
Santana, Abraxas
Released: Sept. 23, 1970
Santana served up preemo Latin Rock with spellbinding guitars and contagious music that transcends language.
Loretta Lynn, Coal Miner’s Daughter
Released: Jan. 4, 1971
Before the beloved Sissy Spacek movie, there was a country singer with a lovely twang, emotionally impactful storytelling and pride in her humble roots.
Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On
Released: May 21, 1971
Marvin’s poignant reflections on urban ills, worsening social conditions and the heartbreak of war are sadly as relevant today as they were when he laid them to wax.
Led Zeppelin, untitled (Led Zeppelin IV)
Released: Nov. 8, 1971
Led Zeppelin’s opus epitomizes the term “classic rock,” as the group packs more timeless gems in eight tracks than many albums twice its length.
Al Green, Let’s Stay Together
Released: Jan. 31, 1972
Al’s falsetto is the perfect pitch for this album’s feather-soft sound beds and is just melancholy enough to make the yearning in his voice palpable.
Nino Rota and Carlo Savina, The Godfather (soundtrack)
Released: 1972
Conductor Carlo Savina brought Nino Rota’s beautiful score to life to accompany the best film ever made with the finest original soundtrack ever recorded.
Aretha Franklin, Amazing Grace
Released: June 1, 1972
Aretha had been to hell and back by the time she recorded this live gospel album at L.A.’s New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, a journey that made her open-hearted performance all the more heavenly.
Curtis Mayfield, Superfly (soundtrack)
Released: July 11, 1972
Curtis’ urgent social commentary was set to dramatic strings fit for the Blaxploitation era, but songs like “Little Child Running Wild” and the title track reverberate through the decades.
Elton John, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player
Released: Jan. 26, 1973
Don’t Shoot Me is Sir Elton at his most endearing, from the sock-hop nostalgia of “Crocodile Rock” to the tear-jerking warmth of “Daniel.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd
Released: Aug. 13, 1973
Skynyrd’s opus is the definitive southern rock record with downhome sentiments and a jaw-dropping guitar solo that’ll have you shouting, “Free Bird!”
Dolly Parton, Jolene
Released: Feb. 4, 1974
Jolene is the sound of heartbreak, with vocals so strong both Whitney Houston and Beyoncé took notice.
Jim Croce, Photographs & Memories: His Greatest Hits
Released: Sept. 26, 1974
Released one year and six days after Croce died in a plane crash at age 30, this compilation has all of the Philly folk legend’s cheeky wit, self-deprecating charm and cautionary sentiments.
Frank Sinatra, The Main Event — Live
Released: 1974
By the mid-seventies, Ol’ Blue Eyes had long since become The Chairman of the Board, but it was The Voice that induced shouts of “Frankie!” along the way to immaculate renditions of “The Lady is a Tramp” and “My Way” at Madison Square Garden.
Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks
Released: Jan. 20, 1975
Loss is most commonly associated with death, but it was Dylan’s bleeding, broken heart that inspired the most devastating expression of grief ever set to music.
Eagles, One of These Nights
Released: June 10, 1975
The Eagles expressed a multitude of moods, from ominous to lively to mournful, to create a thrilling musical experience.
Bruce Springsteen & the E. Street Band, Born to Run
Released: Aug. 25, 1975
The Boss was New Jersey through and through, but he and the E. Street Band’s paradoxical brand of humble, extravagant rock echoed through backstreets across America to make Bruce the accessible voice of the everyman.
Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life
Released: Sept. 28, 1976
Stevie gave us a cornucopia of experiences, sounds and sentiments on his magnum opus, all tied together by his zeal for life.
Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
Released: Feb. 4, 1977
Fleetwood Mac stacked Rumours with hit after hit, each stitched seamlessly in the flow of this exhilarating album.
Bob Marley and the Wailers, Exodus
Released: June 3, 1977
Recorded after an attempt on Bob’s life, Exodus is imbued with urgency on its first half before giving way to a love that conquers all.
Billy Joel, The Stranger
Released: June 3, 1977
Billy marched to beat of his own drum — or rather, the tune of his own piano — and told relatable tales of everyday struggles that continue to resonate with bleeding hearts.
Donna Summer, Bad Girls
Released: Apr. 25, 1979
Donna created disco with depth, giving us hits to glide across the dance floor to before melting into love ballads to get lost in.
The Clash, London Calling
Released: Dec. 14, 1979
The Clash hit the scene with a no-holds-barred record that set the standard for a wave of punk artists.
AC/DC, Back in Black
Released: July 25, 1980
Brian Johnson took over for the indelible Bon Scott and ensured AC/DC stayed hard-rockin’ and high octane on this heavy metal classic.
Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska
Released: Sept. 30, 1982
No radio play, promo or even Bruce’s face on the cover; all he needed was a guitar and a bedroom to exorcise his demons and reach the hearts of millions.
Michael Jackson, Thriller
Released: Nov. 29, 1982
Working with the ingenious Quincy Jones, the Prince of Pop reached creative ecstasy time and time again on this all-time classic.
U2, The Joshua Tree
Released: March 9, 1987
If you’re seeking stadium rock rooted in an appealing folksy tradition, you’ve found what you’re looking for.
Whitney Houston, Whitney
Released: June 1, 1987
Whitney brings her one-of-a-kind energy to this feel-good, heartfelt record for the ages.
Eric B. and Rakim, Paid in Full
Released: July 7, 1987
Rakim revolutionized flow over brilliant James Brown samples and changed the game with intricate rhymes schemes - A master plan, indeed.
Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman
Released: Apr. 5, 1988
Tracy endeared herself to millions with downhome hits like “Fast Car,” but it was her clear-eyed social commentary that elevates this self-titled album to greatness.
Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Released: June 28, 1988
Public Enemy called for a revolution and created a nation of freedom fighters who used music as their means of rebellion.
N.W.A, Straight Outta Compton
Released: Aug. 8, 1988
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, N.W.A blasted the doors open to gangsta rap and made us witness the strength of street knowledge.
Mary J. Blige, What’s the 411?
Released: July 28, 1992
Mary J. taught us what real love sounds like and created the quintessential nineties R&B album in the process.
Dr. Dre, The Chronic
Released: Dec. 15, 1992
Dr. Dre redefined hip-hop’s sound, while Snoop Dogg rode shotgun with a buttery flow that echoed from coast to coast.
Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers
Released: Nov. 9, 1993
The Wu made it cool to be yourself by bring their unique brand of rough, rugged and raw to hip-hop.
Nas, Illmatic
Released: Apr. 19, 1994
QB’s Finest utilized his unrivaled pen game and an array of accomplished beatsmiths to craft the greatest hip-hop album in history.
OutKast, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Released: Apr. 26, 1994
Dre and Big Boi kept it cool, funky and real on an album that proved the south got somethin’ to say.
Weezer, Weezer (The Blue Album)
Released: May 10, 1994
Weezer caught our attention with feel-good alternative vibes, but it was their courageous vulnerability that makes this album special.
Various artists, Forrest Gump: The Soundtrack
Released: June 28, 1994
The soundtrack to the classic film Forrest Gump is a story in itself; From the fifties to the eighties, Forrest and American popular music grew from innocence to uncommon depth.
The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die
Released: Sept. 13, 1994
With a smooth flow and impeccable phrasing, Biggie wove street tales in with feel-good anthems to craft an undeniable East Coast classic.
Scarface, The Diary
Released: Oct. 18, 1994
Brad Jordan’s first-person accounts of a chilling life in the hood upped the standard for personal rhymes and raw emotion in hip-hop.
TLC, CrazySexyCool
Released: Nov. 15, 1994
This Atlanta trio perfected a fusion of hip-hop and R&B on an album that was bouncy, bold and beautiful.
2Pac, Me Against the World
Released: March 14, 1995
Pac bore his soul and bled out of his pen on this mournful confessional that, if you listen closely enough, contains glimmers of hope.
Jay-Z, Reasonable Doubt
Released: June 25, 1996
A legend was born with extraordinary wordplay and nakedly honest street confessionals over smooth yet hard-bodied production.
Johnny Cash, Unchained
Released: Nov. 5, 1996
Johnny and Rick Rubin were a pairing for the ages, and the Man in Black melds his trademarked, train-steady rhythms with hard-earned wisdom from a troubled yet fruitful life.
Makaveli, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
Released: Nov. 5, 1996
2Pac took the name “Makaveli” and created an urgent album with a ghostly sound that encapsulated all sides of his multifaceted humanity.
DMX, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
Released: May 19, 1998
Earl Simmons combined the harsh realities of his misspent youth with his earnest faith in Jesus that propelled him to superstardom.
Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Released: Aug. 19, 1998
Ms. Hill combined soul, rap and even doo wop for a clear-eyed, full-hearted album that shatters barriers with love.
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP
Released: May 23, 2000
After a year of being society’s scapegoat, Em held up a mirror to a hypocritical upper class while delighting TRL teens and hip-hop heads alike with hilarity and superb lyrical skill.
Destiny’s Child, Survivor
Released: Apr. 25, 2001
Bey, Michelle and Kelly came with flavorful, bouncy R&B that declared the strength of independent women.
Jay-Z, The Blueprint
Released: Sept. 11, 2001
With help from Just Blaze and Kanye West, Jay went back to his Marcy Projects kitchen table to cook up the epitome of soul rap.
Norah Jones, Come Away with Me
Released: Feb. 26, 2002
At a time when pop was becoming bolder and brasher, Norah won the day with soft stylings and warm vocals that feel like a coffee shop on a rainy October night.
Maroon 5, Songs About Jane
Released: June 25, 2002
Maroon 5 brought a funky brand of pop-rock to the radio, breaking hearts and serenading the masses on sweet Sunday mornings.
50 Cent, Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Released: Feb. 6, 2003
50 Cent hit the scene with a steel-plated presence, but Get Rich or Die Tryin’s appeal lies in its status as the greatest crossover rap album of all time.
T.I. Trap Muzik
Released: Aug. 19, 2003
T.I. redefined southern rap and pioneered trap with untethered exuberance, uncommon insight and irresistibly catchy music.
Alicia Keys, The Diary of Alicia Keys
Released: Nov. 21, 2003
Alicia set herself apart from her peers with soul beyond her years and prodigious musicianship that imbued The Diary of Alicia Keys with timeless classicism.
Kanye West, The College Dropout
Released: Feb. 10, 2004
With impeccable soul samples and starkly vulnerable lyricism, Kanye made it cool to be comfortable in your own skin.
Usher, Confessions
Released: March 23, 2004
It was Jermaine Dupri’s — not Usher’s — relationship drama that inspired this record’s confessional bent, but you’d never know it by the conviction in Usher’s voice.
Green Day, American Idiot
Released: Sept. 21, 2004
Green Day blended biting social commentary with personal journal entries to craft an album that flows smoothly from beginning to end.
Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSounds
Released: Sept. 8, 2006
Graced with beats by Timbaland, J.T. glided his way across an album that propelled pop forward and stays smooth as glass in 2026.
My Chemical Romance, The Black Parade
Released: Oct. 24, 2006
MCR came equipped with stellar musicianship and a killer concept to craft a premier emo album.
Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
Released: Oct. 27, 2006
Amy is so starkly honest on this album that it’d be an uncomfortable listen if not for her irresistible soulfulness.
Taylor Swift, Fearless
Released: Nov. 11, 2008
Way before she redefined pop in her own image, Taylor Swift was a guitar-strumming teen with country melodies and stories of love that transcended age and background.
Michael Bublé, Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden
Released: June 15, 2009
Thirty-five years after Sinatra lit up MSG, his heir to the vocal jazz throne serves up swagger and smooth stylings backed by a big band that’d make Ol’ Blue Eyes proud.
Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city
Released: Oct. 22, 2012
K-Dot takes us on a ride in his mama’s van through Compton for a night of mischief, tragedy and ultimate redemption on what is perhaps the greatest storytelling album of all time.
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Released: May 5, 2015
Chris bore an old soul as he sang whiskey-soaked blues and reintroduced us to an outlaw state of mind.
Adele, 25
Released: Nov. 20, 2015
Adele’s sorrowful, soaring vocals evoked wistful nostalgia on this aching, flawless pop record.
Rihanna, Anti
Released: Jan. 28, 2016
RiRi combines infectious dance tunes with powerful love ballads for an album so stunning even she hasn’t tried to top it.
Beyoncé, Lemonade
Released: Apr. 23, 2016
Bey brilliantly takes us on her journey through marital betrayal, heartbreak and ultimate triumph, as she uses her testimony to articulate the strength of a Black woman.
Lauren Daigle, Look Up Child
Released: Sept. 7, 2018
Lauren pours her heart into a free-spirited expression of her relationship with God, with a pureness that empowers listeners to turn their eyes on Jesus.
Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR
Released: May 21, 2021
Olivia injected her debut with unbridled angst and raucous guitars that had 30-year-old men in their feels, though SOUR just might be the defining Gen Z album yet.
SZA, SOS
Released: Dec. 9, 2022
SZA’s sprawling epic is daring, eclectic and exciting, and breaks a dam with bursts of emotion that remind us that, at its best, music is a powerfully unifying experience.